California ranks 8th of 51 states and D.C. for security guards pay, trailing top-paying District of Columbia ($63,130) by $19,200 — a 44% gap.
The 10th-to-90th percentile range runs from $36,180 to $59,320 — a $23,140 spread, 22% tighter than the national $29,780 range.
Security Guards are more concentrated in California than the U.S. average — a location quotient of 1.28 means the occupation's share of local jobs is 1.28× the national share.
Salary Range: 10th to 90th Percentile
Full Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry-level) | $36,180 | $17.39 |
| 25th percentile | $37,490 | $18.03 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $43,930 | $21.12 |
| 75th percentile | $47,270 | $22.73 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $59,320 | $28.52 |
| Mean (average) | $45,970 | $22.10 |
How California Compares
| State | Median Annual | vs. California |
|---|---|---|
| California (current) | $43,930 | n/a |
| District of Columbia | $63,130 | +44% |
| Alaska | $48,620 | +11% |
| Washington | $48,010 | +9% |
| Colorado | $46,080 | +5% |
| Minnesota | $46,020 | +5% |
| Massachusetts | $44,950 | +2% |
| New Hampshire | $44,510 | +1% |
| Oregon | $43,680 | -1% |
Showing top-paying states with available data. View all states →
Related Occupations in California
| Occupation | Median Annual | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Shipping, Receiving, and Inventory Clerks | $44,120 | 108,950 |
| Helpers--Production Workers | $43,670 | 18,450 |
| Packaging and Filling Machine Operators and Tenders | $43,670 | 45,330 |
| Rehabilitation Counselors | $44,280 | 13,450 |
| Cooks, Restaurant | $44,290 | 160,270 |
| Butchers and Meat Cutters | $44,310 | 21,220 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Security Guards salary in California?
The mean security guards salary in California is $45,970 per year. The median (middle) salary is $43,930 per year.
What is the starting salary for a Security Guards in California?
Entry-level security guardss (10th percentile) in California typically earn around $36,180 per year. Workers at the 25th percentile earn approximately $37,490 per year.
What is the highest Security Guards salary in California?
Top earners (90th percentile) in this occupation in California make approximately $59,320 per year. Those in the 75th percentile earn around $47,270 per year.
How does the California Security Guards salary compare to the national average?
The median security guards salary in California is $43,930, which is +14% above national average of $38,370.