According to Indeed, the average hourly wage for a security guard in the United States is $17.32, as of May 20, 2024. However, the salary can vary depending on experience, location, and employer.
Based on data from Glassdoor, the estimated total pay for a security guard in the United States is $42,589 per year, with an average salary of $39,962 per year. This estimate is based on salaries collected from users and represents the median, which is the midpoint of the ranges from their proprietary Total Pay Estimate model. The estimated additional pay is $2,627 per year.
According to Salary.com, the average security guard salary in the United States is $48,398 as of April 24, 2024. However, the salary range typically falls between $42,663 and $55,380. The salary range can vary depending on various factors such as education, certifications, additional skills, and the number of years spent in the profession.
Security guards are essential in ensuring the safety and security of people and property. They are responsible for monitoring and patrolling designated areas, protecting against theft and vandalism, and responding to emergencies. In return for their services, security guards receive compensation through wages and benefits.
In general, the salary of a security guard is influenced by various factors such as location, experience, and the type of employer. For instance, security guards working in urban areas may earn higher salaries than those working in rural areas due to the higher cost of living. Additionally, security guards with more experience and training may earn higher salaries than those who are just starting in the profession. Finally, security guards working for larger companies or in high-risk industries may earn more than those working for smaller companies or in low-risk environments.
Factors Influencing Salary
Security guard salaries can vary depending on a variety of factors such as experience, location, industry, employer size, education, and certifications. Here are some of the most important factors that can influence a security guard’s salary:
Experience and Location
One of the most significant factors that can impact a security guard’s salary is their level of experience. Entry-level security guards typically earn less than experienced security guards. For example, according to Salary.com, the average salary for a security guard in the United States is $48,398 as of April 24, 2024. However, the salary range typically falls between $42,663 and $55,380.
Location is another important factor that can influence a security guard’s salary. Security guards working in high-risk or dangerous environments may earn more than those working in low-risk environments. For example, security guards working in New York City may earn more than those working in smaller cities or towns.
Industry and Employer Size
The specific industry in which a security guard works can also impact their salary. Security guards working in industries such as healthcare, finance, and transportation may earn more than those working in retail or hospitality. Employer size can also play a role in determining a security guard’s salary. Larger employers may offer higher salaries than smaller employers.
Education and Certifications
Education and certifications can also impact a security guard’s salary. Security guards with advanced degrees or specialized training may earn more than those without. Certifications such as Certified Protection Professional (CPP) or Physical Security Professional (PSP) can also increase a security guard’s earning potential. However, it’s important to note that not all employers require certifications, and some may provide training on the job.
Average Salary by Region
The salary of a security guard varies depending on the region they work in. According to Salary.com, the average salary of a security guard in the United States is $48,398 as of April 24, 2024. However, the salary range typically falls between $42,663 and $55,380.
Here is a breakdown of the average salary of a security guard by region:
West Coast
The West Coast has the highest average salary for security guards according to Indeed. The average salary for a security guard in California is $19.12 per hour, which is 10% above the national average. In Washington, the average salary for a security guard is $18.91 per hour, which is 9% above the national average. In Oregon, the average salary for a security guard is $16.91 per hour, which is 2% above the national average.
East Coast
The East Coast has a slightly lower average salary for security guards compared to the West Coast. According to Glassdoor, the average salary for a security guard in New York is $38,000 per year, which is 5% below the national average. In Massachusetts, the average salary for a security guard is $36,000 per year, which is 9% below the national average. In Florida, the average salary for a security guard is $28,000 per year, which is 42% below the national average.
Midwest
The Midwest has the lowest average salary for security guards according to Payscale. In Illinois, the average salary for a security guard is $12.91 per hour, which is 25% below the national average. In Ohio, the average salary for a security guard is $12.36 per hour, which is 29% below the national average. In Michigan, the average salary for a security guard is $11.98 per hour, which is 32% below the national average.
Salary Trends and Projections
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, as of May 2024, the median annual wage for security guards is $32,190. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $22,860, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $53,780.
The 2022 Annual Guarding Report states that the guarding sector has faced challenges in hiring and retention like many other parts of the workforce, resulting at times in staffing shortages. This could lead to an increase in demand for security guards and, consequently, an increase in salaries.
Based on data from Willis Towers Watson, 96% of organizations increased salaries in 2023, and even though increases are expected to be down in 2024, they look to remain high.
The Zippia job outlook and growth for security guards in the US from 2018-2028 is projected to be 3%. About 38,000 new jobs for security guards are projected over the next decade.
Comparing Security Guard Salaries
Security guard salaries can vary depending on the position level. For example, a security officer typically earns a lower salary than a security supervisor. According to Salary.com, the average salary for a security guard is $48,398 as of April 24, 2024, but the salary range typically falls between $42,663 and $55,380.
A security officer, on the other hand, earns an average salary of $29,000 per year, according to Indeed. However, with experience and training, a security officer can advance to a higher position level and earn a higher salary.
Security guard salaries can also be compared to other security professions. For example, according to US News Best Jobs, security guards earned an average salary of $36,700 in 2022. This is lower than the average salary of information security analysts, who made $119,860 in 2022.
Security guards typically require less education and training than information security analysts. security guards may have more opportunities for overtime pay and bonuses, which can increase their overall earnings.