Introducing the Latest Facts About Security Guard Salaries in the US
Here are the latest facts about security guard salaries across the United States, based on salaries and information compiled from recent statistics. The comparisons of salaries to identify the best states for salaries are based on the national average for security guard pay.
This national average of security guard salaries is currently $15.89/hour, or about $31,200/year (based on 10,000 salaries across the US). Entry level jobs start at $27,300/year while more experienced workers get up to $37,101/yr.
Presenting the Top 10 US STATES With the Highest Annual Salaries for Security Guards:
According to ZipRecruiter, here are the top 10 US states with the highest average security guard salaries:
- New York- $43,924/yr ($21.12/hr)
- Vermont- $43,168/yr ($20.75/hr)
- California- $42,397/yr ($20.38/hr)
- Maine- $41,173/yr ($19.80/hr)
- Idaho- $40,731/yr ($19.58/hr)
- Washington- $40,413/yr ($19.43/hr)
- Pennsylvania- $40,228/yr ($19.34/hr)
- Massachusetts- $39,735/yr ($19.10/hr)
- Alaska- $39,484/yr ($18.98/hr)
- New Jersey- $39,338/yr ($18.91/hr)
What They Don’t Tell You About Minimum Wage Changes Will Affect Security Guard Hourly Pay
Make note that there are minimum wage changes that are happening in many states that will impact security guard hourly pay data throughout 2024. For example, beginning Jan 1, 2024 the state of California increased its minimum wage for most employees to $16.00/hour. CA fast food workers’ minimum wage has already risen to $20 per hour, one of the highest in the nation.
Even the more essential CA security guard workers- whose roles ensure community safety- will undoubtedly be reevaluated in the light of these changes. Currently in CA though, security guard salaries still range between $15.48/hr to $18.94. Look for 2024 to bring more needed changes for California’s dedicated security guard professionals.
Like California, up to 25 states are revamping their minimum wages as well. The states of Nevada and Oregon are increasing minimum wages later in the year, effective on July 1, 2024. Florida is increasing their minimum wage on Sept 30, 2024. In addition to acknowledging other minimum wage workers, the growing recognition of the crucial role played by security guards will likely contribute to a boost in salaries. Increased wages would be a welcome relief for security guards that have ongoing costs of continuing training, licensing, and renewals.
Unlike the states that are raising minimum wages based on the cost of living increases, there are still 20 states whose wages continue to be dictated chiefly by the federal minimum wage of $7.25/hr, set in 2009. Salaries for security guards in these various states mirror these influences. As of October 2023 about 3 million workers (2% of the US workforce) earned less than $10/hr. Almost 18 million workers earned less than $15/hr. The federal minimum wage of $7.25/hr holds in Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, and Tennessee, since these 5 states have not adopted a state minimum wage. Georgia and Wyoming are the two states that have a minimum wage below the federal $7.25/hr.
To get an idea of the salary variations of security guard salaries from factors such as minimum wage laws, here is an additional list of the lowest-paying US states for security guard pay:
Here are the 10 lowest-paying US STATES for security guard pay:
- Florida- $29,250/yr ($14.06/hr)
- Michigan- $29,250/yr ($14.06/hr)
- Georgia- $29,250/yr ($14.06/hr)
- S. Carolina- $29,250/yr ($14.06/hr)
- Mississippi- $29,250/yr ($14.06/hr)
- Pennsylvania- $29,245/yr ($14.06/hr)
- Alabama- $28,275/yr ($13.59/hr)
- Arkansas- $27,300/yr ($13.13/hr)
- Louisiana- $27,300/yr ($13.13/hr)
- W. Virginia- $25,350/yr ($12.19/hr)
Guide to the Top CITIES for Security Guard Salaries
For a more in-depth analysis of optimal salary possibilities for your security guard job, here are the top 25 metropolitan areas in the United States. (A metro area is defined as an urbanized area with a population of 50,000 or more, usually a single large city along with geographically proximate cities). Hourly security guard salaries of each metro area are compared to the national average of $15.89/hr.
Security Guard Salaries in the 25 Leading Metropolitan Areas in the US
- NY, NY- Average salary is $18.84– $2.95/hr higher than the national average
- Los Angeles CA- Average salary is $18.54– $2.65/hr higher than the national average
- Chicago IL- Average salary is $14.50– $1.39/hr lower than the national average
- Dallas TX- Average salary is $15.70– $0.19/hr lower than the national average
- Houston TX- Average salary is $14.28– $1.61/hr lower than the national average
- Washington DC- Average salary is $19.75– $3.86/hr higher than the national average
- Philadelphia PA- Average salary is $16.03– $0.14/hr higher than the national average
- Atlanta GA- Average salary is $15.49– $0.40/hr lower than the national average
- Miami FL- Average salary is $15.88– $0.01/hr lower than the national average
- Phoenix AZ- Average salary is $18.55– $2.66/hr higher than the national average
- Boston MA- Average salary is $19.67– $3.78/hour higher than the national average
- Riverside CA- Average salary is $18.50– $2.61/hr higher than the national average
- San Francisco CA- Average salary is $22.66– $6.77/hr higher than the national average
- Detroit MI- Average salary is $15.23– $0.66 lower than the national average
- Seattle WA- Average salary is $22.19– $6.30/hr higher than the national average
- Minneapolis MN- Average salary is $18.57– $2.68/hr higher than the national average
- Tampa FL- Average salary is $15.54– $0.35/hr less than the national average
- San Diego CA- Average salary is $18.57– $2.68/hr higher than the national average
- Denver CO- Average salary is $20.14– $4.25 higher than the national average
- Baltimore MD- Average salary is $16.32– $0.43 higher than the national average
- St.Louis MO- Average salary is $16.67– $0.78/hr higher than the national average
- Orlando FL- Average salary is $16.25– $0.36/hr higher than the national average
- Charlotte NC- Average salary is $16.09– $0.20/hr higher than the national average
- San Antonio TX- Average salary is $15.11– $0.31/hr lower than the national average
- Portland OR- Average salary is $20.05– $4.15/hr higher than the national average
Beyond Regional Pay Variations: Maximize Your Salary Using These Factors
Certainly, there are numerous factors- beyond just salary- to consider when choosing where to build your security guard career. The more impacting factors you study, the more likely it is that you’ll get the most salary for your work skills.
- A strong job market is one key factor.
- The cost of living in different areas should be taken into account.
- Housing costs are a major expense to consider.
- Transportation and commuting situations play a role in any choice of where to work.
- Climate considerations and recreational/cultural options should be a factor in your choice.
- Social connections (whether you have family or social support in an area) should be incorporated into your decisions.
Additionally there are many sites that allow you to compare security guard salaries in any area. Recruiter.com, ZipRecruiter.com, Comparably.com, Indeed.com are just a few. These will familiarize you with specific security guard salaries of various companies in different areas as well.
More Ways to Earn Like a Pro
The previous salary comparisons are based on a standard security guard position. But there are also more salary variations in the security field. For example, security officer salaries are higher. According to ZipRecruiter the national average for a federal security officer job is $17/hr. A step up from a security guard position, security officers have added responsibilities that include overseeing operations, with additional training in crowd control, explosive device awareness, firearms, etc.
Higher average pay is also given to armed security guards. Armed guards in the US make more than unarmed guards- the average hourly pay for an armed security guard is $19.78/hr. The higher salaries of armed guards reflects their increased training. Another example is the more specialized role of a mall security guard. Their average salary is about $16.83/hr but with experience can go up to $18.33/hr. And those that are adequately trained and knowledgeable in the growing field of augmented security guards can command higher wages as well. Median salaries of $60,000 to $80,000/year at entry level for such security personnel who specialize in cybersecurity are now in high demand as cyber threats increase.
Certain industries can also be more lucrative for security careers than others as well. This is according to https://www.recruiter.com/salaries/security-guards-salary/.
There are more lucrative jobs for security personnel in:
- The Utilities sector (like surveillance of power plants or waste management centers) can pay as well as $53,510 annually.
- Finance and Insurance security jobs (like bodyguards or security operations managers) come in next at $48,840/yr.
- Administrative, Support and Waste Management Services (e.g. gaming surveillance officers) follow at $46,580 annually.
Security jobs within other industries such as Agriculture, Forestry, Retail Trade, The Arts, Food Services, or Mining traditionally earn less than these.
To summarize, how do you best maximize your security guard salary?
- Know the top-paying states that will recompense the most for your security services.
- Research which cities offer the highest salaries for security guards.
- Consider all factors and costs such as transportation, housing, weather, living expenses, recreation and social networks that impact your salary.
- Understand the most lucrative niches within the security services sector.
- Find the top-paying industries for your job services.
Together, all these factors will help you achieve the highest salary in your security guard career!
