Firefighters vs. Security Guards: Who Earns More?
Firefighterss out-earn Security Guardss by $21K a year at the national median, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Firefighterss land at $59,280 and Security Guardss 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 Firefighterss is New York ($100,960); for Security Guardss 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, Firefighterss or Security Guardss?
Firefighterss earn more nationally. The median is $59,280 for Firefighterss versus $38,020 for Security Guardss, a difference of $21K. Per BLS OEWS May 2025.
Which has better job growth, Firefighters or Security Guards?
BLS Employment Projections data is not available for one or both occupations. Check the individual career pages for current outlook figures.
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 Firefighterss get paid the most?
New York is the top-paying state for Firefighterss 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, Firefighterss earn $100,960 vs. $44,240 for Security Guardss. See the state comparison table on this page for the full picture.