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Security Guard Salary in Winston-Salem, North Carolina

Updated 2026-04-05BLS 2024 data — be the first to add a local report

Salary Distribution

BLS 2024
$35,830/ year

Median Security Guard in Winston-Salem, NC

$22,960
10th
$28,000
25th
$35,830
Median
$46,000
75th
$56,120
90th

Compensation Breakdown

BLS 2024
Base salary (median)
$35,830
Total compensation (est.)
$41,205
Bonus range
$1,400 – $5,520
Mean salary
$37,980

How This Compares

ℹ

Local BLS metro data isn't available for Winston-Salem yet — showing the national median as a reference. Add local data →

Winston-Salem, NC median
$35,830
North Carolina median
$36,547-2.0%
National median
$35,830

Cost of living in Winston-Salem is 0% below the national average. Salary of $35,830 here is equivalent to $35,830 nationally.

Salary by Experience

0-2 years
$25,798-28.0%
3-5 years
$32,605-9.0%
6-10 years
$40,130+12.0%
10+ years
$49,445+38.0%

Salary by Company Size

Startup (< 100 employees)
$31,530-12.0%
Mid-size (100–5,000)
$35,830
Enterprise (5,000+)
$42,279+18.0%

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Security Guard Salaries in Nearby Cities

Charlotte, NC$35,830/yr
Raleigh, NC$35,830/yr
Greensboro, NC$35,830/yr
Durham, NC$35,830/yr
Fayetteville, NC$35,830/yr

Related Jobs in Winston-Salem

Police Officer$67,290/yr
Firefighter$58,290/yr
Correctional Officer$49,610/yr

Quick Numbers

Hourly (40hr week)$17/hr
Monthly gross$2,986/mo
25th percentile$28,000/yr
75th percentile$46,000/yr

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Market Context

via FRED

Fed Funds Rate

Mar 2026

3.64%

Inflation (CPI)

year-over-year

2.4%+0.04

National Unemployment

Mar 2026

4.3%-0.10

North Carolina Unemployment

Dec 2025

3.9%

Avg Hourly Earnings

all private workers

$37.38+$0.09

10yr Treasury

Apr 2026

4.31%

Source: St. Louis Fed (FRED). Updated daily.

Security Guard Salaries by City

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average Security Guard salary in Winston-Salem?

The median Security Guard salary in Winston-Salem is $35,830 per year, with a range from $28,000 at the 25th percentile to $46,000 at the 75th percentile. Total compensation including bonuses typically runs higher — see the breakdown above for the full picture.

How does Security Guard pay in Winston-Salem compare to the national average?

Security Guard salaries in Winston-Salem are 0% above the national median of $35,830. After adjusting for Winston-Salem's cost of living, the purchasing power of that salary is equivalent to roughly $35,830 nationally — which is the number that actually matters when comparing offers across cities.

What factors affect Security Guard salaries in Winston-Salem?

In Winston-Salem, the biggest drivers are years of experience, company size, and industry vertical. Entry-level Security Guard roles start around $22,960, while senior and staff-level positions at larger employers can reach $56,120 or above. Specialized skills and in-demand tools can also meaningfully shift where you land in the range.

Is Winston-Salem a good place for Security Guard jobs?

Winston-Salem offers a Security Guard median of $35,830, which is 0% above the US median of $35,830. Whether that makes it a good market depends on your personal cost-of-living equation — Winston-Salem is 0% cheaper than the national average, so factor that into your math.

How do I negotiate a higher Security Guard salary?

Start with the data on this page: the 75th percentile for Security Guard in Winston-Salem is $46,000, which is a defensible anchor for a negotiation. Come in with a specific number backed by real market data — not a range — and reference your experience tier. If you're above the median, ask for the 75th percentile. If you're already at the 75th, push for total comp improvements like equity or bonus instead.