Security Guard Salary 2025: Median $38,020, Top Earners $58,840
Security guards earned a median of $38,020 in 2024, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. That works out to roughly $18 an hour. The middle 80% of guards made between $30,210 and $58,840. Nationwide, 1,283,470 people work in this occupation, and the BLS projects about 161,000 openings each year through 2034.
How much Security Guards earn
The typical security guard takes home $38,020 per year at the median. The average (mean) wage is a bit higher at $42,470, pulled up by top earners. The bottom 10% earn $30,210 or less, while the top 10% make $58,840 or more. Pay varies widely by industry, location, and experience.
- Median annual wage: $38,020 ($18.27/hour)
- Mean annual wage: $42,470
- 10th percentile: $30,210
- 90th percentile: $58,840
Pay by state
Where you work matters a lot. Washington, D.C. pays security guards the best, with an average of $64,210. Alaska ($47,480), Washington ($47,100), Vermont ($45,550), and Oregon ($45,500) round out the top five. At the other end, West Virginia averages $28,800, Mississippi $29,180, and Louisiana $32,240. That’s more than a $35,000 gap between D.C. and West Virginia.
State averages mask big city premiums. Guards in metro areas often earn significantly more than the state average.
How to become a Security Guard
Most security guard jobs require a high school diploma or equivalent. You don’t need a college degree. Many states require a license, which typically involves a background check and a short training course. Unarmed guard licenses are the most common; armed positions require additional firearms training.
Employers often provide on-the-job training, covering patrol procedures, incident reporting, and emergency response. Some jobs prefer experience in law enforcement or military, but it’s not mandatory for entry-level roles.
- Earn a high school diploma or GED
- Pass a background check (state requirement for licensing)
- Complete state-mandated security guard training (varies by state, usually 4-8 hours for unarmed)
- If working armed, obtain firearms permit and pass range qualification
- Apply to security companies, casinos, hospitals, or corporate buildings
Job outlook
The BLS projects employment for security guards will grow just 0.4% from 2024 to 2034 — much slower than the average for all occupations. But because the occupation is huge (over 1.2 million jobs), there will be about 161,000 openings each year, mostly to replace workers who leave. So finding a job is still realistically possible, just not booming.
Frequently asked questions
What is the highest-paying state for security guards?
Washington, D.C., pays the most at $64,210 average annual wage, followed by Alaska ($47,480), Washington ($47,100), Vermont ($45,550), and Oregon ($45,500).
How long does it take to become a security guard?
Most states require a short training course (typically 4–8 hours) and a background check. Once you have your license, you can start work within a few weeks. Armed guards need additional firearms training, which can take days to weeks.
Is security guard a growing career?
Growth is very slow — only 0.4% over ten years — but there are many job openings due to turnover. About 161,000 openings per year are expected.
Salary figures are U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates (OEWS / Employment Projections). For informational purposes only; not career or financial advice. See the full Security Guards data.