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Security Associate Salary in the United States

How much does a Security Associate make in the United States?

As of October 01, 2026, the average salary for a Security Associate in the United States is $38,700 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $19.

However, a Security Associate's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $42,330
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $35,900 to $40,600
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $33,351

Key Factors That Influence Security Associate Salaries

A Security Associate's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how geographic location, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

Top Paying Cities for Security Associates

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

  • San Jose: $48,900
  • San Francisco: $48,300
  • Oakland: $47,300

What Skills Can Increase a Security Associate's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Customer Service (Mentioned in 28.07% Job Postings): Customer service is the provision of service to customers before, during and after a purchase. The perception of success of such interactions is dependent on employees "who can adjust themselves to the personality of the guest". Customer service concerns the priority an organization assigns to customer service relative to components such as product innovation and pricing. In this sense, an organization that values good customer service may spend more money in training employees than the average organization or may proactively interview customers for feedback. From the point of view of an overall sales process engineering effort, customer service plays an important role in an organization's ability to generate income and revenue. From that perspective, customer service should be included as part of an overall approach to systematic improvement. One good customer service experience can change the entire perception a customer holds towards the organization.
  • Food Service (Mentioned in 2.71% Job Postings): The foodservice or catering industry includes the businesses, institutions, and companies which prepare meals outside the home.
  • CCTV (Mentioned in 1.54% Job Postings):
Skills Demand Percentage
Customer Service 28.07%
Food Service 2.71%
CCTV 1.54%

What skills can make your compensation higher?

Mastering certain specialized skills can lead to a significant increase in pay. Here are examples of skills and the potential impact they can have on a Security Associate's salary.

  • Diversity and Inclusion: Can increase your salary by up to 6%.
  • Problem Solving: Can increase your salary by up to 6%.
  • Accountability: Can increase your salary by up to 4%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Diversity and Inclusion $41,022
6%
Problem Solving $41,022
6%
Accountability $40,248
4%

Security Associate Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Security Associate salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $43,205. While startup companies pay approximate $36,583.

Security Associate Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $36,583
Growth Stage 51~500 $38,682
Established 501~5000 $41,717
Enterprise 5000+ $43,205

Security Associate Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Security Associate roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 90% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Pharmaceuticals and Biotechnology sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 40% above the average. In contrast, Security Associate positions in Transportation or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Security Associate as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Security Associate

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Pharmaceuticals$54,180$26.040%
Biotechnology$50,310$24.030%
Financial Services$48,375$23.025%
Aerospace & Defense$46,440$22.020%
Software & Networking$46,440$22.020%

How Education impacts a Security Associate's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Security Associates enter the field with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.

According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a Security Associate with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate is between $35,531 and $37,966).

Security Associate Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for Security Associate
Degree Level % of user with this level of education
No Diploma 2.0%
High School 60.0%
Associates 16.9%
Bachelors 18.8%
Masters 1.9%
Doctorate 0.4%

Security Associate Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Security Associate's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.

Last Updated on October 01, 2026
$35,900
Average $38,700/year
$40,600
$2,992
Average $3,225/month
$3,383
$690
Average $744/week
$781
$17
Average $19/hour
$20
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $40,600 $3,383 $781 $20
Average $38,700 $3,225 $744 $19
25th Percentile $35,900 $2,992 $690 $17

Security Associate Salary Growth & Career Path

For a Security Associate, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Security Guard II role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $47,600 - a projected growth of 23% over your current level.

Most common benefits for Security Associate

  • Social Security
  • 401 (k)
  • Disability
  • Healthcare
  • Pension
  • Time Off (days)

Common company salaries for Security Associate

Here are companies hiring for Security Associate and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about Security Associate

1. What industry pays the highest salary for Security Associate?

The Pharmaceuticals industry offers the highest average compensation for Security Associate roles, with salaries approximately 40% above the market median.

2. What is an associate salary?

The salary for a Security Associate ranges from $33,900 to $42,600 per year, with a midpoint of $37,900. This reflects the typical earnings for this role, providing a clear understanding of the compensation structure within the industry.

3. How much does a first job pay?

The salary for a Security Associate typically ranges from $33,900 to $42,600 annually, with a mid-range salary of about $37,900. This is generally competitive for entry-level positions, offering a solid starting point for those beginning their careers in security.

4. How much is security paid in USA?

In the USA, a Security Associate earns between $33,900 and $42,600 annually, with a median salary of $37,900. This reflects a range where entry-level positions start at approximately $33,900, while more experienced associates can earn up to $42,600 per year.

5. How much does job 1 USA security pay?

Job 1 USA Security in the United States offers a salary range for Security Associates from $33,900 to $42,600 annually, with a midpoint of $37,900. This translates to an hourly wage of approximately $16.27 to $20.50, depending on experience and position level.

6. What is the highest position in a security company?

The highest position in a security company is the Commander or Chief. This role oversees all security personnel and is responsible for managing lower-ranking staff. Salaries for security associates typically range from $33,900 to $42,600, with a mid-salary of $37,900, reflecting the importance and responsibility of leadership in security management.

7. What is the highest security salary?

The highest salary that a Security Associate can earn is ₹42,600 per year. The salary range for this position typically starts at ₹33,900, with a mid-level salary of ₹37,900.

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.

We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)

With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.

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