Public Service Georgia (GA) Rank #27 of 50

Security Guard Salary in Georgia

The median security guard salary in Georgia is $32,318 per year, which is 7% below the national median of $34,750.

Median Salary
$32,318
vs National
$-2,432
State Rank
#27 of 50
Cost of Living
93%

Security Guard Salary Overview in Georgia (2026)

Georgia ranks #27 out of 50 states for security guard compensation. Security Guard salaries in Georgia are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $32,318 per year, security guards in Georgia earn $2,432 less than the national median of $34,750.

A key advantage of working in Georgia is its below-average cost of living (93% of the national index). This means the $32,318 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $34,751 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in Georgia is significant: security guards at the 10th percentile earn $23,250, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $48,360 — a $25,110 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Georgia for this role is Atlanta, where the median reaches $35,445.

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 Georgia by Experience

In Georgia, an entry-level security guard earns around $24,180, while experienced professionals earn up to $46,500 per year. The cost of living index in Georgia is 93% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$24,180
$-1,820 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$33,480
$-2,520 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$46,500
$-3,500 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Georgia

Percentile GA Salary
10th Percentile $23,250
25th Percentile $26,970
Median (50th) $32,318
75th Percentile $39,060
90th Percentile $48,360

Security Guard Salary by City in Georgia

The largest employment areas for security guards in Georgia include Atlanta, Augusta, Savannah, and Columbus. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Security Guard in Georgia

Education

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

Key Skills

SurveillanceAccess ControlReport WritingCommunicationObservationCPR/First Aid

Job Outlook in Georgia

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

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Frequently Asked Questions: Security Guard Salary in Georgia

How much does a Security Guard make in Georgia? ▼
The median security guard salary in Georgia is $32,318 per year, which is 7% below the national median of $34,750. Salaries range from $23,250 (10th percentile) to $48,360 (90th percentile).
How much does a Security Guard make per hour in Georgia? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $32,318, a security guard in Georgia earns approximately $16 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Georgia a good state for security guards? ▼
Georgia ranks #27 out of 50 states for security guard pay. The cost of living index is 93% of the national average. Entry-level security guards earn $24,180, while senior professionals earn $46,500.
How does Georgia compare to other states for security guard salary? ▼
The highest paying state for security guards is Hawaii at $59,075. Georgia's median of $32,318 ranks #27 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Montana ($33,013) and Idaho ($32,665).
What is the entry-level security guard salary in Georgia? ▼
An entry-level security guard in Georgia earns approximately $24,180 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $33,480. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $46,500.
What city in Georgia pays security guards the most? ▼
Atlanta is the highest paying city in Georgia for security guards, with a median salary of $35,445. Other cities include Augusta and Savannah.