Security Guard Salary in West Virginia
Based on 5K+ workers in West Virginia
Median Annual Salary (WV)
$28,800
$13.85/hr
vs National Average
$39,375
-26.9% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$21K – $47K
5K employed in West Virginia
The median Security Guard salary in West Virginia is $28,800 per year, which equates to approximately $14 per hour. This figure is significantly lower than the national average, falling 26.9% below it. Currently, there are around 5,200 individuals employed in this profession within the state.
Salary Distribution — Security Guard in West Virginia
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $20,800 |
| 25th percentile | $20,800 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $28,800 |
| 75th percentile | $35,990 |
| 90th percentile | $47,370 |
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 West Virginia 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 West Virginia vs National
| Year | Median Salary (West Virginia) |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $28,800 |
| 2026 (projected) | $29,664 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | West Virginia Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $28,800 | $39,375 |
| 2026 (projected) | $29,664 | $40,556 |
Security Guard Salary by Experience Level in West Virginia
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $20,800 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $28,800 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $35,990 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $47,370 |
Security Guard Salary in Other States
Related Security Guard Salaries in West Virginia
How other high-demand occupations in West Virginia compare to Security Guard ($28,800 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Security Guard | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Police Officer in WV | $56,960 | +97.8% | $27.38/hr |
| Firefighter in WV | $37,350 | +29.7% | $17.96/hr |
| Air Traffic Controller in WV | $28,670 | -0.5% | $13.78/hr |
| Retail Salesperson in WV | $28,950 | +0.5% | $13.92/hr |
| Home Health and Personal Care Aide in WV | $28,010 | -2.7% | $13.47/hr |
| Restaurant Cook in WV | $29,590 | +2.7% | $14.23/hr |
| Cashier in WV | $26,370 | -8.4% | $12.68/hr |
| Fast Food and Counter Worker in WV | $26,070 | -9.5% | $12.53/hr |
| Receptionist in WV | $31,920 | +10.8% | $15.35/hr |
| Stocker and Order Filler in WV | $34,510 | +19.8% | $16.59/hr |
| Waiter and Waitress in WV | $35,380 | +22.8% | $17.01/hr |
| Nursing Assistant (CNA) in WV | $36,720 | +27.5% | $17.65/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average hourly wage for a security guard in West Virginia?
- The median hourly wage for a Security Guard in West Virginia is $14. This means half of all security guards in the state earn less than this, and half earn more. The overall salary range can fall between $10 and $22.77 per hour.
How much do the highest-paid security guards make in West Virginia?
- The top 10% of security guards in West Virginia earn an annual salary of $47,370 or more. This represents the upper end of the salary spectrum for the profession within the state.
What is the typical salary range for a security guard in West Virginia?
- The salary range for a Security Guard in West Virginia typically falls between $20,800 and $47,370 per year. The median salary of $28,800 sits within this broad range.
How does the Security Guard salary in West Virginia compare to the national average?
- The Security Guard salary in West Virginia is 26.9% lower than the national average. This indicates that on average, security guards in West Virginia earn less than their counterparts across the United States.