Security Guards Salary in Nashville, TN

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN

Median annual salary $37,730 -1.7% vs national
Median hourly $18.14
10th percentile $30,880
90th percentile $63,680
Employed locally 10,790
National median $38,370

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    In Nashville, TN, the typical security guard earns a median annual salary of $37,730, which translates to approximately $18.14 per hour. This figure is slightly below the national median for security guards, which stands at $38,370, reflecting a modest regional discrepancy in earnings within this occupation. When comparing these earnings to the local context, the median income for a security guard falls significantly short of the area's median household income, which is $82,499 annually. This comparison highlights that security guards earn less than half of what the typical Nashville household earns, underscoring the economic disparity between security guard wages and broader household incomes in the region.

    Entry-level security guards in Nashville typically earn near the lower end of the salary spectrum, with earnings around the 10th percentile at $30,880 annually. As these workers gain experience and potentially additional certifications or responsibilities, their salaries can rise significantly, reaching up to the 90th percentile at approximately $63,680 per year for seasoned professionals. The considerable difference between entry-level and experienced positions is driven by factors such as tenure in the field, specialized skills, supervisory roles, and higher levels of responsibility. These elements contribute to increased earning potential over time, reflecting a clear progression in salary growth aligned with experience and expertise within the security guard profession.

    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $30,880
    25th
    $32,380
    50th (median)
    $37,730
    75th
    $44,120
    90th
    $63,680

    Nashville economic context

    Unemployment rate 2.80% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $82,499 2023 • Census ACS
    Security Guards salary vs area income 46% Median Security Guards salary is 54% below the area median household income

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Security Guards make per hour in Nashville?

    The median hourly wage for Security Guards in Nashville, TN is $18.14, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $27.06 or more per hour.

    Is Nashville above or below average for Security Guards salaries?

    The median Security Guards salary in Nashville, TN is 1.7% 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 Nashville?

    Entry-level Security Guards (10th percentile) earn around $30,880 per year in Nashville, TN. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $32,380.