How Much Does a Private Security Guard Make in the United States ? (2026 Salary Guide)

Private Security Guard Salary in the United States

As of January 01, 2026, the average annual salary for Private Security Guard in the US is $53,712, equivalent to $26 per hour, $1,033 weekly, or $4,476 monthly. These figures, sourced from Salary.com’s real-time job posting scans, highlight competitive earning potential for Private Security Guard in cities like Santa Clara, San Jose, and Fremont.

Annually Salaries for Private Security Guard in the US vary widely, spanning from $47,318 to $64,100. Most professionals fall between the 25th percentile ($50,365) and 75th percentile ($59,149), while top earners (90th percentile) make $64,100 per year. This $8,784 pay gap underscores opportunities for salary growth through certifications, specialized skills like Customer Service or First Aid, or targeting high-paying regions like District of Columbia or California.

Location and experience significantly influence earnings. For example, District of Columbia Private Security Guard often earn 10.7% above national averages due to demand from Fortune 13 companies and industry startups. Professionals are advised to focus on high-growth sectors like to offset market challenges.

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Private Security Guard Salaries by Percentile
Percentile Salary Location Last Updated
10th Percentile Private Security Guard Salary $47,318 US January 01, 2026
25th Percentile Private Security Guard Salary $50,365 US January 01, 2026
50th Percentile Private Security Guard Salary $53,712 US January 01, 2026
75th Percentile Private Security Guard Salary $59,149 US January 01, 2026
90th Percentile Private Security Guard Salary $64,100 US January 01, 2026
25% $50,365 10% $47,318 90% $64,100 75% $59,149 $53,712 50%(Median) Didn’t find job title? Click
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Licensed Security Guard

Andy Frain Services - VIRGINIA BEACH, VA

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Andy Frain Services - CHESAPEAKE, VA

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What is a Private Security Guard ?

A security guard (also known as a security inspector or protective agent) is a person employed by a public or private party to protect the employing party's assets (property, people, equipment, money, etc.) from a variety of hazards (such as waste, damaged property, unsafe worker behavior, criminal activity such as theft, etc.) by enforcing preventative measures. Security guards do this by maintaining a high-visibility presence to deter illegal and inappropriate actions, looking (either directly, through patrols, or indirectly, by monitoring alarm systems or video surveillance cameras) for si...

Source: Wikipedia (as of 04/18/2019). Read more from Wikipedia

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Career Path for this job

  1. Down a level:

    Security Guard - Unarmed

    0 - 1 years experience
    High School Diploma or Technical Certificate

  2. This Job:

    Private Security Guard

    3 - 5 years experience
    High School Diploma or Technical Certificate

  3. Up a level:

    Security Guard Team Leader

    3 + years experience
    High School Diploma or Technical Certificate

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Understand the total compensation opportunity for a Private Security Guard, base salary plus other pay elements

Average Base Salary

Core compensation

 
 
 
50365
59149
53712

Average Total Cash Compensation

Includes base and annual incentives

 
 
 
51582
66857
58258
These charts show the average base salary (core compensation), as well as the average total cash compensation for the job of Private Security Guard in the United States. The base salary for Private Security Guard ranges from $50,365 to $59,149 with the average base salary of $53,712. The total cash compensation, which includes base, and annual incentives, can vary anywhere from $51,582 to $66,857 with the average total cash compensation of $58,258.

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50365
59149

 

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