Security Guard Salary in New York
Based on 135K+ workers in New York
Median Annual Salary (NY)
$44,240
$21.27/hr
vs National Average
$39,375
+12.4% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$36K – $61K
135K employed in New York
The median Security Guard salary in New York is $44,240 per year, which translates to approximately $21 per hour. This figure is 12.4% higher than the national average for this profession. New York employs a significant number of security guards, with a total of 134,700 individuals working in this field across the state.
Several factors can influence the Security Guard salary in New York. These include the specific location within the state, the size and type of employer, and the level of experience and specialized skills an individual possesses. For instance, guards working in higher-cost urban areas or for corporate clients may command higher wages within the $35,650 to $60,580 range.
Salary Distribution — Security Guard in New York
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $35,650 |
| 25th percentile | $37,210 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $44,240 |
| 75th percentile | $51,850 |
| 90th percentile | $60,580 |
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 New York 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 New York vs National
| Year | Median Salary (New York) |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $44,240 |
| 2026 (projected) | $45,567 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | New York Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $44,240 | $39,375 |
| 2026 (projected) | $45,567 | $40,556 |
Security Guard Salary by Experience Level in New York
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $37,210 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $44,240 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $51,850 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $60,580 |
Security Guard Salary in Other States
Related Security Guard Salaries in New York
How other high-demand occupations in New York compare to Security Guard ($44,240 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Security Guard | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Firefighter in NY | $100,960 | +128.2% | $48.54/hr |
| Police Officer in NY | $92,790 | +109.7% | $44.61/hr |
| Pharmacy Technician in NY | $43,930 | -0.7% | $21.12/hr |
| Restaurant Cook in NY | $43,680 | -1.3% | $21.00/hr |
| Receptionist in NY | $43,080 | -2.6% | $20.71/hr |
| Air Traffic Controller in NY | $42,000 | -5.1% | $20.19/hr |
| Waiter and Waitress in NY | $47,020 | +6.3% | $22.61/hr |
| Rehabilitation Counselor in NY | $47,960 | +8.4% | $23.06/hr |
| Medical Assistant in NY | $48,000 | +8.5% | $23.08/hr |
| Customer Service Representative in NY | $48,000 | +8.5% | $23.08/hr |
| Dental Assistant in NY | $48,110 | +8.7% | $23.13/hr |
| Nursing Assistant (CNA) in NY | $48,590 | +9.8% | $23.36/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the typical salary range for a Security Guard in New York?
- The salary range for a Security Guard in New York typically falls between $35,650 and $60,580 annually. The median annual salary is $44,240, offering a good benchmark for expected earnings.
How does the Security Guard salary in New York compare to the national average?
- Security Guard salaries in New York are notably higher than the national average, by approximately 12.4%. This means that professionals in New York can expect to earn more, with a median of $44,240 compared to the national median.
What is the hourly pay for a Security Guard in New York?
- Based on the median annual salary of $44,240, security guards in New York can expect to earn around $21 per hour. This hourly rate aligns with the overall strong compensation for the role in the state.
How many Security Guards are employed in New York?
- New York has a substantial workforce of security guards, with a total of 134,700 individuals employed in this profession. This indicates a robust demand for security services throughout the state.