upper level job

How much does a Security Guard I make?

As of April 01, 2025, the average annual salary for a Security Guard I in the United States is $38,710. According to Salary.com, salaries can range from a low of $33,647 to a high of $45,549, with most professionals earning between $36,060 and $42,290.

Security Guard I Salaries by Percentile
Annual
Salary
Monthly
Pay
Weekly
Pay
Hourly
Wage
75th Percentile $42,290 $3,524 $813 $20
Average $38,710 $3,226 $744 $19
25th Percentile $36,060 $3,005 $693 $17

Average Salary

25% $36,060 10% $33,647 90% $45,549 75% $42,290 $38,710 50%(Median)
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How much does a Security Guard I make by hour, week, month, and year?

Salary.com provides you with accurate and diversified Security Guard I salary data based on specialized databases to help you get a fairer salary. The average annual pay for a Security Guard I is about $38,710 a year, this translates to an approximate hourly rate of $19, a monthly salary of about $3,226, and a weekly pay of around $744 . Click the switch button below to see more details about Security Guard I hourly pay, weekly pay, monthly pay, and so on.

Last Updated on April 01, 2025

How Does Experience Level Affect a Security Guard I's Salary?

An entry-level Security Guard I with less than 1 year of experience earns about $38,235. With 1-2 years of experience, the average salary increases to $38,817. For 2-4 years of experience, the pay typically rises to $40,313. Senior-level professionals with 5-8 years of experience earn around $40,473, and those with over 8 years of experience can expect an average of $40,580.

Levels Salary
Entry Level Security Guard I $38,235
Intermediate Level Security Guard I $38,817
Senior Level Security Guard I $40,313
Specialist Level Security Guard I $40,473
Expert Level Security Guard I $40,580
$38,235 0 yr
$38,817 < 2 yrs
$40,313 2-4 yrs
$40,473 5-8 yrs
$40,580 > 8 yrs
Last Updated on April 01, 2025
Entry Level 1%
Mid Level 0%
Senior Level 4%
Top Level 5%
Experienced 5%
View as graph
Last Updated on April 01, 2025

How much does salary of Security Guard I vary from city to city?

Salaries in the United States can vary greatly between cities due to factors like cost of living, local economies, and industry presence.

For example, as of April 01, 2025:
  • In San Francisco, CA, the average yearly salary for a Security Guard I is $48,350.
  • In New York, NY, the average annual salary is $44,860.
  • In Boston, MA, a Security Guard I earns $43,180 per year.

What is the salary trend of Security Guard I?

As of April 01, 2025, our research reveals a significant shift in Security Guard I compensation over the past six years. For example, the median salary increased from $36,886 in 2023 to approximately $36,694 in 2024. (For a detailed analysis of Security Guard I salary trends, click here.)

Key factors like location, experience, industry demand, and economic growth significantly influence salary variations, making them important to consider.

Average Annual Salary of Security Guard I Over Time

2020
$???
2021
$???
2022
$???
$36,886
2023
$36,694
2024
$36,181
2025
2026
$???
Last Updated on April 01, 2025
2020
$???
2021
$???
2022
$???
2023
$36,886
2024
$36,694
2025
$36,181
2026
$???
Last Updated on April 01, 2025

Security Guard I Salary by Year

Year Average Annual Salary
2020 View More
2021 View More
2022 View More
2023 $36,886
2024 $36,694
2025 $36,181
2026 View More
Last Updated on April 01, 2025

Job Openings of Security Guard I

Salary.com job board provides millions of Security Guard I information for you to search for. Click on search button below to see Security Guard I job openings or enter a new job title here.

Based on HR-reported data: a national average with a geographic differential
Base Salary 65.3%
Bonuses 0.0%
Social Security 5.0%
401k/403b 2.7%
Disability 1.3%
Healthcare 14.1%
Pension 3.5%
Time Off 8.0%
Core Compensation
Core Compensation Median % of Total
Base Salary $38,710 65.3%
Bonus $0 0.0%
Value of Benefits
Core Compensation Median % of Total
Social Security $2,961 5.0%
401K/403B $1,626 2.7%
Disability $774 1.3%
Healthcare $8,352 14.1%
Pension $2,090 3.5%
Time Off $4,764 8.0%
Total Compensation $59,278 100%
Core Compensation is based on averages for this job and does not reflect personal factors used to determine your projected salary range.
Value of Benefits indicates the employer's expected contribution and paid time off.
Last Updated on April 01, 2025

What are the salaries of a Security Guard I with different levels of education?

Salaries for Security Guard I with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate

According to our 100% employer reported salary sources the median salary for a Security Guard I with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate is $35,476 - $37,886. Please try our salary wizard to explore how other factors like location, Years of experience and number of direct reports can impact your base pay and bonus.

Security Guard I Salaries by Degree Level

Last Updated on April 01, 2025
Typical Education for Security Guard I
Degree Level % of user with this level of education
No Diploma 2.0%
High School 60.0%
Associates 16.9%
Bachelors 18.8%
Masters 1.9%
Doctorate 0.4%
Typical Education for Security Guard I
No Diploma 2.0%
High School 60.0%
Associates 16.9%
Bachelors 18.8%
Masters 1.9%
Doctorate 0.4%
view as table

Security Guard I Salaries by Degree Level

Last Updated on April 01, 2025

What Am I Worth?

FAQ about Security Guard I

1. How much does a first job pay?

For a first job as a Security Guard, the annual salary typically ranges from $33,850 to $42,560, with a mid-salary of $37,870. This indicates a competitive entry-level pay compared to other states, making it a viable option for those starting their careers in security.

2. Is there a Level 1 Security Guard?

Yes, there is a Level 1 Security Guard. They primarily focus on non-intervention roles such as monitoring locations, reporting incidents, and identifying suspicious activities. Their responsibilities may include patrolling properties, watching security cameras, managing access to buildings, and assisting with lockouts. The salary for this position ranges from $33,850 to $42,560, with a mid-range of $37,870.

3. Do security guards walk a lot?

A typical day as a security guard involves significant walking and monitoring. You'll need to be on your feet for extended periods and maintain good vision. The role can be physically demanding, especially on busier days. In terms of compensation, security guards earn between $33,850 and $42,560 annually, with a median salary of $37,870.

4. What do security guards do at night?

A night security guard's role involves patrolling assigned areas, ensuring safety and security during nighttime hours. Unlike day guards, they focus on monitoring the premises in the dark, often working alone or with a small team. The salary for security guards ranges from $33,850 to $42,560, with a mid-range salary of $37,870.

5. What type of security makes the most money?

While high-paying security jobs like Director of Physical Security and Security Operations Engineer can earn significantly more, the average salary for a Security Guard ranges from $33,850 to $42,560, with a mid-salary of $37,870. This highlights the disparity in earnings within the security field, with specialized roles commanding higher salaries.

6. How much is a security guard paid in the US?

In the United States, security guards earn an annual salary ranging from $33,850 to $42,560, with a median salary of $37,870. Factors such as experience and location can significantly influence these figures, as labor agreements and working conditions vary across different regions.

About Our Data

Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.

We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)

With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.

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The average salary for a Security Guard I is $38,710 per year in the United States, updated at April 01, 2025.
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