Security Guard Salary in Alabama
Based on 15K+ workers in Alabama
Median Annual Salary (AL)
$33,720
$16.21/hr
vs National Average
$39,375
-14.4% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$23K – $46K
15K employed in Alabama
The median Security Guard salary in Alabama is $33,720 per year, which translates to about $16 per hour. This figure is 14.4% lower than the national average for this profession. Currently, there are approximately 15,210 security guards employed in Alabama, indicating a consistent demand for these services across the state.
Several factors can influence the Security Guard salary in Alabama. These include the guard's level of experience, the specific employer, the industry they work in, and the geographic location within Alabama. Additionally, any specialized training or certifications a security guard possesses can positively impact their earning potential.
Salary Distribution — Security Guard in Alabama
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $23,110 |
| 25th percentile | $28,060 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $33,720 |
| 75th percentile | $37,420 |
| 90th percentile | $45,640 |
Top-Paying Industries for Security Guard (U.S.)
Which industries pay Security Guards the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Security Guards in Alabama tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Utilities | $66,720 | 5K |
| Finance and Insurance | $57,380 | 4K |
| Information | $47,900 | 3K |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $47,230 | 10K |
| Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $46,450 | 33K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Security Guard in Alabama vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Alabama) |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $33,720 |
| 2026 (projected) | $34,732 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Alabama Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $33,720 | $39,375 |
| 2026 (projected) | $34,732 | $40,556 |
Security Guard Salary by Experience Level in Alabama
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $28,060 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $33,720 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $37,420 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $45,640 |
Security Guard Salary in Other States
Related Security Guard Salaries in Alabama
How other high-demand occupations in Alabama compare to Security Guard ($33,720 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Security Guard | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Police Officer in AL | $51,270 | +52.0% | $24.65/hr |
| Firefighter in AL | $47,600 | +41.2% | $22.88/hr |
| Nursing Assistant (CNA) in AL | $34,140 | +1.2% | $16.41/hr |
| Stocker and Order Filler in AL | $34,290 | +1.7% | $16.49/hr |
| Receptionist in AL | $32,590 | -3.4% | $15.67/hr |
| Restaurant Cook in AL | $32,180 | -4.6% | $15.47/hr |
| Medical Assistant in AL | $36,100 | +7.1% | $17.36/hr |
| Construction Laborer in AL | $36,900 | +9.4% | $17.74/hr |
| Retail Salesperson in AL | $30,040 | -10.9% | $14.44/hr |
| Customer Service Representative in AL | $38,400 | +13.9% | $18.46/hr |
| Tutor in AL | $38,430 | +14.0% | $18.48/hr |
| Pharmacy Technician in AL | $39,030 | +15.7% | $18.76/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the typical salary range for a Security Guard in Alabama?
- The salary range for a Security Guard in Alabama typically falls between $23,110 and $45,640 annually. This means that while the median is $33,720, individual earnings can vary significantly based on several contributing factors.
How does the Security Guard salary in Alabama compare to the national average?
- Security Guards in Alabama earn, on average, 14.4% less than their counterparts across the United States. The median salary of $33,720 in Alabama is noticeably lower than the national median.
What is the hourly wage for a Security Guard in Alabama?
- For a Security Guard in Alabama, the median hourly wage is approximately $16 per hour. This is derived from the annual median salary of $33,720.
Is the demand for Security Guards high in Alabama?
- Yes, there are a considerable number of Security Guards employed in Alabama, with a total of 15,210 individuals in the role. This suggests a steady employment landscape for those in this profession within the state.