Average Security Guard Salary: $37,356 (2026)

The average security guard salary across all U.S. metropolitan areas is $37,356 per year as of 2026. This is based on official Bureau of Labor Statistics data covering 50 metro areas. Salaries range from $31,858 in Birmingham, AL to $52,005 in San Jose, CA.

The average hourly rate for security guards is $17.96 per hour, based on a standard 2,080-hour work year. Hourly rates vary by location, ranging from $15.32/hour in lower-paying areas to $25.00/hour in top-paying cities like San Jose.

San Jose, CA is the highest paying metro area for security guards, with a median salary of $52,005 per year. This is 39% above the national average of $37,356. Other high-paying areas typically include major tech hubs and cities with high costs of living.

Entry-level security guards (10th percentile) typically earn around $24,324 per year nationally. Starting salaries depend on education, certifications, location, and industry. Most entry-level professionals can expect to reach the median salary of $37,356 within 3-5 years of career growth.

The average security guard salary of $37,356 is 37% lower than the typical U.S. worker salary of approximately $59,228. Top earners in this profession (90th percentile) can make $54,330 or more annually.

Birmingham, AL has the lowest security guard salary at $31,858 per year. However, lower salaries often correlate with lower costs of living, which can result in similar purchasing power. The salary difference between the highest and lowest paying areas is $20,147.

There are approximately 59,747 security guards employed across the 50 metropolitan areas tracked by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This represents a substantial job market with opportunities in protective services industries nationwide.

The biggest factors affecting security guard salary include: geographic location (salaries vary by up to $20,147 across cities), years of experience, industry sector, Armed vs. unarmed status — armed security officers typically earn $6,000–$15,000 more annually than unarmed guards at comparable facilities; firearms certification and licensing are required, Client sector — federal contract security officers (protecting government buildings under Federal Protective Service contracts), hospital security, and data center security pay above retail and residential guard positions. Metropolitan areas with high industry demand and cost of living typically pay more.

In-demand skills that boost security guard salaries include: Patrol techniques — systematic coverage of assigned areas; understanding deterrence theory and recognizing indicators of pre-incident behavior through CPTED (Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design) principles, Access control systems — operating electronic badge access systems, visitor management software, and vehicle gate controls; understanding facility access hierarchy, Surveillance and CCTV monitoring — operating multi-camera video management systems; recognizing behavioral anomalies in live and recorded footage; preserving evidence for law enforcement, Report writing — producing clear, factual incident reports that accurately describe events in chronological order without opinion or inference; critical for legal proceedings, De-escalation and conflict resolution — using verbal communication, active listening, and calm presence to defuse confrontations without physical force. Armed vs. unarmed status — armed security officers typically earn $6,000–$15,000 more annually than unarmed guards at comparable facilities; firearms certification and licensing are required Developing specialized expertise can help you reach the top 25% of earners ($46,180).

Security Guard salaries have generally kept pace with inflation, with the current average of $37,356 reflecting 2026 Bureau of Labor Statistics data. The job outlook is positive, which typically supports continued salary growth. Professionals who develop in-demand skills and pursue certifications tend to see above-average salary increases.