Security Guard Salary Overview
The average salary for a security guard in the United States is approximately $16,483 per year, with earnings varying significantly based on experience, location, and the specific type of security role.
Average Salary Breakdown
- Starting Salary: Around $12,672 per year (approximately $6.09 per hour).
- Median Salary: About $16,483 per year (approximately $7.92 per hour).
- Top Salary: Up to $21,439 per year (approximately $10.31 per hour).
| Percentile | Hourly Wage | Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $6.09 | $12,672 |
| 25th percentile | $6.90 | $14,353 |
| 50th percentile | $7.92 | $16,483 |
| 75th percentile | $9.10 | $18,929 |
| 90th percentile | $10.31 | $21,439 |
Salary by State
Salaries for security guards vary widely by state. Here are some examples:
| State | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| District of Columbia | $50,110 |
| Alaska | $39,620 |
| Washington | $38,830 |
| Massachusetts | $38,370 |
| New York | $37,770 |
| Minnesota | $37,100 |
| California | $36,060 |
| Florida | $28,820 |
| Mississippi | $24,940 |
| West Virginia | $23,130 |
Comparison to Related Careers
Security guards earn about the same as many related positions, but generally less than hairdressers and tellers:
| Career | Median Salary |
|---|---|
| Hairdresser | $19,000 |
| Teller | $19,000 |
| Medical Administrative Assistant | $19,000 |
| Customer Service Representative | $18,000 |
| Office Clerk | $16,000 |
| Security Guard | $16,000 |
| Switchboard Operator | $16,000 |
| Concierge | $14,000 |
| Recreation Worker | $13,000 |
| Receptionist | $10,000 |
Conclusion
Overall, while the salary for security guards is relatively modest, it varies based on several factors, including geographic location, level of experience, and specific job responsibilities. Security guard roles can provide opportunities for advancement, especially in specialized or armed positions.
Information provided by CareerOnlines, LLC and other sources.
Sections of this page includes information from the O*NET 29.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license.
CareerOnlines, LLC has modified all or some of this information. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.