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Security guard: pay, job outlook and how to become one

Updated October 26, 2026. Based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and O*NET data. Published by Humblebee.

$38,020median pay per year, or $18.28 an hour, May 2025[1]
  1. $30,210lowest 10% earn less
  2. $35,21025th percentile
  3. $38,020median
  4. $46,20075th percentile
  5. $58,840top 10% earn more
Middle half of workers in the inner band[5]Median for all US jobs, $50,980[2]

The median security guard earned $38,020 a year in May 2025, below the median for all occupations[1][2]. The job needs a high school diploma and short on-the-job training, and employment is projected to grow 0.9% by 2035[3][4].

Job growth, 2025–35
+0.9%[4]
Openings per year
156,000[6]
Typical entry education
High school diploma or equivalent[3]

How much do security guards make?

The median pay for a security guard was $38,020 a year, or $18.28 an hour, in May 2025[1]. Half of guards earned more and half earned less[1]. The average was higher, at $42,470 a year or $20.42 an hour[7]. For all occupations together, the median annual wage was $50,980[2].

Pay varies a lot within the job. The lowest-paid 10% earned less than $30,210 a year, and the highest-paid 10% earned more than $58,840[5]. In hourly terms, that is less than $14.52 at the bottom and more than $28.29 at the top[8].

Percentile Annual wage Hourly wage
10th[5][8] $30,210 $14.52
25th[5][8] $35,210 $16.93
Median[1] $38,020 $18.28
75th[5][8] $46,200 $22.21
90th[5][8] $58,840 $28.29

A percentile is a boundary, not a job level. BLS publishes percentile wages and does not publish a starting salary[9]. The figures cover wage and salary workers only. They leave out the self-employed, and they do not include bonuses outside regular production pay or benefits such as health insurance[10].

Pay by state and city

The District of Columbia had the highest median wage for security guards at $64,210 a year[11]. Alaska came next at $47,480, then Washington at $47,100[11]. West Virginia had the lowest median among the places with published data, at $28,800[11].

California had the most security guard jobs, 199,480, followed by New York with 134,700[12]. Texas, Florida and Illinois rounded out the top five[12].

Among metro areas with at least 100 jobs, Idaho Falls, ID had the highest median at $78,680, followed by Fairbanks-College, AK at $60,400[13]. The New York-Newark-Jersey City area had the most jobs at 142,760, with a median of $43,980[14]. Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim had 83,280 jobs and a $40,030 median[14].

Show median pay in 50 states and DC
StateMedian per yearJobs
District of Columbia[11]$64,21015,880
Alaska$47,4802,100
Washington$47,10025,800
Vermont$45,550930
Oregon$45,50012,200
New Hampshire$45,2002,450
Colorado$45,15016,890
Massachusetts$44,67023,930
New York$44,240134,700
Virginia$43,64034,870
Minnesota$43,38014,440
New Mexico$43,3208,410
California$43,240199,480
Hawaii$42,82010,160
Utah$42,7007,310
Missouri$40,39018,630
Connecticut$39,92012,100
Nebraska$39,8404,700
Illinois$39,49053,830
North Dakota$39,3101,310
Wyoming$39,2001,130
Maine$39,1001,930
New Jersey$38,88041,540
Montana$38,4801,610
Idaho$38,3003,750
Arizona$38,29029,820
Maryland$38,22027,670
Wisconsin$37,44012,030
Nevada$37,31026,680
South Dakota$37,1501,460
Iowa$37,0806,890
Kansas$37,0807,150
Michigan$37,08025,240
Pennsylvania$37,05043,610
Rhode Island$36,9403,160
Indiana$36,49019,930
Delaware$36,3603,430
Oklahoma$36,27012,210
Tennessee$36,00027,690
Texas$35,980106,210
Florida$35,90095,370
Arkansas$35,7706,390
Ohio$35,77034,450
South Carolina$35,46016,610
Kentucky$35,42013,580
North Carolina$35,01029,830
Georgia$34,98036,210
Alabama$33,72015,210
Louisiana$32,24017,210
Mississippi$29,18010,160
West Virginia$28,8005,200

How to become a security guard

BLS lists these entry requirements for the job[3]:

That profile says employers usually train new hires, and the amount varies[17]. Most guards learn the job in a few weeks[17]. The training typically covers emergency procedures, crime prevention and communication[17]. Many states recommend about 8 hours of training before the assignment, 8 to 16 hours on the job, and 8 hours each year[18]. Armed guards get more demanding training that includes weapons use[19]. Drug testing may be required when hired and at random later[20].

The profile also says most states require guards to hold a state license, especially if they carry a firearm[21]. The licensing items it lists are being at least 18 years old, passing a background check and completing training[22][23][24]. A bachelor's degree is not required[25].

What security guards do

O*NET describes the job as guarding, patrolling or monitoring a site to prevent theft, violence or rule violations[26]. Common tasks include:

Workers report job titles such as campus security officer, hotel security officer and loss prevention officer[28].

Where they work

Guards work in places such as industrial sites, stores and office buildings[29]. In the wider profile covering guards and gambling surveillance officers, investigation, guard and armored car services were the largest employer group at 58%[30].

Some guards are on their feet patrolling buildings and grounds. Others sit at a single post, such as a guardhouse, or spend time driving around a property[31]. Shifts usually last about 8 hours and schedules rotate[32]. Night shifts are common, and the profile says most workers are full time[32]. About 0.7% of security guards were self-employed in 2025[33].

Job outlook

BLS projects employment of security guards to grow 0.9% from 2025 to 2035, from about 1,294,300 to 1,305,600 jobs[4]. Employment in all occupations is projected to grow 3.5% over the same period[34].

Even so, about 156,000 openings are projected each year[6]. Openings count jobs left by people who retire or move to other occupations, not only new jobs[6]. Each year, 4.5% of guards leave the labor force and 7.4% move to a different occupation[35].

BLS names one factor that may hold back hiring. Drones and autonomous robots can let a guard cover a larger area, so the share of guards in the workforce is expected to fall[36].

Is it a good fit?

The facts point to a job with a low barrier to entry. It needs a high school diploma, no related experience and short on-the-job training[3]. Pay is below the all-occupations median of $50,980, with a median of $38,020[1][2]. Pay is higher in some places, such as the District of Columbia at $64,210[11]. Slow projected growth of 0.9% is paired with many yearly openings[4][6]. Shift work with rotating schedules and night shifts is common[32].

Related occupations from O*NET, with BLS median pay and projected growth[37].

Frequently asked questions

How much does a security guard make an hour?
The median was $18.28 an hour in May 2025[1]. The 10th percentile was $14.52 and the 90th was $28.29[1][8].
What education do you need to be a security guard?
BLS lists a high school diploma or equivalent, with no related work experience and short-term on-the-job training[3].
How long does it take to become a security guard?
A BLS profile covering a wider group says most guards learn the job in a few weeks[16][17]. The length varies by employer.
Are security guards in demand?
Employment is projected to grow 0.9% from 2025 to 2035, slower than the 3.5% for all occupations, with about 156,000 openings a year[4][34][6].
What is the highest paying state for security guards?
The District of Columbia, with a median of $64,210[11]. Alaska is next at $47,480[11].

Facts and sources

  1. BLS OEWS, May 2025: the median wage for Security Guards in the US was $38,020 per year and $18.28 per hour. Half of workers earned more and half earned less. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  2. BLS OEWS, May 2025: the median annual wage for all occupations in the US was $50,980. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  3. BLS Employment Projections, typical path into Security Guards: education needed for entry: High school diploma or equivalent; work experience in a related occupation: None; typical on-the-job training: Short-term on-the-job training. BLS Employment Projections
  4. BLS Employment Projections: employment of Security Guards is projected to grow 0.9% from 2025 to 2035, from about 1,294,300 to 1,305,600 jobs (a change of +11,300). These counts include self-employed workers. BLS Employment Projections
  5. BLS OEWS, May 2025, annual wage percentiles for Security Guards: 10th percentile $30,210, 25th percentile $35,210, 75th percentile $46,200, 90th percentile $58,840. The 10th percentile means 10% of workers earned less. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  6. BLS Employment Projections: about 156,000 openings for Security Guards are projected each year, on average, from 2025 to 2035. Openings include jobs that open when workers retire or move to other occupations, not only new jobs. BLS Employment Projections
  7. BLS OEWS, May 2025: the mean (average) wage for Security Guards was $42,470 per year and $20.42 per hour. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  8. BLS OEWS, May 2025, hourly wage percentiles for Security Guards: 10th percentile $14.52, 25th percentile $16.93, 75th percentile $22.21, 90th percentile $28.29. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  9. BLS OEWS FAQ: a percentile wage is a boundary. The median (50th percentile) separates the highest-paid 50% from the lowest-paid 50% of workers in the occupation. OEWS publishes percentile wages, not a starting salary. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  10. BLS OEWS FAQ: OEWS covers part-time and full-time workers paid a wage or salary. It does not cover the self-employed, owners and partners in unincorporated firms, household workers or unpaid family workers. OEWS wages do not include nonproduction bonuses or employer costs of benefits such as health insurance or retirement contributions. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  11. Median annual wage for Security Guards in every state with published data, May 2025 (table on this page). BLS OEWS, May 2025
  12. BLS OEWS, May 2025, states with the most Security Guards jobs: California 199,480; New York 134,700; Texas 106,210; Florida 95,370; Illinois 53,830. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  13. BLS OEWS, May 2025, metro areas with the highest median annual wage for Security Guards (areas with at least 100 jobs): Idaho Falls, ID $78,680; Fairbanks-College, AK $60,400; Kennewick-Richland, WA $54,670; Burlington-South Burlington, VT $51,170; Ithaca, NY $49,540; Lynchburg, VA $49,480; Hinesville, GA $48,780; Kahului-Wailuku, HI $48,690. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  14. BLS OEWS, May 2025, metro areas with the most Security Guards jobs: New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ 142,760 (median $43,980); Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA 83,280 (median $40,030); Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN 48,360 (median $39,990); Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach, FL 41,530 (median $36,040); Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV 40,950 (median $46,830); Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX 34,000 (median $36,680). BLS OEWS, May 2025
  15. O*NET 33-9032.00 survey of workers (17 respondents), education level they say is required: High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED) 79%, Some College Courses 10%, Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree 5% (levels under 5% not listed). O*NET OnLine
  16. The BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook profile "Security Guards and Gambling Surveillance Officers" covers Security Guards together with other related occupations, so its text describes the wider group. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  17. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Training. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  18. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Training. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  19. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Training. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  20. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Training. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  21. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  22. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  23. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  24. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  25. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Education. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  26. O*NET description of Security Guards. O*NET OnLine
  27. O*NET task list for Security Guards. O*NET OnLine
  28. O*NET 33-9032.00 sample job titles reported by workers: Armed Security Officer, Campus Security Officer (CSO), Custom Protection Officer (CPO), Customer Service Security Officer, Hotel Security Officer, Loss Prevention Officer, Safety and Security Officer, Security Agent. O*NET OnLine
  29. Occupational Outlook Handbook, Work Environment. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  30. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, largest employers of security guards and gambling surveillance officers in 2025: Investigation, guard, and armored car services 58%. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  31. Occupational Outlook Handbook, Work Environment. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  32. Occupational Outlook Handbook, Work Environment: Work Schedules. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  33. BLS Employment Projections: 0.7% of Security Guards were self-employed in 2025. BLS Employment Projections
  34. BLS Employment Projections: employment in all occupations is projected to grow 3.5% from 2025 to 2035. BLS Employment Projections
  35. BLS Employment Projections, 2025-35 annual average for Security Guards: 4.5% of workers leave the labor force each year and 7.4% move to a different occupation. BLS Employment Projections
  36. BLS Employment Projections, factor affecting employment of Security Guards: Productivity change - share decreases as improvements in remote sensing, including drones and autonomous robots, allow security guards to patrol larger areas. BLS Employment Projections
  37. Related occupations (O*NET) with BLS pay, growth and entry education. O*NET OnLine

Notes are for reading the data only. They are not facts and cannot be cited: use the wage_scope and percentile_meaning facts instead. OEWS employment (jobs in May 2025) and Employment Projections employment (2025, includes self-employed) are different measures and can differ. O*NET education shares come from a small survey of workers in the occupation, not from all workers. The Occupational Outlook Handbook text covers a wider group of occupations than this page.

This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerFacts has modified all or some of this information. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.