Security Guard Salary in Pennsylvania
Based on 44K+ workers in Pennsylvania
Median Annual Salary (PA)
$37,050
$17.81/hr
vs National Average
$39,375
-5.9% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$30K – $55K
44K employed in Pennsylvania
The median Security Guard salary in Pennsylvania is $37,050 per year, which translates to approximately $18 per hour. This figure is 5.9% lower than the national average for this profession, indicating a slightly lower earning potential within the state.
Several factors can influence the Security Guard salary in Pennsylvania. These include the specific location within the state, the type of employer (e.g., private security firm, government agency, or corporate client), years of experience, and any specialized certifications or skills held by the individual.
Salary Distribution — Security Guard in Pennsylvania
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $30,050 |
| 25th percentile | $34,570 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $37,050 |
| 75th percentile | $44,300 |
| 90th percentile | $54,830 |
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 Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Pennsylvania) |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $37,050 |
| 2026 (projected) | $38,162 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Pennsylvania Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $37,050 | $39,375 |
| 2026 (projected) | $38,162 | $40,556 |
Security Guard Salary by Experience Level in Pennsylvania
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $34,570 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $37,050 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $44,300 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $54,830 |
Security Guard Salary in Other States
Related Security Guard Salaries in Pennsylvania
How other high-demand occupations in Pennsylvania compare to Security Guard ($37,050 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Security Guard | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Police Officer in PA | $85,470 | +130.7% | $41.09/hr |
| Firefighter in PA | $73,460 | +98.3% | $35.32/hr |
| Receptionist in PA | $36,810 | -0.6% | $17.70/hr |
| Stocker and Order Filler in PA | $36,640 | -1.1% | $17.62/hr |
| Restaurant Cook in PA | $36,580 | -1.3% | $17.59/hr |
| Waiter and Waitress in PA | $34,690 | -6.4% | $16.68/hr |
| Pharmacy Technician in PA | $40,040 | +8.1% | $19.25/hr |
| Tutor in PA | $41,740 | +12.7% | $20.07/hr |
| Retail Salesperson in PA | $31,200 | -15.8% | $15.00/hr |
| Medical Assistant in PA | $43,920 | +18.5% | $21.12/hr |
| Nursing Assistant (CNA) in PA | $44,590 | +20.4% | $21.44/hr |
| Customer Service Representative in PA | $44,630 | +20.5% | $21.46/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the typical salary range for a Security Guard in Pennsylvania?
- The salary range for Security Guards in Pennsylvania typically falls between $30,050 and $54,830 annually. This wide range reflects differences in experience, location, and employer.
How does the Security Guard salary in Pennsylvania compare to the national average?
- On average, Security Guards in Pennsylvania earn 5.9% less than their counterparts nationwide. The median salary in Pennsylvania is $37,050, while the national median is higher.
Is $18 per hour a common wage for a Security Guard in Pennsylvania?
- Yes, $18 per hour is the approximate hourly equivalent of the median annual salary for Security Guards in Pennsylvania. This means many guards can expect to earn around this rate.
How many Security Guards are employed in Pennsylvania?
- Pennsylvania employs a significant number of Security Guards, with the total number of individuals in this role reaching 43,610. This indicates a robust job market for security professionals in the state.