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Security Guards Salary in Kentucky

Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:

How much do Security Guards make in Kentucky?

Last updated: 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics

$35,420
Median Annual Salary
▼ -0.3% vs 2024
$38,540
Mean Salary
$35,420
Median Salary
$17.03
Hourly Rate
13,580 people work as Security Guards in Kentucky

Security Guards salary by percentile in Kentucky

BLS-reported salary distribution — from entry-level (10th percentile) to top earners (90th percentile).

Security Guards salary in Kentucky — 2025 BLS percentilesHorizontal bars showing 10th, 25th, 50th, 75th and 90th percentile annual salaries for Security Guards in Kentucky.10thBottom 10% earn less than $28,450$28,45025th25% earn less than $31,440$31,440MedianHalf earn more than $35,420$35,42075th75% earn less than $40,370$40,37090thTop 10% earn more than $50,800$50,800

Security Guards in Kentucky earn a median salary of $35,420 per year ($2,951/month). This is 10.0% below the national average of $39,375. Kentucky ranks #45 out of 51 states for Security Guards pay. Approximately 13,580 people work in this occupation across Kentucky. Salaries decreased by 0.3% 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)

Source: O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor

Salary Range: Security Guards in Kentucky

Salaries for Security Guards in Kentucky range from $28,450 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $50,800 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $31,440 and $40,370.

Median $35,420
P10: $28,450 P25: $31,440 P75: $40,370 P90: $50,800
10th
$28,450
25th
$31,440
Median
$35,420
75th
$40,370
90th
$50,800
Percentile Annual Salary Hourly Rate Monthly
10th Percentile (Entry Level) $28,450 $13.68 $2,370
25th Percentile $31,440 $15.12 $2,620
Median (50th) $35,420 $17.03 $2,951
75th Percentile $40,370 $19.41 $3,364
90th Percentile (Experienced) $50,800 $24.42 $4,233

Note: The mean (average) salary of $38,540 differs from the median because salary distributions are typically skewed by high earners.

📊 How Does This Compare?

#45
Kentucky ranks #45 of 51 states
$39,375
National avg. for Security Guards
-10.0%
vs. national average
Below Average

Similar Jobs That Pay More in Kentucky:

What does this salary really buy? See Security Guards salary in Kentucky adjusted for cost of living →

How much do you actually take home? See Security Guards take-home pay in Kentucky after taxes →

Explore Security Guards Data in Kentucky

Security Guards Salary by State

Compare Security Guards pay across states — sorted by highest median salary.

View all 50 states →

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do Security Guards make in Kentucky?
The median annual salary for Security Guards in Kentucky is $35,420 as of 2025. The average (mean) salary is $38,540.
What is the salary range for a Security Guards in Kentucky?
Salaries for Security Guards in Kentucky range from $28,450 at the 10th percentile to $50,800 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50% earn between $31,440 and $40,370.
What is the starting salary for a Security Guards in Kentucky?
Entry-level Security Guards positions in Kentucky typically start around $28,450 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $31,440 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Security Guards in Kentucky?
According to 2025 BLS data, approximately 13,580 people are employed as Security Guards in Kentucky.
What is the hourly rate for a Security Guards in Kentucky?
Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, the median hourly rate for a Security Guards in Kentucky is approximately $17.03 per hour.

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Data Source & Methodology

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.

Our Methodology · Data Sources · Source: BLS OEWS

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