Interested in becoming a security guard but are looking for more information on what you’re likely to earn?
Or do you just want to know whether your current salary aligns with the average in your location?
Either way, you’ve come to the right place.
In this guide, we discuss how much security guards make across different states in the US, giving you an idea of what you should expect to get paid in this role.
If you want to earn a higher salary, stay tuned, as we’ll also give actionable tips for progressing in your career as a security guard.
How Much Do Security Guards Make in the US?
The average security guard salary in the United States is $17.76, and the yearly average is $41,117, with a high of $54,555.
The average security officer salary in the United States is $17.93, and the yearly average is $64,580, with a high of $89,684.
The Difference Between Security Guard and Security Officer Salaries
In our guide to security guards vs security officers, we explain the differences between these two roles.
To summarize, security officers have more responsibilities than guards and often function in management roles. They mainly train guards and oversee security operations, while guards will complete day-to-day security duties.
Due to having more responsibilities, security officers tend to have higher salaries. However, these salaries can vary based on various factors, such as the state where the officer or guard is employed.
How Much Do Security Guards Make in Each State?
Using data from job sites, we compiled a table showing the average salaries for security guards and security officers across various states.
| State | Average hourly security guard salary | Average yearly security guard salary | Average hourly security officer salary | Average yearly security officer salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| California | $19.96 | $46,215 | $21.05 | $75,843 |
| Florida | $17.29 | $40,017 | $17.05 | $61,412 |
| Illinois | $18.13 | $41,963 | $18.35 | $66,128 |
| Indiana | $16.91 | $39,145 | $16.69 | $60,145 |
| Michigan | $16.06 | $37,172 | $16.67 | $60,073 |
| Nebraska | $20.15 | $46,649 | $17.16 | $61,819 |
| New York | $18.70 | $43,282 | $19.35 | $69,727 |
| North Dakota | $18.69 | $43,254 | $19.34 | $69,684 |
| Pennsylvania | $15.86 | $36,711 | $17.01 | $61,283 |
| South Dakota | $19.49 | $45,111 | $18.51 | $66,681 |
| Tennessee | $17.21 | $39,844 | $16.67 | $60,071 |
| Texas | $14.83 | $34,332 | $15.91 | $57,305 |
| Utah | $18.10 | $41,903 | $18.15 | $65,374 |
| Virginia | $17.04 | $39,452 | $17.50 | $63,035 |
| Wyoming | $17.59 | $40,726 | $17.12 | $61,669 |
Factors Influencing Security Guard Salaries
These additional factors also impact how much you’ll make as a security guard (or security officer) across different states in the US:
- Experience: The longer you perform in your role, the higher your salary will be. Guards with under one year of experience earn, on average, $38,000 in the US, while those with 7 to 9 years of experience earn an average salary of $45,000.
- Licensing: Security guards with additional licensing, such as firearms permits or first aid certifications, often earn higher salaries due to the added value they bring to employers.
- Location: Densely populated cities will have higher demands for security services, which results in higher average salaries for security guards compared to those who operate in more rural locations.
- Employer type: Government agencies or large corporations typically offer higher salaries due to the scale and resources of these organizations. However, small private firms can provide other advantages, such as more flexible schedules and extra opportunities for career growth throughout the company.
- Position: The specific role within the security field impacts earnings. For example, armed guards, personal protection officers, or those managing high-risk environments typically receive higher pay than unarmed guards or those in less demanding positions.
Can I Earn Additional Benefits as a Security Guard?
Yes! Some typical benefits as part of your compensation package can include:
- Paid time off (PTO)
- Health Insurance
- Life insurance
- Retirement plans
- Training and certification reimbursement
The type of benefits you can get will depend on your employer.
For example, American Security Force offers full-time employees an attractive benefits package that includes dental and vision coverage, life insurance, a 401(k) plan, and employee assistance programs. You can check out available roles at this security employer here.
How to Progress in Your Security Guard Career
If you’re earning less than the average security guard salary in your state or you want to advance to a higher-level role in your career, we recommend the following:
Polish Your CV
If you’re aiming to earn a higher salary or otherwise advance in your security guard career, it may be time for you to seek an alternative employer. If so, we recommend refining your CV and adding any new skills to it.
Our guide to writing a security guard CV walks you through all the important stages, showcasing your experience and helping you to stand out from other applicants.
Guard Training Tip: When applying for new jobs, do plenty of research on the average salary in your state and city and use that information to negotiate your pay. This way, you can avoid undervaluing your skills and experience.
Complete Online Training
If your CV is lacking specific skills or certifications, you can complete online security guard training to fill these gaps.
Depending on your state, you might have only completed a few hours of training to earn your security guard license. Despite having real-world experience, you may still be restricting yourself from landing higher-paying positions.
Our security guard modules cover comprehensive security guard topics that will help you in daily duties, such as post orders, traffic controls, radio procedures, and public relations, as well as specialized situations, such as crowd control, incident scene preservation, and evacuation procedures.
You can work through any course at your own pace and even earn a certification to show potential employers that you are well-equipped with the latest skills and knowledge in the security field.
Completing online courses can also demonstrate to your current employer that you’re committed to developing your skills and growing in your career. Through this dedication, you can increase your chances for promotion or a raise, enabling you to remain at your current employer rather than seeking new opportunities elsewhere.
Earn Additional Qualifications
In addition to general training certificates, you can earn specific qualifications that will give you extra credibility and make you a more attractive candidate for advanced roles.
For example, first aid training, AED, and CPR certification can open doors to higher-paying positions and specialized responsibilities. You can earn these qualifications through The American Safety Training Institute, which offers nationally accepted courses that provide certifications valid for two years.
CPR, AED, and first aid certification costs only $34.95, making it a solid investment that allows you to be more capable as a security guard and possibly save lives while on duty.
Take Strides in Your Career With Guard Training
You now have a general idea of what security guards and security officers are making across the US. If you want to earn more as a security guard, following our recommendations can help.
However, even if you’re satisfied with your current position and pay, completing online training can still push you toward becoming a better professional in the security industry.
Check out all the courses we have to offer today and register today to start working your way to a more rewarding and advanced career as a security guard.