School Bus Monitors vs. Security Guards: Who Earns More?
Security Guards out-earn School Bus Monitors by $3K a year at the national median, per BLS OEWS May 2025. School Bus Monitors land at $35,100 and Security Guards at $38,020. The education gap is real: school bus monitor programs typically require high school diploma or equivalent, while security guard programs require high school diploma or equivalent. Top-paying state for School Bus Monitors is Washington ($42,330); for Security Guards it's District of Columbia ($64,210).
Pay by state
States where both occupations have BLS data, sorted by School Bus Monitors median pay.
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025. Highlighted value is higher in each row.
Common questions
Who earns more, School Bus Monitors or Security Guards?
Security Guards earn more nationally. The median is $35,100 for School Bus Monitors versus $38,020 for Security Guards, a difference of $3K. Per BLS OEWS May 2025.
Which has better job growth, School Bus Monitors or Security Guards?
Security Guards has the better 10-year outlook at 0.4% projected growth, compared to -2.7% for the other field. Both are from BLS Employment Projections.
Which requires more education, School Bus Monitors or Security Guards?
School Bus Monitors typically requires high school diploma or equivalent. Security Guards requires high school diploma or equivalent. Education requirements vary by employer and state licensing board.
Where do School Bus Monitors get paid the most?
Washington is the top-paying state for School Bus Monitors at $42,330/year, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Major metro areas within that state typically pay even more than the state average.
How does School Bus Monitors vs. Security Guards pay differ by state?
The gap varies significantly by state. In Washington, School Bus Monitors earn $42,330 vs. $47,100 for Security Guards. See the state comparison table on this page for the full picture.