Explore national salary, projected growth, education requirements, and career opportunities across the United States.
A concise view of this occupation’s national scale, compensation, and projected demand.
National median annual wage for this occupation.
Estimated jobs currently supported nationwide.
Projected employment change through 2034.
Estimated openings created each year.
The typical education, prior experience, and on-the-job training associated with entry into this career.
High school diploma or equivalent
None
Short-term on-the-job training
These are the highest-rated capabilities associated with success in this occupation. Scores are derived from occupational skill analysis and are measured on a 100-point scale.
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Security guards play a key role in maintaining safety and order in a wide range of settings. National employment is sizable at 1,262,000 workers, and the field generates an estimated 161,000 annual openings, indicating frequent hiring activity. The national median annual salary is $38,370, with higher typical pay reported in several states and metro areas. Career success in this field draws on a blend of people-focused and practical skills, including customer service, interpersonal strengths, leadership, and being detail oriented. Adaptability, physical strength and stamina, and comfort with computers and information technology also matter, reflecting the mix of human interaction and routine monitoring involved. Creativity and innovation, project management abilities, and even science skills can further support growth and advancement. With a projected national employment growth rate of 0.4%, the occupation shows modest expansion while continuing to offer substantial ongoing job opportunities for both entry-level candidates and experienced workers.
The national median annual salary for security guards is $38,370, but earnings can vary across states and metro areas. Among the top states by opportunity score, median salaries range from $43,240 in California to $47,100 in Washington. Massachusetts, New York, and Colorado also show median pay above the national median, between roughly $44,000 and $45,000. In leading metro areas, median salaries span from $43,980 in the New York–Newark–Jersey City region to $46,830 in the Washington–Arlington–Alexandria area. San Jose–Sunnyvale–Santa Clara, San Francisco–Oakland–Fremont, and Boston–Cambridge–Newton also report median pay in the mid-$40,000s. These figures suggest that location choice can make a noticeable difference in earnings, especially in certain states and metropolitan regions that combine higher wages with strong opportunity scores. Over time, developing leadership, project management, and technology skills may help workers compete for better-paying positions within this field.
Security guard employment stands at 1,262,000 nationally, with projected growth of 0.4%. This indicates a relatively stable employment base with modest anticipated expansion. The occupation also has an estimated 161,000 annual openings. This combination of a large current workforce and many openings suggests regular hiring activity driven by both new positions and turnover. Projected growth of 0.4% is consistent across the highlighted states and metro areas, signaling a similar outlook in those regions. For job seekers, the large number of openings can provide multiple entry points, including for those meeting the typical education level of a high school diploma or equivalent. For experienced professionals, the steady outlook may support long-term employment planning. While the growth rate is modest, the overall volume of jobs and recurring vacancies can make this a viable option for individuals looking for consistent demand across different parts of the country.
Location plays a significant role in opportunity for security guards. Among states, California ranks highly with an opportunity score of 67.38, median salary of $43,240, and large employment of 199,480. New York also stands out with 134,700 employed, a $44,240 median salary, and a 65.78 opportunity score. Massachusetts, Colorado, and Washington show smaller employment totals but competitive median pay, from $44,670 in Massachusetts to $47,100 in Washington, alongside opportunity scores between 56.29 and 65.87. At the metro level, San Jose–Sunnyvale–Santa Clara, CA has the highest opportunity score at 77.42, with a $46,250 median salary and 11,800 employed. The New York–Newark–Jersey City metro closely follows with a 77.27 score and the largest employment footprint at 142,760. San Francisco–Oakland–Fremont, Washington–Arlington–Alexandria, and Boston–Cambridge–Newton also combine mid-$40,000s median salaries with opportunity scores above 60. These variations show that both salary and opportunity scores can differ meaningfully by region.
The typical education requirement for security guards is a high school diploma or equivalent, making this an accessible option for individuals who have completed secondary education but may not hold a college degree. Despite this modest formal education threshold, success in the role relies on a diverse skill set. Customer service and interpersonal abilities are important for interacting effectively with others, while leadership supports taking charge in situations as needed. Being detail oriented helps with careful observation and accurate reporting. Adaptability, physical strength, and stamina are also key, reflecting the need to respond to changing conditions and remain effective over time. Comfort with computers and information technology, as well as project management skills, support organized and efficient work. Creativity and innovation, along with science skills, can further enhance problem-solving capabilities. Together, these skills offer multiple avenues for professional growth and can help distinguish candidates within this field over the course of their careers.
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