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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Security guards in California is $58,488 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $28.
However, a Security guards's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Security guards Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $66,995 | $5,583 | $1,288 | $32 |
| Average | $58,488 | $4,874 | $1,125 | $28 |
| 25th Percentile | $52,006 | $4,334 | $1,000 | $25 |
PACWEST Security Services - Orange, CA
PACWEST Security Services - Los Angeles, CA
PACWEST Security Services - West Hollywood, CA
PACWEST Security Services - El Segundo, CA
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 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:
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:
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 | $76,035 | $37.0 | 30% |
| Pharmaceuticals | $73,110 | $35.0 | 25% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $70,186 | $34.0 | 20% |
| Business Services | $67,262 | $32.0 | 15% |
| Healthcare | $64,337 | $31.0 | 10% |
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.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $66,995 | $5,583 | $1,288 | $32 |
| Average | $58,488 | $4,874 | $1,125 | $28 |
| 25th Percentile | $52,006 | $4,334 | $1,000 | $25 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Security guards job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
Centurion Security Services
Los Angeles, CA
Centurion Security Services | Los Angeles, CA
Job Description. Job Description. Centurion Security Services, Inc. is currently hiring for the following. security guard positions. . Armed Security Guard more
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PACWEST Security Services
American Canyon, CA
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Job Description. Job Description. IMMEDIATE OPENINGS. Come by...Start Today. Weekly Payroll Join our team. Now hiring security officers @ PACWEST Security ... more
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LaborMAX Staffing
San Jose, CA
LaborMAX Staffing | San Jose, CA
LaborMAX Staffing - - Responsibilities: Staff and supervise security guards for client sites in San Jose, California more
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Overton Security
Culver City, CA
Overton Security | Culver City, CA
Security Guards - Los AngelesOverton is currently hiring for Unarmed Security Officers in the Los Angeles Area. All candidates for this posting should have... more
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Oakland, CA
Overton Security | Oakland, CA
Overton Security Services, Inc. is a family owned and operated security provider servicing Northern California for over 10 years. Overton Security employs ... more
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Overton Security
San Diego, CA
Overton Security | San Diego, CA
Overton Security Services, Inc. is a family owned and operated security provider servicing Northern California for over 10 years. Overton Security employs ... more
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