Pay, demand and where to work, from BLS data with the year on every table.
low → high: location quotient
Click a state. States: Alabama · Alaska · Arizona · Arkansas · California · Colorado · Connecticut · Delaware · District of Columbia · Florida · Georgia · Hawaii · Idaho · Illinois · Indiana · Iowa · Kansas · Kentucky · Louisiana · Maine · Maryland · Massachusetts · Michigan · Minnesota · Mississippi · Missouri · Montana · Nebraska · Nevada · New Hampshire · New Jersey · New Mexico · New York · North Carolina · North Dakota · Ohio · Oklahoma · Oregon · Pennsylvania · Rhode Island · South Carolina · South Dakota · Tennessee · Texas · Utah · Vermont · Virginia · Washington · West Virginia · Wisconsin · Wyoming.
By AtiveSite · Published 07/11/2026 · Updated 07/11/2026 · Every figure is linked to its source below.
Security guards (SOC 33-9032) employed 1,283,470 people in May 2025. The median pay is $38,020 a year ($18.28 an hour); the lowest-paid 10% earn under $30,210 and the highest-paid 10% more than $58,840. BLS projects its employment to change by +0.9% between 2025 and 2035 (about 156,000 openings a year including replacements). The typical way in: High school diploma or equivalent.
Highest median pay: District of Columbia ($64,210), Alaska ($47,480), Washington ($47,100). Most jobs: California (199,480), New York (134,700), Texas (106,210).
| Measure ⇅ | Annual ⇅ | Hourly equivalent ⇅ |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $30,210 | $14.52 |
| 25th percentile | $35,210 | $16.93 |
| Median | $38,020 | $18.28 |
| Mean | $42,470 | $20.42 |
| 75th percentile | $46,200 | $22.21 |
| 90th percentile (experienced) | $58,840 | $28.29 |
Estimate for a wage earner: 2026 federal brackets and standard deduction (IRS), Social Security 6.2% up to $184,500, Medicare 1.45% (+0.9% above $200,000 single / $250,000 married), and a state rate you set. It ignores credits, pre-tax deductions, local taxes and benefits. Sources: IRS: tax year 2026 inflation adjustments · SSA wage base per Federal Register notice 2025-19763.
Hourly equivalents divide by 2,080 hours. Pay above $239,200 is shown as "≥ $239,200" (BLS top code).
| Measure ⇅ | Value ⇅ |
|---|---|
| Jobs 2025 | 1,294,300 |
| Jobs 2035 (projected) | 1,305,600 |
| Change in jobs | 11,300 |
| Percent change | +0.9% |
| Openings a year (growth + replacements) | 156,000 |
| Self-employed share | 0.7% |
| Typical entry education | High school diploma or equivalent |
| Work experience in a related occupation | None |
| Typical on-the-job training | Short-term on-the-job training |
Licences and certifications are set by states and employers; the education shown is the usual entry requirement, not a legal one.
| State ⇅ | Jobs ⇅ | Location quotient ⇅ | Median pay ⇅ | Entry (10th pct.) ⇅ | Top (90th pct.) ⇅ | Median vs US ⇅ | Yearly rent as % of median pay ⇅ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | 15,210 | 0.87 | $33,720 | $23,110 | $45,640 | -11% | 38% |
| Alaska | 2,100 | 0.78 | $47,480 | $36,520 | $76,350 | +25% | 36% |
| Arizona | 29,820 | 1.12 | $38,290 | $31,910 | $52,450 | +1% | 52% |
| Arkansas | 6,390 | 0.59 | $35,770 | $28,870 | $57,410 | -6% | 33% |
| California | 199,480 | 1.33 | $43,240 | $36,010 | $57,880 | +14% | 58% |
| Colorado | 16,890 | 0.71 | $45,150 | $36,160 | $57,360 | +19% | 48% |
| Connecticut | 12,100 | 0.86 | $39,920 | $34,950 | $59,220 | +5% | 47% |
| Delaware | 3,430 | 0.86 | $36,360 | $32,450 | $73,390 | -4% | 50% |
| District of Columbia | 15,880 | 2.74 | $64,210 | $36,600 | $78,910 | +69% | 36% |
| Florida | 95,370 | 1.16 | $35,900 | $29,470 | $46,090 | -6% | 61% |
| Georgia | 36,210 | 0.90 | $34,980 | $29,060 | $48,590 | -8% | 52% |
| Hawaii | 10,160 | 1.96 | $42,820 | $35,140 | $58,840 | +13% | 54% |
| Idaho | 3,750 | 0.53 | $38,300 | $32,030 | $78,680 | +1% | 43% |
| Illinois | 53,830 | 1.07 | $39,490 | $35,520 | $63,950 | +4% | 40% |
| Indiana | 19,930 | 0.75 | $36,490 | $29,850 | $59,990 | -4% | 36% |
| Iowa | 6,890 | 0.54 | $37,080 | $30,350 | $59,290 | -2% | 32% |
| Kansas | 7,150 | 0.60 | $37,080 | $29,590 | $51,890 | -2% | 35% |
| Kentucky | 13,580 | 0.82 | $35,420 | $28,450 | $50,800 | -7% | 34% |
| Louisiana | 17,210 | 1.08 | $32,240 | $23,660 | $49,040 | -15% | 40% |
| Maine | 1,930 | 0.36 | $39,100 | $31,470 | $51,530 | +3% | 37% |
| Maryland | 27,670 | 1.21 | $38,220 | $33,700 | $64,320 | +1% | 54% |
| Massachusetts | 23,930 | 0.80 | $44,670 | $34,830 | $55,800 | +17% | 50% |
| Michigan | 25,240 | 0.69 | $37,080 | $29,790 | $54,770 | -2% | 38% |
| Minnesota | 14,440 | 0.59 | $43,380 | $33,760 | $65,090 | +14% | 36% |
| Mississippi | 10,160 | 1.06 | $29,180 | $21,690 | $42,580 | -23% | 41% |
| Missouri | 18,630 | 0.77 | $40,390 | $31,040 | $68,860 | +6% | 32% |
| Montana | 1,610 | 0.38 | $38,480 | $28,800 | $57,310 | +1% | 37% |
| Nebraska | 4,700 | 0.56 | $39,840 | $34,020 | $70,310 | +5% | 33% |
| Nevada | 26,680 | 2.08 | $37,310 | $29,140 | $48,340 | -2% | 55% |
| New Hampshire | 2,450 | 0.43 | $45,200 | $36,500 | $62,400 | +19% | 41% |
| New Jersey | 41,540 | 1.17 | $38,880 | $32,230 | $60,420 | +2% | 56% |
| New Mexico | 8,410 | 1.17 | $43,320 | $30,220 | $64,840 | +14% | 31% |
| New York | 134,700 | 1.68 | $44,240 | $35,650 | $60,580 | +16% | 44% |
| North Carolina | 29,830 | 0.73 | $35,010 | $29,260 | $56,020 | -8% | 46% |
| North Dakota | 1,310 | 0.37 | $39,310 | $31,150 | $64,390 | +3% | 30% |
| Ohio | 34,450 | 0.75 | $35,770 | $29,030 | $55,440 | -6% | 37% |
| Oklahoma | 12,210 | 0.87 | $36,270 | $26,940 | $56,080 | -5% | 35% |
| Oregon | 12,200 | 0.75 | $45,500 | $36,500 | $58,510 | +20% | 42% |
| Pennsylvania | 43,610 | 0.87 | $37,050 | $30,050 | $54,830 | -3% | 41% |
| Rhode Island | 3,160 | 0.76 | $36,940 | $31,200 | $48,520 | -3% | 46% |
| South Carolina | 16,610 | 0.87 | $35,460 | $27,420 | $48,850 | -7% | 43% |
| South Dakota | 1,460 | 0.39 | $37,150 | $30,060 | $59,840 | -2% | 32% |
| Tennessee | 27,690 | 1.02 | $36,000 | $29,310 | $51,680 | -5% | 43% |
| Texas | 106,210 | 0.91 | $35,980 | $26,950 | $50,740 | -5% | 49% |
| Utah | 7,310 | 0.51 | $42,700 | $31,270 | $56,620 | +12% | 45% |
| Vermont | 930 | 0.37 | $45,550 | $36,040 | $72,620 | +20% | 35% |
| Virginia | 34,870 | 1.03 | $43,640 | $30,990 | $73,060 | +15% | 45% |
| Washington | 25,800 | 0.88 | $47,100 | $37,720 | $68,390 | +24% | 46% |
| West Virginia | 5,200 | 0.90 | $28,800 | $20,800 | $47,370 | -24% | 37% |
| Wisconsin | 12,030 | 0.50 | $37,440 | $30,410 | $54,680 | -2% | 37% |
| Wyoming | 1,130 | 0.49 | $39,200 | $30,350 | $67,680 | +3% | 31% |
Location quotient above 1 means the occupation is more concentrated in the state than in the nation. "n/a" means BLS suppressed the figure. Rent uses the state median gross rent (ACS).
The 60 highest-paying metropolitan areas among those with at least 300 jobs in this occupation.
| Metropolitan area ⇅ | Jobs ⇅ | Median pay ⇅ | Entry (10th pct.) ⇅ | Top (90th pct.) ⇅ | Location quotient ⇅ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Idaho Falls, ID | 570 | $78,680 | $32,600 | $78,680 | 0.84 |
| Kennewick-Richland, WA | 500 | $54,670 | $36,500 | $86,900 | 0.47 |
| Burlington-South Burlington, VT | 410 | $51,170 | $39,720 | $72,630 | 0.42 |
| Lynchburg, VA | 570 | $49,480 | $30,330 | $75,860 | 0.72 |
| Kahului-Wailuku, HI | 780 | $48,690 | $36,950 | $68,840 | 1.29 |
| Rochester, MN | 520 | $47,790 | $30,840 | $61,960 | 0.51 |
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA | 17,030 | $47,490 | $38,990 | $68,040 | 0.99 |
| Napa, CA | 760 | $47,240 | $38,510 | $75,590 | 1.18 |
| Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV | 40,950 | $46,830 | $36,530 | $78,790 | 1.58 |
| Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA | 9,110 | $46,820 | $38,360 | $60,020 | 0.91 |
| Anchorage, AK | 1,090 | $46,720 | $36,640 | $78,180 | 0.75 |
| Boulder, CO | 480 | $46,450 | $36,440 | $62,630 | 0.30 |
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | 11,800 | $46,250 | $43,900 | $66,970 | 1.26 |
| Salem, OR | 1,030 | $46,150 | $36,210 | $60,770 | 0.66 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA | 26,830 | $45,730 | $40,340 | $62,470 | 1.37 |
| Bremerton-Silverdale-Port Orchard, WA | 590 | $45,540 | $38,160 | $62,600 | 0.76 |
| Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO | 10,910 | $45,420 | $36,780 | $57,330 | 0.82 |
| Barnstable Town, MA | 300 | $45,230 | $35,620 | $62,450 | 0.39 |
| Santa Rosa-Petaluma, CA | 1,560 | $45,160 | $37,770 | $56,850 | 0.92 |
| New Haven, CT | 1,560 | $45,060 | $35,860 | $72,180 | 0.67 |
| Syracuse, NY | 1,770 | $45,050 | $34,500 | $77,650 | 0.71 |
| Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH | 19,250 | $44,990 | $35,780 | $56,450 | 0.86 |
| Lexington Park, MD | 380 | $44,880 | $31,200 | $79,410 | 0.65 |
| Albuquerque, NM | 4,440 | $44,780 | $30,880 | $64,340 | 1.33 |
| Manchester-Nashua, NH | 810 | $44,520 | $36,690 | $57,250 | 0.49 |
| Jefferson City, MO | 350 | $44,430 | $29,770 | $73,640 | 0.53 |
| Utica-Rome, NY | 950 | $44,420 | $34,550 | $62,590 | 0.97 |
| Bridgeport-Stamford-Danbury, CT | 2,770 | $44,390 | $36,690 | $63,130 | 0.83 |
| Bellingham, WA | 380 | $44,310 | $36,180 | $60,680 | 0.50 |
| Medford, OR | 310 | $44,250 | $33,960 | $53,930 | 0.42 |
| New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ | 142,760 | $43,980 | $35,360 | $60,720 | 1.82 |
| Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA | 840 | $43,920 | $36,340 | $67,900 | 0.79 |
| Bend, OR | 350 | $43,790 | $37,640 | $55,660 | 0.39 |
| Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA | 470 | $43,610 | $36,480 | $67,620 | 0.58 |
| Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI | 10,930 | $43,430 | $35,630 | $65,200 | 0.68 |
| Fort Collins-Loveland, CO | 1,080 | $43,320 | $36,160 | $50,370 | 0.77 |
| Salt Lake City-Murray, UT | 5,120 | $43,260 | $31,270 | $53,360 | 0.75 |
| Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY | 2,340 | $43,250 | $35,290 | $59,140 | 0.63 |
| Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA | 800 | $43,250 | $34,990 | $58,300 | 0.48 |
| San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles, CA | 530 | $42,980 | $35,940 | $99,180 | 0.52 |
| Fayetteville, NC | 710 | $42,940 | $28,660 | $61,030 | 0.66 |
| Kiryas Joel-Poughkeepsie-Newburgh, NY | 3,080 | $42,910 | $34,950 | $60,110 | 1.39 |
| Rochester, NY | 3,300 | $42,860 | $34,980 | $60,790 | 0.81 |
| Vallejo, CA | 950 | $42,800 | $37,110 | $59,970 | 0.80 |
| Colorado Springs, CO | 2,210 | $42,670 | $34,220 | $58,150 | 0.85 |
| St. Louis, MO-IL | 9,720 | $42,600 | $32,460 | $60,590 | 0.88 |
| Urban Honolulu, HI | 8,440 | $42,580 | $35,140 | $56,330 | 2.29 |
| Omaha, NE-IA | 3,170 | $42,370 | $35,740 | $76,110 | 0.77 |
| Redding, CA | 490 | $42,330 | $34,460 | $56,730 | 0.84 |
| Springfield, IL | 680 | $42,240 | $33,460 | $57,350 | 0.82 |
| Charlottesville, VA | 340 | $42,170 | $29,770 | $71,190 | 0.36 |
| Ann Arbor, MI | 630 | $42,100 | $31,280 | $56,240 | 0.35 |
| Binghamton, NY | 640 | $42,070 | $32,240 | $58,570 | 0.80 |
| Kansas City, MO-KS | 7,730 | $41,810 | $31,540 | $68,860 | 0.85 |
| Spokane-Spokane Valley, WA | 2,270 | $41,310 | $36,890 | $60,580 | 1.08 |
| Santa Fe, NM | 630 | $40,980 | $32,000 | $60,600 | 1.23 |
| Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura, CA | 1,880 | $40,960 | $35,370 | $54,840 | 0.70 |
| Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI | 3,100 | $40,810 | $30,690 | $56,070 | 0.63 |
| Provo-Orem-Lehi, UT | 990 | $40,690 | $33,220 | $58,480 | 0.39 |
| Pueblo, CO | 490 | $40,360 | $30,800 | $60,200 | 0.96 |
The median is $38,020 a year ($18.28 an hour); the lowest-paid tenth earn under $30,210 and the highest-paid tenth over $58,840 (BLS OEWS, May 2025).
1,283,470 in May 2025, and BLS projects +0.9% growth to 2035.
The typical entry education is: High school diploma or equivalent (BLS).
District of Columbia, with a median of $64,210 (among states with published figures).