Research Summary. Using a combination of public government and company data as well as data gathered from thousands of job postings, the Zippia data team has created average salary estimates for jobs across the US. Using that data set, the team has identified the types of security guards that are the highest paid based on their average annual salaries.
Here is a summary of our findings for the highest-paying types of security guards:
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Security Specialist is the highest-paid type of security guard with an average salary of $49,892 and an average hourly rate of $23.99.
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The second highest-paying type of security guard is lead security officer, with an average salary of $43,560.
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The average security guard salary is $31,983 per year, and the average hourly pay is $15.38.
Table Of Contents: Background | Table | Methodology | FAQs
Background
Choosing a career path can be difficult, and while pay shouldn’t be the only thing you consider in your decision, it is a significant factor. So if you’d like to work as a security guard, it helps to have an idea of what the highest-paid types of security guards are so that you can plan your career progression.
Here are the top salaries for different types of security guards:
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Security Specialist
Average Salary: $49,892
A security specialist is responsible for maintaining the security of an organization’s database, ensuring that it’s free from cyber threats and unusual activities. Security specialists’ duties include upgrading hardware and software applications, configuring networks to improve optimization, addressing any unauthorized access on the database, troubleshooting system discrepancies, conducting security audits on the system, and improving automated processes. A security specialist must have a strong command of programming languages and system codes, as well as broad experience with technical expertise.
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Lead Security Officer
Average Salary: $43,560
A lead security officer manages the members of a security team assigned to a certain shift. Lead security officers plan, organize, direct, and schedule work. They train personnel and recommend applicants for corrective action and training opportunities. It is their job to verify identification upon entry to a facility. They see to it that a secure environment for events is well-maintained. Also, they develop an execution plan and cloud strategy for the technology advisory board.
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Armed Guard
Average Salary: $43,189
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Security Supervisor
Average Salary: $41,818
A security supervisor is in charge of coordinating and overseeing the security staff in a building or within a designated area. Their responsibilities focus on devising strategies, appointing personnel, and implementing protocols that would ensure the safety of an establishment, goods, and the people inside. Furthermore, they must make sure that all security devices and equipment are working correctly, create and manage schedules, monitor and evaluate every security personnel’s performance, and maintain a safe environment for everyone. Should there be any incidents, it is crucial to coordinate with the police right away.
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Protective Officer
Average Salary: $40,529
A protective officer is in charge of preventing theft and damages in stores and other establishments. Among their responsibilities include monitoring alarm systems and surveillance cameras, patrolling areas, keeping an eye on suspicious activities and behavior, developing strategies to enforce security protocols, and responding to distress. There are also instances where they must conduct inspections and produce reports. Furthermore, as a protective officer, it is essential to coordinate with law enforcement should the situation require.
Below is a full table of the average pay for various security guard that pay the most followed by a more detailed explanation of our methodology.
Highest-Paying Types Of Security Guards
Methodology
Zippia uses publicly published information from government sources such as the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Foreign Labor Certification Data Center (FLC), and the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to create its salary estimates.
Our data science team also checks job postings and company-published resources for additional up-to-date salary information for security guards.
Once they’ve gathered the data, the team calculates a weighted average for each job title they’re estimating a salary for. For more details on our salary estimates, you can read the detailed methodology.
Highest-Paying Types Of Security Guard Jobs FAQs
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What is the highest-paid security guard job?
The highest-paid security guard job is a security specialist. Security Specialists earn an average salary of $49,892, which is $ 23.99 hourly.
A security specialist is responsible for maintaining the security of an organization’s database, ensuring that it’s free from cyber threats and unusual activities. Security specialists’ duties include upgrading hardware and software applications, configuring networks to improve optimization, addressing any unauthorized access on the database, troubleshooting system discrepancies, conducting security audits on the system, and improving automated processes. A security specialist must have a strong command of programming languages and system codes, as well as broad experience with technical expertise.
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What is a good salary for a security guard?
A good salary for a security guard is $31,983 or more. The average security guard salary is $31,983, so those making at least $31,983 are earning above-average paychecks.
Keep in mind, however, that the average security guard salary does fluctuate based on location, as companies will adjust their pay scales based on the cost of living in that area. Research what the average salary is in your area for someone of your expertise and experience level to get a more accurate view on how well you’re being paid.
In addition, if you’re just starting your career as a security guard, the average entry level salary is $22,029, so don’t base your opinion of your salary on the $31,983 average, as this includes all security guards of all skill and experience levels.
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Do Security Guard jobs pay well?
No, security guard jobs don’t pay well. As in any industry, some security guard jobs pay better than others, but the average security guard salary of $31,983 is times the average national salary of about $44,225 per year.
In addition to this, many security guard jobs have high earning potential, with the top 10% of security guards earning $40,162 a year on average.
Security Guards’ salaries will fluctuate based on their experience level, industry, and location, so pay attention to these factors when you’re looking for a job as a security guard. Do your research on the going rate for a security guard in your area with your expertise, and don’t be afraid to negotiate your salary based on that information.
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Where do security guards get paid the most?
Security Guards get paid the most in Hawaii. In Hawaii, security guards earn an average annual salary of $42,908 and an average hourly wage of $20.63.
Following HI, the states with the highest-paid security guards are Minnesota, Washington, and Massachusetts, with average annual salaries of $36,914, $41,518, and $36,208 respectively.
The cities with the highest-paid security guard salaries are:
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Lakewood, WA – $41,745
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San Francisco, CA – $37,614
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Minneapolis, MN – $36,935
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Author
Chris Kolmar is a co-founder of Zippia and the editor-in-chief of the Zippia career advice blog. He has hired over 50 people in his career, been hired five times, and wants to help you land your next job. His research has been featured on the New York Times, Thrillist, VOX, The Atlantic, and a host of local news. More recently, he's been quoted on USA Today, BusinessInsider, and CNBC.
