Security guards play a vital role in keeping our communities safe. But what about their own well-being? This article dives into the world of security guard salaries, exploring how location, experience, and other factors can impact their earnings. We’ll explore average salaries in different regions, uncover surprising salary trends, and equip you with the knowledge to understand what security guards are worth. So, whether you’re a security guard curious about your earning potential, or someone considering a career in this essential field, this article is for you!
Security Guard Salaries
Security guards play a crucial role in protecting people, property, and assets. They are responsible for monitoring and patrolling premises to prevent theft, vandalism, and other criminal activities. As such, they are in high demand across various industries, including healthcare, retail, and hospitality.
The average hourly salary for a security guard in the United States is $17.32, with the lowest salary at $12.95 and the highest salary at $23.17. However, the salary range can vary depending on several factors, including location, experience, and industry.
Hawaii has the highest security guard salary of $42,908, while Louisiana has the lowest security guard salary of $23,482. The national average salary for security guards is $31,983, with an hourly pay of $15.38.
According to ZipRecruiter, as of May 14, 2024, the average hourly pay for a security guard in the United States is $19.03, with the majority of wages ranging between $15.38 to $18.75. On the other hand, Glassdoor estimates that the total pay for a security guard is $44,227 per year, with an average salary of $40,315 per year.
The salary range can vary significantly depending on the location. For instance, security guards in New York City and San Francisco earn higher salaries than those in smaller cities and towns. Additionally, security guards working in high-risk areas, such as airports and government buildings, may earn more than those working in low-risk areas.
Security Guard Salary by Country
1. United States
In the United States, the average salary for a security guard is $37,242 per year, according to Salary.com. However, the salary range can vary widely depending on education, certifications, additional skills, and the number of years spent in the profession. Some states have higher average salaries than others, with armed security guards typically earning more than unarmed guards.
2. Canada
In Canada, the average salary for a security guard is around $15 per hour, according to Indeed. However, this can vary depending on the province and the specific job duties. For example, security guards working in Ontario may earn more than those in other provinces due to higher demand.
3.United Kingdom
In the United Kingdom, the average salary for a security guard is £8.75 per hour, according to Totaljobs. However, this can vary depending on the specific job duties, location, and experience. Security guards working in London may earn more than those in other parts of the UK due to the higher cost of living.
4. Australia
In Australia, the average salary for a security guard is around $27 per hour, according to Seek. However, this can vary depending on the specific job duties, location, and experience. Security guards working in Sydney may earn more than those in other parts of Australia due to the higher cost of living.
Influencing Factors for Salaries
Experience Level
Experience plays a vital role in determining a security guard’s salary. Generally, the more experience a security guard has, the higher the salary they can command. Experienced security guards can expect to earn a higher salary than those who are just starting in the industry. According to Treadstone Protection, specialized roles such as armed security guards or executive protection often command higher wages.
Education and Certifications
Education and certifications can also affect a security guard’s salary. Attaining higher education degrees or certifications can increase a security guard’s value in the job market and lead to higher salaries. The Bureau of Labor Statistics states that security guards with additional training or education, such as a degree in criminal justice or law enforcement, can expect to earn higher salaries.
Industry
The industry where a security guard works can also impact their salary. Different industries have different demands for security guards, and some industries may require more specialized skills than others. For example, security guards working in hospitals or casinos may require additional training and certifications, which can lead to higher salaries. According to Salary.com, the top-paying industries for security guards are aerospace and defense, scientific research and development services, and computer systems design services.
Comparison by City within a Country
When it comes to the salary of security guards, it’s essential to consider the location. The cost of living, demand, and other factors vary from city to city, which affects the salary of security guards. In this section, we will compare the average salary of security guards in major cities in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia.
Major Cities in the United States
According to Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average hourly wage for security guards in the United States is $15.41. However, the salary varies significantly depending on the city. In New York, the average hourly wage for security guards is $18.49, while in Los Angeles, it’s $16.11. In Chicago, the average hourly wage is $14.63, and in Houston, it’s $12.95.
Major Cities in Canada
In Canada, the average hourly wage for security guards is $15.24, according to PayScale. However, the salary varies depending on the city. In Toronto, the average hourly wage for security guards is $15.47, while in Vancouver, it’s $15.13. In Montreal, the average hourly wage is $14.91, and in Calgary, it’s $16.13.
Major Cities in the United Kingdom
In the United Kingdom, the average hourly wage for security guards is £8.27, according to PayScale. However, the salary varies depending on the city. In London, the average hourly wage for security guards is £9.11, while in Manchester, it’s £8.16. In Glasgow, the average hourly wage is £7.92, and in Birmingham, it’s £8.03.
Major Cities in Australia
In Australia, the average hourly wage for security guards is AU$24.06, according to PayScale. However, the salary varies depending on the city. In Sydney, the average hourly wage for security guards is AU$24.34, while in Melbourne, it’s AU$22.99. In Brisbane, the average hourly wage is AU$22.97, and in Perth, it’s AU$25.11.
It’s important to note that the salary of security guards also depends on factors such as experience, education, and certifications. However, the location plays a significant role in determining the salary of security guards.
Trends and Predictions in Security Guard Salaries
As the demand for security guards continues to grow, so does the salary. The average security guard salary in the United States is $31,983 per year, with the hourly rate at $15.38. However, the salary can vary depending on a few factors such as location, education, and experience.
One trend that has been observed is that security guard salaries tend to be higher in areas with a higher cost of living. For example, Hawaii has the highest security guard salary of $42,908 per year, while Louisiana has the lowest salary of $23,482 per year. This trend is likely to continue as the cost of living in certain areas continues to rise.
Another trend that has been observed is that security guard salaries tend to increase with experience. As security guards gain more experience, they become more valuable to their employers, which leads to higher salaries. However, this trend is not as significant as the cost of living trend, and the increase in salary with experience tends to plateau after a certain point.
In terms of predictions, it is expected that the demand for security guards will continue to grow, which will lead to an increase in salaries. This is due to the increasing need for security in various industries such as healthcare, education, and retail. Additionally, the increasing threat of cyber attacks and terrorism has led to an increased need for security guards with specialized skills, which will likely lead to higher salaries for those with the necessary expertise.