How Much Does a Security guards make?

Security guards made a median salary around $44,050 in March, 2025. The best-paid 25 percent made $50,119 probably that year, while the lowest-paid 25 percent made around $39,119. 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 Security guards jobs in Sioux City, Iowa

Security Officer

Allied Universal® - PHOENIX, AZ

Transportation Security Officer with Security Clearance

Department of Homeland Security - MINNEAPOLIS, MN

Program Security Representative with Security Clearance

Kratos Defense and Security Solutions - COLORADO SPRINGS, CO

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Best-Paying Cities for Security guards

The metropolitan areas that pay the highest salary in the Security guards profession are Buffalo Center , Carpenter , Chester , Grafton , Joice .
Buffalo Center, IA $49,203
Carpenter, IA $49,203
Chester, IA $49,203
Grafton, IA $49,203
Joice, IA $49,203

Best-Paying States for Security guards

The states and districts that pay Security guards the highest salary are District of Columbia (around $55,149) , California (around $54,654) , New Jersey (around $54,307) , Alaska (around $53,960) , and Massachusetts (around $53,911) .
District of Columbia $55,149
California $54,654
New Jersey $54,307
Alaska $53,960
Massachusetts $53,911

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.

The first career path typically progresses to Security Guard Team Leader.
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 Sioux City, IA?
A: In 2025 , the lowest-paid Security guards in Sioux City, IA earned an average annual salary of $39,119 , while the highest-paid made $50,119.
Q: What is the salary for a Security guards in California?
A: Security guards employed in California earned an average salary of $54,654 in 2025.

Average Security guards Pay vs. Other Jobs

Security guards earned an average salary of $44,050 in 2025. Other jobs related to Security guards earned the following average salary in March, 2025. Armed Security Guards made $42,501 , UNARMED SECURITY GUARDS WEEKLY PAY made $34,146 , Armed Guards and Security Supervisor made $44,050 and $66,004 respectively .

Relevant Jobs of Security guards

Armed Security Guards - Average Salary $42,501
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 $34,146
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 $44,050
There is currently no job description for Armed Guards, be the first to submit the job responsibilities for Armed Guards.
Security Supervisor - Average Salary $66,004
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 $35,401
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.