Security Guards Salary in Buffalo, NY

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Buffalo-Cheektowaga, NY

Median annual salary $38,210 -0.4% vs national
Median hourly $18.37
10th percentile $34,320
90th percentile $60,020
Employed locally 3,720
National median $38,370

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    In Buffalo, NY, security guards earn a median annual salary of $38,210, which translates to approximately $18.37 per hour. This figure is slightly below the national median annual salary for security guards at $38,370. When compared to the local median household income in Buffalo, which stands at $70,572, it is evident that the typical earnings for a security guard are significantly less than what most households earn in the area. The discrepancy highlights the disparity between this occupation's earnings and the broader economic landscape of the region.

    For entry-level security guards in Buffalo, salaries tend to hover around the 10th percentile at $34,320 annually, while those with more experience may see their earnings rise up to the 75th percentile, reaching $48,850 a year. At the higher end, experienced and highly skilled workers can earn as much as $60,020 per annum, placing them in the 90th percentile. The variation in pay is driven by factors such as tenure in the role, additional certifications or specialized training, geographic location within Buffalo, and the specific responsibilities undertaken by individual guards. These elements collectively contribute to the significant earning potential differences observed between entry-level and experienced security guards.

    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $34,320
    25th
    $36,620
    50th (median)
    $38,210
    75th
    $48,850
    90th
    $60,020

    Buffalo economic context

    Unemployment rate 3.90% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $70,572 2023 • Census ACS
    Security Guards salary vs area income 54% Median Security Guards salary is 46% below the area median household income

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Security Guards make per hour in Buffalo?

    The median hourly wage for Security Guards in Buffalo, NY is $18.37, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $28.97 or more per hour.

    Is Buffalo above or below average for Security Guards salaries?

    The median Security Guards salary in Buffalo, NY is 0.4% 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 Buffalo?

    Entry-level Security Guards (10th percentile) earn around $34,320 per year in Buffalo, NY. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $36,620.