Public Service Tuscaloosa, AL Pop. 101,129

Security Guard Salary in Tuscaloosa, Alabama

The median security guard salary in Tuscaloosa, AL is $30,580 per year, which is 12% below the national median and 1.1% above the Alabama state average.

City Median
$30,580
vs State Avg
+$347
vs National
$-4,170
Cost of Living
88%

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

Tuscaloosa offers a median security guard salary of $30,580, which is $347 above the Alabama state average of $30,233. Compared to the national median of $34,750, Tuscaloosa pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Tuscaloosa's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 88% of the national average. This means the $30,580 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $34,750 in an average-cost city. This makes Tuscaloosa an attractive option for security guards seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for security guards in Tuscaloosa spans from $22,000 at the 10th percentile to $45,760 at the 90th percentile — a $23,760 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $22,880, while senior security guards with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $44,000. With a population of 101,129, Tuscaloosa is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Security Guard Salary in Tuscaloosa by Experience

In Tuscaloosa, an entry-level security guard earns around $22,880, while experienced professionals earn up to $44,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$22,880
$-3,120 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$31,680
$-4,320 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$44,000
$-6,000 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Tuscaloosa, AL

Percentile Tuscaloosa
10th Percentile $22,000
25th Percentile $25,520
Median (50th) $30,580
75th Percentile $36,960
90th Percentile $45,760

Security Guard Salary in Other Alabama Cities

Huntsville, AL
$31,970
Pop. 216,963
Birmingham, AL
$31,275
Pop. 197,575
Montgomery, AL
$29,885
Pop. 200,603
Mobile, AL
$29,538
Pop. 187,041

How to Become a Security Guard in Tuscaloosa

Education

Most security guard positions require a high school diploma. Tuscaloosa 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 Tuscaloosa may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Security Guard Jobs in Tuscaloosa

Browse open security guard positions in Tuscaloosa, AL:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Security Guard Salary in Tuscaloosa

How much does a Security Guard make in Tuscaloosa, AL? ▼
The median security guard salary in Tuscaloosa, Alabama is $30,580 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $34,750. Salaries range from $22,000 (10th percentile) to $45,760 (90th percentile).
How much does a Security Guard make per hour in Tuscaloosa? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $30,580, a security guard in Tuscaloosa earns approximately $15 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Tuscaloosa compare to the Alabama state average for security guard pay? ▼
Tuscaloosa's median security guard salary of $30,580 is 1.1% above the Alabama state average of $30,233. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Tuscaloosa, AL? ▼
Tuscaloosa has a cost of living index of 88% compared to the national average. This means a security guard salary of $30,580 in Tuscaloosa has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a security guard in Tuscaloosa? ▼
Most security guard positions in Tuscaloosa 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.