Security Guard Salary in California
Based on 199K+ workers in California
Median Annual Salary (CA)
$43,240
$20.79/hr
vs National Average
$39,375
+9.8% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$36K – $58K
199K employed in California
The median Security Guard salary in California is $43,240 per year, which equates to approximately $21 per hour. This figure is notably higher than the national average, indicating a strong demand for security professionals within the state. California's protective services sector offers competitive compensation for these essential roles.
Several factors can influence a Security Guard salary in California. Experience level is a significant determinant, with more seasoned professionals often earning towards the higher end of the salary range. Location within California, employer type (e.g., private security firm vs. in-house), and specialized certifications can also impact earning potential, generally falling between $36,010 and $57,880 annually.
Salary Distribution — Security Guard in California
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $36,010 |
| 25th percentile | $37,180 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $43,240 |
| 75th percentile | $46,760 |
| 90th percentile | $57,880 |
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 California 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 California vs National
| Year | Median Salary (California) |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $43,240 |
| 2026 (projected) | $44,537 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | California Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $43,240 | $39,375 |
| 2026 (projected) | $44,537 | $40,556 |
Security Guard Salary by Experience Level in California
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $37,180 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $43,240 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $46,760 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $57,880 |
Security Guard Salary in Other States
Related Security Guard Salaries in California
How other high-demand occupations in California compare to Security Guard ($43,240 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Security Guard | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Police Officer in CA | $118,880 | +174.9% | $57.15/hr |
| Firefighter in CA | $85,120 | +96.9% | $40.92/hr |
| Stocker and Order Filler in CA | $42,870 | -0.9% | $20.61/hr |
| Receptionist in CA | $44,100 | +2.0% | $21.20/hr |
| Fast Food and Counter Worker in CA | $42,280 | -2.2% | $20.33/hr |
| Rehabilitation Counselor in CA | $44,480 | +2.9% | $21.38/hr |
| Restaurant Cook in CA | $44,880 | +3.8% | $21.58/hr |
| Nursing Assistant (CNA) in CA | $47,630 | +10.2% | $22.90/hr |
| Retail Salesperson in CA | $38,440 | -11.1% | $18.48/hr |
| Cashier in CA | $37,100 | -14.2% | $17.84/hr |
| Customer Service Representative in CA | $49,560 | +14.6% | $23.83/hr |
| Tutor in CA | $49,570 | +14.6% | $23.83/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average annual salary for a Security Guard in California?
- The median Security Guard salary in California is $43,240 per year. This means half of all Security Guards in the state earn more than this amount, and half earn less.
How does the Security Guard salary in California compare to the national average?
- Security Guards in California earn approximately 9.8% more than the national average. This suggests stronger market demand and potentially higher living costs influencing pay in the state.
What is the typical salary range for a Security Guard in California?
- The salary range for a Security Guard in California generally falls between $36,010 and $57,880 per year. Those at the lower end may be entry-level, while those at the higher end likely have more experience or specialized skills.
How many Security Guards are employed in California?
- There are a substantial number of Security Guards employed in California, with the total figure reaching 199,480. This indicates a robust job market for individuals in this profession within the state.