Security Guard Salary in Ohio
Based on 34K+ workers in Ohio
Median Annual Salary (OH)
$35,770
$17.20/hr
vs National Average
$39,375
-9.2% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$29K – $55K
34K employed in Ohio
The median annual salary for a Security Guard in Ohio is $35,770, which translates to approximately $17 per hour. This figure is 9.2% lower than the national average for the profession. With over 34,000 individuals employed in this role across the state, it's a significant sector within Ohio's job market.
Several factors can influence the Security Guard salary in Ohio. These include years of experience, the specific employer, the location within Ohio, and any specialized certifications or additional responsibilities the guard holds. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the salary range, while experienced guards in high-demand areas could earn more.
Salary Distribution — Security Guard in Ohio
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $29,030 |
| 25th percentile | $31,140 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $35,770 |
| 75th percentile | $44,500 |
| 90th percentile | $55,440 |
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 Ohio 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 Ohio vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Ohio) |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $35,770 |
| 2026 (projected) | $36,843 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Ohio Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $35,770 | $39,375 |
| 2026 (projected) | $36,843 | $40,556 |
Security Guard Salary by Experience Level in Ohio
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $31,140 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $35,770 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $44,500 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $55,440 |
Security Guard Salary in Other States
Related Security Guard Salaries in Ohio
How other high-demand occupations in Ohio compare to Security Guard ($35,770 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Security Guard | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Police Officer in OH | $77,020 | +115.3% | $37.03/hr |
| Firefighter in OH | $59,370 | +66.0% | $28.54/hr |
| Receptionist in OH | $35,920 | +0.4% | $17.27/hr |
| Restaurant Cook in OH | $35,540 | -0.6% | $17.09/hr |
| Waiter and Waitress in OH | $36,700 | +2.6% | $17.64/hr |
| Home Health and Personal Care Aide in OH | $34,460 | -3.7% | $16.57/hr |
| Stocker and Order Filler in OH | $37,130 | +3.8% | $17.85/hr |
| Tutor in OH | $37,360 | +4.4% | $17.96/hr |
| Nursing Assistant (CNA) in OH | $39,010 | +9.1% | $18.75/hr |
| Pharmacy Technician in OH | $40,650 | +13.6% | $19.54/hr |
| Retail Salesperson in OH | $30,800 | -13.9% | $14.81/hr |
| Cashier in OH | $29,260 | -18.2% | $14.07/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the typical salary range for a Security Guard in Ohio?
- The salary range for Security Guards in Ohio generally falls between $29,030 and $55,440 annually. This means that while the median is $35,770, there's a considerable spread depending on various contributing factors.
How does the Security Guard salary in Ohio compare to the national average?
- On average, Security Guards in Ohio earn 9.2% less than their counterparts nationwide. The median Ohio salary of $35,770 is lower than the national median, indicating a regional difference in compensation for this role.
What is the hourly wage for a Security Guard in Ohio?
- When broken down hourly, the median pay for a Security Guard in Ohio is about $17 per hour. This aligns with the annual median of $35,770, providing a clearer picture of day-to-day earnings.
Is the Security Guard job market strong in Ohio?
- Yes, the market is substantial, with approximately 34,450 individuals employed as Security Guards in Ohio. This indicates a consistent demand for these services across various industries within the state.