📖 Read the security guards salary & career guide →
Security Guards Salary in Tennessee
Ranked #43 of 51 · TN
Salary Distribution (10th–90th percentile)
About 80% of security guardss in Tennessee earn between $29,310 and $51,680. The blue band is the middle 50% (P25–P75); the dot marks the median.
Compared to the U.S.
The mean security guards salary in Tennessee is $38,500, about 9.3% below the U.S. average ($42,470). That works out to roughly $19/hr at 2,080 hours per year.
Metro Areas in Tennessee
| Metro area | Median | Mean | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN | $37,010 | $40,010 | 10,710 |
| West Tennessee nonmetropolitan area | $36,710 | $36,910 | 300 |
| East Tennessee nonmetropolitan area | $36,570 | $42,280 | 630 |
| South Central Tennessee nonmetropolitan area | $36,360 | $39,810 | 520 |
| Kingsport-Bristol, TN-VA | $36,270 | $38,870 | 500 |
| Jackson, TN | $35,960 | $36,850 | 460 |
| Clarksville, TN-KY | $35,900 | $39,480 | 340 |
| Knoxville, TN | $35,810 | $39,730 | 2,860 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do security guards make in Tennessee?
The median security guards salary in Tennessee is $36,000 per year (mean $38,500), and about 80% earn between $29,310 and $51,680.
How much do security guards make per hour in Tennessee?
Roughly $19 per hour, based on a mean annual wage of $38,500 and 2,080 work hours per year.
Is Tennessee a high-paying state for security guards?
Tennessee ranks #43 of 51 states for security guards pay. Its mean salary of $38,500 is about 9.3% below the U.S. average of $42,470.
Which metro areas in Tennessee pay security guards the most?
The highest-paying metro areas in Tennessee for security guards are Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN ($37,010), West Tennessee nonmetropolitan area ($36,710), East Tennessee nonmetropolitan area ($36,570), by median annual wage.