Security Guards Salary in Phoenix, AZ

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ

Median annual salary $38,560 +0.5% vs national
Median hourly $18.54
10th percentile $34,310
90th percentile $49,660
Employed locally 21,140
National median $38,370

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    In Phoenix, AZ, security guards earn a median annual salary of $38,560, which translates to approximately $18.54 per hour. This figure is slightly above the national median for this occupation at $38,370. When compared to the local household income in Phoenix, where the area median stands at $84,703, the earnings of security guards constitute about 45% of the typical household's income. This suggests that while security guards are integral to community safety and property protection, their compensation is relatively modest in comparison to overall household earnings in the region.

    The salary range for security guards in Phoenix exhibits notable variability between entry-level positions and those with greater experience. Workers at the 10th percentile earn $34,310 annually, whereas those at the 25th percentile earn slightly more at $35,680. In contrast, experienced workers at the 75th percentile earn around $44,100 per year, while those in the top 10% reach salaries of up to $49,660. The disparity between these figures can be attributed to several factors including experience, specialized skills or certifications, and the specific employer's pay structure. Entry-level guards typically start at lower wages due to their limited experience and training, whereas seasoned professionals command higher salaries due to accumulated expertise and reliability in handling complex security tasks.

    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $34,310
    25th
    $35,680
    50th (median)
    $38,560
    75th
    $44,100
    90th
    $49,660

    Phoenix economic context

    Unemployment rate 3.20% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $84,703 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 Phoenix?

    The median hourly wage for Security Guards in Phoenix, AZ is $18.54, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $26.58 or more per hour.

    Is Phoenix above or below average for Security Guards salaries?

    The median Security Guards salary in Phoenix, AZ is 0.5% above 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 Phoenix?

    Entry-level Security Guards (10th percentile) earn around $34,310 per year in Phoenix, AZ. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $35,680.