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Guard Salary in California

How much does a Guard make in California?

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Guard in California is $42,367 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $20.

However, a Guard's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $46,190
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $39,402 to $44,368
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $36,703
Salary Factors Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Guard Salaries

A Guard's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Do Guard Salaries Vary from State to State?

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 Guards. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $42,528.
  • California: $42,367.
  • Massachusetts: $41,802.

Top Paying Cities for Guards

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

  • Los Angeles: $42,440
  • West Hollywood: $42,409
  • Dodgertown: $42,439

Guard Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Guard roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 90% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Pharmaceuticals and Biotechnology sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 40% above the average. In contrast, Guard positions in Transportation or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Guard as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Guard

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Pharmaceuticals$59,313$29.040%
Biotechnology$55,077$26.030%
Financial Services$52,958$25.025%
Aerospace & Defense$50,840$24.020%
Software & Networking$50,840$24.020%

Guard Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Guard'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 September 01, 2026
$39,402
Average $42,367/year
$44,368
$3,284
Average $3,531/month
$3,697
$758
Average $815/week
$853
$19
Average $20/hour
$21
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $44,368 $3,697 $853 $21
Average $42,367 $3,531 $815 $20
25th Percentile $39,402 $3,284 $758 $19

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Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons are derived from both employer job postings and third-party data sources. We also provide multiple percentiles of salary information for your reference, click here to know Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial to Getting Pay Equity Right. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.

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