Security Guards Salary in East Tennessee

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • East Tennessee nonmetropolitan area

Median annual salary $35,360 -7.8% vs national
Median hourly $17.00
10th percentile $26,990
90th percentile $60,200
Employed locally 740
National median $38,370

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Security Guards
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    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $26,990
    25th
    $29,680
    50th (median)
    $35,360
    75th
    $44,450
    90th
    $60,200

    Top-paying metros for Security Guards

    Metro areaMedian salary
    Kennewick-Richland, WA $87,770
    Idaho Falls, ID $79,470
    District of Columbia $63,130
    Northwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area $56,380
    Fairbanks-College, AK $52,850
    Kahului-Wailuku, HI $51,320

    Related occupations in East Tennessee

    OccupationMedian salary
    Correctional Officers and Jailers $52,040
    Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers $47,300
    Firefighters $38,710
    Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers $34,740
    First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives $57,480
    First-Line Supervisors of Firefighting and Prevention Workers $57,110

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Security Guards make per hour in East Tennessee?

    The median hourly wage for Security Guards in East Tennessee is $17.00, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $30.50 or more per hour.

    Is East Tennessee above or below average for Security Guards salaries?

    The median Security Guards salary in East Tennessee is 7.8% 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 East Tennessee?

    Entry-level Security Guards (10th percentile) earn around $26,990 per year in East Tennessee. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $29,680.