Public Service Boulder, CO Pop. 105,673

Security Guard Salary in Boulder, Colorado

The median security guard salary in Boulder, CO is $44,480 per year, which is 28.0% above the national median and 21.9% above the Colorado state average.

City Median
$44,480
vs State Avg
+$7,992
vs National
+$9,730
Cost of Living
128%

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

Boulder offers a median security guard salary of $44,480, which is $7,992 above the Colorado state average of $36,488. Compared to the national median of $34,750, Boulder pays above average for this role.

However, Boulder's cost of living index is 128%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $44,480 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $34,750. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Boulder should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for security guards in Boulder spans from $32,000 at the 10th percentile to $66,560 at the 90th percentile — a $34,560 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $33,280, while senior security guards with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $64,000. With a population of 105,673, Boulder is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Security Guard Salary in Boulder by Experience

In Boulder, an entry-level security guard earns around $33,280, while experienced professionals earn up to $64,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 128% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$33,280
+$7,280 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$46,080
+$10,080 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$64,000
+$14,000 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Boulder, CO

Percentile Boulder
10th Percentile $32,000
25th Percentile $37,120
Median (50th) $44,480
75th Percentile $53,760
90th Percentile $66,560

Security Guard Salary in Other Colorado Cities

How to Become a Security Guard in Boulder

Education

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

Find Security Guard Jobs in Boulder

Browse open security guard positions in Boulder, CO:

Frequently Asked Questions: Security Guard Salary in Boulder

How much does a Security Guard make in Boulder, CO? ▼
The median security guard salary in Boulder, Colorado is $44,480 per year, which is 28.0% above the national median of $34,750. Salaries range from $32,000 (10th percentile) to $66,560 (90th percentile).
How much does a Security Guard make per hour in Boulder? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $44,480, a security guard in Boulder earns approximately $21 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Boulder compare to the Colorado state average for security guard pay? ▼
Boulder's median security guard salary of $44,480 is 21.9% above the Colorado state average of $36,488. The local cost of living index is 128% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Boulder, CO? ▼
Boulder has a cost of living index of 128% compared to the national average. This means a security guard salary of $44,480 in Boulder has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a security guard in Boulder? ▼
Most security guard positions in Boulder 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.