When you’re on the job hunt, it can sometimes feel as if you’re simply in the wrong area to truly maximize your career growth, and ultimately, your take home salary. If you desire to work as a security guard, or you’re currently employed in such a position, you may be surprised to find out your local metropolitan area isn’t the highest paying in the country. If you are researching the career prior to undergoing formal instruction you should learn about security guard training and the specific requirements in your state. Much like any other industry, the location of your employment plays a direct role in your overall compensation. The following cities are considered to be the highest paying metropolitan areas throughout the United States based upon salary data gathered by the U.S. Department of Labor. While these statistics are considered current and accurate, they are by no means the final say. You may end up finding a much higher paying position in a metro area that’s not listed; however, use this list as a means of negotiating compensation or determining whether or not a move is necessary to achieve the salary you desire.
Top 10 Metro Areas for Security Guard Employment and Salary
The following 10 metro areas are considered best for security guards based upon the employment and salary outlook. It’s important to note these figures are constantly shifting; however, they are an excellent source for determining if a move is necessary or when negotiating contract compensation.
New York City – This should come as no surprise. New York City is among the highest paid metro areas, as well as one of the highest in terms of employment concentration. With over 81,000 security guard jobs and an average salary of $31,500 per year, this is an excellent city for those looking to start off in this industry or those who are actively working as a security guard.
Los Angeles – With both entertainment and technology sectors making up a large percentage of the workforce, Los Angeles is a booming town for security guards. With just under 51,000 jobs and an average salary of $27,000 per year, this is an excellent area for those wishing to embark upon a successful security guard career.
Chicago – Home to major corporations and a bustling metro area, Chicago has no shortage of security guard jobs. With an employment concentration of just under 42,000 positions and an average salary of $27,000 per year, this is a popular destination for those seeking a solid and stable career in security.
Washington, D.C. – Our nation’s capital features just over 35,000 security job jobs and features the highest annual salary out of all the cities in this list; with an average salary of $37,000 per year.
Houston – With over 25,000 security guard jobs and an average salary of $25,000 per year, Houston is an excellent choice for both new and experienced security guards.
Dallas/Fort Worth – This sprawling metropolitan area features just under 22,000 security guard jobs and features an average annual salary of $28,000 per year.
Atlanta – With just over 20,000 security guard jobs and an average salary of $23,000 per year, Atlanta is marked as one of the best “up and coming” cities for security guards. As the film and technology industries grow, expect the concentration of jobs to simultaneously grow.
Miami – With just under 20,000 security guard jobs and an average salary of $22,000 per year, this is an excellent area for security professionals (and those seeking to get a great tan on their off days)
Philadelphia – This historic city features just over 18,000 security guard jobs and an average salary of $25,000 per year.
Phoenix – Surrounded by the desert and beautiful vistas, Phoenix features just over 17,500 security guard jobs and an average salary of $28,000 per year.
