Public Service San Diego, CA Pop. 1,386,932

Security Guard Salary in San Diego, California

The median security guard salary in San Diego, CA is $49,345 per year, which is 42.0% above the national median and 2.9% above the California state average.

City Median
$49,345
vs State Avg
+$1,390
vs National
+$14,595
Cost of Living
142%

Security Guard Pay in San Diego: What to Expect (2026)

San Diego offers a median security guard salary of $49,345, which is $1,390 above the California state average of $47,955. Compared to the national median of $34,750, San Diego pays above average for this role.

However, San Diego's cost of living index is 142%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $49,345 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $34,750. Housing, transportation, and food costs in San Diego should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for security guards in San Diego spans from $35,500 at the 10th percentile to $73,840 at the 90th percentile — a $38,340 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $36,920, while senior security guards with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $71,000. As a major metro area with a population of 1,386,932, San Diego typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Security Guard Salary in San Diego by Experience

In San Diego, an entry-level security guard earns around $36,920, while experienced professionals earn up to $71,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 142% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$36,920
+$10,920 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$51,120
+$15,120 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$71,000
+$21,000 vs national

Salary Percentiles in San Diego, CA

Percentile San Diego
10th Percentile $35,500
25th Percentile $41,180
Median (50th) $49,345
75th Percentile $59,640
90th Percentile $73,840

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
Sacramento, CA
$41,005
Pop. 524,943

How to Become a Security Guard in San Diego

Education

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

Find Security Guard Jobs in San Diego

Browse open security guard positions in San Diego, CA:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Security Guard Salary in San Diego

How much does a Security Guard make in San Diego, CA? ▼
The median security guard salary in San Diego, California is $49,345 per year, which is 42.0% above the national median of $34,750. Salaries range from $35,500 (10th percentile) to $73,840 (90th percentile).
How much does a Security Guard make per hour in San Diego? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $49,345, a security guard in San Diego earns approximately $24 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does San Diego compare to the California state average for security guard pay? ▼
San Diego's median security guard salary of $49,345 is 2.9% above the California state average of $47,955. The local cost of living index is 142% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in San Diego, CA? ▼
San Diego has a cost of living index of 142% compared to the national average. This means a security guard salary of $49,345 in San Diego has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a security guard in San Diego? ▼
Most security guard positions in San Diego 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.