Security Guards Hourly Pay
As of May 2025, the median hourly wage for security guards in the United States was $18.28, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OES survey.
Hourly Wage Percentiles
| Percentile | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|
| 10th | $14.52 |
| 25th | $16.93 |
| Median | $18.28 |
| 75th | $22.21 |
| 90th | $28.29 |
Data source: BLS OES national file · U.S. BLS OES survey, May 2025
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do security guards make an hour?
The median hourly wage is $18.28; the mean hourly wage is $20.42.
What is the entry-level hourly pay for security guards?
Workers at the 10th percentile earn about $14.52 per hour — a common proxy for entry-level pay.
What is the top hourly pay for security guards?
Workers at the 90th percentile earn about $28.29 per hour.