Pennsylvania ranks 32nd of 51 states and D.C. for security guards pay, trailing top-paying District of Columbia ($63,130) by $25,450 — a 68% gap.
The 10th-to-90th percentile range runs from $29,860 to $51,810 — a $21,950 spread, 26% tighter than the national $29,780 range.
Pennsylvania employs roughly 3.5% of all security guards in the country (43,710 workers).
Salary Range: 10th to 90th Percentile
Full Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry-level) | $29,860 | $14.36 |
| 25th percentile | $34,370 | $16.52 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $37,680 | $18.11 |
| 75th percentile | $45,210 | $21.73 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $51,810 | $24.91 |
| Mean (average) | $40,770 | $19.60 |
How Pennsylvania Compares
| State | Median Annual | vs. Pennsylvania |
|---|---|---|
| Pennsylvania (current) | $37,680 | n/a |
| District of Columbia | $63,130 | +68% |
| Alaska | $48,620 | +29% |
| Washington | $48,010 | +27% |
| Colorado | $46,080 | +22% |
| Minnesota | $46,020 | +22% |
| Massachusetts | $44,950 | +19% |
| New Hampshire | $44,510 | +18% |
| California | $43,930 | +17% |
Showing top-paying states with available data. View all states →
Related Occupations in Pennsylvania
| Occupation | Median Annual | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Tire Repairers and Changers | $37,710 | 3,590 |
| Couriers and Messengers | $37,590 | 3,050 |
| Landscaping and Groundskeeping Workers | $37,770 | 34,310 |
| Pharmacy Technicians | $37,560 | 19,630 |
| Butchers and Meat Cutters | $37,490 | 4,050 |
| Parts Salespersons | $37,320 | 9,740 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Security Guards salary in Pennsylvania?
The mean security guards salary in Pennsylvania is $40,770 per year. The median (middle) salary is $37,680 per year.
What is the starting salary for a Security Guards in Pennsylvania?
Entry-level security guardss (10th percentile) in Pennsylvania typically earn around $29,860 per year. Workers at the 25th percentile earn approximately $34,370 per year.
What is the highest Security Guards salary in Pennsylvania?
Top earners (90th percentile) in this occupation in Pennsylvania make approximately $51,810 per year. Those in the 75th percentile earn around $45,210 per year.
How does the Pennsylvania Security Guards salary compare to the national average?
The median security guards salary in Pennsylvania is $37,680, which is -2% below national average of $38,370.