Security guard salary
BLS occupation: Security Guards · Protective service · data for May 2025
Median salary $38,020 a year, US
Median hourly pay $18.28 an hour
Middle half earn $35,210–$46,200 25th to 75th percentile
Security guards employed 1,283,470 +0.9% projected by 2035
How much does a security guard make?
- The median security guard salary in the US is $38,020 a year ($18.28 an hour): half of the 1,283,470 security guards BLS counts earn more and half earn less. The average (mean) is $42,470.
- The middle half earn between $35,210 and $46,200. The lowest-paid 10% earn less than $30,210 and the top 10% more than $58,840.
- That is 25% less than the median for all US workers ($50,980).
- The District of Columbia pays security guards the most (median $64,210), followed by Alaska ($47,480) and Washington ($47,100). West Virginia pays the least ($28,800).
- After adjusting for prices, the pay goes furthest in the District of Columbia, where the median is worth $58,425 in typical US prices, then New Mexico and Vermont.
- In 3 of the 380 metro areas with data, the median security guard salary is enough to rent a typical home without spending more than 30% of income on rent.
- BLS projects the number of security guards to grow 0.9% from 2025 to 2035 (all jobs: 3.5%), with about 156,000 openings a year. The typical entry education is a high school diploma or equivalent.
official From BLS's survey of employers: what security guards are actually paid, not job ads or self-reports. Adjusted figures are derived. How we calculate.
How does your pay compare?
Security guard salary range
Half of security guards earn between $35,210 and $46,200 a year
Yearly pay at each point of the range, US, May 2025. For comparison, the median for all US jobs is $50,980.
Lowest 10% earn under Yearly pay: $30,210
Lowest 25% earn under Yearly pay: $35,210
Median Yearly pay: $38,020
Top 25% earn over Yearly pay: $46,200
Top 10% earn over Yearly pay: $58,840
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025.
Show the numbers
| Yearly pay | |
|---|---|
| Lowest 10% earn under | $30,210 |
| Lowest 25% earn under | $35,210 |
| Median | $38,020 |
| Top 25% earn over | $46,200 |
| Top 10% earn over | $58,840 |
Security guard salary by state
The District of Columbia pays security guards the most; West Virginia the least
Median yearly pay by state compared with the US median ($38,020), May 2025. Blue = higher pay.
- 20%+ below US
- 10–20% below
- 3–10% below
- Within 3%
- 3–10% above
- 10–20% above
- 20%+ above US
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025.
Show the numbers
| State | Median pay |
|---|---|
| District of Columbia | $64,210 median |
| Alaska | $47,480 median |
| Washington | $47,100 median |
| Vermont | $45,550 median |
| Oregon | $45,500 median |
| New Hampshire | $45,200 median |
| Colorado | $45,150 median |
| Massachusetts | $44,670 median |
| New York | $44,240 median |
| Virginia | $43,640 median |
| Minnesota | $43,380 median |
| New Mexico | $43,320 median |
| California | $43,240 median |
| Hawaii | $42,820 median |
| Utah | $42,700 median |
| Missouri | $40,390 median |
| Connecticut | $39,920 median |
| Nebraska | $39,840 median |
| Illinois | $39,490 median |
| North Dakota | $39,310 median |
| Wyoming | $39,200 median |
| Maine | $39,100 median |
| New Jersey | $38,880 median |
| Montana | $38,480 median |
| Idaho | $38,300 median |
| Arizona | $38,290 median |
| Maryland | $38,220 median |
| Wisconsin | $37,440 median |
| Nevada | $37,310 median |
| South Dakota | $37,150 median |
| Iowa | $37,080 median |
| Kansas | $37,080 median |
| Michigan | $37,080 median |
| Pennsylvania | $37,050 median |
| Rhode Island | $36,940 median |
| Indiana | $36,490 median |
| Delaware | $36,360 median |
| Oklahoma | $36,270 median |
| Tennessee | $36,000 median |
| Texas | $35,980 median |
| Florida | $35,900 median |
| Arkansas | $35,770 median |
| Ohio | $35,770 median |
| South Carolina | $35,460 median |
| Kentucky | $35,420 median |
| North Carolina | $35,010 median |
| Georgia | $34,980 median |
| Alabama | $33,720 median |
| Louisiana | $32,240 median |
| Mississippi | $29,180 median |
| West Virginia | $28,800 median |
Where security guard pay goes furthest
A salary buys more where prices are low. We divide each state's median by its price level from the Bureau of Economic Analysis, so every figure is in typical US prices. derived
Security guards' pay goes furthest in the District of Columbia once prices are counted
Median pay ÷ the state's price level (BEA, 2024; US = 100), shown in typical US prices. Top 10 states.
US median
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025; BEA Regional Price Parities 2024. Our calculation.
Show the numbers
| Worth, in US prices | |
|---|---|
| District of Columbia | $58,425 |
| New Mexico | $46,979 |
| Vermont | $46,500 |
| Alaska | $46,386 |
| Missouri | $44,474 |
| Nebraska | $44,216 |
| North Dakota | $44,189 |
| Oregon | $44,020 |
| Washington | $44,013 |
| Minnesota | $43,987 |
Security guard pay in every state
| State | Median a year | Hourly | Lowest 10% | Top 10% | Employed | After cost of living |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| District of Columbia | $64,210 | $30.87 | $36,600 | $78,910 | 15,880 | $58,425 |
| Alaska | $47,480 | $22.83 | $36,520 | $76,350 | 2,100 | $46,386 |
| Washington | $47,100 | $22.64 | $37,720 | $68,390 | 25,800 | $44,013 |
| Vermont | $45,550 | $21.90 | $36,040 | $72,620 | 930 | $46,500 |
| Oregon | $45,500 | $21.88 | $36,500 | $58,510 | 12,200 | $44,020 |
| New Hampshire | $45,200 | $21.73 | $36,500 | $62,400 | 2,450 | $43,393 |
| Colorado | $45,150 | $21.71 | $36,160 | $57,360 | 16,890 | $43,813 |
| Massachusetts | $44,670 | $21.48 | $34,830 | $55,800 | 23,930 | $42,238 |
| New York | $44,240 | $21.27 | $35,650 | $60,580 | 134,700 | $40,993 |
| Virginia | $43,640 | $20.98 | $30,990 | $73,060 | 34,870 | $43,163 |
| Minnesota | $43,380 | $20.86 | $33,760 | $65,090 | 14,440 | $43,987 |
| New Mexico | $43,320 | $20.83 | $30,220 | $64,840 | 8,410 | $46,979 |
| California | $43,240 | $20.79 | $36,010 | $57,880 | 199,480 | $39,053 |
| Hawaii | $42,820 | $20.59 | $35,140 | $58,840 | 10,160 | $38,945 |
| Utah | $42,700 | $20.53 | $31,270 | $56,620 | 7,310 | $43,191 |
| Missouri | $40,390 | $19.42 | $31,040 | $68,860 | 18,630 | $44,474 |
| Connecticut | $39,920 | $19.19 | $34,950 | $59,220 | 12,100 | $38,529 |
| Nebraska | $39,840 | $19.15 | $34,020 | $70,310 | 4,700 | $44,216 |
| Illinois | $39,490 | $18.99 | $35,520 | $63,950 | 53,830 | $39,507 |
| North Dakota | $39,310 | $18.90 | $31,150 | $64,390 | 1,310 | $44,189 |
| Wyoming | $39,200 | $18.85 | $30,350 | $67,680 | 1,130 | $42,291 |
| Maine | $39,100 | $18.80 | $31,470 | $51,530 | 1,930 | $40,289 |
| New Jersey | $38,880 | $18.69 | $32,230 | $60,420 | 41,540 | $35,734 |
| Montana | $38,480 | $18.50 | $28,800 | $57,310 | 1,610 | $40,657 |
| Idaho | $38,300 | $18.41 | $32,030 | $78,680 | 3,750 | $40,107 |
| Arizona | $38,290 | $18.41 | $31,910 | $52,450 | 29,820 | $38,033 |
| Maryland | $38,220 | $18.38 | $33,700 | $64,320 | 27,670 | $36,414 |
| Wisconsin | $37,440 | $18.00 | $30,410 | $54,680 | 12,030 | $39,790 |
| Nevada | $37,310 | $17.94 | $29,140 | $48,340 | 26,680 | $37,318 |
| South Dakota | $37,150 | $17.86 | $30,060 | $59,840 | 1,460 | $41,937 |
| Iowa | $37,080 | $17.83 | $30,350 | $59,290 | 6,890 | $42,251 |
| Kansas | $37,080 | $17.83 | $29,590 | $51,890 | 7,150 | $41,169 |
| Michigan | $37,080 | $17.83 | $29,790 | $54,770 | 25,240 | $38,538 |
| Pennsylvania | $37,050 | $17.81 | $30,050 | $54,830 | 43,610 | $37,972 |
| Rhode Island | $36,940 | $17.76 | $31,200 | $48,520 | 3,160 | $36,117 |
| Indiana | $36,490 | $17.54 | $29,850 | $59,990 | 19,930 | $39,098 |
| Delaware | $36,360 | $17.48 | $32,450 | $73,390 | 3,430 | $36,430 |
| Oklahoma | $36,270 | $17.44 | $26,940 | $56,080 | 12,210 | $41,290 |
| Tennessee | $36,000 | $17.31 | $29,310 | $51,680 | 27,690 | $39,186 |
| Texas | $35,980 | $17.30 | $26,950 | $50,740 | 106,210 | $37,071 |
| Florida | $35,900 | $17.26 | $29,470 | $46,090 | 95,370 | $34,715 |
| Arkansas | $35,770 | $17.20 | $28,870 | $57,410 | 6,390 | $41,145 |
| Ohio | $35,770 | $17.20 | $29,030 | $55,440 | 34,450 | $38,556 |
| South Carolina | $35,460 | $17.05 | $27,420 | $48,850 | 16,610 | $37,824 |
| Kentucky | $35,420 | $17.03 | $28,450 | $50,800 | 13,580 | $39,286 |
| North Carolina | $35,010 | $16.83 | $29,260 | $56,020 | 29,830 | $37,116 |
| Georgia | $34,980 | $16.82 | $29,060 | $48,590 | 36,210 | $36,327 |
| Alabama | $33,720 | $16.21 | $23,110 | $45,640 | 15,210 | $37,963 |
| Louisiana | $32,240 | $15.50 | $23,660 | $49,040 | 17,210 | $36,550 |
| Mississippi | $29,180 | $14.03 | $21,690 | $42,580 | 10,160 | $33,558 |
| West Virginia | $28,800 | $13.85 | $20,800 | $47,370 | 5,200 | $32,180 |
After cost of living = median ÷ (BEA price level ÷ 100).
Security guard salary by city
Metro areas where BLS publishes security guard pay: 384 of 387. Rent share = typical rent (September 2026, Zillow) × 12 ÷ the median salary; under 30% is affordable by the usual rule.
Highest-paying metro areas
- Idaho Falls, ID $78,680
- Fairbanks, AK $60,400
- Kennewick, WA $54,670
- Burlington, VT $51,170
- Ithaca, NY $49,540
- Lynchburg, VA $49,480
- Hinesville, GA $48,780
- Walla Walla, WA $48,770
- Kahului, HI $48,690
- Rochester, MN $47,790
Where the pay goes furthest
- Idaho Falls, ID $83,337
- Fairbanks, AK $58,523
- Lynchburg, VA $55,370
- Kennewick, WA $54,627
- Rochester, MN $52,620
- Hinesville, GA $51,931
- Burlington, VT $50,689
- Jefferson City, MO $50,503
- Walla Walla, WA $49,503
- Kokomo, IN $49,170
All 384 metro areas
| Metro area | Median a year | Employed | After cost of living | Rent share |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Idaho Falls, ID | $78,680 | 570 | $83,337 | 22% |
| Fairbanks, AK | $60,400 | 130 | $58,523 | 37% |
| Kennewick, WA | $54,670 | 500 | $54,627 | 37% |
| Burlington, VT | $51,170 | 410 | $50,689 | 61% |
| Ithaca, NY | $49,540 | 240 | $47,950 | 48% |
| Lynchburg, VA | $49,480 | 570 | $55,370 | 31% |
| Hinesville, GA | $48,780 | 120 | $51,931 | 43% |
| Walla Walla, WA | $48,770 | 60 | $49,503 | 36% |
| Kahului, HI | $48,690 | 780 | $44,509 | 79% |
| Rochester, MN | $47,790 | 520 | $52,620 | 40% |
| Seattle, WA | $47,490 | 17,030 | $42,733 | 57% |
| Napa, CA | $47,240 | 760 | $41,971 | 74% |
| Washington, DC | $46,830 | 40,950 | $43,009 | 62% |
| Portland, OR | $46,820 | 9,110 | $44,412 | 46% |
| Anchorage, AK | $46,720 | 1,090 | $44,318 | 49% |
| Boulder, CO | $46,450 | 480 | $44,153 | 57% |
| San Jose, CA | $46,250 | 11,800 | $41,884 | 99% |
| Salem, OR | $46,150 | 1,030 | $44,525 | 43% |
| Mount Vernon, WA | $46,090 | 220 | $44,991 | 57% |
| Corvallis, OR | $45,980 | 160 | $44,204 | 47% |
| San Francisco, CA | $45,730 | 26,830 | $39,554 | 90% |
| Bremerton, WA | $45,540 | 590 | $43,122 | 54% |
| Denver, CO | $45,420 | 10,910 | $42,937 | 50% |
| Longview, WA | $45,370 | 140 | $46,512 | 37% |
| Racine, WI | $45,270 | 260 | $47,175 | 39% |
| Barnstable, MA | $45,230 | 300 | $45,988 | 68% |
| Santa Rosa, CA | $45,160 | 1,560 | $41,899 | 71% |
| New Haven, CT | $45,060 | 1,560 | $43,095 | 54% |
| Syracuse, NY | $45,050 | 1,770 | $47,054 | 43% |
| Boston, MA | $44,990 | 19,250 | $41,555 | 80% |
| Lexington Park, MD | $44,880 | 380 | $44,541 | 54% |
| Kingston, NY | $44,790 | 280 | $44,475 | 54% |
| Albuquerque, NM | $44,780 | 4,440 | $46,867 | 40% |
| Manchester, NH | $44,520 | 810 | $42,136 | 58% |
| Jefferson City, MO | $44,430 | 350 | $50,503 | 27% |
| Utica, NY | $44,420 | 950 | $47,929 | 38% |
| Bridgeport, CT | $44,390 | 2,770 | $41,539 | 78% |
| Bellingham, WA | $44,310 | 380 | $42,880 | 53% |
| Medford, OR | $44,250 | 310 | $43,625 | 50% |
| Kokomo, IN | $44,080 | 110 | $49,170 | 30% |
| Albany, OR | $44,050 | 90 | $43,144 | 45% |
| New York, NY | $43,980 | 142,760 | $39,071 | 97% |
| Olympia, WA | $43,920 | 840 | $42,365 | 56% |
| Pittsfield, MA | $43,860 | 270 | $46,117 | 48% |
| Bend, OR | $43,790 | 350 | $42,265 | 61% |
| Carson City, NV | $43,640 | 120 | $44,472 | 57% |
| Santa Cruz, CA | $43,610 | 470 | $39,683 | 95% |
| Minneapolis, MN | $43,430 | 10,930 | $41,432 | 48% |
| Cheyenne, WY | $43,370 | 250 | $44,947 | 42% |
| Lewiston, ME | $43,340 | 140 | $45,748 | 44% |
| Fort Collins, CO | $43,320 | 1,080 | $42,837 | 55% |
| Salt Lake City, UT | $43,260 | 5,120 | $42,888 | 46% |
| Albany, NY | $43,250 | 2,340 | $43,439 | 47% |
| Casper, WY | $43,250 | 160 | $46,094 | 40% |
| Santa Maria, CA | $43,250 | 800 | $39,753 | 91% |
| San Luis Obispo, CA | $42,980 | 530 | $39,578 | 78% |
| Fayetteville, NC | $42,940 | 710 | $46,685 | 41% |
| Poughkeepsie-Newburgh, NY | $42,910 | 3,080 | $39,215 | 63% |
| Rochester, NY | $42,860 | 3,300 | $44,170 | 43% |
| Vallejo, CA | $42,800 | 950 | $39,455 | 69% |
| Watertown, NY | $42,680 | 200 | $48,671 | 42% |
| Colorado Springs, CO | $42,670 | 2,210 | $42,370 | 50% |
| St. Louis, MO | $42,600 | 9,720 | $44,801 | 40% |
| Honolulu, HI | $42,580 | 8,440 | $38,374 | 85% |
| Omaha, NE | $42,370 | 3,170 | $46,099 | 40% |
| Redding, CA | $42,330 | 490 | $42,042 | 47% |
| Springfield, IL | $42,240 | 680 | $45,544 | 34% |
| Charlottesville, VA | $42,170 | 340 | $42,533 | 58% |
| Chambersburg, PA | $42,130 | 210 | $44,515 | 38% |
| Ann Arbor, MI | $42,100 | 630 | $41,733 | 55% |
| Binghamton, NY | $42,070 | 640 | $45,303 | 46% |
| Great Falls, MT | $41,950 | 260 | $43,317 | 41% |
| St. George, UT | $41,950 | 170 | $43,105 | 53% |
| Staunton, VA | $41,950 | 170 | $46,034 | 41% |
| Kansas City, MO | $41,810 | 7,730 | $45,179 | 44% |
| Grand Forks, ND | $41,750 | 110 | $48,175 | 33% |
| Bozeman, MT | $41,420 | 130 | $40,406 | 64% |
| Spokane, WA | $41,310 | 2,270 | $41,168 | 44% |
| Decatur, IL | $41,220 | 150 | $46,617 | 31% |
| Santa Fe, NM | $40,980 | 630 | $41,492 | 57% |
| Oxnard, CA | $40,960 | 1,880 | $37,056 | 87% |
| Midland, MI | $40,880 | 120 | $44,473 | 41% |
| Janesville, WI | $40,870 | 170 | $43,617 | 38% |
| Wenatchee, WA | $40,860 | 190 | $39,343 | 52% |
| Grand Rapids, MI | $40,810 | 3,100 | $42,712 | 47% |
| Saginaw, MI | $40,730 | 210 | $44,812 | 31% |
| Provo, UT | $40,690 | 990 | $41,422 | 52% |
| Pueblo, CO | $40,360 | 490 | $43,983 | 39% |
| Springfield, MA | $40,340 | 1,310 | $41,994 | 58% |
| Vineland, NJ | $40,260 | 390 | $41,951 | 49% |
| Elmira, NY | $40,130 | 90 | $42,511 | 34% |
| Green Bay, WI | $40,130 | 640 | $43,111 | 33% |
| Traverse City, MI | $40,060 | 180 | $42,904 | 56% |
| Los Angeles, CA | $40,030 | 83,280 | $35,248 | 88% |
| Sheboygan, WI | $40,010 | 70 | $42,557 | 40% |
| Chicago, IL | $39,990 | 48,360 | $38,602 | 65% |
| Atlantic City, NJ | $39,900 | 2,870 | $40,361 | 62% |
| Mankato, MN | $39,760 | 150 | $43,714 | 37% |
| Eugene, OR | $39,750 | 730 | $39,136 | 53% |
| Manhattan, KS | $39,730 | 160 | $44,065 | 38% |
| Logan, UT | $39,600 | 100 | $41,281 | 43% |
| Iowa City, IA | $39,540 | 270 | $43,209 | 53% |
| Gettysburg, PA | $39,500 | 130 | $41,414 | 42% |
| Sacramento, CA | $39,460 | 11,930 | $36,993 | 69% |
| Naples, FL | $39,450 | 1,040 | $38,227 | 79% |
| Minot, ND | $39,430 | 80 | $45,307 | 38% |
| Reno, NV | $39,370 | 1,900 | $38,975 | 63% |
| Portland, ME | $39,190 | 800 | $38,475 | 70% |
| St. Joseph, MO | $39,180 | 270 | $45,357 | 31% |
| Florence, SC | $39,060 | 610 | $45,013 | 47% |
| Hartford, CT | $39,060 | 4,130 | $38,016 | 61% |
| Springfield, MO | $39,010 | 1,000 | $44,037 | 38% |
| Modesto, CA | $38,990 | 930 | $37,451 | 64% |
| Reading, PA | $38,960 | 1,050 | $40,140 | 48% |
| Glens Falls, NY | $38,920 | 270 | $41,026 | 45% |
| Coeur d'Alene, ID | $38,870 | 330 | $39,545 | 56% |
| Grand Island, NE | $38,850 | 90 | $44,832 | 41% |
| Jackson, MI | $38,750 | 170 | $42,221 | 37% |
| Waterbury, CT | $38,720 | 1,830 | $38,806 | – |
| Salinas, CA | $38,700 | 1,520 | $35,491 | 86% |
| Waterloo, IA | $38,670 | 380 | $44,419 | 32% |
| Grand Junction, CO | $38,590 | 230 | $40,419 | 54% |
| Durham, NC | $38,530 | 1,570 | $39,489 | 51% |
| Peoria, IL | $38,530 | 540 | $42,233 | 36% |
| Stockton, CA | $38,530 | 2,970 | $36,664 | 76% |
| Decatur, AL | $38,500 | 450 | $44,145 | 34% |
| San Diego, CA | $38,500 | 16,090 | $34,410 | 92% |
| Sioux City, IA | $38,480 | 350 | $44,509 | 40% |
| Bakersfield, CA | $38,440 | 2,020 | $38,102 | 57% |
| St. Cloud, MN | $38,430 | 240 | $43,854 | 38% |
| Worcester, MA | $38,430 | 1,660 | $37,484 | 66% |
| Buffalo, NY | $38,420 | 3,860 | $40,086 | 45% |
| Odessa, TX | $38,420 | 230 | $40,918 | 49% |
| Michigan City, IN | $38,370 | 120 | $41,851 | 38% |
| Phoenix, AZ | $38,290 | 23,160 | $37,061 | 54% |
| Lansing, MI | $38,210 | 550 | $40,225 | 41% |
| Flagstaff, AZ | $38,200 | 400 | $38,076 | 67% |
| Providence, RI | $38,120 | 4,270 | $37,456 | 68% |
| Lancaster, PA | $38,090 | 880 | $38,766 | 50% |
| Billings, MT | $38,040 | 230 | $40,673 | 44% |
| Madison, WI | $38,020 | 1,260 | $39,080 | 56% |
| Hanford, CA | $37,980 | 240 | $37,377 | 61% |
| Austin, TX | $37,920 | 8,410 | $38,668 | 51% |
| Helena, MT | $37,920 | 90 | $39,634 | 52% |
| Winchester, VA | $37,900 | 260 | $39,295 | 58% |
| Harrisburg, PA | $37,880 | 2,320 | $38,398 | 47% |
| Milwaukee, WI | $37,870 | 5,210 | $39,067 | 49% |
| Joplin, MO | $37,830 | 180 | $44,133 | 39% |
| Dalton, GA | $37,820 | 130 | $42,095 | 44% |
| Pocatello, ID | $37,790 | 100 | $42,506 | 34% |
| Fargo, ND | $37,770 | 350 | $41,564 | 35% |
| Sioux Falls, SD | $37,740 | 640 | $41,641 | 40% |
| Dubuque, IA | $37,620 | 170 | $43,079 | 34% |
| Amherst-Northampton, MA | $37,600 | 250 | $37,509 | – |
| Des Moines, IA | $37,550 | 2,360 | $40,948 | 41% |
| Springfield, OH | $37,540 | 160 | $41,489 | 38% |
| Duluth, MN | $37,520 | 550 | $42,267 | 43% |
| Midland, TX | $37,500 | 240 | $39,151 | 50% |
| Lebanon, PA | $37,470 | 130 | $40,198 | 47% |
| Philadelphia, PA | $37,450 | 25,460 | $36,517 | 61% |
| Yakima, WA | $37,440 | 400 | $39,186 | 44% |
| Ames, IA | $37,430 | 260 | $42,137 | 37% |
| Boise, ID | $37,380 | 2,080 | $37,991 | 62% |
| Kalamazoo, MI | $37,340 | 470 | $39,372 | 41% |
| Riverside, CA | $37,280 | 22,010 | $35,024 | 82% |
| Chico, CA | $37,250 | 340 | $36,809 | 50% |
| El Centro, CA | $37,230 | 670 | $39,118 | 58% |
| Virginia Beach, VA | $37,230 | 7,470 | $38,013 | 61% |
| Las Vegas, NV | $37,210 | 23,800 | $37,130 | 56% |
| Battle Creek, MI | $37,200 | 280 | $41,086 | 37% |
| Greeley, CO | $37,190 | 470 | $37,125 | 54% |
| Fresno, CA | $37,180 | 3,620 | $36,395 | 66% |
| Salisbury, MD | $37,180 | 240 | $38,884 | 63% |
| Yuba City, CA | $37,180 | 390 | $35,670 | 66% |
| Harrisonburg, VA | $37,160 | 200 | $39,160 | 55% |
| Rapid City, SD | $37,150 | 240 | $41,667 | 47% |
| Crestview, FL | $37,140 | 520 | $38,276 | 64% |
| Visalia, CA | $37,090 | 750 | $37,155 | 56% |
| Detroit, MI | $37,050 | 12,570 | $36,940 | 49% |
| North Port, FL | $37,040 | 2,590 | $36,166 | 68% |
| Grants Pass, OR | $37,030 | 120 | $37,878 | 52% |
| Prescott Valley, AZ | $37,030 | 370 | $37,688 | 61% |
| Las Cruces, NM | $37,010 | 650 | $41,026 | 48% |
| Nashville, TN | $37,010 | 10,710 | $38,417 | 58% |
| Baltimore, MD | $36,970 | 16,020 | $35,382 | 63% |
| Richmond, VA | $36,960 | 4,630 | $37,769 | 55% |
| Rockford, IL | $36,960 | 760 | $40,107 | 42% |
| Wilmington, NC | $36,960 | 960 | $38,332 | 57% |
| Columbia, MO | $36,950 | 640 | $41,314 | 47% |
| Cedar Rapids, IA | $36,940 | 1,070 | $41,523 | 40% |
| Roanoke, VA | $36,900 | 1,300 | $39,415 | 46% |
| Sebastian, FL | $36,900 | 350 | $37,535 | 69% |
| Bangor, ME | $36,860 | 330 | $38,194 | 49% |
| Topeka, KS | $36,830 | 530 | $41,466 | 41% |
| Asheville, NC | $36,820 | 700 | $38,153 | 55% |
| Farmington, NM | $36,820 | 500 | $41,981 | 46% |
| Merced, CA | $36,820 | 400 | $37,466 | 67% |
| Hilton Head Island, SC | $36,810 | 680 | $37,555 | 64% |
| Rocky Mount, NC | $36,810 | 120 | $41,824 | 41% |
| Davenport, IA | $36,800 | 1,040 | $41,312 | 33% |
| Blacksburg, VA | $36,780 | 400 | $39,672 | 54% |
| Missoula, MT | $36,750 | 220 | $38,105 | 53% |
| Greenville, NC | $36,730 | 220 | $41,549 | 48% |
| Lincoln, NE | $36,700 | 710 | $40,074 | 42% |
| Dallas, TX | $36,680 | 34,000 | $35,581 | 54% |
| Lewiston, ID | $36,650 | 80 | $40,204 | 48% |
| Tulsa, OK | $36,640 | 3,390 | $41,070 | 45% |
| Cape Girardeau, MO | $36,630 | 140 | $42,554 | 33% |
| Charleston, SC | $36,620 | 2,190 | $36,271 | 67% |
| Ogden, UT | $36,600 | 550 | $36,473 | 53% |
| Dayton, OH | $36,510 | 2,040 | $39,388 | 43% |
| Elkhart, IN | $36,510 | 590 | $40,421 | 39% |
| Baton Rouge, LA | $36,500 | 2,810 | $40,207 | 45% |
| Indianapolis, IN | $36,490 | 9,910 | $38,131 | 50% |
| Rome, GA | $36,430 | 140 | $40,405 | 42% |
| Louisville, KY | $36,420 | 5,000 | $39,130 | 44% |
| Sierra Vista, AZ | $36,410 | 310 | $40,799 | 42% |
| Paducah, KY | $36,370 | 170 | $42,249 | 38% |
| Spartanburg, SC | $36,350 | 770 | $39,923 | 49% |
| Oshkosh, WI | $36,330 | 570 | $39,094 | 42% |
| Oklahoma City, OK | $36,320 | 4,890 | $40,173 | 46% |
| Kingsport, TN | $36,270 | 500 | $41,956 | 44% |
| Tucson, AZ | $36,250 | 3,450 | $37,411 | 49% |
| Lafayette, IN | $36,230 | 570 | $38,778 | 49% |
| Huntsville, AL | $36,210 | 1,600 | $38,905 | 46% |
| La Crosse, WI | $36,210 | 350 | $39,458 | 45% |
| Eau Claire, WI | $36,190 | 160 | $39,000 | 38% |
| Tyler, TX | $36,170 | 530 | $39,249 | 44% |
| Bismarck, ND | $36,130 | 380 | $39,693 | 43% |
| Abilene, TX | $36,120 | 220 | $39,972 | 66% |
| Hot Springs, AR | $36,120 | 200 | $42,132 | 41% |
| Cincinnati, OH | $36,110 | 7,970 | $37,863 | 51% |
| Fayetteville, AR | $36,110 | 1,150 | $39,528 | 52% |
| Punta Gorda, FL | $36,100 | 220 | $35,911 | 62% |
| South Bend, IN | $36,090 | 900 | $38,866 | 42% |
| Yuma, AZ | $36,050 | 520 | $38,886 | 47% |
| Appleton, WI | $36,040 | 540 | $38,996 | 40% |
| Miami, FL | $36,040 | 41,530 | $31,571 | 88% |
| Winston-Salem, NC | $36,040 | 1,290 | $39,156 | 51% |
| Allentown, PA | $36,020 | 2,570 | $36,032 | 61% |
| Tampa, FL | $36,010 | 12,200 | $35,692 | 66% |
| Jackson, TN | $35,960 | 460 | $42,048 | 46% |
| Little Rock, AR | $35,930 | 2,260 | $40,206 | 41% |
| Altoona, PA | $35,900 | 230 | $40,109 | 34% |
| Clarksville, TN | $35,900 | 340 | $39,474 | 45% |
| Cleveland, OH | $35,890 | 7,630 | $38,212 | 48% |
| Lake Havasu City, AZ | $35,860 | 340 | $38,109 | 52% |
| Pittsburgh, PA | $35,850 | 9,250 | $37,868 | 49% |
| Knoxville, TN | $35,810 | 2,860 | $38,685 | 58% |
| Columbus, OH | $35,800 | 9,300 | $37,499 | 51% |
| Greenville, SC | $35,760 | 3,000 | $38,344 | 53% |
| Sandusky, OH | $35,710 | 230 | $39,997 | 61% |
| Niles, MI | $35,690 | 740 | $38,638 | 47% |
| York, PA | $35,660 | 830 | $37,146 | 46% |
| Chattanooga, TN | $35,650 | 1,820 | $38,977 | 51% |
| Palm Bay, FL | $35,650 | 1,430 | $35,648 | 64% |
| Amarillo, TX | $35,520 | 590 | $38,684 | 44% |
| Bloomington, IL | $35,520 | 470 | $37,974 | 44% |
| Bloomington, IN | $35,510 | 600 | $37,346 | 59% |
| Norwich, CT | $35,510 | 970 | $35,353 | 71% |
| Orlando, FL | $35,500 | 14,870 | $35,004 | 65% |
| Houston, TX | $35,460 | 29,250 | $35,953 | 55% |
| Lexington, KY | $35,400 | 2,560 | $38,110 | 54% |
| Killeen, TX | $35,390 | 730 | $38,834 | 44% |
| Fond du Lac, WI | $35,380 | 70 | $38,606 | 38% |
| Kankakee, IL | $35,380 | 310 | $36,704 | 45% |
| Gainesville, GA | $35,360 | 380 | $36,542 | 58% |
| Akron, OH | $35,340 | 1,940 | $37,849 | 44% |
| Jacksonville, FL | $35,340 | 7,430 | $35,523 | 57% |
| San Antonio, TX | $35,270 | 11,420 | $37,238 | 48% |
| Waco, TX | $35,270 | 650 | $38,109 | 48% |
| Port St. Lucie, FL | $35,250 | 980 | $35,170 | 79% |
| Lubbock, TX | $35,220 | 850 | $38,569 | 45% |
| Homosassa Springs, FL | $35,170 | 150 | $37,628 | 60% |
| Scranton, PA | $35,160 | 2,070 | $37,582 | 46% |
| Atlanta, GA | $35,150 | 22,730 | $35,130 | 63% |
| Canton, OH | $35,140 | 750 | $39,304 | 39% |
| Columbia, SC | $35,140 | 5,290 | $37,518 | 53% |
| Fort Wayne, IN | $35,140 | 1,240 | $37,960 | 43% |
| Kenosha, WI | $35,120 | 420 | $34,732 | – |
| Dover, DE | $35,100 | 240 | $35,997 | 61% |
| Memphis, TN | $35,100 | 8,450 | $38,078 | 48% |
| Lawrence, KS | $35,080 | 160 | $38,873 | 53% |
| Panama City, FL | $35,060 | 450 | $36,034 | 59% |
| Beaumont, TX | $35,010 | 1,100 | $38,880 | 45% |
| Charlotte, NC | $35,010 | 12,020 | $35,964 | 59% |
| Trenton, NJ | $34,980 | 3,110 | $33,902 | 87% |
| Pensacola, FL | $34,950 | 1,250 | $35,767 | 60% |
| Toledo, OH | $34,950 | 1,680 | $38,216 | 43% |
| Flint, MI | $34,930 | 2,060 | $37,545 | 36% |
| Wichita Falls, TX | $34,920 | 220 | $39,011 | 45% |
| Auburn, AL | $34,840 | 320 | $39,621 | 55% |
| Jonesboro, AR | $34,820 | 250 | $40,547 | 43% |
| Savannah, GA | $34,810 | 1,880 | $36,563 | 61% |
| Huntington, WV | $34,800 | 700 | $39,357 | 37% |
| Wichita, KS | $34,790 | 1,650 | $39,114 | 42% |
| Bowling Green, KY | $34,720 | 390 | $38,501 | 42% |
| Cape Coral, FL | $34,690 | 2,330 | $33,894 | 63% |
| Raleigh, NC | $34,680 | 4,780 | $35,331 | 58% |
| Sumter, SC | $34,660 | 90 | $39,377 | 51% |
| Columbus, IN | $34,630 | 250 | $37,235 | 48% |
| Lakeland, FL | $34,550 | 1,340 | $35,567 | 63% |
| Erie, PA | $34,530 | 840 | $37,966 | 39% |
| Fort Smith, AR | $34,530 | 420 | $40,204 | 37% |
| Warner Robins, GA | $34,530 | 190 | $36,817 | 52% |
| Elizabethtown, KY | $34,450 | 140 | $38,036 | 45% |
| Williamsport, PA | $34,440 | 510 | $37,293 | 38% |
| Wausau, WI | $34,400 | 220 | $37,129 | 33% |
| Ocala, FL | $34,330 | 390 | $36,048 | 56% |
| Morgantown, WV | $34,290 | 360 | $36,743 | 47% |
| State College, PA | $34,290 | 280 | $35,437 | 68% |
| Slidell, LA | $34,260 | 400 | $36,948 | – |
| Champaign, IL | $34,250 | 390 | $36,946 | 48% |
| The Villages, FL | $34,120 | 140 | $39,942 | 61% |
| Deltona, FL | $34,100 | 1,330 | $34,317 | 62% |
| Texarkana, TX | $34,060 | 150 | $40,542 | 44% |
| College Station, TX | $34,030 | 490 | $37,416 | 53% |
| Evansville, IN | $34,010 | 590 | $37,158 | 39% |
| Hagerstown, MD | $33,990 | 760 | $36,094 | 57% |
| Gainesville, FL | $33,950 | 770 | $35,097 | 58% |
| Macon, GA | $33,940 | 460 | $38,338 | 43% |
| Tallahassee, FL | $33,930 | 830 | $36,127 | 52% |
| Athens, GA | $33,910 | 560 | $36,328 | 63% |
| Corpus Christi, TX | $33,870 | 1,210 | $36,549 | 50% |
| Sherman, TX | $33,860 | 150 | $36,109 | 48% |
| Birmingham, AL | $33,820 | 5,660 | $36,904 | 50% |
| Brownsville, TX | $33,740 | 1,100 | $39,244 | 54% |
| San Angelo, TX | $33,700 | 120 | $36,451 | 47% |
| Mansfield, OH | $33,670 | 140 | $37,886 | 32% |
| Mobile, AL | $33,630 | 1,170 | $38,173 | 46% |
| Brunswick, GA | $33,620 | 260 | $38,332 | 60% |
| Terre Haute, IN | $33,550 | 330 | $38,213 | 35% |
| Augusta, GA | $33,450 | 3,370 | $36,397 | 53% |
| Greensboro, NC | $33,430 | 2,820 | $35,998 | 50% |
| Enid, OK | $33,280 | 60 | $39,493 | 40% |
| Lawton, OK | $33,280 | 410 | $38,724 | 41% |
| Youngstown, OH | $33,020 | 1,490 | $37,783 | 38% |
| Victoria, TX | $32,950 | 130 | $36,677 | 43% |
| Muskegon, MI | $32,870 | 120 | $35,528 | 47% |
| Valdosta, GA | $32,810 | 130 | $37,170 | 49% |
| Sebring, FL | $32,610 | 130 | $35,265 | 56% |
| Muncie, IN | $32,520 | 120 | $36,892 | 38% |
| Pinehurst, NC | $32,480 | 280 | $36,769 | 69% |
| New Orleans, LA | $32,240 | 6,650 | $34,818 | 59% |
| Twin Falls, ID | $32,040 | 190 | $34,785 | 58% |
| Hickory, NC | $31,860 | 550 | $36,006 | 60% |
| Longview, TX | $31,730 | 550 | $35,458 | 43% |
| Tuscaloosa, AL | $31,590 | 530 | $36,011 | 63% |
| Myrtle Beach, SC | $31,480 | 1,020 | $33,617 | 66% |
| Owensboro, KY | $31,440 | 560 | $35,481 | 47% |
| Burlington, NC | $31,370 | 160 | $33,660 | 51% |
| Johnstown, PA | $31,320 | 260 | $36,449 | 34% |
| Daphne, AL | $31,240 | 750 | $32,992 | 65% |
| Weirton, WV | $31,230 | 150 | $35,080 | 31% |
| Goldsboro, NC | $31,070 | 170 | $35,122 | 59% |
| Montgomery, AL | $31,000 | 1,520 | $34,567 | 54% |
| Gulfport, MS | $30,980 | 1,810 | $34,420 | 55% |
| Wheeling, WV | $30,960 | 330 | $35,053 | 33% |
| Hammond, LA | $30,880 | – | $36,562 | 51% |
| Morristown, TN | $30,790 | 70 | $35,651 | 61% |
| Anniston, AL | $30,760 | 290 | $35,789 | 38% |
| Hattiesburg, MS | $30,760 | 250 | $35,101 | 51% |
| Jacksonville, NC | $30,730 | 110 | $33,371 | 62% |
| Dothan, AL | $30,720 | 650 | $36,644 | 47% |
| Shreveport, LA | $30,720 | 1,130 | $36,241 | 50% |
| Cleveland, TN | $30,680 | 100 | $34,832 | 55% |
| Lafayette, LA | $30,090 | 900 | $34,503 | 55% |
| Lima, OH | $30,060 | 140 | $33,523 | 48% |
| Gadsden, AL | $30,040 | 110 | $35,072 | 43% |
| Eagle Pass, TX | $30,030 | 140 | $35,833 | 46% |
| Bay City, MI | $29,820 | 70 | $32,441 | 41% |
| El Paso, TX | $29,740 | 3,700 | $33,077 | 61% |
| Lake Charles, LA | $29,740 | 870 | $34,641 | 55% |
| Parkersburg, WV | $29,730 | 160 | $34,147 | 43% |
| Columbus, GA | $29,720 | 1,150 | $33,283 | 55% |
| Albany, GA | $29,700 | 770 | $33,877 | 44% |
| Alexandria, LA | $29,430 | 410 | $34,346 | 42% |
| Florence, AL | $29,400 | 180 | $34,663 | 44% |
| McAllen, TX | $29,290 | 4,100 | $34,100 | 46% |
| Laredo, TX | $29,180 | 900 | $33,557 | 46% |
| Houma, LA | $29,040 | 410 | $34,123 | 54% |
| Jackson, MS | $27,950 | 3,340 | $31,388 | 63% |
| Johnson City, TN | $27,720 | 570 | $31,526 | 64% |
| Charleston, WV | $20,800 | 2,160 | $23,445 | 70% |
What the median security guard salary pays per paycheck
| Period | Before taxes |
|---|---|
| Year | $38,020 |
| Month | $3,168 |
| Every two weeks | $1,462 |
| Week | $731 |
| Hour | $18.28 |
Gross pay, 52 weeks a year, 2,080 hours. Hourly to salary calculator.
Becoming a security guard: education and job outlook
| Typical entry education | High school diploma or equivalent |
|---|---|
| Work experience needed | None |
| On-the-job training | Short-term on-the-job training |
| Projected change in jobs, 2025–35 | +0.9% (all jobs: +3.5%) |
| Openings a year (average) | 156,000 |
| Self-employed | 0.7% |
official BLS Employment Projections, 2025–35. Openings include workers who retire or change jobs. What the work involves: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Similar jobs
| Job | Median a year | Typical education |
|---|---|---|
| Game warden | $74,060 | Bachelor's degree |
| Police officer | $76,210 | High school diploma |
| Firefighter | $59,280 | Postsecondary certificate |
| Detective | $93,790 | High school diploma |
| Correctional officer | $58,940 | High school diploma |
Questions about security guard pay
How much does a security guard make an hour?
The median is $18.28 an hour. The lowest-paid 10% earn under $14.52 and the top 10% over $28.29.
How much does a security guard make a month?
About $3,168 a month before taxes at the median salary of $38,020, or $1,462 every two weeks.
What state pays security guards the most?
The District of Columbia, with a median of $64,210. Alaska ($47,480), Washington ($47,100), Vermont ($45,550) and Oregon ($45,500) follow.
Where do security guards make the most after cost of living?
The District of Columbia: its median of $64,210 is worth $58,425 at typical US prices. New Mexico, Vermont and Alaska come next.
How much do entry-level security guards make?
BLS does not report pay by experience. The lowest-paid 10% of security guards earn under $30,210 a year, and the lowest-paid quarter under $35,210, which is a reasonable guide to starting pay.
What education do you need to become a security guard?
BLS lists the typical entry-level education as a high school diploma or equivalent. Work experience in a related job: none. On-the-job training: short-term on-the-job training.
Sources and limits
- Pay and employment: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 estimates, occupation 33-9032 (Security Guards). Downloaded 2026-10-24.
- OEWS counts wage and salary workers at employers, including tips and commissions but not overtime pay, bonuses that are not tied to production, or benefits. It leaves out the self-employed. BLS does not publish figures above $239,200 a year or for states and metro areas with too few workers.
- Cost of living: BEA Regional Price Parities, 2024 (US = 100). Rents: Zillow Observed Rent Index, September 2026; Data Provided by Zillow Group.
- Outlook and education: BLS Employment Projections, 2025–35.
- Pay is not broken down by experience, employer or specialty (for example, ER or pediatric nursing); BLS does not publish those splits.