Running a successful security company requires a keen eye for detail and a strategic approach. You're not just in the business of providing security guards — you're in the business of building a reliable team of professionals who serve as the backbone of your clients' safety.

Attracting and retaining top talent goes beyond simply offering a job.

In this comprehensive guide, we'll dive into security guard salaries, equipping you with the knowledge you need to make informed decisions and competitive offers.

Let’s get started!

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National average security guard salary

Knowing how much to pay your security guards is crucial for your business. Let’s explore how much security guards get paid per hour.

Competitive salaries attract and retain top talent, which translates to better protection for your clients and smoother operations for your company.

According to the latest data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the average annual security guard salary in the United States is $40,440 — an average hourly wage of $19.44.

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Average security guard salary by state (Source: talent.com)

Here’s how national averages translate to your specific location.

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Average security guard salary by city

Wondering how much a security guard makes in different cities? 

National and state averages are helpful, but sometimes you need to drill down to the city level. Here, we'll unpack security guard salary data for major cities and metropolitan areas across the US.

While we can't cover every single city, we've pulled together information for those with the clearest salary data available.

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Major metropolitan areas

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Top paying cities based on average hourly wage

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Factors influencing security guard salaries

Knowing the national averages is a good first step, but there are several key factors that significantly impact what salary a guard can earn.

Here's a breakdown of the biggest influences on security guard salaries:

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1. Geographic location

Salaries tend to be higher in areas with a higher cost of living. Cities like New York or San Francisco will require more competitive wages to attract and retain qualified guards compared to rural areas.

If there's a high demand for security guards in your area, you might need to offer more to compete for talent.

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2. Experience level

Security guards with more experience are likely to command higher salaries. They bring valuable skills and knowledge to the table, making them more reliable and efficient.

Guards who invest in additional training or certifications (e.g. first aid, CPR, crowd control) become more valuable assets and can expect a bump in pay.

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3. Industry and risk level

Security guards working in high-risk environments like banks, government buildings, or construction sites typically receive higher wages. This reflects the increased pressure and potential danger associated with the role.

Security guards in lower-risk environments, such as retail stores or residential communities, generally earn less.

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4. Armed vs. unarmed

Security guards who are licensed to carry a firearm typically earn a higher salary compared to unarmed guards.

This reflects the additional training and responsibility involved, plus the likelihood of it working in a high-risk area.

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Understanding pay regulations

Keeping your security guards happy and motivated goes beyond offering a competitive salary. It also means complying with all federal and state labor laws.

Here's a breakdown of two crucial regulations that every security company owner needs to understand:

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Minimum wage compliance

• Federal vs. state vs. local: The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) sets a federal minimum wage, yet some states, and some localities have their own minimum wage laws that may be higher. You're always obligated to pay the highest of the rates.

• Know your rates: Familiarize yourself with both federal and state minimum wage laws. Resources like the Department of Labor website offer a searchable database to find the minimum wage applicable to your location.

• Recordkeeping is key: Maintain accurate records of your guards' hours worked to ensure proper minimum wage compliance.

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Overtime rules 

• The FLSA overtime threshold: Under FLSA regulations, most employees who work more than 40 hours in a workweek (7 consecutive days) must be paid overtime at a rate of one and a half times their regular pay rate.

• Different states have their own specific overtime laws, which may provide additional protections or have different thresholds than the federal FLSA standards. It's important to check state-specific regulations to ensure compliance.
  
  Consult the DOL website or an employment lawyer for detailed information on overtime exemptions for security guards in your state.

You could also consider using a tool like Belfry to track guard hours and avoid accidental overtime assignments.

Our dynamic scheduling interface prioritizes assigning guards that live nearby and are not at risk of working overtime, saving you money and the extra effort of planning.

By automating scheduling and providing real-time data, Belfry empowers you to manage your workforce efficiently and tighten your margins.

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Tips for setting competitive salaries

Now that you know the national averages and the factors influencing security guard salaries, let’s translate that into competitive salary packages. This is key to attract and retain the best guards.

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Here are some of our best tips:

• Know your market: Don't operate in a bubble. Use salary surveys and resources provided by HR organizations, security industry associations, and even government agencies.
  
  These resources offer valuable insights into current salary trends for security guards in your location and industry.

• Get specific: Go beyond national averages. Look for data that breaks down salaries by experience level, guard type (armed/unarmed), and specific job duties.
  
  This allows you to tailor your offers to the unique value each guard brings.

• Consider competitors: Research what your competitors are offering. While you don't necessarily need to outbid everyone, staying in the same ballpark is crucial to attracting qualified candidates who have options.

• Additional rewards: Competitive salaries are important, but they're not the only piece of the puzzle. Benefits packages can significantly enhance your offer, especially when salary negotiations are tight.
  
  Consider offering health insurance plans, paid time off (including sick leave and vacation days), retirement savings plans, or even educational assistance programs.
  
  These benefits demonstrate your commitment to your employees' well-being and long-term career development.

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Next steps — Retain your security team with smart technology

High turnover is a drain on any security company. It costs time, money, and can leave your clients vulnerable. You can combat that by creating a work environment that attracts top talent and keeps them happy.

Belfry is an all-in-one solution specifically designed to help you handle everything from automated scheduling and payroll to real-time officer tracking and compliance.

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Here's how Belfry can help you retain your top talent and save money in the long run:

• Streamline scheduling: Free up your time and reduce scheduling headaches with Belfry's smart scheduling tools. This lets you invest in training and field visits to keep officers engaged and skilled. Building relationships fosters a strong team spirit, reduces turnover, and helps you retain your best talent.
  
  
• Empower your officers: A happy team is a productive team. Belfry's mobile app equips your officers with the tools they need to succeed. They can manage timesheets, access reports, and stay connected – all from their phones. Improved communication and a sense of empowerment lead to higher job satisfaction and lower turnover.

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‍Schedule a Free Demo Today.