As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Sergeant First Class in the United States is $68,915 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $33.
However, a Sergeant First Class's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Sergeant First Class'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 Sergeant First Class'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 |
|---|---|
| Security ... Level Sergeant First Class | $64,545 |
| Senior Se... Level Sergeant First Class | $87,447 |
| Sergeant ... Level Sergeant First Class | $69,765 |
| Security ... Level Sergeant First Class | $91,628 |
| Security ... Level Sergeant First Class | $107,265 |
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 Sergeant First Classes. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Customer Service | 12.81% |
| CPR | 1.41% |
| Personnel Security | 1.05% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Field Operations
|
$76,495 |
11%
|
|
Initiative
|
$75,806 |
10%
|
|
Commitment
|
$75,117 |
9%
|
|
Empowerment
|
$74,428 |
8%
|
|
Diversity and Inclusion
|
$74,428 |
8%
|
|
Service Quality
|
$74,428 |
8%
|
For Sergeant First Class 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 Energy & Utilities and Biotechnology sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 25% above the average. In contrast, Sergeant First Class positions in Transportation or Hospitality & Leisure typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Sergeant First Class as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Energy & Utilities | $86,143 | $41.0 | 25% |
| Biotechnology | $82,697 | $40.0 | 20% |
| Software & Networking | $82,697 | $40.0 | 20% |
| Financial Services | $79,252 | $38.0 | 15% |
| Chemicals | $75,806 | $36.0 | 10% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Sergeant First Classes enter the field with a Associate's Degree 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 Sergeant First Class with a Associate's Degree is between $68,448 and $74,314).
Sergeant First Class Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 4.3% |
| High School | 38.3% |
| Associates | 21.3% |
| Bachelors | 29.8% |
| Masters | 6.4% |
| Doctorate | 0.0% |
Understanding how a Sergeant First Class'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 August 01, 2026Salaries for a Sergeant First Class can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $60,465 in 2023 to around $59,689 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Sergeant First Class salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $60,465 |
| 2024 | $60,220 |
| 2025 | $59,689 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The Energy & Utilities industry offers the highest average compensation for Sergeant First Class roles, with salaries approximately 25% above the market median.
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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