Public Service Denver, CO Pop. 715,522

Security Guard Salary in Denver, Colorado

The median security guard salary in Denver, CO is $38,920 per year, which is 12.0% above the national median and 6.7% above the Colorado state average.

City Median
$38,920
vs State Avg
+$2,432
vs National
+$4,170
Cost of Living
112%

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

Denver offers a median security guard salary of $38,920, which is $2,432 above the Colorado state average of $36,488. Compared to the national median of $34,750, Denver pays above average for this role.

However, Denver's cost of living index is 112%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $38,920 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $34,750. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Denver should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for security guards in Denver spans from $28,000 at the 10th percentile to $58,240 at the 90th percentile — a $30,240 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $29,120, while senior security guards with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $56,000. As a major metro area with a population of 715,522, Denver typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Security Guard Salary in Denver by Experience

In Denver, an entry-level security guard earns around $29,120, while experienced professionals earn up to $56,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 112% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$29,120
+$3,120 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$40,320
+$4,320 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$56,000
+$6,000 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Denver, CO

Percentile Denver
10th Percentile $28,000
25th Percentile $32,480
Median (50th) $38,920
75th Percentile $47,040
90th Percentile $58,240

Security Guard Salary in Other Colorado Cities

How to Become a Security Guard in Denver

Education

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

Find Security Guard Jobs in Denver

Browse open security guard positions in Denver, CO:

Frequently Asked Questions: Security Guard Salary in Denver

How much does a Security Guard make in Denver, CO? ▼
The median security guard salary in Denver, Colorado is $38,920 per year, which is 12.0% above the national median of $34,750. Salaries range from $28,000 (10th percentile) to $58,240 (90th percentile).
How much does a Security Guard make per hour in Denver? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $38,920, a security guard in Denver earns approximately $19 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Denver compare to the Colorado state average for security guard pay? ▼
Denver's median security guard salary of $38,920 is 6.7% above the Colorado state average of $36,488. The local cost of living index is 112% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Denver, CO? ▼
Denver has a cost of living index of 112% compared to the national average. This means a security guard salary of $38,920 in Denver has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a security guard in Denver? ▼
Most security guard positions in Denver 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.