Security Officer Salary
The short answer
The median pay for security guards in the U.S. was $38,020 a year ($18.28 an hour) in May 2025, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Most earned between $30,210 and $58,840.
Pay range
- Lower pay (10% earn less)
- $30,210
- Middle (median)
- $38,020
- Higher pay (10% earn more)
- $58,840
- Median per hour
- $18.28
Government category: Security Guards. National figures for May 2025; pay in your area may be higher or lower.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a security officer make?
The median pay for security guards in the U.S. was $38,020 a year ($18.28 an hour) in May 2025, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Most earned between $30,210 and $58,840.
What do current security jobs on Gray Hair Jobs pay?
Of 62 current listings that post a yearly pay range, the typical (median) midpoint is $51,475. Pay depends on location, experience and hours.
Can I earn this working part-time?
The figures above are for all workers, most of them full-time. Part-time pay is usually quoted per hour; the median hourly wage was $18.28. Check each listing for its exact pay and hours.