Security Guard salary in the USA is usually around $38,020 per year at the national median level, or about $18.28 per hour, according to the latest U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data for May 2025. But security guard pay can be different a lot depending on the state, city, company, type of security work, experience, shift and whether the guard is unarmed or armed. Some security guards work in shopping stores, offices, hospitals, apartments, warehouses, factories, schools, hotels and other private properties. Others work in higher security places where the job can include access control, patrol, cameras, checking visitors and responding to security problems. People searching for security guard salary, security officer salary, private security guard salary or how much does a security guard make can see that the job normally starts as an entry-level protective service career and a high school diploma is commonly enough for entry. State licensing is also common, and requirements can be different depending on the state and type of security job.
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How Much Does a Security Guard Make in the USA?
A security guard makes a median wage of about $38,020 a year in the United States, based on May 2025 BLS data. That works out to around $18.28 per hour when looking at the annual and hourly median figures. The actual paycheck can be lower or higher because security guard jobs are not all the same. A new guard working an entry-level unarmed position may start near the lower part of the wage range, while an experienced guard, armed guard, security officer in a specialized location or worker with more responsibility can earn more.
BLS wage data shows that the lowest 10 percent of security guards earned less than about $30,210 per year, while the highest 10 percent earned more than about $58,840. This means there is a fairly wide salary range inside the occupation. The workplace also matters. For example, security guards working in healthcare and social assistance had a median industry wage of about $44,920, while retail security jobs had a lower median of about $35,640 in the May 2025 data.
Security Guard Salary by State
Security guard salary is not same in every part of America. Location can change the pay because local employers, labor demand, type of property being protected and local living costs are different. The May 2025 BLS-based state figures show a large difference between states. The table below gives the median annual salary and approximate hourly median for security guards in every state plus Washington, DC.
| State | Median Annual Salary | Median Hourly Pay |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $33,720 | $16.21 |
| Alaska | $47,480 | $22.83 |
| Arizona | $38,290 | $18.41 |
| Arkansas | $35,770 | $17.20 |
| California | $43,240 | $20.79 |
| Colorado | $45,150 | $21.71 |
| Connecticut | $39,920 | $19.19 |
| Delaware | $36,360 | $17.48 |
| Florida | $35,900 | $17.26 |
| Georgia | $34,980 | $16.82 |
| Hawaii | $42,820 | $20.59 |
| Idaho | $38,300 | $18.41 |
| Illinois | $39,490 | $18.99 |
| Indiana | $36,490 | $17.54 |
| Iowa | $37,080 | $17.83 |
| Kansas | $37,080 | $17.83 |
| Kentucky | $35,420 | $17.03 |
| Louisiana | $32,240 | $15.50 |
| Maine | $39,100 | $18.80 |
| Maryland | $38,220 | $18.38 |
| Massachusetts | $44,670 | $21.48 |
| Michigan | $37,080 | $17.83 |
| Minnesota | $43,380 | $20.86 |
| Mississippi | $29,180 | $14.03 |
| Missouri | $40,390 | $19.42 |
| Montana | $38,480 | $18.50 |
| Nebraska | $39,840 | $19.15 |
| Nevada | $37,310 | $17.94 |
| New Hampshire | $45,200 | $21.73 |
| New Jersey | $38,880 | $18.69 |
| New Mexico | $43,320 | $20.83 |
| New York | $44,240 | $21.27 |
| North Carolina | $35,010 | $16.83 |
| North Dakota | $39,310 | $18.90 |
| Ohio | $35,770 | $17.20 |
| Oklahoma | $36,270 | $17.44 |
| Oregon | $45,500 | $21.88 |
| Pennsylvania | $37,050 | $17.81 |
| Rhode Island | $36,940 | $17.76 |
| South Carolina | $35,460 | $17.05 |
| South Dakota | $37,150 | $17.86 |
| Tennessee | $36,000 | $17.31 |
| Texas | $35,980 | $17.30 |
| Utah | $42,700 | $20.53 |
| Vermont | $45,550 | $21.90 |
| Virginia | $43,640 | $20.98 |
| Washington | $47,100 | $22.64 |
| West Virginia | $28,800 | $13.85 |
| Wisconsin | $37,440 | $18.00 |
| Wyoming | $39,200 | $18.85 |
| District of Columbia | $64,210 | $30.87 |
Security Guard Salary by State Depends on Location
The state salary numbers show why a security guard salary search should include location. A guard working in one state can have a very different wage from another guard doing almost the same work somewhere else. For example, the May 2025 median is about $44,240 in New York, $43,240 in California, $35,980 in Texas and $35,900 in Florida. These are occupation-wide state medians, not guaranteed starting salaries for every new worker.
- Security guard salary in New York is around $44,240 at the median level.
- Security guard salary in California is around $43,240 at the median level.
- Security guard salary in Texas is around $35,980 at the median level.
- Security guard salary in Florida is around $35,900 at the median level.
- Security guard salary in Washington is around $47,100 at the median level.
- Security guard salary in Colorado is around $45,150 at the median level.
- Security guard salary in Oregon is around $45,500 at the median level.
What Does a Security Guard Do?
A security guard mainly protects people, buildings, property and other assets from theft, damage, unauthorized access and other security problems. The exact work can be very different from one job to another. Some guards spend most of the shift watching cameras or controlling an entrance, while another guard can spend much of the day walking around a property and checking doors, gates and restricted areas.
Security guards can work in office buildings, stores, hospitals, factories, warehouses, residential buildings, schools, hotels, construction sites and many other places. The BLS says security guards can work around the clock because many of the buildings they protect operate 24 hours. Night shifts and rotating schedules are therefore common in this career.
- Patrolling buildings and property
- Checking doors, gates and restricted areas
- Monitoring security cameras and alarms
- Controlling access to a property
- Checking visitors and employees when required
- Writing security reports about incidents
- Responding to suspicious activity
- Calling police, fire or emergency services when needed
- Watching for theft, vandalism and other security problems
- Following company security rules and site procedures
Security Guard Hourly Pay in the USA
The national median hourly wage for security guards is about $18.28 per hour based on the May 2025 BLS data. But an individual security guard can make less or more than this amount. Hourly pay is often affected by experience, location, shift, employer and the type of security assignment. Some employers also offer different pay for overnight work, weekends or specialized assignments.
Another salary source based on current job-market information shows security guard pay around $19 per hour in September 2026, which is close to the federal wage data but uses a different methodology. Job-posting salary estimates can move faster than annual government wage surveys, so both numbers should be understood as different measurements rather than the exact paycheck every guard will receive.
Security Guard Salary With No Experience
Many people enter security work without a long professional background, which is one reason security guard jobs are searched by people looking for an entry-level job. BLS lists a high school diploma or equivalent as the typical education level for the occupation. However, licensing and training rules can apply depending on the state and assignment.
- New security guards may start closer to the lower part of the local pay range.
- Unarmed security positions are commonly an entry route into the field.
- Previous customer service, military, law enforcement or related experience can be useful for some employers.
- Some positions require a state security guard license or registration.
- Armed positions normally have additional requirements compared with unarmed work.
- Night, weekend and difficult-site assignments can have different pay rates.
Armed Security Guard Salary vs Unarmed Security Guard Salary
One of the common questions around security guard salary is whether an armed guard makes more than an unarmed guard. In many cases armed security work can pay more because it comes with additional training, licensing and responsibility, but the actual pay depends on the employer, state, assignment and experience. Not every armed security job automatically pays a higher wage, so job seekers should check the complete pay and requirement details before accepting a position.
Unarmed security guards usually focus on access control, patrol, monitoring cameras, protecting property and reporting incidents. Armed guards may work in places where the employer requires an armed security presence and may have additional duties connected with the assignment. State laws can also have separate requirements for carrying a firearm while working security.
- Unarmed security guard jobs are often easier entry points for people new to the industry.
- Armed security guards generally need additional training and authorization.
- Armed security pay can be higher for some assignments.
- Pay differences depend heavily on state, employer and type of security site.
- Previous military or law enforcement experience can be useful for some armed security positions.
- Security guards should check state licensing rules before applying for armed work.
Private Security Guard Salary
Private security is a large part of the security guard industry in the United States. Private security guards can be hired by security companies and then assigned to different customer locations, or they can work directly for an organization that maintains its own security staff. The job can involve protecting an office, retail store, warehouse, apartment complex, hospital, hotel, construction site or other property.
Private security guard salary is not one fixed number because the assignment makes a big difference. A basic unarmed post at a small property may have a different hourly rate than a security position at a large industrial facility or a site that needs specialized experience. Guards should look at the hourly wage together with shift schedule, overtime rules, benefits and required licensing.
- Office building security
- Shopping mall and retail security
- Apartment and residential security
- Warehouse security
- Hospital security
- Hotel security
- Construction site security
- Factory and industrial security
- Event security
- Corporate security
Security Guard Salary by Industry
The place where a security guard works can have a noticeable effect on pay. BLS data for May 2025 shows different median wages across major industries employing security guards. Healthcare and social assistance had a higher median wage than several other large industries, while retail trade had a lower median. This is one reason two people with the same job title can have different security guard salaries.
| Industry | May 2025 Median Annual Wage | Approx. Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| Health Care and Social Assistance | $44,920 | $21.60 |
| Government | $44,570 | $21.43 |
| Administrative and Support Services | $38,550 | $18.53 |
| Educational Services | $37,790 | $18.17 |
| Retail Trade | $35,640 | $17.13 |
These industry figures are occupation-level wage data and should not be treated as an exact salary offer from every employer. A specific job can have a different rate depending on location, experience, schedule and job duties.
Security Guard Salary by Experience
Experience can help a security guard move into positions with more responsibility, although salary does not automatically increase by a fixed amount every year. A person starting with no experience may begin with an entry-level security assignment, while an experienced guard may qualify for supervisor, armed, specialized or higher-responsibility positions.
For someone searching how much does a security guard make, it is useful to look at the career in stages instead of expecting one salary number. Starting pay can be different from the national median because the median includes workers across the occupation with different experience levels and job types.
- Entry-level security guard: Often starts near the lower end of the local wage range.
- Experienced security guard: Can qualify for better assignments and higher-paying employers.
- Armed security guard: May earn more when additional licensing and training are required.
- Security supervisor: Has additional responsibility for guards, schedules and site operations.
- Specialized security worker: May work at sites requiring specific training or experience.
Security Guard Starting Salary
Security guard starting salary depends strongly on the city and employer. There is no single nationwide starting salary that applies to every new guard. Some entry-level jobs are paid close to the local minimum wage, while other security companies offer a higher hourly rate to attract workers for difficult schedules or locations.
A new guard should also check whether the advertised wage is for a regular shift or includes special shift differentials. Overnight, weekend and holiday work can sometimes have different compensation. Overtime can also increase total yearly income when the worker is eligible and works additional hours.
Security Guard Overtime Pay
Overtime can make a meaningful difference in annual income for security guards because many security sites operate 24 hours. A guard who normally works a standard schedule may sometimes have the opportunity to work extra shifts when another employee is unavailable or when the employer needs additional coverage.
Under federal wage rules, covered nonexempt employees generally must receive overtime pay at not less than one and one-half times their regular rate for hours worked over 40 in a workweek. However, overtime rules can have exceptions and state laws can provide additional protections, so the exact situation depends on the worker and job.
- Overtime is generally calculated from hours worked in a workweek.
- Extra shifts can increase yearly earnings.
- Night and weekend schedules may have different employer pay policies.
- Holiday pay depends on the employer and applicable rules.
- Workers should check whether the position is classified as nonexempt or exempt.
Do Security Guards Get Benefits?
Benefits for security guards depend on whether the person works full-time, part-time, directly for an employer or through a security contractor. Some full-time positions may include health insurance, retirement plans, paid time off and other benefits, while part-time or temporary positions may have fewer benefits.
When comparing security guard jobs, hourly salary is not the only thing to look at. A job paying slightly more per hour may have different scheduling, commuting costs or benefits than another job. Looking at total compensation can give a better picture of what the job is actually worth to the worker.
- Health insurance may be available for eligible full-time employees.
- Some employers provide retirement plans.
- Paid vacation or sick leave may be offered depending on the employer.
- Some companies provide uniforms or equipment.
- Overtime opportunities can affect total yearly earnings.
- Part-time jobs may have fewer benefits than full-time positions.
Security Guard Requirements in the USA
Security guard requirements are different across the United States. The BLS says the typical entry-level education for security guards is a high school diploma or equivalent. Most states also require security guards to be licensed, registered or otherwise meet state requirements. Background checks, training and other conditions can apply depending on the state and the type of security work.
People interested in becoming a security guard should check the licensing agency in the state where they want to work. Requirements for an unarmed security guard can also be different from requirements for an armed guard. Employers can have additional standards beyond the minimum state requirements.
- High school diploma or equivalent is commonly the typical education level.
- State registration or licensing may be required.
- Background checks may be part of the application process.
- Security training can be required before or after hiring.
- Armed security jobs can require additional firearms training and authorization.
- Employers may require a valid driver's license for some mobile security positions.
- Physical ability requirements can vary according to the assignment.
How to Become a Security Guard
Becoming a security guard can be a fairly direct career path for people who meet their state's requirements. The first step is normally checking the security licensing or registration rules in the state. After that, a person can complete any required training, apply for security guard jobs and complete the employer's hiring process.
- Check your state's security guard licensing requirements.
- Make sure you meet the minimum age and eligibility requirements.
- Complete required security guard training.
- Complete a background check if required.
- Apply for an unarmed or other eligible security position.
- Complete employer-specific training after being hired.
- Build experience and consider additional training for better opportunities.
- Consider supervisor, armed or specialized security work if you meet the requirements.
Security Guard Career Growth
Security guard work can be an entry point into several security-related careers. A worker who gains experience may eventually move into a lead guard or security supervisor role. Other workers may use their experience to move toward corporate security, loss prevention, investigations or other protective service occupations.
Career growth depends on education, experience, licensing, employer opportunities and the type of security work a person chooses. There is also no guarantee that experience alone will lead to a promotion, so workers should look at the requirements for the next position they want.
- Security Guard
- Senior Security Guard
- Security Officer
- Security Supervisor
- Security Manager
- Loss Prevention Specialist
- Corporate Security positions
- Other protective service careers
Security Guard Job Duties
The daily work of a security guard can change depending on the location and the employer. A guard at a retail store may spend a lot of time watching entrances and looking for theft, while a guard at a warehouse may patrol the property, check gates and monitor deliveries. Hospital security can involve controlling access and helping maintain a safe environment for patients, visitors and staff.
Security guards normally do not perform the same job in every workplace. The employer gives site-specific instructions about what the guard should watch, what areas can be entered, how incidents should be reported and who should be contacted during an emergency.
- Patrolling assigned areas on foot or in a vehicle.
- Watching entrances and exits.
- Checking identification and access credentials.
- Monitoring surveillance cameras.
- Responding to alarms and unusual activity.
- Protecting company property and equipment.
- Preparing written incident reports.
- Helping enforce property rules.
- Contacting police, fire or emergency services when necessary.
- Maintaining communication with supervisors and other security staff.
Security Guard Work Schedule
Security guard schedules can be different from a normal daytime office job. Many buildings, stores, hospitals, warehouses and other properties need security coverage during the entire day and night. Because of this, security guards can work morning, afternoon, evening, overnight, weekend and holiday shifts.
Some security guards work a regular 8-hour schedule, while other positions can use longer shifts or rotating schedules. The number of hours worked can also affect yearly income, especially when overtime is available. A job seeker should check the exact schedule before comparing one security guard salary with another.
- Day shifts
- Evening shifts
- Overnight shifts
- Weekend shifts
- Holiday shifts
- Rotating schedules
- Full-time schedules
- Part-time schedules
Factors That Affect Security Guard Salary
There are several things that can change how much a security guard makes in the USA. Location is one of the biggest factors, but it is not the only one. The type of employer, security assignment, experience, licensing, shift and additional responsibilities can all affect the wage offered by an employer.
- Location: Pay can be different between states and metropolitan areas.
- Experience: Experienced workers can qualify for positions with more responsibility.
- Type of security: Armed and specialized assignments can have different pay requirements.
- Industry: Hospitals, government facilities, retail locations and industrial sites can have different wage levels.
- Shift: Overnight, weekend and difficult schedules may have different compensation.
- Employer: Large companies and smaller security contractors can have different pay structures.
- Licensing: Additional licenses or certifications can be required for certain assignments.
- Overtime: Eligible workers who work additional hours can increase their total earnings.
Security Officer Salary vs Security Guard Salary
The terms security guard and security officer are often used for similar types of work, but the job title can mean different things from one employer to another. Some companies use security officer as their standard title for employees who perform guarding and property protection duties. Another employer may use security officer for a position with additional responsibilities.
Because job titles are not always standardized, salary should be compared by looking at the actual duties, required training, work location and schedule instead of only the title. A security officer job can have a similar wage to a security guard position when the responsibilities are similar.
- Check the complete job description.
- Compare the hourly wage rather than title alone.
- Check whether the job is armed or unarmed.
- Look at required licenses and training.
- Compare work hours and overtime opportunities.
- Check benefits and paid time off.
Security Guard Salary in Major States
Searches for security guard salary are often made by state because local pay can be quite different. California, New York, Texas and Florida have large security workforces, but their median wages are not the same. The May 2025 BLS figures show California at about $43,240, New York at about $44,240, Texas at about $35,980 and Florida at about $35,900 for security guards.
Washington state, Colorado, Oregon and several other states also show median wages above the national occupation median. On the other hand, some states have lower median wages. These numbers are useful for comparing locations, but a worker should also check local job postings because city-level wages can differ from the statewide figure.
- California: Around $43,240 median annual wage.
- New York: Around $44,240 median annual wage.
- Texas: Around $35,980 median annual wage.
- Florida: Around $35,900 median annual wage.
- Washington: Around $47,100 median annual wage.
- Colorado: Around $45,150 median annual wage.
- Oregon: Around $45,500 median annual wage.
Highest Paying Security Guard Jobs
There is not one single job type that always pays the highest because security wages change by location, employer and assignment. However, positions with additional responsibilities, specialized training or difficult working conditions can offer different pay from basic entry-level security jobs.
Workers looking for higher security guard income can compare armed security, specialized facility security, security supervisor positions and security jobs in industries that have higher occupation-level wages. Moving into a supervisory role can also change the type of work because the employee may be responsible for other guards and site operations.
- Armed security positions
- Security supervisor positions
- Industrial security
- Healthcare security
- Government facility security
- Corporate security
- Specialized security assignments
- Security management positions
Is Security Guard a Good Entry-Level Career?
Security guard work can be an accessible entry point into the protective service field because the typical education requirement is a high school diploma or equivalent. Licensing and training requirements still need to be checked for the state and specific position. The job can also give workers experience with access control, incident reporting, surveillance, customer interaction and emergency procedures.
The work is not the same for everybody. Some assignments can involve long periods of standing or walking, overnight work, dealing with difficult situations and being responsible for a property when other employees are not present. Someone considering the career should read the actual job description and schedule instead of looking only at the advertised salary.
Security Guard Salary Outlook
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects employment of security guards to change by about 2 percent from 2024 to 2034. BLS also projects about 162,700 openings for security guards each year, on average, over the decade. Most of these openings are expected to come from workers leaving the occupation or retiring rather than from employment growth alone.
Security services continue to be needed in many different types of locations, including businesses, healthcare facilities, residential properties, retail stores and other organizations. The number of available jobs and their pay can still vary by local area and industry.
How Much Does a Security Guard Make a Year?
The national median answer is about $38,020 per year according to May 2025 BLS data. However, that number should not be treated as the starting salary for every security guard. The same occupation includes new workers, experienced guards, armed guards, workers in different industries and employees across very different parts of the country.
For a person just starting, the actual salary may be below the national median. With experience, different assignments, overtime or a move into higher-responsibility security work, annual earnings can change. State and city are also important because the cost of labor and employer demand are not the same across the country.
How Much Does a Security Guard Make an Hour?
The national median hourly wage for security guards is about $18.28 per hour based on the May 2025 BLS figure. Actual hourly pay can be lower or higher depending on location, experience, industry, employer and job type. When comparing hourly rates, workers should also check whether overtime, benefits, paid time off and shift premiums are included separately.
An advertised hourly wage is also not always the same as total yearly income. For example, a part-time guard working fewer hours can have a lower annual income than a full-time worker even if both have the same hourly rate. On the other hand, a full-time guard with eligible overtime can have a higher yearly income than the basic hourly calculation suggests.
Security Guard Salary: Key Takeaways
Security guard salary in the USA is around $38,020 per year at the national median, or about $18.28 per hour, using May 2025 BLS data. Salary can change significantly by state, industry, experience, employer and type of security assignment. Healthcare and social assistance and government were among the industries with higher median wages in the BLS industry data, while retail had a lower median wage.
- National median security guard salary: about $38,020 per year.
- National median hourly wage: about $18.28 per hour.
- Salary varies widely between states.
- Experience can help workers qualify for different security positions.
- Armed security work can require additional training and authorization.
- Many states have licensing or registration requirements.
- Night, weekend and overtime work can affect total income.
- Healthcare, government and some specialized assignments can have different wage levels.
- Security guards can work in many industries and property types.
- Security supervisor and other higher-responsibility roles can provide a path for career growth.
Final Thoughts on Security Guard Salary
Security guard salary in the USA gives people a wide range of possible earnings depending on where they work and what type of security job they choose. The national median is a useful starting point, but it does not tell the full story for a person looking for a job in a particular city or state. Local wage levels, licensing requirements, shift schedule, employer benefits and overtime should all be checked before comparing offers.
For someone entering the field, an unarmed security position can provide a way to gain experience and learn the basic parts of security work. With additional training, licensing and experience, some workers can move into armed, specialized or supervisory positions. The best salary information for a specific applicant will normally come from comparing current local job offers with the latest government wage data.