How much does a security worker make?
a year · about $20 an hour
A typical security worker in the United States makes $42,540 a year, about $20 an hour, about the same as a typical US worker (median, May 2025, US Bureau of Labor Statistics).
What do they do?
In retail loss prevention, you might inspect store areas and stock and investigate suspected theft. You write reports, share findings with the right people, and may testify in court.
Did you know? A retail loss-prevention worker may have to testify in court about an investigation—not just watch for missing goods.
Is that a lot?
Compared with jobs you knowIf 100 people had this job
Most earn between $32,470 and $74,590How do you become one?
Many jobs call for a high school diploma or GED, then on-the-job training. Since 33-9099 is a catch-all, any license, exam, apprenticeship, or minimum starting age depends on the specialty and state.
Why does pay differ?
In the United States, pay can vary with experience, useful licenses or certificates, the employer and specialty, and location. Hours worked and, where offered, shift premiums also matter; more complex or responsible duties may pay differently.
Where does it pay most?
Highest in New Mexico ($64,940), lowest in Arkansas ($31,270).
See every state
Top 5 and bottom 3 states, typical (median) yearly pay.
Jobs like this
In Japan, a safety worker averages $22,351. Security worker salary in Japan
Data table and sources
| Lower earner (10th from bottom) | Typical person (median) | Higher earner (10th from top) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|---|
| $32,470 | $42,540 | $74,590 | about 82,000 |
| State | Typical person (median) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|
| New Mexico | $64,940 | about 650 |
| Wisconsin | $57,620 | about 910 |
| New Jersey | $54,950 | about 4,000 |
| Nevada | $54,790 | about 910 |
| Maryland | $52,780 | about 930 |
Official definition: All protective service workers not listed separately.
Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025 (bls.gov); descriptions and related jobs from O*NET 31.0. Figures as of May 2025, full-time yearly pay (hourly × 2,080 hours). bls.gov/oes · O*NET OnLine
Pages used for the text
- www.onetonline.org/link/summary/33-9099.00
- www.onetonline.org/link/details/33-9099.02
- www.bls.gov/ors/factsheet/protective-service-occupations.htm
- www.bls.gov/careeroutlook/2015/article/wage-differences.htm
- www.bls.gov/ooh/protective-service/security-guards.htm
Data: US BLS OEWS, May 2025 · 1 USD = 150 JPY