Security Guard Salary in Georgia
Based on 36K+ workers in Georgia
Median Annual Salary (GA)
$34,980
$16.82/hr
vs National Average
$39,375
-11.2% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$29K – $49K
36K employed in Georgia
The median Security Guard salary in Georgia is $34,980 annually, which equates to approximately $17 per hour. This figure is 11.2% lower than the national average, reflecting regional economic factors and the overall demand for security personnel within the state. Currently, over 36,000 individuals are employed in this role across Georgia.
Several factors can influence an individual's Security Guard salary in Georgia. Experience levels, specific certifications, the employer's size and industry, and the geographic location within Georgia all play a significant role. Those with specialized skills or working in high-risk environments may see their earnings fall at the higher end of the reported range.
Salary Distribution — Security Guard in Georgia
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $29,060 |
| 25th percentile | $30,920 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $34,980 |
| 75th percentile | $39,060 |
| 90th percentile | $48,590 |
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 Georgia 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 Georgia vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Georgia) |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $34,980 |
| 2026 (projected) | $36,029 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Georgia Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $34,980 | $39,375 |
| 2026 (projected) | $36,029 | $40,556 |
Security Guard Salary by Experience Level in Georgia
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $30,920 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $34,980 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $39,060 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $48,590 |
Security Guard Salary in Other States
Related Security Guard Salaries in Georgia
How other high-demand occupations in Georgia compare to Security Guard ($34,980 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Security Guard | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Police Officer in GA | $58,120 | +66.2% | $27.94/hr |
| Firefighter in GA | $46,550 | +33.1% | $22.38/hr |
| Stocker and Order Filler in GA | $35,620 | +1.8% | $17.13/hr |
| Restaurant Cook in GA | $35,940 | +2.7% | $17.28/hr |
| Receptionist in GA | $36,100 | +3.2% | $17.36/hr |
| Nursing Assistant (CNA) in GA | $37,680 | +7.7% | $18.12/hr |
| Construction Laborer in GA | $38,990 | +11.5% | $18.75/hr |
| Retail Salesperson in GA | $30,840 | -11.8% | $14.83/hr |
| Customer Service Representative in GA | $39,630 | +13.3% | $19.05/hr |
| Home Health and Personal Care Aide in GA | $29,270 | -16.3% | $14.07/hr |
| Cashier in GA | $29,070 | -16.9% | $13.98/hr |
| Medical Assistant in GA | $41,600 | +18.9% | $20.00/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the typical salary range for a Security Guard in Georgia?
- The salary range for a Security Guard in Georgia typically falls between $29,060 and $48,590 per year. This means that while the median is $34,980, some guards earn less, and others earn considerably more.
How does the average Security Guard pay in Georgia compare to the national average?
- Security Guard salaries in Georgia are below the national average. On average, Georgia-based security guards earn 11.2% less than their counterparts across the United States.
What is the hourly wage for a Security Guard in Georgia?
- Based on the median annual salary of $34,980, a Security Guard in Georgia typically earns around $17 per hour. This hourly rate can fluctuate depending on the factors mentioned previously.
How many Security Guards are employed in Georgia?
- As of the latest data, there are approximately 36,210 Security Guards employed throughout the state of Georgia. This indicates a substantial presence of security professionals in the state's workforce.