The amount you can make as a security guard depends on a wide range of factors, including location, experience, industry, and obtained certifications.
The role of a security guard is crucial in day to day business operations across many industries you may not initially think, making it a position that is quite essential, but is also commonly overlooked. The earnings of security guards can vary significantly depending on several key factors such as location, experience, industry, and additional certifications.
In this article, we’ll dive into the key factors that affect how much a security guard makes, the average salary ranges across different regions and industries, and what you can expect as you embark on a career in the security industry.
Before diving into how much a security guard makes, it's important to understand what their job entails.
Security guards are responsible for maintaining safety and order in various settings ranging from hectic nightlife to the overnight monitoring of specific buildings or construction sites. Their duties typically include patrolling, monitoring surveillance equipment, checking credentials, responding to alarms, and ensuring the general safety of patrons or assets they are hired to protect.
The responsibilities of a security guard may also depend on the specialized roles of specific assignments such as armed security, corporate security, event security, or working in high-risk areas like banks or government buildings.
Each of these roles may come with different pay scales depending on the level of risk, responsibility involved, and what kinds of permits you are required to have.
The salary of a security guard isn’t fixed across the board. Multiple factors influence how much a security guard makes, and understanding these can help you gauge where your earnings might land.
One of the most significant factors affecting how much a security guard makes is location. Salaries vary from state to state, and even between cities. Security guards working in urban areas, where the cost of living is higher, tend to earn more than those working in rural areas.
For example, a security guard working in a major city like New York or Los Angeles will typically earn a higher wage compared to someone working in a smaller town in the Midwest.
Just like in any other profession, experience plays a crucial role in determining how much a security guard makes. Entry-level security guards with no prior experience will typically earn the lower end of the wage spectrum.
However, as security guards gain experience and obtain additional permits (like a firearms permit) that legally allows them to serve as an armed security guard, they can see incremental raises in their pay.
Security supervisors and managers, who are responsible for overseeing teams of security guards, can earn significantly more. For instance, while an entry-level guard may earn a minimum wage of around $12-$14 per hour, a security manager could earn upwards of $50,000 - $60,000 annually.
The industry in which a security guard works also affects how much they make. Security guards working in high-risk industries or for prestigious companies tend to earn more due to the higher levels of responsibility and specialized skills required.
Some common industries where security guards are employed include:
The level of training and certifications a security guard possesses can significantly impact how much they make. Security guards who hold specialized licenses, such as firearms permits or first-aid certifications, typically earn more.
For example, an armed security guard usually earns more than an unarmed security guard due to the increased responsibility and the specialized training required for handling firearms.
Additionally, guards with certifications in fields like risk management, de-escalation techniques, or surveillance systems might see their pay rates rise due to their added value to employers.
Now that we’ve looked at the factors that influence how much a security guard makes, let’s take a closer look at the actual salary ranges.
As of recent data, the average hourly wage for a security guard in the United States is between $15 and $20 per hour. This translates to an annual salary ranging from $30,000 to $40,000, assuming a full-time schedule. However, this can fluctuate based on the factors mentioned earlier.
Certain states stand out for offering higher-than-average wages for security guards. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, some of the top-paying states include:
It’s also important to note which states employ the largest number of security guards. Some of states with the highest employment rate of security guards include:
All of these states offer higher wages due to a combination of factors including their high cost of living, demand for security services, and general value placed on industry presence.
Armed security guards, due to the added responsibility and training involved, can expect to earn $5 to $10 more per hour than unarmed guards. In some cases, their hourly wage can reach $25 to $30, depending on the type of assignment and location.
For example, according to Indeed.com, in the state of California, armed security guards make an average of $25.17 an hour, which is significantly higher compared to the state average of $21.61.
Aside from salary, many security guards also receive other employment benefits depending on their company, such as:
So, how much does a security guard make? The answer depends on various factors, including location, experience, industry, and certifications.
On average, a security guard in the U.S. can expect to earn between $30,000 and $40,000 per year (assuming a 40 hour work week), with opportunities to make more through specialized permits and certifications, overtime, location, years of experience, and specific assignments depending on the company or job.
For those considering a career in security, the industry offers numerous opportunities for growth, stability, and competitive pay, especially for individuals willing to invest in additional training and certifications.
It can be a great opportunity if you find yourself in-between jobs, are looking to start work quickly, or even for a longterm career.
If you're interested in entering the field, taking steps to increase your qualifications can set you on the path to a rewarding and financially stable career in security.
If you are in the Sacramento area within California, you can apply to Members In Black to begin or continue a career in the security industry. Reach out to us on our careers page to get started and book an interview.
If you are interested in learning about how to become a security guard, you can read our article on How To Become A Security Guard In California.
If you have any additional questions, please feel free to reach out to us and we will respond as soon as we can.
The safety of your business and customers is never something to take lightly. At Members In Black, we take this matter seriously and will ensure that the highest quality of customer service is reached at all times.
