Public Service Florida (FL) Rank #17 of 50

Security Guard Salary in Florida

The median security guard salary in Florida is $34,055 per year, which is 2% below the national median of $34,750.

Median Salary
$34,055
vs National
$-695
State Rank
#17 of 50
Cost of Living
98%

Security Guard Salary Overview in Florida (2026)

Florida ranks #17 out of 50 states for security guard compensation. Florida falls in the middle of the pack for security guard pay, offering salaries near the national average. At $34,055 per year, security guards in Florida earn $695 less than the national median of $34,750.

Florida's cost of living is near the national average at 98%, meaning security guard salaries here translate closely to their face value in purchasing power.

The salary spread in Florida is significant: security guards at the 10th percentile earn $24,500, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $50,960 — a $26,460 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Florida for this role is Miami, where the median reaches $41,005.

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 Florida by Experience

In Florida, an entry-level security guard earns around $25,480, while experienced professionals earn up to $49,000 per year. The cost of living index in Florida is 98% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$25,480
$-520 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$35,280
$-720 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$49,000
$-1,000 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Florida

Percentile FL Salary
10th Percentile $24,500
25th Percentile $28,420
Median (50th) $34,055
75th Percentile $41,160
90th Percentile $50,960

Security Guard Salary by City in Florida

The largest employment areas for security guards in Florida include Miami, Orlando, Tampa, and Jacksonville. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Security Guard in Florida

Education

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

Key Skills

SurveillanceAccess ControlReport WritingCommunicationObservationCPR/First Aid

Job Outlook in Florida

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

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Frequently Asked Questions: Security Guard Salary in Florida

How much does a Security Guard make in Florida? ▼
The median security guard salary in Florida is $34,055 per year, which is 2% below the national median of $34,750. Salaries range from $24,500 (10th percentile) to $50,960 (90th percentile).
How much does a Security Guard make per hour in Florida? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $34,055, a security guard in Florida earns approximately $16 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Florida a good state for security guards? ▼
Florida ranks #17 out of 50 states for security guard pay. The cost of living index is 98% of the national average. Entry-level security guards earn $25,480, while senior professionals earn $49,000.
How does Florida compare to other states for security guard salary? ▼
The highest paying state for security guards is Hawaii at $59,075. Florida's median of $34,055 ranks #17 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Delaware ($35,098) and Vermont ($35,098).
What is the entry-level security guard salary in Florida? ▼
An entry-level security guard in Florida earns approximately $25,480 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $35,280. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $49,000.
What city in Florida pays security guards the most? ▼
Miami is the highest paying city in Florida for security guards, with a median salary of $41,005. Other cities include Orlando and Tampa.