Public Service Tampa, FL Pop. 384,959

Security Guard Salary in Tampa, Florida

The median security guard salary in Tampa, FL is $34,750 per year, which is 0.0% above the national median and 2.0% above the Florida state average.

City Median
$34,750
vs State Avg
+$695
vs National
+$0
Cost of Living
100%

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

Tampa offers a median security guard salary of $34,750, which is $695 above the Florida state average of $34,055. Compared to the national median of $34,750, Tampa pays above average for this role.

Tampa's cost of living is 100% 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 Tampa spans from $25,000 at the 10th percentile to $52,000 at the 90th percentile — a $27,000 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $26,000, while senior security guards with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $50,000. With a population of 384,959, Tampa is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Security Guard Salary in Tampa by Experience

In Tampa, an entry-level security guard earns around $26,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $50,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 100% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$26,000
+$0 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$36,000
+$0 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$50,000
+$0 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Tampa, FL

Percentile Tampa
10th Percentile $25,000
25th Percentile $29,000
Median (50th) $34,750
75th Percentile $42,000
90th Percentile $52,000

Security Guard Salary in Other Florida Cities

How to Become a Security Guard in Tampa

Education

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

Find Security Guard Jobs in Tampa

Browse open security guard positions in Tampa, FL:

Frequently Asked Questions: Security Guard Salary in Tampa

How much does a Security Guard make in Tampa, FL? ▼
The median security guard salary in Tampa, Florida is $34,750 per year, which is 0.0% above the national median of $34,750. Salaries range from $25,000 (10th percentile) to $52,000 (90th percentile).
How much does a Security Guard make per hour in Tampa? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $34,750, a security guard in Tampa earns approximately $17 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Tampa compare to the Florida state average for security guard pay? ▼
Tampa's median security guard salary of $34,750 is 2.0% above the Florida state average of $34,055. The local cost of living index is 100% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Tampa, FL? ▼
Tampa has a cost of living index of 100% compared to the national average. This means a security guard salary of $34,750 in Tampa has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a security guard in Tampa? ▼
Most security guard positions in Tampa 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.