Highest-Paying Security Guard Jobs in 2026
Research Summary. Utilizing a blend of public government data and insights from numerous job postings, the Zippia data team has compiled average salary estimates for security jobs across the United States. This analysis highlights the highest-paid types of security guards based on their average annual earnings.
Below is a summary of our findings regarding the highest-paying security guard roles:
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The highest-paid role is the Security Specialist, with an average salary of $52,500 and an average hourly rate of $25.24.
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Following closely is the Lead Security Officer, earning an average salary of $46,000.
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The average security guard salary across the industry is now $34,500 per year, translating to an average hourly wage of $16.58.
Table Of Contents: Background | Table | Methodology | FAQs
Background
Choosing a career path can be challenging. While salary is an important consideration, it’s vital to understand the landscape of security careers to inform your professional journey. Knowing which positions offer the highest compensation can help you strategize your career progression in the security field.
Here are the leading salaries for various types of security guard roles:
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Security Specialist
Average Salary: $52,500
A Security Specialist is tasked with safeguarding an organization’s data from cyber threats and unauthorized access. Their responsibilities include enhancing software and hardware security, optimizing network configurations, troubleshooting discrepancies, conducting system audits, and automating security processes. Expertise in programming languages and technical systems is essential for this role.
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Lead Security Officer
Average Salary: $46,000
A Lead Security Officer oversees security personnel during shifts, organizing duties, planning schedules, and ensuring compliance with security protocols. They are responsible for training team members and developing security strategies to maintain a safe environment.
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Armed Guard
Average Salary: $44,500
Armed guards are responsible for safeguarding properties and individuals. Their duties often include patrolling assigned areas, monitoring security systems, and responding to emergencies.
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Security Supervisor
Average Salary: $42,500
A Security Supervisor coordinates security operations within a facility, implementing safety protocols and managing staff schedules. They ensure that all security measures are effective and up-to-date.
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Protective Officer
Average Salary: $41,000
A Protective Officer prevents theft and monitors premises for suspicious activity. Their job includes conducting patrols, monitoring surveillance, and coordinating with law enforcement when necessary.
Below is a comprehensive table detailing the average pay for various security guard roles, followed by an explanation of our methodology.
Highest-Paying Types Of Security Guards
Methodology
The Zippia team leverages publicly available data from sources such as the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Foreign Labor Certification Data Center (FLC), and the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to generate salary estimates.
Our analysts also review job postings and company resources for the most current salary information for security guard positions. After data collection, we compute a weighted average for each job title. For further details, you can explore our detailed methodology.
FAQs on Highest-Paying Security Guard Jobs
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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 $52,500, which translates to approximately $25.24 hourly.
A Security Specialist’s role involves safeguarding an organization’s data integrity against cyber threats. Responsibilities include upgrading security systems, optimizing networks, troubleshooting issues, and conducting audits. Proficiency in programming and technical systems is crucial for success in this position.
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What is a good salary for a security guard?
A good salary for a security guard is $34,500 or more. The average security guard salary has risen to $34,500, meaning that individuals earning at least this amount are receiving above-average compensation.
However, salaries can vary greatly based on location. Researching local salary averages relevant to your experience and expertise is essential for understanding your earning potential. For entry-level positions, the average starting salary is around $24,000.
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Do security guard jobs pay well?
Security guard jobs have varying pay scales. While the average salary of $34,500 is lower than the national average, many security roles possess the potential for higher earnings, particularly in specialized positions.
Compensation will fluctuate based on experience, industry, and location. Researching the current rates for security positions in your area can empower you to negotiate for a fair salary based on your qualifications.
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Where do security guards get paid the most?
Hawaii offers the highest pay for security guards. In Hawaii, security guards earn an average annual salary of $45,500, with an hourly wage of about $21.85.
Other states with notable salaries include Minnesota, Washington, and Massachusetts, with average annual salaries of $39,000, $43,000, and $37,500, respectively.
The cities offering the highest salaries for security guards include:
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Lakewood, WA – $43,000
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San Francisco, CA – $40,000
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Minneapolis, MN – $39,500
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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.
