As of May 01, 2026, the average salary for a Security Guard - Unarmed in the United States is $38,699 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $19.
However, a Security Guard - Unarmed's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Security Guard - Unarmed'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 - Unarmed'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 | $38,699 |
| Security Guard - Armed | 3-5 years | $47,544 |
| Security Guard Team Leader | 5+ years | $59,358 |
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 - Unarmeds. 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
|
$41,021 |
6%
|
|
Problem Solving
|
$41,021 |
6%
|
|
Accountability
|
$40,247 |
4%
|
|
Leadership
|
$40,247 |
4%
|
|
Physical Security
|
$40,247 |
4%
|
|
Commitment
|
$39,860 |
3%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Security Guard - Unarmeds 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 - Unarmed with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate is between $35,608 and $37,922).
Security Guard - Unarmed 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 Guard - Unarmed'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 May 01, 2026For a Security Guard - Unarmed, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Security Guard - Armed role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $47,544 - a projected growth of 23% over your current level.
Salaries for a Security Guard - Unarmed 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 Guard - Unarmed salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $36,886 |
| 2024 | $36,694 |
| 2025 | $36,181 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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A Security Guard - Unarmed's earning potential can vary widely depending on several factors, including location, industry, experience, education, and the specific employer. According to the latest salary data by Salary.com, a Security Guard - Unarmed earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Security Guard - Unarmed is $48,811.
The highest pay for Security Guard - Unarmed is $42,168.
The lowest pay for Security Guard - Unarmed is $33,291.
Provides security and guards buildings, grounds, materials, work sites, or other venues. Monitors security systems and responds to alarms, reports of issues, or requests for assistance. Patrols an assigned location. Follows required gate-keeping procedures such as verifying visitor credentials, conducting inspections, or preparing paperwork. May operate an access control or identity system to control building access. Completes shift activity logs and inputs to systems. Typically requires a high school diploma or equivalent. Requires Basic Life Support (BLS) certification. May require a Security Guard License. Typically reports to a supervisor. Works under the close direction of senior personnel in the functional area. Possesses a moderate understanding of general aspects of the job. May require 0-1 year of general work experience.
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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