Hourly Wage / Annual Salary
For Unarmed Security Officers = 18
For Armed Security Officers = 21
Hourly wage is the amount you pay security officers per hour for working on a contract. This number helps set billing rates to ensure your contract covers labor costs.
Offering a fair and competitive salary isn’t just about keeping employees happy—it’s essential for business growth and success. In the security industry, where high turnover is common, paying guards too little can lead to constant hiring, training costs, and unreliable service, ultimately hurting your reputation and client satisfaction.
A good rule of thumb is to stay above industry averages while balancing profitability.
Average hourly wage for security officers by state
State | Average Hourly Wage |
Alabama | $14.00 |
Alaska | $25.10 |
Arizona | $17.40 |
Arkansas | $14.90 |
California | $21.61 |
Colorado | $19.00 |
Connecticut | $19.50 |
Delaware | $17.00 |
District of Columbia | $26.36 |
Florida | $17.30 |
Georgia | $15.50 |
Hawaii | $18.98 |
Idaho | $15.00 |
Illinois | $19.28 |
Indiana | $15.50 |
Iowa | $15.80 |
Kansas | $15.00 |
Kentucky | $14.50 |
Louisiana | $13.70 |
Maine | $17.30 |
Maryland | $22.81 |
Massachusetts | $20.00 |
Michigan | $15.00 |
Minnesota | $22.78 |
Mississippi | $12.00 |
Missouri | $16.00 |
Montana | $14.00 |
Nebraska | $14.50 |
Nevada | $17.76 |
New Hampshire | $17.70 |
New Jersey | $18.50 |
New Mexico | $15.00 |
New York | $21.28 |
North Carolina | $15.00 |
North Dakota | $16.50 |
Ohio | $14.50 |
Oklahoma | $14.00 |
Oregon | $17.00 |
Pennsylvania | $15.00 |
Rhode Island | $16.90 |
South Carolina | $14.00 |
South Dakota | $14.00 |
Tennessee | $14.00 |
Texas | $17.16 |
Utah | $15.00 |
Vermont | $17.80 |
Virginia | $17.00 |
Washington | $22.69 |
West Virginia | $12.00 |
Wisconsin | $15.00 |
Wyoming | $14.00 |
Note: These figures are averages and can vary based on factors such as experience, specific job duties, and regional economic conditions.
For the most accurate and current information, it’s advisable to consult the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics or local employment resources.