As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for a Security Guard II in the United States is $47,600 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $23.
However, a Security Guard II's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Security Guard II'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 Guard II'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:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Security Associate | 0-1 years | $38,697 |
| Security Guard II | 3-5 years | $47,559 |
| Security Patrol Supervisor | 5+ years | $59,381 |
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 Guard IIs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Customer Service | 26.84% |
| First Aid | 4.25% |
| CCTV | 1.47% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Commitment
|
$52,360 |
10%
|
|
Diversity and Inclusion
|
$50,456 |
6%
|
|
Problem Solving
|
$49,980 |
5%
|
|
Safety Training
|
$49,028 |
3%
|
|
Written Communication
|
$48,552 |
2%
|
|
Innovation
|
$48,552 |
2%
|
Security Guard II salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $53,240. While startup companies pay approximate $45,025.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $45,025 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $47,621 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $51,414 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $53,240 |
For Security Guard II roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 60% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Construction and Pharmaceuticals sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 30% above the average. In contrast, Security Guard positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit or Retail & Wholesale typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Security Guard II as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Construction | $61,880 | $30.0 | 30% |
| Pharmaceuticals | $59,500 | $29.0 | 25% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $57,120 | $27.0 | 20% |
| Business Services | $54,740 | $26.0 | 15% |
| Healthcare | $52,360 | $25.0 | 10% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Security Guard IIs 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 Guard II with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate is between $45,443 and $48,815).
Security Guard II Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 1.1% |
| High School | 51.6% |
| Associates | 29.0% |
| Bachelors | 12.9% |
| Masters | 4.3% |
| Doctorate | 1.1% |
Understanding how a Security Guard II'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 July 01, 2026For a Security Guard II, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Security Patrol Supervisor role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $59,400 - a projected growth of 25% over your current level.
Salaries for a Security Guard II can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $42,135 in 2023 to around $41,321 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Security Guard II salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $42,135 |
| 2024 | $42,294 |
| 2025 | $41,321 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The Construction industry offers the highest average compensation for Security Guard II roles, with salaries approximately 30% above the market median.
The highest paying states for security guards typically offer salaries ranging from $43,300 to $55,500 annually. Notable cities include Los Angeles, CA, with an average of $19.19 per hour, and Phoenix, AZ, at $18.84 per hour. New York cities like New York, Queens, and Brooklyn also report competitive hourly rates, contributing to the overall higher salary range for security guards.
The salary for a Security Guard ranges from a minimum of $43,300 to a maximum of $55,500, with a mid-range salary of $48,900. This is a different pay scale compared to military ranks, where an O2 (First Lieutenant) earns between $52,902 and $73,209.
The average annual salary of a security guard typically ranges from $43,300 to $55,500, with a mid-salary of $48,900. While some specialized roles or locations may offer higher pay, reaching $100,000 a year is uncommon for this profession. Factors such as experience, location, and specific duties can influence earnings.
Level II Security Guard training involves a six-hour course covering essential topics such as ethics, prevention, offenses, report writing, and emergency response. Upon completion, Security Guards can expect a salary ranging from $43,300 to $55,500, with a mid-range salary of $48,900, reflecting their skills and responsibilities in the field.
The cost for a Level 2 security license typically ranges from $50 to $100, covering application processing and background checks. In terms of salary, Security Guards earn between $43,300 and $55,500 annually, with a mid-salary of $48,900. Additional expenses for the license may apply, depending on state regulations.
Security guards in the US earn an annual salary ranging from $43,300 to $55,500, with a median salary of $48,900. This translates to an hourly wage of approximately $20.81 to $26.65, with a median hourly wage of about $23.49. Experience in the field can lead to higher wages within this range.
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.)
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