Last updated 2026-05-26 with current BLS OEWS (May 2024) and Job Bank Canada (Nov 2025) wage data.
A security guard provides security for buildings, homes, materials, work sites, and other venues. It all depends on the types of securities they provide. As the levels of security increase so do the salaries of the security guards.
Aspiring security professionals and seasoned veterans alike often have questions about salary ranges and compensation within the industry. Understanding salary guides can provide valuable insights for individuals seeking to enter the security industry or make career advancements. Salaries guides in various regions also differ according to the experiences security guards have.
Salary Ranges In Security Industry Roles In Canada And The USA
Although there is common ground on which a security-providing industry will select the range to provide the salary there still are certain factors they need to consider before setting anything.
According to Job Bank Canada’s NOC 64410 wage report (updated November 2025), the national median hourly wage for security guards in Canada is CAD $21.00/hour - roughly $43,680 per year at 40 hours/week. Entry-level (low-end) wages start at CAD $16.55/hour, while experienced guards at the high end earn up to CAD $31.45/hour (about $65,400/year).
Security Officer/Guard:
Entry-level security officers can expect a salary range starting around $25,000 to $30,000 per year. With experience and additional responsibilities, salaries can range from $30,000 to $45,000 per year.
Security Supervisor/Team Lead:
Security supervisors or team leads often earn higher salaries than security officers. The salary range for these roles typically starts around $35,000 to $45,000 per year, and with experience and added responsibilities, it can go up to $50,000 to $65,000 per year.
Security Manager:
Security managers oversee security operations and are responsible for managing teams and implementing security strategies. The salary range for security managers usually starts around $50,000 to $65,000 per year and can go up to $75,000 to $100,000 per year or more, depending on the size of the organization and level of experience.
Security Director:
Security directors are in senior management positions and have broad responsibilities for security programs, policies, and budgets. Their salaries generally range from $80,000 to $120,000 per year, with some earning even higher salaries in larger organizations or specialized sectors.
Salary ranges in the security industry can vary depending on factors such as job role, level of experience, location, company size, and industry sector. As it is with many jobs, having more experience means that your wages will gradually increase as well.
In the United States, the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics for Security Guards (SOC 33-9032) - May 2024 release - puts the median hourly wage at $18.46 and the median annual wage at $38,370. That is a meaningful jump from the figures circulating in older salary articles (which still quote a $14-$15 median from the late-2010s OEWS releases).
Salary ranges can also differ based on geographical location and cost of living. Metropolitan areas or regions with a higher cost of living often offer higher salaries compared to rural areas.
The competitions are already high in the security industry. Hence, many security companies have started using a security management system to make them more successful and set them apart from the competition.
Factors That Influence The Salary Range In The Security Industry
There are many factors that one must look into while considering the salary of guards in the USA and Canada. Experience, size of the premise, area, and region may cause a fluctuation in the range.
Job Role:
Different security roles come with varying levels of responsibility and expertise. Entry-level positions such as security officers/guards generally have lower starting salaries compared to managerial or director-level positions.
Experience and Expertise:
Experience plays a significant role in salary determination. As professionals gain more experience and expertise in the security field, they often qualify for higher-paying positions or can negotiate better compensation packages.
Location:
Salary ranges can vary based on geographical location due to differences in the cost of living and demand for security services. Metropolitan areas with higher living costs and increased security needs often offer higher salaries compared to rural areas.
Industry Sector:
The security industry encompasses a wide range of sectors, including corporate security, government, healthcare, education, retail, and more. Compensation can vary across sectors based on factors like industry regulations, the complexity of security needs, and budgetary constraints.
Education and Certifications:
Advanced degrees or specialized certifications can significantly impact salary potential within the security industry. Certifications such as Certified Protection Professional (CPP) or Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) can enhance professional credentials and increase earning potential.
If you ever feel like you need to up your game then you can always consult a security guard management software that will help you in optimizing the security performance of your security guards.
Top 5 US states by security guard wage
Location is one of the biggest variables in guard pay. Based on BLS OEWS state-level wage data for security guards (33-9032), these are the five highest-paying US states by annual mean wage:
| Rank | State | Annual mean wage |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | $54,830 |
| 2 | Alaska | $52,220 |
| 3 | Maryland | $47,450 |
| 4 | Minnesota | $47,390 |
| 5 | Washington | $47,190 |
DC and Alaska sit well above the $38,370 national median - DC because so much guard work is tied to federal facilities and cleared contracts, and Alaska because remote-site premiums (oil and gas, ports, infrastructure) lift the floor. Maryland, Minnesota, and Washington reflect a mix of federal contract work, strong unionization, and higher cost-of-living markets like Seattle and the DC suburbs.
Final Thoughts
Security guards can increase their salary range through proper training and optimization in work. If they provide the best services to the clients, then the security guard company they are working for will reward them for their services. Using security guard software will enhance the performance of the security guards as it will keep a check on their job duties and if they were completed on time or not.
Further Reading
- Types of Security Guard Services - pillar guide covering all 12 security service categories
- How to Price Security Guard Contracts - bill rates, margins, and contract pricing formulas
- Workforce Management for Security Companies - operations platform for security firms
- GPS Tracking and Geofencing - verified patrols and real-time guard location
- Start a Free 14-Day Trial - cancel anytime
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