Public Service Sacramento, CA Pop. 524,943

Security Guard Salary in Sacramento, California

The median security guard salary in Sacramento, CA is $41,005 per year, which is 18.0% above the national median and 14.5% below the California state average.

City Median
$41,005
vs State Avg
$-6,950
vs National
+$6,255
Cost of Living
118%

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

Sacramento offers a median security guard salary of $41,005, which is $6,950 below the California state average of $47,955. Compared to the national median of $34,750, Sacramento pays above average for this role.

However, Sacramento's cost of living index is 118%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $41,005 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $34,750. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Sacramento should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for security guards in Sacramento spans from $29,500 at the 10th percentile to $61,360 at the 90th percentile — a $31,860 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $30,680, while senior security guards with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $59,000. As a major metro area with a population of 524,943, Sacramento typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Security Guard Salary in Sacramento by Experience

In Sacramento, an entry-level security guard earns around $30,680, while experienced professionals earn up to $59,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 118% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$30,680
+$4,680 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$42,480
+$6,480 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$59,000
+$9,000 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Sacramento, CA

Percentile Sacramento
10th Percentile $29,500
25th Percentile $34,220
Median (50th) $41,005
75th Percentile $49,560
90th Percentile $61,360

Security Guard Salary in Other California Cities

San Francisco, CA
$63,245
Pop. 873,965
San Jose, CA
$58,380
Pop. 1,013,240
Los Angeles, CA
$50,735
Pop. 3,898,747
San Diego, CA
$49,345
Pop. 1,386,932

How to Become a Security Guard in Sacramento

Education

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

Find Security Guard Jobs in Sacramento

Browse open security guard positions in Sacramento, CA:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Security Guard Salary in Sacramento

How much does a Security Guard make in Sacramento, CA? ▼
The median security guard salary in Sacramento, California is $41,005 per year, which is 18.0% above the national median of $34,750. Salaries range from $29,500 (10th percentile) to $61,360 (90th percentile).
How much does a Security Guard make per hour in Sacramento? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $41,005, a security guard in Sacramento earns approximately $20 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Sacramento compare to the California state average for security guard pay? ▼
Sacramento's median security guard salary of $41,005 is 14.5% below the California state average of $47,955. The local cost of living index is 118% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Sacramento, CA? ▼
Sacramento has a cost of living index of 118% compared to the national average. This means a security guard salary of $41,005 in Sacramento has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a security guard in Sacramento? ▼
Most security guard positions in Sacramento 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.