Security Guards Salary in Kentucky
The median pay for a security guards in Kentucky is $35,520/year ($17.08/hour), per BLS data. The range runs from $29K at the entry level to $49K for experienced workers.
Statewide average. Salary and cost of living vary significantly across Kentucky. Jump to a metro for precise data:
So what does $36K get you in Kentucky?
About security guards
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Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, Kentucky
Entry-level security guards (10th percentile) start around $29K. Mid-career wages sit at $36K. Top earners bring in $49K or more, a $20K spread from bottom to top.
Security Guards salary by metro in Kentucky
6 metro areas with BLS data, ranked by median pay
| Metro area | Median salary | vs. state | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Elizabethtown | $39K | +10% | 120 |
| Louisville/Jefferson County | $36K | +2% | 5,040 |
| Bowling Green | $36K | +0% | 410 |
| Lexington-Fayette | $35K | -0% | 2,430 |
| Paducah | $34K | -6% | 180 |
| Owensboro | $32K | -10% | 600 |
Compare to other states
Track security guards salary changes
BLS updates this data quarterly. We'll email you when Kentucky numbers change.
Related careers in Public Safety
Frequently asked questions
How much do security guards make in Kentucky?
The median is $35,520 a year, that works out to about $17 an hour. But the range is wide: entry-level workers start around $28,680, and experienced security guards can clear $48,730. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $36K enough to live in Kentucky?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $2,430/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $1,110/month, which eats 45.7% 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 Kentucky?
Kentucky 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 $39,366 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.