How much does a security guard make?
Answer: A typical security guard in the United States makes $38,020 a year (median, May 2025, US Bureau of Labor Statistics).
Line up 100 people; this is the one in the middle (median). about 1.3 million people work in this job. Below the US-wide typical pay ($50,980).
If 100 people had this job
Lowest at bottom-left, highest at top-rightHover over a person to see their yearly pay
Security guard pay in the United States (May 2025, median and spread)
| Lower earner (10th from bottom) | Typical person (median) | Higher earner (10th from top) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|---|
| $30,210 | $38,020 | $58,840 | about 1.3 million |
| State | Typical person (median) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|
| District of Columbia | $64,210 | about 16,000 |
| Alaska | $47,480 | about 2,000 |
| Washington | $47,100 | about 26,000 |
| Vermont | $45,550 | about 930 |
| Oregon | $45,500 | about 12,000 |
Why does pay differ?
In the U.S., pay can differ with experience, valued training or licenses, the employer, and location. Posts with more complex duties or special skills can also pay differently.
What if you lived in a different state?
Pay varies a lot by state in the USTop 5 and bottom 3 states, typical (median) yearly pay.
What does a security guard do?
Guard, patrol, or monitor premises to prevent theft, violence, or infractions of rules. May operate x-ray and metal detector equipment. Excludes “Police Officers” (33-3050) and “Transportation Security Screeners” (33-9093).
What's a typical day like?
A guard may check who enters, watch camera screens, or walk a patrol route looking for trouble. They write reports and call police, firefighters, or medics if something happens.
How to get this job
In the U.S., finish high school or earn a GED, then meet state rules—usually age 18 or older, a background check, and training; most states require a license. Armed jobs need extra firearms training and may have stricter age rules.
High school plus some training (preparation level 2 of 5)
Good for people who like building and doing and keeping things organized.
Did you know?
A U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics study found security guards spend about 62% of the workday standing—not sitting.
What about Japan?
Same jobThe US figure is the median and the Japan figure is the average, so it's not a perfect comparison. Prices differ too.
Similar jobs
Jobs using similar skills (O*NET)Earn more in the same field
Protective Service jobs that pay a bit moreSources and data
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.bls.gov/ooh/protective-service/security-guards.htm
- www.onetonline.org/link/summary/33-9032.00
- www.bls.gov/ors/factsheet/security-guards.htm
- www.bls.gov/careeroutlook/2015/article/wage-differences.htm
- www.bls.gov/oes/2023/may/oes339032.htm
- www.bls.gov/ooh/protective-service/print/security-guards.htm
Data: US BLS OEWS, May 2025 · 1 USD = 150 JPY