Public Service Birmingham, AL Pop. 197,575

Security Guard Salary in Birmingham, Alabama

The median security guard salary in Birmingham, AL is $31,275 per year, which is 10% below the national median and 3.4% above the Alabama state average.

City Median
$31,275
vs State Avg
+$1,042
vs National
$-3,475
Cost of Living
90%

Security Guard Pay in Birmingham: What to Expect (2026)

Birmingham offers a median security guard salary of $31,275, which is $1,042 above the Alabama state average of $30,233. Compared to the national median of $34,750, Birmingham pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Birmingham's cost of living is 90% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for security guards in Birmingham spans from $22,500 at the 10th percentile to $46,800 at the 90th percentile — a $24,300 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $23,400, while senior security guards with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $45,000. With a population of 197,575, Birmingham is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Security Guard Salary in Birmingham by Experience

In Birmingham, an entry-level security guard earns around $23,400, while experienced professionals earn up to $45,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$23,400
$-2,600 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$32,400
$-3,600 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$45,000
$-5,000 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Birmingham, AL

Percentile Birmingham
10th Percentile $22,500
25th Percentile $26,100
Median (50th) $31,275
75th Percentile $37,800
90th Percentile $46,800

Security Guard Salary in Other Alabama Cities

Huntsville, AL
$31,970
Pop. 216,963
Tuscaloosa, AL
$30,580
Pop. 101,129
Montgomery, AL
$29,885
Pop. 200,603
Mobile, AL
$29,538
Pop. 187,041

How to Become a Security Guard in Birmingham

Education

Most security guard positions require a high school diploma. Birmingham and the surrounding Alabama area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

SurveillanceAccess ControlReport WritingCommunicationObservationCPR/First Aid

Job Outlook

Nationally, security guard employment is projected to grow 3% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Birmingham may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Security Guard Jobs in Birmingham

Browse open security guard positions in Birmingham, AL:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Security Guard Salary in Birmingham

How much does a Security Guard make in Birmingham, AL? ▼
The median security guard salary in Birmingham, Alabama is $31,275 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $34,750. Salaries range from $22,500 (10th percentile) to $46,800 (90th percentile).
How much does a Security Guard make per hour in Birmingham? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $31,275, a security guard in Birmingham earns approximately $15 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Birmingham compare to the Alabama state average for security guard pay? ▼
Birmingham's median security guard salary of $31,275 is 3.4% above the Alabama state average of $30,233. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Birmingham, AL? ▼
Birmingham has a cost of living index of 90% compared to the national average. This means a security guard salary of $31,275 in Birmingham has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a security guard in Birmingham? ▼
Most security guard positions in Birmingham require a high school diploma. Key skills include Surveillance, Access Control, Report Writing, Communication. The job market is projected to grow 3% nationally over the next decade.