How Much Does a Security guards make?

Security guards made a median salary around $47,845 in December, 2024. The best-paid 25 percent made $54,438 probably that year, while the lowest-paid 25 percent made around $42,489. 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.
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Best-Paying Cities for Security guards

The metropolitan areas that pay the highest salary in the Security guards profession are Lowell , Hebron , Crown Point , Dyer , East Chicago .
Lowell, IN $49,370
Hebron, IN $49,271
Crown Point, IN $49,124
Dyer, IN $49,124
East Chicago, IN $49,124

Best-Paying States for Security guards

The states and districts that pay Security guards the highest salary are District of Columbia (around $54,729) , California (around $54,238) , New Jersey (around $53,894) , Alaska (around $53,549) , and Massachusetts (around $53,500) .
District of Columbia $54,729
California $54,238
New Jersey $53,894
Alaska $53,549
Massachusetts $53,500

What is the Career Path of Security guards?

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 Security guards, the first career path typically progresses to Security Dispatcher - Casino.

Additionally, the second career path typically starts with a Security Guard Team Leader position , and then progresses to Security Manager.

Besides, Security guards can also turn to other related jobs, including Armed Security Guards , UNARMED SECURITY GUARDS WEEKLY PAY , Armed Guards and Security Supervisor .

Frequently Asked Questions for Security guards

Q: What is the salary range of Security guards in Indianapolis, IN?
A: In 2024 , the lowest-paid Security guards in Indianapolis, IN earned an average annual salary of $42,489 , while the highest-paid made $54,438.
Q: What is the salary for a Security guards in California?
A: Security guards employed in California earned an average salary of $54,238 in 2024.

Average Security guards Pay vs. Other Jobs

Security guards earned an average salary of $47,845 in 2024. Other jobs related to Security guards earned the following average salary in December, 2024. Armed Security Guards made $46,163 , UNARMED SECURITY GUARDS WEEKLY PAY made $37,089 , Armed Guards and Security Supervisor made $47,722 and $71,684 respectively .

Relevant Jobs of Security guards

Armed Security Guards - Average Salary $46,163
There is currently no job description for Armed Security Guards, be the first to submit the job responsibilities for Armed Security Guards.
UNARMED SECURITY GUARDS WEEKLY PAY - Average Salary $37,089
There is currently no job description for UNARMED SECURITY GUARDS WEEKLY PAY, be the first to submit the job responsibilities for UNARMED SECURITY GUARDS WEEKLY PAY.
Armed Guards - Average Salary $47,722
There is currently no job description for Armed Guards, be the first to submit the job responsibilities for Armed Guards.
Security Supervisor - Average Salary $71,684
Security Supervisor supervises a team of security officers and guards that ensure the physical safety of all visitors, employees, or customers to the organization's facilities and the security of property and assets. Schedules guard shifts. Being a Security Supervisor conducts audits and inspections of buildings and grounds to ensure protection from intruders, fire hazards, theft, and vandalism. Follows protocols for the monitoring of systems and alarms, and procedures for response to issues. Additionally, Security Supervisor ensures that all security events are logged, documented, and reported using standard procedures. Trains staff and establishes plans for crisis response, disaster recovery, evacuation, workplace violence, and other emergency events. Participates in education programs and communications on security policies and topics to ensure staff is adequately informed and equipped to manage potential security issues. Keeps abreast with all local, state, provincial, or federal security-related information, directives, and events. Assists with investigations and critical event responses in coordination with law enforcement and other officials or agencies. Understands law enforcement methods, tactics, and procedures. May require an associate degree or equivalent. Requires Basic Life Support (BLS) certification. Typically reports to a manager. The Security Supervisor supervises a small group of para-professional staff in an organization characterized by highly transactional or repetitive processes. Contributes to the development of processes and procedures. To be a Security Supervisor typically requires 3 years experience in the related area as an individual contributor. Thorough knowledge of functional area under supervision.
Security Dispatcher - Average Salary $38,501
The Security Dispatcher handles emergency and non-emergency phone calls from customers and employees. Notifies officers or guards of activity requiring security presence. Being a Security Dispatcher typically reports to a supervisor. May require a high school diploma or its equivalent. Being a Security Dispatcher may require 0-1 year of general work experience. Possesses a moderate understanding of general aspects of the job. Works under the close direction of senior personnel in the functional area.