What Security Guards do
The U.S. Department of Labor's O*NET database describes the work of Security Guards this way: "Guard, patrol, or monitor premises to prevent theft, violence, or infractions of rules. May operate x-ray and metal detector equipment."
The core tasks O*NET records for this occupation include: "Patrol industrial or commercial premises to prevent and detect signs of intrusion and ensure security of doors, windows, and gates"; "Answer alarms and investigate disturbances"; "Monitor and authorize entrance and departure of employees, visitors, and other persons to guard against theft and maintain security of premises"; "Write reports of daily activities and irregularities, such as equipment or property damage, theft, presence of unauthorized persons, or unusual occurrences"; "Call police or fire departments in cases of emergency, such as fire or presence of unauthorized persons".
Education, experience and training
According to the BLS Employment Projections, the typical education needed to enter this occupation is high school diploma or equivalent. Typical on-the-job training to reach competency is short-term on-the-job training.
Job outlook for Security Guards
The Bureau of Labor Statistics counted 1,294,300 jobs in this occupation in 2025 and projects 1,305,600 in 2035, an increase of 11,300 jobs (+0.9%). That is slower than the 3.5% projected for all occupations.
About 156,000 openings a year are projected on average, counting both new positions and positions vacated by workers who retire or switch occupations. Relative to today's employment that is 12.1% a year, against 10.3% for all occupations. BLS lists a national median annual wage of $38,020, compared with $50,980 for all occupations.
Where Security Guards earn the most
Across the 32 states with published data, the employment-weighted average of local median wages for this occupation ranges from $32,156 in Mississippi to $46,830 in District of Columbia, a gap of $14,674 (1.46 times). 17 of those 32 states average above the BLS national median of $38,020 and 15 average at or below it.
California employs the most people in this occupation among the states covered, 194,520, which is 11.8% of the 1,651,660 counted across them. New Jersey follows with 177,160.
Highest-paying states
District of Columbia ($46,830), Washington ($46,540) and Oregon ($45,547) lead the ranking, while Mississippi ($32,156) and Georgia ($34,475) are at the bottom. The table below lists every state with a link to its county-level detail.
Security Guards: pay against the cost of living
We compare 52 labor markets, each represented by its most populous county. After federal, Social Security, Medicare and state taxes and the four basics (a one-bedroom rental, food, home energy and gasoline), the largest yearly margin is in Jefferson County, WV (Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV) at $18,604. The weakest market is Kings County, NY, where the basics cost $5,233 more than take-home pay.
The median wage for this occupation covers all four basics in 46 of the 52 markets and falls short in 6. A one-bedroom apartment takes between 32.9% and 91.9% of take-home pay, depending on the market.
Occupations related to Security Guards
Other occupations in the same SOC minor group (33-9000) include Crossing Guards and Flaggers, School Bus Monitors and Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers.
Frequently asked questions about Security Guards
How much do Security Guards earn in the United States?
BLS lists a national median annual wage of $38,020. Across the states covered here the average local median ranges from $32,156 to $46,830.
Which state pays Security Guards the most?
District of Columbia, with an employment-weighted average local median wage of $46,830. Washington is next at $46,540.
Is Security Guards a growing occupation?
BLS projects employment to grow by 0.9% between 2025 and 2035, compared with 3.5% for all occupations, with about 156,000 openings a year.
What education do Security Guards need?
The typical entry-level education is high school diploma or equivalent and short-term on-the-job training, according to BLS.
Where can Security Guards afford to live best?
Among the markets covered, Jefferson County, WV leaves the largest yearly margin after taxes, rent, food, energy and gasoline: $18,604 on a median wage of $46,830.