Firefighters vs. Security Guards: Who Earns More?
Firefighters out-earn Security Guards by $21K a year at the national median, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Firefighters land at $59,280 and Security Guards at $38,020. The education gap is real: firefighter programs typically require postsecondary nondegree award, while security guard programs require high school diploma or equivalent. Top-paying state for Firefighters is New York ($100,960); for Security Guards it's District of Columbia ($64,210).
Pay by state
States where both occupations have BLS data, sorted by Firefighters median pay.
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025. Highlighted value is higher in each row.
Common questions
Who earns more, Firefighters or Security Guards?
Firefighters earn more nationally. The median is $59,280 for Firefighters versus $38,020 for Security Guards, a difference of $21K. Per BLS OEWS May 2025.
Which has better job growth, Firefighters or Security Guards?
Firefighters has the better 10-year outlook at 3.4% projected growth, compared to 0.4% for the other field. Both are from BLS Employment Projections.
Which requires more education, Firefighters or Security Guards?
Firefighters typically requires postsecondary nondegree award. Security Guards requires high school diploma or equivalent. Education requirements vary by employer and state licensing board.
Where do Firefighters get paid the most?
New York is the top-paying state for Firefighters at $100,960/year, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Major metro areas within that state typically pay even more than the state average.
How does Firefighters vs. Security Guards pay differ by state?
The gap varies significantly by state. In New York, Firefighters earn $100,960 vs. $44,240 for Security Guards. See the state comparison table on this page for the full picture.