Public Service Colorado (CO) Rank #11 of 50

Security Guard Salary in Colorado

The median security guard salary in Colorado is $36,488 per year, which is 5.0% above the national median of $34,750.

Median Salary
$36,488
vs National
+$1,738
State Rank
#11 of 50
Cost of Living
105%

Security Guard Salary Overview in Colorado (2026)

Colorado ranks #11 out of 50 states for security guard compensation. Colorado falls in the middle of the pack for security guard pay, offering salaries near the national average. At $36,488 per year, security guards in Colorado earn $1,738 more than the national median of $34,750.

Colorado's cost of living is near the national average at 105%, meaning security guard salaries here translate closely to their face value in purchasing power.

The salary spread in Colorado is significant: security guards at the 10th percentile earn $26,250, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $54,600 — a $28,350 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Colorado for this role is Boulder, where the median reaches $44,480.

Nationally, security guard employment is projected to grow 3% over the next decade (as fast as average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for security guards across the country.

Security Guard Salary in Colorado by Experience

In Colorado, an entry-level security guard earns around $27,300, while experienced professionals earn up to $52,500 per year. The cost of living index in Colorado is 105% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$27,300
+$1,300 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$37,800
+$1,800 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$52,500
+$2,500 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Colorado

Percentile CO Salary
10th Percentile $26,250
25th Percentile $30,450
Median (50th) $36,488
75th Percentile $44,100
90th Percentile $54,600

Security Guard Salary by City in Colorado

The largest employment areas for security guards in Colorado include Denver, Colorado Springs, Aurora, and Fort Collins. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Security Guard in Colorado

Education

Most security guard positions require a high school diploma. Colorado has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

SurveillanceAccess ControlReport WritingCommunicationObservationCPR/First Aid

Job Outlook in Colorado

Nationally, security guard employment is projected to grow 3% over the next decade (as fast as average). Colorado's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Security Guard Salary in Colorado

How much does a Security Guard make in Colorado? ▼
The median security guard salary in Colorado is $36,488 per year, which is 5.0% above the national median of $34,750. Salaries range from $26,250 (10th percentile) to $54,600 (90th percentile).
How much does a Security Guard make per hour in Colorado? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $36,488, a security guard in Colorado earns approximately $18 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Colorado a good state for security guards? ▼
Colorado ranks #11 out of 50 states for security guard pay. The cost of living index is 105% of the national average. Entry-level security guards earn $27,300, while senior professionals earn $52,500.
How does Colorado compare to other states for security guard salary? ▼
The highest paying state for security guards is Hawaii at $59,075. Colorado's median of $36,488 ranks #11 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Maryland ($38,225) and Oregon ($38,225).
What is the entry-level security guard salary in Colorado? ▼
An entry-level security guard in Colorado earns approximately $27,300 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $37,800. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $52,500.
What city in Colorado pays security guards the most? ▼
Boulder is the highest paying city in Colorado for security guards, with a median salary of $44,480. Other cities include Denver and Colorado Springs.