Tennessee ranks 43rd of 51 states and D.C. for security guards pay, trailing top-paying District of Columbia ($63,130) by $27,040 — a 75% gap.
Tennessee employs roughly 2.3% of all security guards in the country (28,260 workers).
Salary Range: 10th to 90th Percentile
Full Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry-level) | $28,690 | $13.79 |
| 25th percentile | $31,070 | $14.94 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $36,090 | $17.35 |
| 75th percentile | $42,300 | $20.34 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $60,200 | $28.94 |
| Mean (average) | $39,630 | $19.05 |
How Tennessee Compares
| State | Median Annual | vs. Tennessee |
|---|---|---|
| Tennessee (current) | $36,090 | n/a |
| District of Columbia | $63,130 | +75% |
| Alaska | $48,620 | +35% |
| Washington | $48,010 | +33% |
| Colorado | $46,080 | +28% |
| Minnesota | $46,020 | +28% |
| Massachusetts | $44,950 | +25% |
| New Hampshire | $44,510 | +23% |
| California | $43,930 | +22% |
Showing top-paying states with available data. View all states →
Related Occupations in Tennessee
| Occupation | Median Annual | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Skincare Specialists | $36,090 | 1,400 |
| Photographers | $36,000 | 1,090 |
| Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education | $35,980 | 4,890 |
| Cooks, Restaurant | $35,810 | 27,300 |
| Tellers | $36,400 | 9,310 |
| Tire Repairers and Changers | $35,740 | 2,810 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Security Guards salary in Tennessee?
The mean security guards salary in Tennessee is $39,630 per year. The median (middle) salary is $36,090 per year.
What is the starting salary for a Security Guards in Tennessee?
Entry-level security guardss (10th percentile) in Tennessee typically earn around $28,690 per year. Workers at the 25th percentile earn approximately $31,070 per year.
What is the highest Security Guards salary in Tennessee?
Top earners (90th percentile) in this occupation in Tennessee make approximately $60,200 per year. Those in the 75th percentile earn around $42,300 per year.
How does the Tennessee Security Guards salary compare to the national average?
The median security guards salary in Tennessee is $36,090, which is -6% below national average of $38,370.