As of January 01, 2026, the average salary for a Security Associate in the United States is $38,800 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:
Compensation Planning
Develop a Job Description
Pay Equity
2025 Compensation Trend
AI-Powered HR
AI Onboarding
A Security Associate's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Security Associate's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Security Associate | $38,281 |
| Intermediate Level Security Associate | $38,854 |
| Senior Level Security Associate | $39,606 |
| Specialist Level Security Associate | $39,687 |
| Expert Level Security Associate | $39,740 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Security Associates. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Customer Service | 28.07% |
| Food Service | 2.71% |
| CCTV | 1.54% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Diversity and Inclusion
|
$41,128 |
6%
|
|
Problem Solving
|
$41,128 |
6%
|
|
Accountability
|
$40,352 |
4%
|
|
Leadership
|
$40,352 |
4%
|
|
Physical Security
|
$40,352 |
4%
|
|
Commitment
|
$39,964 |
3%
|
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
| 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% |
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 January 01, 2026For 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.
Salaries for a Security Associate can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $36,886 in 2023 to around $36,181 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Security Associate salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $36,886 |
| 2024 | $36,694 |
| 2025 | $36,181 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
If your compensation planning software is too rigid to deploy winning incentive strategies, it’s time to find an adaptable solution.
Compensation PlanningHere are companies hiring for Security Associate and their salaries, click below for more details.
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Security Associate job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
Get a Salary Increase
Analyze the market and your qualifications to negotiate your salary with confidence.
Search Job Openings
Search thousands of open positions to find your next opportunity.
Adjust Employee Salary
Individualize employee pay based on unique job requirements and personal qualifications.
Price My Industry Jobs
Get the latest market price for benchmark jobs and jobs in your industry.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Salary.com's CompAnalyst platform offers:
