Security Guards Salary in Georgia
The median pay for a security guards in Georgia is $35,670/year ($17.15/hour), per BLS data. The range runs from $26K at the entry level to $59K for experienced workers.
AffordMap analysis of BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (latest release, May 2024)
So what does $36K get you in Georgia?
About security guards
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, Georgia
Entry-level security guards (10th percentile) start around $26K. Mid-career wages sit at $36K.Top earners bring in $59K or more - a $33K spread from bottom to top.
Security Guards pay across states
Median income ranked highest to lowest, compared to the national figure
| State | Median salary | vs. national | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| District of Columbia | $63K | +65% | 16,160 |
| Alaska | $49K | +27% | 2,050 |
| Washington | $48K | +25% | 24,820 |
| Minnesota | $46K | +20% | 14,030 |
| Massachusetts | $45K | +17% | 24,100 |
| New Hampshire | $45K | +16% | 2,630 |
| California | $44K | +14% | 185,510 |
| Oregon | $44K | +14% | 11,550 |
| Virginia | $43K | +13% | 33,440 |
| Vermont | $43K | +12% | 830 |
| New York | $43K | +11% | 132,140 |
| Utah | $42K | +11% | 7,000 |
| Hawaii | $42K | +9% | 9,790 |
| Maine | $41K | +8% | 1,760 |
| Missouri | $41K | +6% | 19,180 |
Track security guards salary changes
BLS updates this data quarterly. We'll email you when Georgia numbers change.
Related careers in Public Safety
Frequently asked questions
How much do security guards make in Georgia?
The median is $35,670 a year - that works out to about $17.15 an hour. The range is wide: entry-level workers start around $26,190, and experienced security guards can clear $58,790. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $36K enough to live in Georgia?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $2,433/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom in this state rents for about $1,293/month (median of metro areas), which eats 53.1% of your paycheck. That's above the 30% rule of thumb - housing will be a stretch at the median salary, though you can manage with roommates or a smaller place.
How far does a security guards salary go in Georgia?
Georgia has a Regional Price Parity of 100 (100 is the national average). That's right at the national average. After cost-of-living adjustment, the median security guards salary is worth about $35,670 in national-average purchasing power.
Where do security guards get paid the most?
The table above ranks every state by median pay for this role. Keep in mind that the highest-paying states tend to have the highest costs of living, so the top salary doesn't always mean the most money in your pocket.