Security Guards Salary in Trenton, NJ

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Trenton-Princeton, NJ

Median annual salary $35,240 -8.2% vs national
Median hourly $16.94
10th percentile $31,470
90th percentile $56,320
Employed locally 3,020
National median $38,370

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    In Trenton, NJ, the typical security guard earns a median annual salary of $35,240, which translates to about $16.94 per hour. This figure is notably lower than the national median for this occupation at $38,370, indicating that security guards in Trenton earn less compared to their counterparts across the United States. When juxtaposed with the local median household income of $96,333, the earnings of a security guard fall significantly short, underscoring the financial challenges faced by individuals working in this field within the area.

    At the entry-level, a security guard's salary starts at approximately $31,470 annually, which is around the 10th percentile mark. As these professionals gain experience and advance in their careers, they can see an increase to about $42,840 annually at the 75th percentile, with some reaching up to $56,320, representing the 90th percentile. The disparity between entry-level and experienced workers' earnings is driven by factors such as tenure, additional responsibilities, specialized skills, and union affiliations that may come into play over time. These elements contribute significantly to wage growth within this occupation in Trenton.

    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $31,470
    25th
    $34,880
    50th (median)
    $35,240
    75th
    $42,840
    90th
    $56,320

    Trenton economic context

    Unemployment rate 4.40% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $96,333 2023 • Census ACS
    Security Guards salary vs area income 37% Median Security Guards salary is 63% below the area median household income

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Security Guards make per hour in Trenton?

    The median hourly wage for Security Guards in Trenton, NJ is $16.94, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $28.62 or more per hour.

    Is Trenton above or below average for Security Guards salaries?

    The median Security Guards salary in Trenton, NJ is 8.2% 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 Trenton?

    Entry-level Security Guards (10th percentile) earn around $31,470 per year in Trenton, NJ. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $34,880.