Public Service Arizona (AZ) Rank #19 of 50

Security Guard Salary in Arizona

The median security guard salary in Arizona is $33,708 per year, which is 3% below the national median of $34,750.

Median Salary
$33,708
vs National
$-1,042
State Rank
#19 of 50
Cost of Living
97%

Security Guard Salary Overview in Arizona (2026)

Arizona ranks #19 out of 50 states for security guard compensation. Arizona falls in the middle of the pack for security guard pay, offering salaries near the national average. At $33,708 per year, security guards in Arizona earn $1,042 less than the national median of $34,750.

Arizona's cost of living is near the national average at 97%, meaning security guard salaries here translate closely to their face value in purchasing power.

The salary spread in Arizona is significant: security guards at the 10th percentile earn $24,250, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $50,440 — a $26,190 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Arizona for this role is Scottsdale, where the median reaches $38,920.

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 Arizona by Experience

In Arizona, an entry-level security guard earns around $25,220, while experienced professionals earn up to $48,500 per year. The cost of living index in Arizona is 97% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$25,220
$-780 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$34,920
$-1,080 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$48,500
$-1,500 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Arizona

Percentile AZ Salary
10th Percentile $24,250
25th Percentile $28,130
Median (50th) $33,708
75th Percentile $40,740
90th Percentile $50,440

Security Guard Salary by City in Arizona

The largest employment areas for security guards in Arizona include Phoenix, Tucson, Mesa, and Scottsdale. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Security Guard in Arizona

Education

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

Key Skills

SurveillanceAccess ControlReport WritingCommunicationObservationCPR/First Aid

Job Outlook in Arizona

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

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Frequently Asked Questions: Security Guard Salary in Arizona

How much does a Security Guard make in Arizona? ▼
The median security guard salary in Arizona is $33,708 per year, which is 3% below the national median of $34,750. Salaries range from $24,250 (10th percentile) to $50,440 (90th percentile).
How much does a Security Guard make per hour in Arizona? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $33,708, a security guard in Arizona earns approximately $16 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Arizona a good state for security guards? ▼
Arizona ranks #19 out of 50 states for security guard pay. The cost of living index is 97% of the national average. Entry-level security guards earn $25,220, while senior professionals earn $48,500.
How does Arizona compare to other states for security guard salary? ▼
The highest paying state for security guards is Hawaii at $59,075. Arizona's median of $33,708 ranks #19 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Florida ($34,055) and Maine ($34,055).
What is the entry-level security guard salary in Arizona? ▼
An entry-level security guard in Arizona earns approximately $25,220 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $34,920. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $48,500.
What city in Arizona pays security guards the most? ▼
Scottsdale is the highest paying city in Arizona for security guards, with a median salary of $38,920. Other cities include Phoenix and Tucson.