Security Guard Salary in Tennessee
Based on 28K+ workers in Tennessee
Median Annual Salary (TN)
$36,000
$17.31/hr
vs National Average
$39,375
-8.6% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$29K – $52K
28K employed in Tennessee
The median Security Guard salary in Tennessee is $36,000 annually, which translates to approximately $17 per hour. This figure is 8.6% lower than the national average for this profession. With over 27,000 individuals employed in this role across the state, it represents a significant sector of the Tennessee workforce.
Several factors can influence the Security Guard salary in Tennessee. Experience level plays a crucial role, as does the specific employer and their location within the state. Specialized security certifications or additional responsibilities can also lead to higher earnings, impacting the overall salary range which spans from $29,310 to $51,680.
Salary Distribution — Security Guard in Tennessee
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $29,310 |
| 25th percentile | $30,850 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $36,000 |
| 75th percentile | $40,620 |
| 90th percentile | $51,680 |
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 Tennessee 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 Tennessee vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Tennessee) |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $36,000 |
| 2026 (projected) | $37,080 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Tennessee Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $36,000 | $39,375 |
| 2026 (projected) | $37,080 | $40,556 |
Security Guard Salary by Experience Level in Tennessee
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $30,850 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $36,000 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $40,620 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $51,680 |
Security Guard Salary in Other States
Related Security Guard Salaries in Tennessee
How other high-demand occupations in Tennessee compare to Security Guard ($36,000 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Security Guard | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Police Officer in TN | $59,280 | +64.7% | $28.50/hr |
| Firefighter in TN | $49,300 | +36.9% | $23.70/hr |
| Stocker and Order Filler in TN | $36,140 | +0.4% | $17.38/hr |
| Restaurant Cook in TN | $36,420 | +1.2% | $17.51/hr |
| Receptionist in TN | $34,910 | -3.0% | $16.78/hr |
| Nursing Assistant (CNA) in TN | $37,990 | +5.5% | $18.26/hr |
| Tutor in TN | $38,730 | +7.6% | $18.62/hr |
| Medical Assistant in TN | $39,570 | +9.9% | $19.02/hr |
| Home Health and Personal Care Aide in TN | $32,130 | -10.8% | $15.45/hr |
| Retail Salesperson in TN | $31,950 | -11.3% | $15.36/hr |
| Air Traffic Controller in TN | $40,180 | +11.6% | $19.32/hr |
| Pharmacy Technician in TN | $41,920 | +16.4% | $20.15/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Security Guard salary in Tennessee?
- The median Security Guard salary in Tennessee is $36,000 per year, or about $17 per hour. This median reflects the midpoint of earnings for security guards statewide.
What is the typical salary range for a Security Guard in Tennessee?
- In Tennessee, Security Guard salaries generally fall between $29,310 and $51,680 annually. This range indicates the lowest and highest earners within the profession.
How does the Security Guard salary in Tennessee compare to the national average?
- Security Guard salaries in Tennessee are lower than the national average, by approximately 8.6%. This means the median Tennessee salary of $36,000 is less than what guards typically earn across the United States.
How many Security Guards are employed in Tennessee?
- There are an estimated 27,690 Security Guards employed in Tennessee. This substantial number highlights the demand for security services within the state.