Public Service Fort Lauderdale, FL Pop. 182,760

Security Guard Salary in Fort Lauderdale, Florida

The median security guard salary in Fort Lauderdale, FL is $39,963 per year, which is 15.0% above the national median and 17.3% above the Florida state average.

City Median
$39,963
vs State Avg
+$5,908
vs National
+$5,213
Cost of Living
115%

Security Guard Pay in Fort Lauderdale: What to Expect (2026)

Fort Lauderdale offers a median security guard salary of $39,963, which is $5,908 above the Florida state average of $34,055. Compared to the national median of $34,750, Fort Lauderdale pays above average for this role.

However, Fort Lauderdale's cost of living index is 115%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $39,963 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $34,750. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Fort Lauderdale should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for security guards in Fort Lauderdale spans from $28,750 at the 10th percentile to $59,800 at the 90th percentile — a $31,050 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $29,900, while senior security guards with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $57,500. With a population of 182,760, Fort Lauderdale is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Security Guard Salary in Fort Lauderdale by Experience

In Fort Lauderdale, an entry-level security guard earns around $29,900, while experienced professionals earn up to $57,500 per year. The local cost of living index is 115% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$29,900
+$3,900 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$41,400
+$5,400 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$57,500
+$7,500 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Fort Lauderdale, FL

Percentile Fort Lauderdale
10th Percentile $28,750
25th Percentile $33,350
Median (50th) $39,963
75th Percentile $48,300
90th Percentile $59,800

Security Guard Salary in Other Florida Cities

How to Become a Security Guard in Fort Lauderdale

Education

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

Find Security Guard Jobs in Fort Lauderdale

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Frequently Asked Questions: Security Guard Salary in Fort Lauderdale

How much does a Security Guard make in Fort Lauderdale, FL? ▼
The median security guard salary in Fort Lauderdale, Florida is $39,963 per year, which is 15.0% above the national median of $34,750. Salaries range from $28,750 (10th percentile) to $59,800 (90th percentile).
How much does a Security Guard make per hour in Fort Lauderdale? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $39,963, a security guard in Fort Lauderdale earns approximately $19 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Fort Lauderdale compare to the Florida state average for security guard pay? ▼
Fort Lauderdale's median security guard salary of $39,963 is 17.3% above the Florida state average of $34,055. The local cost of living index is 115% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Fort Lauderdale, FL? ▼
Fort Lauderdale has a cost of living index of 115% compared to the national average. This means a security guard salary of $39,963 in Fort Lauderdale has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a security guard in Fort Lauderdale? ▼
Most security guard positions in Fort Lauderdale 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.