Overview Salaries

Security Officer Salaries

Updated on Jan 12, 2026
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Salary

How much does a Security Officer make?

The average salary for a Security Officer is $56,818 per year in the US.
Yearly
Monthly
Weekly
Hourly
Graph depicting the yearly salary distribution for Security Officer positions, showing an average salary of $56,818 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the monthly salary distribution for Security Officer positions, showing an average salary of $56,818 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the weekly salary distribution for Security Officer positions, showing an average salary of $56,818 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the hourly salary distribution for Security Officer positions, showing an average salary of $56,818 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.

Many people consider a job as a security officer to be a good choice. This role helps keep people and places safe. This job offers a stable income. The average yearly salary for security officers is $56,818. This is a good pay rate for many who value safety and security.


The salary for security officers can change based on experience and location. The lower 10 percent of earners make less than $30,000 a year. The top 10 percent of earners can make over $100,000 annually. Security officers with more experience often earn more. Those in larger cities might also earn higher salaries.

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What are the highest paying cities for a Security Officer?

Security Officer positions offer competitive pay across various cities. Seattle, Washington, leads with the highest average salary of $88,557. For those seeking a lucrative job, cities like Portland, Oregon, and Milwaukee, Wisconsin, also present strong opportunities, with average salaries of $81,722 and $75,528, respectively. Job seekers with a focus on security roles may find these locations particularly appealing.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Security Officer jobs, highlighting Seattle, WA with the highest at $88,557 and Columbus, OH with the lowest at $59,022.

  1. Seattle, WA
    Average Salary: $88,557
    In Seattle, expect to patrol bustling tech campuses and high-profile events. Companies like Amazon and Microsoft hire for these roles. Seattle's diverse work sites offer a dynamic environment for those interested in tech security.
    Find Security Officer jobs in Seattle, WA


  2. Portland, OR
    Average Salary: $81,722
    Portland offers a mix of urban and natural settings for patrolling. Work around vibrant neighborhoods and cultural events. Major firms like Nike and Portland Trail Blazers need security presence. Enjoy a unique blend of urban and outdoor security tasks.
    Find Security Officer jobs in Portland, OR


  3. Milwaukee, WI
    Average Salary: $75,528
    Milwaukee provides a mix of industrial and downtown security. Guard prominent breweries and sports venues. Companies like MillerCoors and Harley-Davidson require strong security. Enjoy a balanced urban and industrial environment.
    Find Security Officer jobs in Milwaukee, WI


  4. Washington, DC
    Average Salary: $73,830
    Working in Washington, DC, involves high-profile assignments. Patrol government buildings and landmarks. Companies and government agencies here need top-notch security. Experience the unique blend of politics and city life.
    Find Security Officer jobs in Washington, DC


  5. Denver, CO
    Average Salary: $70,549
    Denver offers a mix of urban and mountain security tasks. Guard tech firms and outdoor events. Companies like Salesforce and tech startups need security. Enjoy the Rocky Mountains' fresh air and city life's pace.
    Find Security Officer jobs in Denver, CO


  6. Honolulu, HI
    Average Salary: $69,196
    In Honolulu, enjoy beautiful beaches while working. Patrol tourist spots and hotels. Companies like Hilton and Outrigger Waikiki need security. Experience a tropical climate with a mix of urban and resort security.
    Find Security Officer jobs in Honolulu, HI


  7. El Paso, TX
    Average Salary: $64,829
    El Paso offers a blend of city and border security. Guard commercial sites and border areas. Companies like Walmart and Fort Bliss need security. Enjoy the vibrant culture and diverse environment.
    Find Security Officer jobs in El Paso, TX


  8. Topeka, KS
    Average Salary: $63,789
    Topeka provides a mix of government and commercial security tasks. Guard state buildings and businesses. Companies and government offices need security here. Experience a blend of small-town charm and urban tasks.
    Find Security Officer jobs in Topeka, KS


  9. Fargo, ND
    Average Salary: $61,537
    In Fargo, security roles involve a mix of rural and city tasks. Guard farms and urban centers. Companies like Great Plains Software need security. Enjoy a blend of farmland and city life.
    Find Security Officer jobs in Fargo, ND


  10. Columbus, OH
    Average Salary: $59,022
    Columbus offers a variety of security tasks. Guard corporate offices and large events. Companies like Nationwide and Ohio State University need security. Experience a blend of urban and suburban security roles.
    Find Security Officer jobs in Columbus, OH

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

Companies like Asset Protection and Security offer top salaries for Security Officer positions, averaging $91,996 a year. American Guard Services and Walden Security follow closely, with average salaries above $69,000 annually. These organizations value their security staff and provide competitive pay to attract top talent.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Security Officer jobs, highlighting Asset Protection and Security with the highest at $91,996 and New Mexico Courts with the lowest at $34,083.

  1. Asset Protection and Security
    Average Salary: $91,996
    Asset Protection and Security offers rewarding jobs for Security Officers in various industries. With locations across major cities, candidates can find roles in commercial, industrial, and healthcare sectors. The company emphasizes safety and professional development.


  2. American Guard Services
    Average Salary: $71,636
    American Guard Services provides comprehensive security services nationwide. Security Officers can expect diverse assignments in corporate, residential, and public venues. The company values its employees, offering growth opportunities and benefits.


  3. Walden Security
    Average Salary: $69,385
    Walden Security is known for its comprehensive security solutions. Security Officers work in corporate, event, and healthcare settings across the country. The company focuses on training and career advancement.


  4. Allied Universal
    Average Salary: $51,387
    Allied Universal offers a wide range of security services. Officers work in commercial, healthcare, and government sectors. The company is recognized for its extensive training and benefits, supporting career growth.


  5. Colorado Judicial Branch
    Average Salary: $48,051
    The Colorado Judicial Branch provides important security roles for courthouses and legal facilities. Officers ensure safety and security in judicial settings. This role is ideal for those interested in law and public service.


  6. PINAL COUNTY
    Average Salary: $45,159
    Pinal County offers security positions in various county facilities and public events. Officers contribute to community safety and order. This role is suitable for those seeking local government experience.


  7. Absolute International Security
    Average Salary: $38,881
    Absolute International Security provides security services in diverse environments. Officers work in corporate, event, and public sectors. The company offers competitive compensation and opportunities for advancement.


  8. City of Indianapolis & Marion County
    Average Salary: $37,329
    The City of Indianapolis & Marion County hires Security Officers for public facilities and events. Officers ensure safety and security in a diverse range of settings. This role is ideal for those interested in public service.


  9. New Mexico Courts
    Average Salary: $34,083
    New Mexico Courts provides security roles for courthouses and legal facilities. Officers ensure safety and security in judicial settings. This role is suitable for those interested in law and public service.

How to earn more as a Security Officer?

Working as a Security Officer can lead to a rewarding and potentially lucrative career. It is essential to understand various strategies that can help increase earnings in this field. By considering the following factors, Security Officers can position themselves for salary growth and additional benefits.

Firstly, gaining specialized training and certifications can enhance job performance and open up higher-paying opportunities. Certifications in areas such as emergency response, conflict resolution, and advanced security technologies can make an officer more valuable to employers. Investing in continuous education shows commitment and can lead to promotions and higher wages. Secondly, gaining experience in high-demand areas can also increase earning potential. Security Officers who work in industries like finance, healthcare, or transportation often command higher salaries due to the critical nature of the work. Third, seeking roles in larger organizations or metropolitan areas often comes with higher pay scales. These organizations usually have larger budgets and can offer more competitive salaries. Additionally, working in urban settings with higher crime rates may result in better compensation. Fourth, networking within the industry can lead to discovering higher-paying job opportunities. Building relationships with colleagues, attending industry events, and joining professional organizations can provide access to exclusive job listings and insider information. Lastly, looking for employers who offer benefits such as overtime pay, bonuses, and profit-sharing can significantly increase overall earnings. Reviewing job descriptions and salary packages carefully can reveal these opportunities.

Taking proactive steps to increase skills and seek better opportunities can lead to higher earnings as a Security Officer. By focusing on education, experience, location, networking, and benefits, officers can advance their careers and improve their financial situation.

  1. Specialized Training and Certifications: Obtain certifications in key areas such as emergency response and conflict resolution.
  2. Experience in High-Demand Areas: Work in critical industries like finance or healthcare.
  3. Location and Size of Organization: Seek jobs in larger organizations or metropolitan areas.
  4. Networking: Build relationships within the industry to discover exclusive job opportunities.
  5. Benefits and Compensation Packages: Look for employers offering overtime pay, bonuses, and profit-sharing.

Currently 100 Security Officer job openings, nationwide.

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