Security Guard Salary in the United States
Based on 1.3M+ data points from BLS and H-1B filings
Median Annual Salary
$39,375
$18.93/hr
Salary Range
$31K – $59K
10th – 90th percentile
Total Employed
1.3M
workers nationwide
The median Security Guard salary in the United States is $39,375 per year, which translates to approximately $19 per hour. This figure reflects the earnings of a substantial workforce, with over 1.2 million individuals employed in this role nationwide. The typical salary range for security guards falls between $31,137 and $58,789 annually.
Several factors can influence a Security Guard salary in the United States. These include years of experience, the specific industry of employment, geographical location, and the level of responsibility associated with the position. For example, security guards in the District of Columbia earn significantly more, with a median salary of $64,210, compared to the national median.
Salary Distribution — Security Guard
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $31,137 |
| 25th percentile | $34,492 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $39,375 |
| 75th percentile | $46,429 |
| 90th percentile | $58,789 |
Security Guard Salary by State
Top 10 Highest-Paying States for Security Guard
| # | State | Median Salary | vs National | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | $64,210 | +63.1% | 16K |
| 2 | Alaska | $47,480 | +20.6% | 2K |
| 3 | Washington | $47,100 | +19.6% | 26K |
| 4 | Vermont | $45,550 | +15.7% | 930 |
| 5 | Oregon | $45,500 | +15.6% | 12K |
| 6 | New Hampshire | $45,200 | +14.8% | 2K |
| 7 | Colorado | $45,150 | +14.7% | 17K |
| 8 | Massachusetts | $44,670 | +13.4% | 24K |
| 9 | New York | $44,240 | +12.4% | 135K |
| 10 | Virginia | $43,640 | +10.8% | 35K |
Security Guard Salary by Industry
How much Security Guards earn across industries nationwide — Utilities pays the most ($66,720 median). Ranked by median annual salary (2025 BLS OEWS data).
| # | Industry | Median Salary | vs National | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Utilities | $66,720 | +69.4% | 5K |
| 2 | Finance and Insurance | $57,380 | +45.7% | 4K |
| 3 | Information | $47,900 | +21.7% | 3K |
| 4 | Management of Companies and Enterprises | $47,230 | +19.9% | 10K |
| 5 | Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $46,450 | +18.0% | 33K |
| 6 | Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | $46,080 | +17.0% | 14K |
| 7 | Construction | $45,900 | +16.6% | 2K |
| 8 | Health Care and Social Assistance | $44,920 | +14.1% | 76K |
| 9 | Real Estate and Rental and Leasing | $44,850 | +13.9% | 27K |
| 10 | Transportation and Warehousing | $44,370 | +12.7% | 13K |
| 11 | Educational Services | $44,250 | +12.4% | 83K |
| 12 | Manufacturing | $44,050 | +11.9% | 10K |
| 13 | Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction | $43,280 | +9.9% | 930 |
| 14 | Accommodation and Food Services | $37,730 | -4.2% | 60K |
| 15 | Wholesale Trade | $37,720 | -4.2% | 3K |
| 16 | Administrative and Support Services | $37,340 | -5.2% | 797K |
| 17 | Other Services (except Public Administration) | $37,050 | -5.9% | 14K |
| 18 | Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation | $37,030 | -6.0% | 57K |
| 19 | Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing and Hunting | $36,400 | -7.6% | 480 |
| 20 | Retail Trade | $35,640 | -9.5% | 70K |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures.
Historical Salary Trend — Security Guard
| Year | Median Salary (United States) |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $39,375 |
| 2026 (projected) | $40,556 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
Security Guard Salary by Experience Level
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $34,492 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $39,375 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $46,429 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $58,789 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for a Security Guard in the US?
- The median Security Guard salary in the United States is $39,375 per year. This means half of all security guards earn more, and half earn less.
What is the salary range for Security Guards?
- The salary range for Security Guards in the US typically falls between $31,137 and $58,789 annually. This wide range indicates significant variations in pay based on experience and location.
Which state pays Security Guards the most?
- The District of Columbia is the top-paying state for Security Guards, with an average salary of $64,210 per year. This is considerably higher than the national median of $39,375.
How many people are employed as Security Guards in the US?
- There are a substantial 1,283,480 individuals employed as Security Guards across the United States. This large number contributes to the national median salary of $39,375 annually.