Average Security Guard Hourly Pay - Payscale

United StatesJobSecurity GuardAverage Security Guard Hourly PayPayJob DetailsSkillsJob ListingsEmployersHow should I pay?Price a JobWhat am I worth?Find market worth$16.50/ hourAvg. Base Hourly Rate (USD)10%$12.14MEDIAN$16.5090%$21.83

The average hourly pay for a Security Guard is $16.50 in 2026

Hourly Rate$12 - $22Bonus$26 - $4kProfit Sharing$1 - $5kTotal Pay$25k - $47kBased on 1,692 salary profiles (last updated Dec 09 2025)Is Average Security Guard Hourly Pay your job title? Find out what you should be paidUse our tool to get a personalized report on your market worth.What's this?Location:United States (change)Years in Field/Career:How it works:1Enter city & years of experience2Add pay factors like skills & education3Find your market worth with a report tailored to youEXPLORE BY:CityNew York, NYLos Angeles, CAHouston, TXDenver, COPhoenix, AZFort Lauderdale, FLSan Diego, CASacramento, CABrooklyn, NYSan Francisco, CASee All CitiesDon't see what you are looking for?Get A Free Custom Salary Report »ExperienceEntry LevelEarly CareerMid CareerExperiencedLate CareerDon't see what you are looking for?Get A Free Custom Salary Report »SkillSecurity Policies and ProceduresOral / Verbal CommunicationCustomer ServiceOrganizingProblem SolvingSecurity Risk ManagementTransportSecurity InvestigationInventory ManagementFiling Court DocumentsSee All SkillsDon't see what you are looking for?Get A Free Custom Salary Report »EmployerAllied Universal CorporationG4S Security ServicesSecuritas Security Services Usa, Inc.US Security Associates, Inc.Allied SecurityGardaWorldAllied Barton Security Services Inc.AlliedBartonSecurity Industry SpecialistsU.S. Security & AssociatesSee All EmployersDon't see what you are looking for?Get A Free Custom Salary Report »JobCustomer Service Representative (CSR)Administrative AssistantSales AssociateCashierRetail Store ManagerOffice ManagerOperations ManagerMedical AssistantProject Manager, (Unspecified Type / General)ReceptionistDon't see what you are looking for?Get A Free Custom Salary Report »

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What is the Pay by Experience Level for Security Guards?

Entry Level▼8%Early Career▼2%Mid Career▲1%Late Career▲7%Experienced▲7%

An entry-level Security Guard with less than 1 year experience can expect to earn an average total compensation (includes tips, bonus, and overtime pay) of $15.26 based on 196 salaries. An early career Security Guard with 1-4 years of experience earns an average total compensation of $16.17 based on 886 salaries. A mid-career …Read more

What Do Security Guards Do?

Security guards provide low-level protection for companies and organizations which usually involves patrolling the premises, either by foot or in a company vehicle (of course, a valid driver’s license is required in order to drive company vehicles). Security guards patrol for suspicious or dangerous activity that might be detrimental to the safety of the facility or any people present. If a person at or in the facility is in violation of particular rules or policies, the guard must correct the …Read more

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How do Security Guards Rate Their Jobs?

3.7 out of 5(104)Highly Satisfied158ReviewsBased on 104 responses, the job of Security Guard has received a job satisfaction rating of 3.68 out of 5. On average, Security Guards are highly satisfied with their job. See all reviews

Common Health Benefits for a Security Guard

Medical45%Dental38%Vision35%None53%

Gender Breakdown for Security Guards

Male76.5%Female21.7%Prefer to self-define1.5%This data is based on 327 survey responses. Learn more about the gender pay gap.

FAQs About Security Guards

What is the highest pay for Security Guards?

Our data indicates that the highest pay for a Security Guard is $21.83 / hour

What is the lowest pay for Security Guards?

Our data indicates that the lowest pay for a Security Guard is $12.14 / hour

How can Security Guards increase their salary?

Increasing your pay as a Security Guard is possible in different ways. Change of employer: Consider a career move to a new employer that is willing to pay higher for your skills. Level of Education: Gaining advanced degrees may allow this role to increase their income potential and qualify for promotions. Managing Experience: If you are a Security Guard that oversees more junior Security Guards, this experience can increase the likelihood to earn more.

WHAT AM I WORTH?What your skills are worth in the job market is constantly changing.Job Title:Location:United States (change)