Public Service Dover, DE Pop. 39,403

Security Guard Salary in Dover, Delaware

The median security guard salary in Dover, DE is $33,360 per year, which is 4% below the national median and 5% below the Delaware state average.

City Median
$33,360
vs State Avg
$-1,738
vs National
$-1,390
Cost of Living
96%

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

Dover offers a median security guard salary of $33,360, which is $1,738 below the Delaware state average of $35,098. Compared to the national median of $34,750, Dover pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Dover's cost of living is 96% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for security guards in Dover spans from $24,000 at the 10th percentile to $49,920 at the 90th percentile — a $25,920 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $24,960, while senior security guards with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $48,000. Dover is a smaller market (pop. 39,403), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Security Guard Salary in Dover by Experience

In Dover, an entry-level security guard earns around $24,960, while experienced professionals earn up to $48,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 96% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$24,960
$-1,040 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$34,560
$-1,440 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$48,000
$-2,000 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Dover, DE

Percentile Dover
10th Percentile $24,000
25th Percentile $27,840
Median (50th) $33,360
75th Percentile $40,320
90th Percentile $49,920

Security Guard Salary in Other Delaware Cities

Wilmington, DE
$36,488
Pop. 70,898
Newark, DE
$35,445
Pop. 33,398
Bear, DE
$34,403
Pop. 21,000
Middletown, DE
$34,055
Pop. 22,350

How to Become a Security Guard in Dover

Education

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

Find Security Guard Jobs in Dover

Browse open security guard positions in Dover, DE:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Security Guard Salary in Dover

How much does a Security Guard make in Dover, DE? ▼
The median security guard salary in Dover, Delaware is $33,360 per year, which is 4% below the national median of $34,750. Salaries range from $24,000 (10th percentile) to $49,920 (90th percentile).
How much does a Security Guard make per hour in Dover? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $33,360, a security guard in Dover earns approximately $16 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Dover compare to the Delaware state average for security guard pay? ▼
Dover's median security guard salary of $33,360 is 5% below the Delaware state average of $35,098. The local cost of living index is 96% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Dover, DE? ▼
Dover has a cost of living index of 96% compared to the national average. This means a security guard salary of $33,360 in Dover has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a security guard in Dover? ▼
Most security guard positions in Dover 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.