Public Service Alabama (AL) Rank #44 of 50

Security Guard Salary in Alabama

The median security guard salary in Alabama is $30,233 per year, which is 13% below the national median of $34,750.

Median Salary
$30,233
vs National
$-4,517
State Rank
#44 of 50
Cost of Living
87%

Security Guard Salary Overview in Alabama (2026)

Alabama ranks #44 out of 50 states for security guard compensation. Security Guard salaries in Alabama are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $30,233 per year, security guards in Alabama earn $4,517 less than the national median of $34,750.

A key advantage of working in Alabama is its below-average cost of living (87% of the national index). This means the $30,233 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $34,751 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in Alabama is significant: security guards at the 10th percentile earn $21,750, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $45,240 — a $23,490 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Alabama for this role is Huntsville, where the median reaches $31,970.

Nationally, security guard employment is projected to grow 3% over the next decade (as fast as average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for security guards across the country.

Security Guard Salary in Alabama by Experience

In Alabama, an entry-level security guard earns around $22,620, while experienced professionals earn up to $43,500 per year. The cost of living index in Alabama is 87% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$22,620
$-3,380 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$31,320
$-4,680 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$43,500
$-6,500 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Alabama

Percentile AL Salary
10th Percentile $21,750
25th Percentile $25,230
Median (50th) $30,233
75th Percentile $36,540
90th Percentile $45,240

Security Guard Salary by City in Alabama

The largest employment areas for security guards in Alabama include Birmingham, Huntsville, Montgomery, and Mobile. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Security Guard in Alabama

Education

Most security guard positions require a high school diploma. Alabama has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

SurveillanceAccess ControlReport WritingCommunicationObservationCPR/First Aid

Job Outlook in Alabama

Nationally, security guard employment is projected to grow 3% over the next decade (as fast as average). Alabama's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Security Guard Salary in Alabama

How much does a Security Guard make in Alabama? ▼
The median security guard salary in Alabama is $30,233 per year, which is 13% below the national median of $34,750. Salaries range from $21,750 (10th percentile) to $45,240 (90th percentile).
How much does a Security Guard make per hour in Alabama? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $30,233, a security guard in Alabama earns approximately $15 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Alabama a good state for security guards? ▼
Alabama ranks #44 out of 50 states for security guard pay. The cost of living index is 87% of the national average. Entry-level security guards earn $22,620, while senior professionals earn $43,500.
How does Alabama compare to other states for security guard salary? ▼
The highest paying state for security guards is Hawaii at $59,075. Alabama's median of $30,233 ranks #44 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Missouri ($30,580) and South Dakota ($30,580).
What is the entry-level security guard salary in Alabama? ▼
An entry-level security guard in Alabama earns approximately $22,620 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $31,320. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $43,500.
What city in Alabama pays security guards the most? ▼
Huntsville is the highest paying city in Alabama for security guards, with a median salary of $31,970. Other cities include Birmingham and Montgomery.