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How Much Do Security Guards Make in Every State?
Jun
How Much Do Security Guards Make in Every State?
When considering a career as a security guard, one of the critical factors to evaluate is your potential salary, which can vary significantly depending on the state in which you work. Security guards play an essential role in protecting people, property, and assets across various industries, from retail and residential communities to corporate offices and high-security government facilities. However, the compensation for these vital services is not uniform across the United States.
We reviewed the 2023 data from the Bureau of Labor and Statistics to discover the top salaries for security guards throughout the country. In this guide, we’ll share some of the key insights available in this report so you can make informed decisions regarding your future career as a security professional.
What Influences a Security Guard’s Salary?
Your salary as a security guard can vary due to several factors. The training you receive and your area(s) of expertise play an important role in determining your annual wage, but there are other variables that can influence your salary as well. The following are some of the strongest factors that determine your wage as a security guard.
Location
Security guard salaries vary significantly by geographic region. Certain locations have a higher demand for security services due to factors like crime rates, population density, and the presence of high-value assets or critical infrastructure. As a result, high-demand areas tend to offer better pay to attract qualified security personnel, making it more competitive to find a job in these areas.
Experience & Specialization
Experienced security guards usually earn higher salaries. Years of experience tend to demonstrate a firm grasp of the skills and abilities required of a security guard. As a result, security guards with a proven track record of reliability and professionalism are often in higher demand and can negotiate better salaries.
Training in specialized areas can also open doors to higher-paying roles. For example, guards trained in executive protection, corporate security, or cybersecurity can negotiate higher wages due to the specialized nature of these positions.
Armed vs. Unarmed
For example, in Florida, armed security guards (Class G) tend to earn more than unarmed security guards (Class D) due to the increased risk and responsibility of the role. Armed security guards undergo more specialized training, including firearm proficiency, emergency responsiveness, and de-escalation tactics.
Learn more: Class D & Class G Security Guard Licensing Explained
Job Responsibilities & Performance
The complexity and risk level of the job duties influence pay. For example, a security guard responsible for surveillance, crowd control, or asset protection will typically earn more than a security guard responsible for access control. Outstanding performance, reliability, and promotions within the company can result in salary increases and additional opportunities.
Company Size & Type
Working for government agencies, large corporations, or specialized security firms generally offers higher pay compared to smaller companies or private individuals. Additionally, security guards in high-risk industries, like nuclear power plants or defense contractors, often earn more than those in retail or residential security.
Learn more: 9 of the Best Security Guard Companies to Work For in the US
States with the Highest Security Guard Salaries
In the BLS analysis of security guard salaries across the United States, they’ve highlighted the states with the highest earning potential for professionals in this field. These top-paying states offer ample opportunities and competitive salaries for security guards looking to advance their careers.
| State | Average Annual Salary |
| Washington, D.C. | $54,830 |
| Alaska | $52,220 |
| Maryland | $47,450 |
| Minnesota | $47,390 |
| Washington | $47,190 |
Cities with the Highest Security Guard Salaries
The BLS also drilled down into the top paying metropolitan areas for security guards. Densely populated metropolitan areas tend to have higher salaries for security guards, as well as more employment opportunities. Here are the top paying metropolitan areas for security guards in the U.S.
| Metropolitan Area | Average Annual Salary |
| Kennewick-Richland, WA | $69,290 |
| Idaho Falls, ID | $68,790 |
| San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles-Arroyo Grande, CA | $60,040 |
| Fairbanks, AK | $53,830 |
| Boulder, CO | $53,420 |
| Anchorage, AK | $53,060 |
| Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV | $51,970 |
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $51,910 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA | $51,230 |
| Mount Vernon-Anacortes, WA | $49,730 |
Security Guard Salaries by State
Salaries for security guards vary widely across the nation. The national average salary for security guards is $40,440, with the upper-percentile reaching up to $57,400 and the lower-percentile around $28,500. Here is a complete breakdown of security guard salaries by state.
| State | Average Annual Salary |
| Alabama | $31,490 |
| Alaska | $52,220 |
| Arizona | $38,950 |
| Arkansas | $35,340 |
| California | $44,940 |
| Colorado | $44,640 |
| Connecticut | $40,290 |
| Delaware | $37,410 |
| District of Columbia | $54,830 |
| Florida | $35,980 |
| Georgia | $37,430 |
| Hawaii | $39,470 |
| Idaho | $43,970 |
| Illinois | $40,110 |
| Indiana | $39,840 |
| Iowa | $37,240 |
| Kansas | $37,050 |
| Kentucky | $34,000 |
| Louisiana | $32,040 |
| Maine | $40,310 |
| Maryland | $47,450 |
| Massachusetts | $44,310 |
| Michigan | $37,150 |
| Minnesota | $47,390 |
| Mississippi | $31,630 |
| Missouri | $44,490 |
| Montana | $36,810 |
| Nebraska | $39,900 |
| Nevada | $36,940 |
| New Hampshire | $45,220 |
| New Jersey | $41,570 |
| New Mexico | $36,460 |
| New York | $44,250 |
| North Carolina | $36,410 |
| North Dakota | $42,620 |
| Ohio | $38,760 |
| Oklahoma | $34,730 |
| Oregon | $43,690 |
| Pennsylvania | $37,380 |
| Rhode Island | $39,130 |
| South Carolina | $34,190 |
| South Dakota | $36,800 |
| Tennessee | $37,230 |
| Texas | $35,700 |
| Utah | $38,720 |
| Vermont | $40,920 |
| Virginia | $43,960 |
| Washington | $47,190 |
| West Virginia | $30,990 |
| Wisconsin | $38,330 |
| Wyoming | $38,260 |
Maximizing Your Earnings as a Security Guard
Understanding the landscape of security guard salaries across different states is crucial for anyone pursuing a career in security. By recognizing the factors that influence earnings, security professionals can make strategic decisions about where to work and how to enhance their qualifications.
Whether you’re just starting your career or looking to advance, location plays a significant role in determining your salary potential. States with higher costs of living or greater demand for security services often offer higher wages, but it’s also essential to consider the benefits, job stability, and growth opportunities that come with each position.
Are you interested in beginning your career as a security guard? Trust NITA for all your training and pre-licensing needs. We offer online and on-demand courses for aspiring security guards who are ready to jumpstart their careers. What are you waiting for? Start today!
Browse all state pre-licensing courses for security guards →
Looking to enhance your skills and increase your earning potential? Consider taking one of NITA’s many continuing education courses for security professionals!
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Published at Thu, 30 May 2024 19:23:52 +0000
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