SOC 33-9032 · May 2025 · United States
Security Guards
National figures, with pay broken out by state and metro area
The median wage for Security Guards across the United States is $38,020 per year, measured over 1,283,470 jobs. The highest state median is in District of Columbia, at $64,210.
National wage distribution · annual
Shaded band holds the middle 50% of earners
Where the pay is highest for Security Guards
Pay for this occupation varies by 123.0% between the highest and lowest paying states with published data. District of Columbia pays $64,210 and West Virginia pays $28,800.
| # | State | Median | Jobs | Relative |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | $64,210 | 15,880 | |
| 2 | Alaska | $47,480 | 2,100 | |
| 3 | Washington | $47,100 | 25,800 | |
| 4 | Vermont | $45,550 | 930 | |
| 5 | Oregon | $45,500 | 12,200 | |
| 6 | New Hampshire | $45,200 | 2,450 | |
| 7 | Colorado | $45,150 | 16,890 | |
| 8 | Massachusetts | $44,670 | 23,930 | |
| 9 | New York | $44,240 | 134,700 | |
| 10 | Virginia | $43,640 | 34,870 |
States with the most Security Guards jobs
| # | State | Jobs | Median | Relative |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | California | 199,480 | $43,240 | |
| 2 | New York | 134,700 | $44,240 | |
| 3 | Texas | 106,210 | $35,980 | |
| 4 | Florida | 95,370 | $35,900 | |
| 5 | Illinois | 53,830 | $39,490 | |
| 6 | Pennsylvania | 43,610 | $37,050 | |
| 7 | New Jersey | 41,540 | $38,880 | |
| 8 | Georgia | 36,210 | $34,980 | |
| 9 | Virginia | 34,870 | $43,640 | |
| 10 | Ohio | 34,450 | $35,770 |
Top-paying metro areas
| # | Metro area | Median | Jobs |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Idaho Falls | $78,680 | 570 |
| 2 | Fairbanks | $60,400 | 130 |
| 3 | Kennewick | $54,670 | 500 |
| 4 | Burlington | $51,170 | 410 |
| 5 | Ithaca | $49,540 | 240 |
| 6 | Lynchburg | $49,480 | 570 |
| 7 | Hinesville | $48,780 | 120 |
| 8 | Walla Walla | $48,770 | 60 |
| 9 | Kahului | $48,690 | 780 |
| 10 | Rochester | $47,790 | 520 |
Source and methodology
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 Salary Explorer is an independent project. It is not affiliated with, or endorsed by, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics or any government agency. Full methodology.
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