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Security Guards Salary in California
Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:
How much do Security Guards make in California?
Last updated: 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics
$43,240
Median Annual Salary
▼
-1.6% vs 2024
$44,920
Mean Salary
$43,240
Median Salary
$20.79
Hourly Rate
199,480 people work as Security Guards in California
Security Guards salary by percentile in California
BLS-reported salary distribution — from entry-level (10th percentile) to top earners (90th percentile).
Security Guards in California earn a median salary of $43,240 per year ($3,603/month).
This is 9.8% above the national average of $39,375.
California ranks #13 out of 51 states for Security Guards pay.
Approximately 199,480 people work in this occupation across California.
Salaries decreased by 1.6% compared to 2024.
About This Job: Security Guards
Guard, patrol, or monitor premises to prevent theft, violence, or infractions of rules. May operate x-ray and metal detector equipment.
Top Skills
Active Listening
3.75
Monitoring
3.38
Speaking
3.25
Critical Thinking
3.12
Coordination
3.12
Key Knowledge Areas
Public Safety and Security
4.74
Customer and Personal Service
4.54
English Language
4.32
Computers and Electronics
4.09
Administration and Management
3.99
Typical Education: High School Diploma or Equivalent
(79.3% of workers)
Salaries for Security Guards in California range from $36,010 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $57,880 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $37,180 and $46,760.
Median $43,240
P10: $36,010P25: $37,180P75: $46,760P90: $57,880
10th
$36,010
25th
$37,180
Median
$43,240
75th
$46,760
90th
$57,880
Percentile
Annual Salary
Hourly Rate
Monthly
10th Percentile (Entry Level)
$36,010
$17.31
$3,000
25th Percentile
$37,180
$17.88
$3,098
Median (50th)
$43,240
$20.79
$3,603
75th Percentile
$46,760
$22.48
$3,896
90th Percentile (Experienced)
$57,880
$27.83
$4,823
Note: The mean (average) salary of $44,920 differs from the median because salary distributions are typically skewed by high earners.
The median annual salary for Security Guards in California is $43,240 as of 2025. The average (mean) salary is $44,920.
What is the salary range for a Security Guards in California?
Salaries for Security Guards in California range from $36,010 at the 10th percentile to $57,880 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50% earn between $37,180 and $46,760.
What is the starting salary for a Security Guards in California?
Entry-level Security Guards positions in California typically start around $36,010 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $37,180 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Security Guards in California?
According to 2025 BLS data, approximately 199,480 people are employed as Security Guards in California.
What is the hourly rate for a Security Guards in California?
Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, the median hourly rate for a Security Guards in California is approximately $20.79 per hour.
Salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, 2025 estimates. The OEWS survey covers approximately 1.1 million establishments nationwide.
Annual salaries are calculated based on a standard 2,080-hour work year. Actual compensation may vary based on experience, education, employer, and local market conditions. Figures do not include benefits, bonuses, or overtime pay.
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