Public Service Los Angeles, CA Pop. 3,898,747

Security Guard Salary in Los Angeles, California

The median security guard salary in Los Angeles, CA is $50,735 per year, which is 46.0% above the national median and 5.8% above the California state average.

City Median
$50,735
vs State Avg
+$2,780
vs National
+$15,985
Cost of Living
146%

Security Guard Pay in Los Angeles: What to Expect (2026)

Los Angeles offers a median security guard salary of $50,735, which is $2,780 above the California state average of $47,955. Compared to the national median of $34,750, Los Angeles pays above average for this role.

However, Los Angeles's cost of living index is 146%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $50,735 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $34,750. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Los Angeles should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for security guards in Los Angeles spans from $36,500 at the 10th percentile to $75,920 at the 90th percentile — a $39,420 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $37,960, while senior security guards with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $73,000. As a major metro area with a population of 3,898,747, Los Angeles typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Security Guard Salary in Los Angeles by Experience

In Los Angeles, an entry-level security guard earns around $37,960, while experienced professionals earn up to $73,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 146% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$37,960
+$11,960 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$52,560
+$16,560 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$73,000
+$23,000 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Los Angeles, CA

Percentile Los Angeles
10th Percentile $36,500
25th Percentile $42,340
Median (50th) $50,735
75th Percentile $61,320
90th Percentile $75,920

Security Guard Salary in Other California Cities

San Francisco, CA
$63,245
Pop. 873,965
San Jose, CA
$58,380
Pop. 1,013,240
San Diego, CA
$49,345
Pop. 1,386,932
Sacramento, CA
$41,005
Pop. 524,943

How to Become a Security Guard in Los Angeles

Education

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

Find Security Guard Jobs in Los Angeles

Browse open security guard positions in Los Angeles, CA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Security Guard Salary in Los Angeles

How much does a Security Guard make in Los Angeles, CA? ▼
The median security guard salary in Los Angeles, California is $50,735 per year, which is 46.0% above the national median of $34,750. Salaries range from $36,500 (10th percentile) to $75,920 (90th percentile).
How much does a Security Guard make per hour in Los Angeles? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $50,735, a security guard in Los Angeles earns approximately $24 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Los Angeles compare to the California state average for security guard pay? ▼
Los Angeles's median security guard salary of $50,735 is 5.8% above the California state average of $47,955. The local cost of living index is 146% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Los Angeles, CA? ▼
Los Angeles has a cost of living index of 146% compared to the national average. This means a security guard salary of $50,735 in Los Angeles has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a security guard in Los Angeles? ▼
Most security guard positions in Los Angeles 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.