Public Service Tucson, AZ Pop. 542,629

Security Guard Salary in Tucson, Arizona

The median security guard salary in Tucson, AZ is $32,318 per year, which is 7% below the national median and 4.1% below the Arizona state average.

City Median
$32,318
vs State Avg
$-1,390
vs National
$-2,432
Cost of Living
93%

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

Tucson offers a median security guard salary of $32,318, which is $1,390 below the Arizona state average of $33,708. Compared to the national median of $34,750, Tucson pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Tucson's cost of living is 93% 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 Tucson spans from $23,250 at the 10th percentile to $48,360 at the 90th percentile — a $25,110 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $24,180, while senior security guards with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $46,500. As a major metro area with a population of 542,629, Tucson typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Security Guard Salary in Tucson by Experience

In Tucson, an entry-level security guard earns around $24,180, while experienced professionals earn up to $46,500 per year. The local cost of living index is 93% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$24,180
$-1,820 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$33,480
$-2,520 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$46,500
$-3,500 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Tucson, AZ

Percentile Tucson
10th Percentile $23,250
25th Percentile $26,970
Median (50th) $32,318
75th Percentile $39,060
90th Percentile $48,360

Security Guard Salary in Other Arizona Cities

Scottsdale, AZ
$38,920
Pop. 241,361
Chandler, AZ
$35,445
Pop. 275,987
Phoenix, AZ
$34,750
Pop. 1,608,139
Mesa, AZ
$33,708
Pop. 504,258

How to Become a Security Guard in Tucson

Education

Most security guard positions require a high school diploma. Tucson and the surrounding Arizona 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 Tucson may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Security Guard Jobs in Tucson

Browse open security guard positions in Tucson, AZ:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Security Guard Salary in Tucson

How much does a Security Guard make in Tucson, AZ? ▼
The median security guard salary in Tucson, Arizona is $32,318 per year, which is 7% below the national median of $34,750. Salaries range from $23,250 (10th percentile) to $48,360 (90th percentile).
How much does a Security Guard make per hour in Tucson? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $32,318, a security guard in Tucson earns approximately $16 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Tucson compare to the Arizona state average for security guard pay? ▼
Tucson's median security guard salary of $32,318 is 4.1% below the Arizona state average of $33,708. The local cost of living index is 93% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Tucson, AZ? ▼
Tucson has a cost of living index of 93% compared to the national average. This means a security guard salary of $32,318 in Tucson has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a security guard in Tucson? ▼
Most security guard positions in Tucson 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.