As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for a Security Guard - Armed in South Dakota is $43,222 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $21.
However, a Security Guard - Armed's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Security Guard - Armed'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, and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Security Guard - Armed'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 Guard - Unarmed | 0-1 years | $35,168 |
| Security Guard - Armed | 3-5 years | $43,222 |
| Security Guard Team Leader | 5+ years | $53,965 |
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 - Armeds. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Security Guard - Armed salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $48,343. While startup companies pay approximate $40,884.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $40,884 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $43,241 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $46,684 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $48,343 |
For Security Guard - Armed 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 - Armed positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit or Retail & Wholesale typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Security Guard - Armed as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Construction | $56,188 | $27.0 | 30% |
| Pharmaceuticals | $54,027 | $26.0 | 25% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $51,866 | $25.0 | 20% |
| Business Services | $49,705 | $24.0 | 15% |
| Healthcare | $47,544 | $23.0 | 10% |
Understanding how a Security Guard - Armed'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 - Armed, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Security Guard Team Leader role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $53,965 - a projected growth of 25% over your current level.
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