How much do unarmed security guards make an hour? This question often crosses the minds of property managers and business owners like Sarah Thompson, who are seeking to ensure safety and security without stretching their budgets. As of December 2024, the average hourly pay for an unarmed security guard in the United States is $18. The majority earn between $16 and $20 per hour, though the pay can vary from a low of $14 to a high of $22 depending on factors such as location and experience.

Unarmed security guards are crucial for maintaining safety and peace in both residential and commercial properties. Understanding the salary landscape helps in attracting and retaining top talent in this vital role. It’s not just about offering a competitive wage but also about ensuring job satisfaction and growth opportunities. Balancing these elements can lead to more effective security services, benefiting both your properties and the communities they serve.

National Average Hourly Pay for Unarmed Security Guards

When considering how much do unarmed security guards make an hour, look at the national averages. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average hourly wage for unarmed security guards in the United States is approximately $19.44. This figure provides a baseline for understanding what one might expect to earn in this field.

The salary range for unarmed security guards typically falls between $16 and $20 per hour. However, depending on various factors, such as geographic location and experience, wages can drop as low as $14 or rise to $22 per hour.

Understanding these averages is crucial for both employers and employees. For employers, it helps in setting competitive salaries that attract skilled personnel. For security guards, it provides a framework for evaluating job offers and negotiating pay.

In cities with a higher cost of living, such as New York or San Francisco, wages might be on the higher end of the scale to reflect the increased living expenses. Conversely, in rural areas, wages might be lower, aligning with the local cost of living.

The national average gives a general idea, but it’s important to consider local economic conditions and industry-specific demands when evaluating or offering salaries. This ensures that security guards are compensated fairly and are motivated to perform their duties effectively.

This understanding of national averages sets the stage for examining how these wages vary across different states and cities, which we will explore in the next sections.

Factors Influencing Unarmed Security Guard Salaries

Several factors influence how much unarmed security guards make an hour. Understanding these can help both employers and employees steer the job market effectively.

Geographic Location

Location plays a significant role in determining wages. Salaries tend to be higher in areas with a higher cost of living. For example, security guards in cities like New York or San Francisco often earn more than those in smaller towns. This is because living expenses are higher in metropolitan areas, necessitating higher pay to maintain a reasonable standard of living.

Experience Level

Experience impacts pay significantly. Security guards with more experience often command higher salaries. They bring valuable skills and knowledge, making them more efficient and reliable. For example, a guard with advanced training in conflict resolution or emergency response is likely to earn more than a newcomer to the field.

Industry and Risk Level

The industry and the associated risk level also affect salaries. Guards working in high-risk environments—such as banks or government buildings—typically earn more due to the nature of their duties. These roles often involve increased pressure and potential danger, necessitating higher compensation. In contrast, guards in lower-risk settings, like retail stores, might earn less.

Armed vs. Unarmed

There is a clear distinction in pay between armed and unarmed guards. Armed security officers typically receive higher wages. This is due to the additional training and responsibilities required for carrying a firearm. The increased risk and skill set involved in armed roles justify the higher pay compared to their unarmed counterparts.

Understanding these factors is crucial for setting realistic salary expectations and ensuring competitive compensation. This helps in attracting skilled guards and retaining them, which is vital for maintaining effective security services.

How Much Do Unarmed Security Guards Make an Hour in Different States?

The hourly wages for unarmed security guards can vary significantly depending on the state. This variation is influenced by factors such as the cost of living, demand for security services, and state-specific labor laws.

State Averages

The national average hourly wage for unarmed security guards is approximately $19.44, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. However, this average can fluctuate when looking at specific states.

Tennessee

In Tennessee, unarmed security guards earn an average of $15.53 per hour. This rate reflects the state’s lower cost of living compared to more expensive states. While this might seem lower than the national average, it is competitive within the region, allowing guards to maintain a reasonable standard of living.

California

California, known for its high cost of living, offers higher wages to unarmed security guards. In this state, guards can expect to earn more than the national average, with hourly rates often reaching up to $22. This increase compensates for the higher expenses associated with living in cities like Los Angeles or San Francisco. Guards here benefit from not only higher wages but also the opportunity to work in diverse environments ranging from tech companies to entertainment venues.

Understanding these state-specific averages is essential for both employers and job seekers. Employers can set competitive salaries that align with regional expectations, while job seekers can make informed decisions about where to pursue employment opportunities.

How Much Do Unarmed Security Guards Make an Hour in Major Cities?

When we look at how much unarmed security guards make an hour in major cities, we see a wide range of pay rates. These differences are usually tied to the cost of living and demand for security services in each city.

City Averages

Let’s explore some examples. In metropolitan areas like New York City and Los Angeles, the cost of living is high, and so are the wages for security guards. Here, unarmed security guards can earn hourly rates that often exceed the national average of $19.44. For instance, in New York City, rates can go up to $25 per hour, reflecting the city’s high expenses and demand for security services.

On the other hand, in cities with a lower cost of living, like Houston, Texas, the pay is usually closer to the national average. In Houston, unarmed security guards might earn around $18 per hour. This rate is competitive for the region, considering the city’s more affordable living costs compared to places like New York or San Francisco.

Cost of Living Impact

The cost of living heavily influences these wages. Cities with higher living expenses tend to offer higher pay to help workers manage these costs. This means that even if a security guard earns more in a city like San Francisco, their purchasing power might be similar to someone earning less in a more affordable city.

Metropolitan Areas

In metropolitan areas, the diversity of industries also plays a role. For example, a guard working in a tech hub like Silicon Valley might have different duties and pay compared to someone in a retail setting in a smaller city. This diversity can lead to varied pay scales even within the same city.

Understanding these city-specific averages helps both employers and job seekers make informed decisions. Employers can set competitive wages that attract top talent, while job seekers can choose locations that offer the best balance between pay and living costs.

Frequently Asked Questions about Unarmed Security Guard Salaries

How much do unarmed security guards make an hour in California?

In California, unarmed security guards earn an average hourly wage of $19.44. This rate reflects the state’s cost of living and demand for security services. While this might be higher than the national average, it’s competitive within the region. California’s higher living expenses mean that security guards need this wage to maintain a reasonable standard of living.

What factors affect the pay of unarmed security guards?

Several factors influence how much unarmed security guards make an hour:

• Experience: More experienced guards typically earn higher wages. Their knowledge and skills make them valuable assets to employers.

• Location: Geographic location is a major determinant. Guards in high-cost areas like California often earn more than those in states with lower living costs.

• Industry: The industry in which a guard works also affects pay. For example, guards in high-risk industries, like banking or tech, may earn more due to the increased responsibility and expertise required.

What is the difference in pay between armed and unarmed security guards?

The pay difference between armed and unarmed security guards is often significant. Armed guards usually earn higher wages due to the additional training and responsibility involved. They are typically required to handle weapons and manage more critical security situations. This added risk and skill set justify the higher pay rates.

In summary, while unarmed security guards in various locations like California earn competitive wages based on their environment and industry, armed guards often receive higher compensation due to the nature of their duties. Understanding these factors can help security professionals steer their career paths effectively.

Conclusion

At American S.E.A.L. Patrol Division, we understand that offering competitive salaries is key to attracting and retaining top talent in the security industry. Our unarmed security guards are a vital part of our team, and we ensure they are compensated fairly for their essential role in safeguarding our clients’ properties.

We know that employee retention is crucial for maintaining high-quality service. By providing competitive pay, we not only attract skilled personnel but also encourage them to stay with us long-term. This stability benefits both our clients and our team, as experienced guards deliver more reliable and effective security solutions.

Our commitment to fair compensation is just one aspect of how we support our employees. We also provide ongoing training and opportunities for advancement, ensuring that our staff can grow and develop their skills. This approach not only improves their job satisfaction but also improves the quality of service we offer.

If you’re interested in learning more about our unarmed security guard services and how we can meet your security needs, visit us to explore our offerings. At American S.E.A.L. Patrol Division, we’re dedicated to providing peace of mind through exceptional security solutions.