Security Guards Salary in Birmingham, AL
BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Birmingham, AL
Compare Security Guards salary & buying power
Type a city below to see how Birmingham, AL stacks up on salary and cost of living.
In Birmingham, AL, security guards earn a median annual salary of $29,990, which is significantly lower than the national median for this occupation at $38,370. When compared to the local area's median household income of $69,627, it becomes evident that the typical earnings for security guards are less than half of what an average household in Birmingham earns annually. This discrepancy highlights a substantial gap between individual security guard incomes and broader local economic standards, with security guards earning considerably less on both hourly and annual bases.
Entry-level security guards in Birmingham can expect to earn around $23,170 per year, which is near the 10th percentile of earnings for this occupation in the area. As they gain experience, their income typically increases, reaching a median of $29,990 annually at the midpoint of their career progression. More experienced workers or those with specialized skills may earn up to $38,060 or even $43,820 per year, placing them within the 75th and 90th percentiles respectively. The difference in earnings between entry-level and seasoned security guards can be attributed to factors such as increased responsibility, tenure, additional training, and potential advancement into supervisory roles. These elements contribute significantly to the wage progression seen throughout a security guard's career in Birmingham.
Salary percentile breakdown
Birmingham economic context
Frequently asked questions
How much do Security Guards make per hour in Birmingham?
The median hourly wage for Security Guards in Birmingham, AL is $14.42, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $21.35 or more per hour.
Is Birmingham above or below average for Security Guards salaries?
The median Security Guards salary in Birmingham, AL is 21.8% below the national median of $38,370. The national figure is from BLS OEWS 2025 data covering all US metropolitan areas.
What is the entry-level salary for Security Guards in Birmingham?
Entry-level Security Guards (10th percentile) earn around $23,170 per year in Birmingham, AL. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $28,710.