How much does a Security Guard make?
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.
What are the highest paying cities for a Security Guard?

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

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



