How Much Does a Guard make?

Guard made a median salary around $42,132 in April, 2025. The best-paid 25 percent made $47,388 probably that year, while the lowest-paid 25 percent made around $37,709. Salary ranges can vary widely depending on many important factors, including education, certifications, additional skills, the number of years you have spent in your profession. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.
Check out Guard jobs in Long Beach, California

Security Guard - Building Access Control

Allied Universal® - Lake Forest, CA

Security Guard

Allied Universal® - Whittier, CA

Security Guard Office Building

Allied Universal® - Beverly Hills, CA

Security Guard School Campus Patrol

Allied Universal® - Irvine, CA

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Best-Paying Cities for Guard

The metropolitan areas that pay the highest salary in the Guard profession are San Jose , Santa Clara , Sunnyvale , Los Gatos , Milpitas .
San Jose, CA $48,575
Santa Clara, CA $48,575
Sunnyvale, CA $48,575
Los Gatos, CA $48,575
Milpitas, CA $48,575

Best-Paying States for Guard

The states and districts that pay Guard the highest salary are District of Columbia (around $42,641) , California (around $42,479) , Massachusetts (around $41,913) , Washington (around $41,759) , and New Jersey (around $41,743) .
District of Columbia $42,641
California $42,479
Massachusetts $41,913
Washington $41,759
New Jersey $41,743

What is the Career Path of Guard?

A career path is a sequence of jobs that leads to your short- and long-term career goals. Some follow a linear career path within one field, while others change fields periodically to achieve career or personal goals.

For Guard, the upper level is Security Guard - Armed , and then progresses to Security Guard Team Leader
Besides, Guard can also turn to other related jobs, including Crossing Guard , Security Guard , Traffic Guard and Armed Guard .

Frequently Asked Questions for Guard

Q: What is the salary range of Guard in Long Beach, CA?
A: In 2025 , the lowest-paid Guard in Long Beach, CA earned an average annual salary of $37,709 , while the highest-paid made $47,388.
Q: What is the salary for a Guard in California?
A: Guard employed in California earned an average salary of $42,479 in 2025.

Average Guard Pay vs. Other Jobs

Guard earned an average salary of $42,132 in 2025. Other jobs related to Guard earned the following average salary in April, 2025. Crossing Guard made $32,024 , Security Guard made $54,330 , Traffic Guard and Armed Guard made $56,947 and $53,326 respectively .

Relevant Jobs of Guard

Crossing Guard - Average Salary $32,024
Crossing Guard escorts people to and from a designated area. May require a high school diploma or its equivalent and 2-4 years of experience in the field or in a related area. Being a Crossing Guard is familiar with standard concepts, practices, and procedures within a particular field. Relies on limited experience and judgment to plan and accomplish goals. Additionally, Crossing Guard performs a variety of tasks. A certain degree of creativity and latitude is required. Typically reports to a supervisor/manager.
Security Guard - Average Salary $54,330
A security guard is responsible for maintaining a safe and secure environment for employees, customers, and the general public. They patrol and monitor premises to prevent and detect signs of intrusion and ensure the security of doors, windows, and gates. Security guards may also operate surveillance systems, respond to alarms, and enforce company policies and regulations. Additionally, they may be required to detain individuals who pose a threat and work with law enforcement in the event of criminal activity. Strong communication skills, attention to detail, and the ability to remain calm under pressure are essential for success in this role.
Traffic Guard - Average Salary $56,947
There is currently no job description for Traffic Guard, be the first to submit the job responsibilities for Traffic Guard.
Armed Guard - Average Salary $53,326
There is currently no job description for Armed Guard, be the first to submit the job responsibilities for Armed Guard.
Turret Guard - Average Salary $41,415
There is currently no job description for Turret Guard, be the first to submit the job responsibilities for Turret Guard.