Public Service Jonesboro, AR Pop. 78,576

Security Guard Salary in Jonesboro, Arkansas

The median security guard salary in Jonesboro, AR is $28,495 per year, which is 18% below the national median and 2.4% below the Arkansas state average.

City Median
$28,495
vs State Avg
$-695
vs National
$-6,255
Cost of Living
82%

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

Jonesboro offers a median security guard salary of $28,495, which is $695 below the Arkansas state average of $29,190. Compared to the national median of $34,750, Jonesboro pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Jonesboro's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 82% of the national average. This means the $28,495 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $34,750 in an average-cost city. This makes Jonesboro an attractive option for security guards seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for security guards in Jonesboro spans from $20,500 at the 10th percentile to $42,640 at the 90th percentile — a $22,140 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $21,320, while senior security guards with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $41,000. Jonesboro is a smaller market (pop. 78,576), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Security Guard Salary in Jonesboro by Experience

In Jonesboro, an entry-level security guard earns around $21,320, while experienced professionals earn up to $41,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 82% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$21,320
$-4,680 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$29,520
$-6,480 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$41,000
$-9,000 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Jonesboro, AR

Percentile Jonesboro
10th Percentile $20,500
25th Percentile $23,780
Median (50th) $28,495
75th Percentile $34,440
90th Percentile $42,640

Security Guard Salary in Other Arkansas Cities

Fayetteville, AR
$30,580
Pop. 93,949
Little Rock, AR
$30,233
Pop. 202,591
Springdale, AR
$29,190
Pop. 80,433
Fort Smith, AR
$27,800
Pop. 89,142

How to Become a Security Guard in Jonesboro

Education

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

Find Security Guard Jobs in Jonesboro

Browse open security guard positions in Jonesboro, AR:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Security Guard Salary in Jonesboro

How much does a Security Guard make in Jonesboro, AR? ▼
The median security guard salary in Jonesboro, Arkansas is $28,495 per year, which is 18% below the national median of $34,750. Salaries range from $20,500 (10th percentile) to $42,640 (90th percentile).
How much does a Security Guard make per hour in Jonesboro? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $28,495, a security guard in Jonesboro earns approximately $14 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Jonesboro compare to the Arkansas state average for security guard pay? ▼
Jonesboro's median security guard salary of $28,495 is 2.4% below the Arkansas state average of $29,190. The local cost of living index is 82% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Jonesboro, AR? ▼
Jonesboro has a cost of living index of 82% compared to the national average. This means a security guard salary of $28,495 in Jonesboro has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a security guard in Jonesboro? ▼
Most security guard positions in Jonesboro 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.