As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Security guards in the United States is $53,027 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $25.
However, a Security guards's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Security guards'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.
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 guards. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Customer Service | 26.84% |
| First Aid | 4.25% |
| CCTV | 1.47% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Commitment
|
$58,329 |
10%
|
|
Diversity and Inclusion
|
$56,208 |
6%
|
|
Problem Solving
|
$55,678 |
5%
|
|
Safety Training
|
$54,617 |
3%
|
|
Written Communication
|
$54,087 |
2%
|
|
Innovation
|
$54,087 |
2%
|
For Security guards 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 guards positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit or Retail & Wholesale typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Security guards as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Construction | $68,935 | $33.0 | 30% |
| Pharmaceuticals | $66,283 | $32.0 | 25% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $63,632 | $31.0 | 20% |
| Business Services | $60,981 | $29.0 | 15% |
| Healthcare | $58,329 | $28.0 | 10% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Security guards 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 guards with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate is between $45,730 and $48,921).
Security guards Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 1.1% |
| High School | 51.6% |
| Associates | 29.0% |
| Bachelors | 12.9% |
| Masters | 4.3% |
| Doctorate | 1.1% |
Understanding how a Security guards'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 Security guards can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $42,674 in 2023 to around $41,850 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Security guards salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $42,674 |
| 2024 | $42,836 |
| 2025 | $41,850 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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Compensation PlanningHere are companies hiring for Security guards and their salaries, click below for more details.
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The Construction industry offers the highest average compensation for Security guards roles, with salaries approximately 30% 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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