Security Guards
Occupation
$38,370
National Median Salary
$18.45
Median Hourly Wage
1,241,770
Total Employment
Salary Distribution
10th percentile → 25th → Median → 75th → 90th percentile
Salary Trend (2014-2024)
+57.2%
10 Year Change
$24,410
2014 Median
$38,370
2024 Median
Best Paying Industries
Industry Wage Growth
Best Paying States
Fastest Growing States
Where This Career Pays Above Average
Top Paying Industries for Security Guards
| Industry | Annual Median | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Natural Gas Distribution | $94,160 | 70 |
| Motion Picture and Video Exhibition | $91,510 | 380 |
| Rail Transportation | $82,690 | 480 |
| Plumbing, Heating, and Air-Conditioning Contractors | $82,680 | — |
| Navigational, Measuring, Electromedical, and Control Instruments Manufacturing | $79,530 | 310 |
Top Paying States for Security Guards
| State | Annual Median | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| District of Columbia | $63,130 | 16,160 |
| Alaska | $48,620 | 2,050 |
| Washington | $48,010 | 24,820 |
| Colorado | $46,080 | 16,830 |
| Minnesota | $46,020 | 14,030 |
Related Occupations
Explore Security Guards by State
Explore Security Guards by Industry
See how this career performs in specific industries
Natural Gas Distribution
Motion Picture and Video Exhibition
Rail Transportation
Plumbing, Heating, and Air-Conditioning Contractors
Navigational, Measuring, Electromedical, and Control Instruments Manufacturing
Independent Artists, Writers, and Performers
Travel Arrangement and Reservation Services
Other Nondepository Credit Intermediation
Monetary Authorities-Central Bank
Electric Power Generation, Transmission and Distribution
Utilities
Nuclear Electric Power Generation