Security Guards Salary in Tennessee
BLS OEWS May 2025 • 14 metro areas • Tennessee
Security Guards in Tennessee earn a median salary of $34,919 per year on average across 14 metro and nonmetro areas, -9% vs the national median of $38,370. An estimated 28,520 security guards are employed across Tennessee, with salaries ranging from $28,460 to $37,730 depending on location.
$34,919
Avg median salary in Tennessee
$37,730
Highest paying metro
$28,460
Lowest paying metro
28,520
Employed in Tennessee
Compare Security Guards salaries & buying power
Pick two cities to see how salary and purchasing power differ.
Security Guards
inSecurity Guards salaries by city in Tennessee
| Metro area | Median salary | 25th pct | 75th pct | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nashville, TN | $37,730 | $32,380 | $44,120 | 10,790 |
| North Central Tennessee | $37,500 | $31,090 | $41,760 | 540 |
| Clarksville, TN-KY | $36,090 | $33,360 | $45,570 | 330 |
| Knoxville, TN | $35,960 | $30,350 | $45,520 | 2,940 |
| South Central Tennessee | $35,960 | $33,730 | $40,510 | 460 |
| Kingsport, TN-VA | $35,870 | $30,990 | $39,710 | 530 |
| Chattanooga, TN-GA | $35,550 | $29,970 | $44,200 | 1,870 |
| East Tennessee | $35,360 | $29,680 | $44,450 | 740 |
| Jackson, TN | $35,250 | $30,830 | $41,270 | 490 |
| Memphis, TN-MS-AR | $35,250 | $30,450 | $37,750 | 8,410 |
| Morristown, TN | $33,580 | $31,040 | $38,050 | 90 |
| West Tennessee | $33,540 | $31,200 | $39,970 | 340 |
| Cleveland, TN | $32,760 | $29,780 | $36,830 | 180 |
| Johnson City, TN | $28,460 | $28,050 | $34,740 | 810 |