Position
Salary

How much does a Security Guard make?

The average salary for a Security Guard is $37,743 per year in the US.

A career as a security guard can be both rewarding and financially stable. The average yearly salary for a security guard is about $37,743. This figure can help job seekers understand what they might earn if they pursue this path.

The salaries for security guards span a broad range. The lowest 10% earn around $26,000 a year, while the highest 10% can make up to $59,160. This range shows that there are opportunities for advancement and higher pay with experience and additional qualifications. Factors such as location, employer, and specific job duties can also influence earnings.

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What are the highest paying cities for a Security Guard?

For job seekers looking to enter the security guard field, San Francisco offers the highest average salary, making it an attractive city for these roles. People in Seattle and Washington, D.C., also enjoy competitive pay, positioning these cities as great choices for security professionals. Candidates should consider these locations for better earnings potential in their career.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Security Guard jobs, highlighting San Francisco, CA with the highest at $51,403 and Eugene, OR with the lowest at $43,818.
  1. San Francisco, CA
    Average Salary: $51,403
    In San Francisco, individuals can find roles with major tech firms. Companies like Google and Salesforce offer security positions. These jobs often come with benefits and chances for growth.
    Find Security Guard jobs in San Francisco, CA


  2. Seattle, WA
    Average Salary: $47,247
    Seattle presents great options for those seeking a role in a thriving tech hub. Major employers such as Amazon and Microsoft often have openings. These positions typically offer good benefits and career advancement.
    Find Security Guard jobs in Seattle, WA


  3. Washington, DC
    Average Salary: $47,233
    Working in Washington, DC means access to federal buildings and important institutions. Positions here can offer stable employment with good benefits. Major employers include the U.S. Department of Defense and various embassies.
    Find Security Guard jobs in Washington, DC


  4. San Jose, CA
    Average Salary: $46,498
    San Jose offers a vibrant job market for those in the tech industry. Companies like Apple and Intel often have openings. These roles typically provide a competitive salary and opportunities for growth.
    Find Security Guard jobs in San Jose, CA


  5. Santa Rosa, CA
    Average Salary: $45,739
    Santa Rosa provides a relaxed environment with many opportunities in healthcare and agriculture. Positions here often offer a good work-life balance. Companies like Sutter Health and Safeway often have openings.
    Find Security Guard jobs in Santa Rosa, CA


  6. Boston, MA
    Average Salary: $45,646
    Boston is home to many historic institutions and modern businesses. Companies such as Harvard and Massachusetts General Hospital often seek security personnel. These jobs usually offer strong benefits and a chance for advancement.
    Find Security Guard jobs in Boston, MA


  7. Vallejo, CA
    Average Salary: $44,849
    Vallejo offers a mix of opportunities near the bay area. Companies like the U.S. Navy and various local businesses often have openings. These positions often come with good benefits and potential for career growth.
    Find Security Guard jobs in Vallejo, CA


  8. Portland, OR
    Average Salary: $44,139
    Portland offers a unique blend of urban and natural environments. Employers like Nike and various local startups often have security roles. These positions often come with good benefits and a positive work culture.
    Find Security Guard jobs in Portland, OR


  9. Boulder, CO
    Average Salary: $43,873
    Boulder provides a healthy and active lifestyle with opportunities in tech and education. Companies like Google and the University of Colorado often have openings. These roles usually offer good benefits and a chance for career advancement.
    Find Security Guard jobs in Boulder, CO


  10. Eugene, OR
    Average Salary: $43,818
    Eugene offers a vibrant community with a mix of education and tech. Companies like Amazon Web Services and the University of Oregon often have security roles. These positions usually provide good benefits and a stable work environment.
    Find Security Guard jobs in Eugene, OR

What are the best companies a Security Guard can work for?

Mid-Hudson Security Consultants stands out for paying security guards the highest average salary at $76,036. Sonesta and DDCues LLC follow closely, offering competitive wages of $69,776 and $66,386 respectively. Other notable employers include Security Services Northwest and Diamond Touch Security, which provide salaries above the industry average.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Security Guard jobs, highlighting Mid-Hudson Security Consultants with the highest at $76,036 and Asset Protection and Security with the lowest at $57,298.
  1. Mid-Hudson Security Consultants
    Average Salary: $76,036
    Mid-Hudson Security Consultants offers high-paying jobs for security guards. They protect businesses and events in the Mid-Hudson region. They have offices in Poughkeepsie and nearby areas.


  2. Sonesta
    Average Salary: $69,776
    Sonesta hotels offer good pay for security guards. They work in luxury hotels across the U.S., providing safe and secure environments for guests and staff.


  3. DDCues LLC
    Average Salary: $66,386
    DDCues LLC provides security guard services for businesses in and around Washington, D.C. They focus on providing safe and professional security solutions.


  4. Security Services Northwest
    Average Salary: $61,111
    Security Services Northwest hires security guards for various locations in the Pacific Northwest. They offer competitive pay and a range of security services.


  5. Diamond Touch Security
    Average Salary: $61,000
    Diamond Touch Security offers jobs for security guards in the Northeast. They focus on high-quality service and good pay. They operate in New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania.


  6. NYU Langone Health
    Average Salary: $59,773
    NYU Langone Health provides security guard positions with a focus on protecting patients and staff. They offer competitive pay and work in various locations in New York City.


  7. Prince William County Public Schools
    Average Salary: $59,207
    Prince William County Public Schools hire security guards to ensure safety in their schools. They offer good pay and work in many locations in Virginia.


  8. Bureau of Reclamation
    Average Salary: $58,869
    The Bureau of Reclamation offers security guard jobs for protecting their facilities. They work in multiple states, focusing on water management and safety.


  9. Montgomery County Public Schools, MD
    Average Salary: $58,595
    Montgomery County Public Schools hire security guards to protect students and staff. They offer competitive pay and work in Maryland.


  10. Asset Protection and Security
    Average Salary: $57,298
    Asset Protection and Security offers security guard jobs with a focus on protecting assets. They operate in various locations and provide good pay.

How to earn more as a Security Guard?

A career as a security guard can offer stability and the chance to earn more. Explore these factors to increase earnings. Focus on these areas to boost income and job satisfaction.

Firstly, consider gaining additional certifications. Skills like first aid, CPR, and conflict resolution can set apart candidates. Employers often pay more for these extra skills. Certifications can lead to higher-paying positions. They show commitment to professional growth. Next, work in high-demand areas. Urban centers, corporate buildings, and large events often need more guards. Working in these places can lead to higher wages. Specializing in certain areas, like VIP protection or cyber security, can also increase pay. Another way to earn more is to work overtime. Many security jobs offer extra pay for nights, weekends, and holidays. Overtime can significantly boost total income.

Another strategy is to seek employment with larger companies. These organizations often have better benefits and higher wages. They might also offer opportunities for advancement. Lastly, always look for opportunities to advance. With experience and additional training, move into supervisory roles. Higher positions come with greater responsibility and more pay. Continuous learning and taking on new challenges can lead to a higher-paying career.

  1. Gain additional certifications.
  2. Work in high-demand areas.
  3. Seek employment with larger companies.
  4. Work overtime.
  5. Advance into higher positions.

Currently 5,446 Security Guard job openings, nationwide.

How's the job market for a Security Guard in the US?

Learn what a Security Guard does, how to become one, and understand the job outlook. Get simple steps to start your career as a Security Guard today.
Position
Overview
Security Guard
5,446 Job Openings