Security Guards Salary in Rochester, NY

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Rochester, NY

Median annual salary $42,210 +10% vs national
Median hourly $20.29
10th percentile $34,610
90th percentile $59,980
Employed locally 3,100
National median $38,370

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Security Guards
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Rochester, NY
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    In Rochester, NY, security guards earn a median annual salary of $42,210, which is higher than the national median of $38,370. This local median salary translates to an hourly wage of approximately $20.29. When compared to the area's median household income of $74,438, the typical earnings for security guards are about 56.7% of the household figure, indicating that while they contribute significantly to household finances, additional sources of income might be necessary to reach or exceed the local median household level.

    For entry-level security guards in Rochester, NY, salaries start closer to the 10th percentile at $34,610 annually. In contrast, more experienced workers can earn up to the 90th percentile, which is about $59,980 per year. The differences in earnings are driven by factors such as experience level, specific responsibilities assigned, and additional skills or certifications that enhance job performance. Experienced guards often have higher earning potential due to their expertise in handling complex security situations, leadership roles, or specialized assignments like surveillance operations or high-profile event management.

    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $34,610
    25th
    $36,430
    50th (median)
    $42,210
    75th
    $49,300
    90th
    $59,980

    Rochester economic context

    Unemployment rate 3.60% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $74,438 2023 • Census ACS
    Security Guards salary vs area income 57% Median Security Guards salary is 43% below the area median household income

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Security Guards make per hour in Rochester?

    The median hourly wage for Security Guards in Rochester, NY is $20.29, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $29.23 or more per hour.

    Is Rochester above or below average for Security Guards salaries?

    The median Security Guards salary in Rochester, NY is 10% 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 Rochester?

    Entry-level Security Guards (10th percentile) earn around $34,610 per year in Rochester, NY. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $36,430.