Public Service Hawaii (HI) Rank #1 of 50

Security Guard Salary in Hawaii

The median security guard salary in Hawaii is $59,075 per year, which is 70.0% above the national median of $34,750.

Median Salary
$59,075
vs National
+$24,325
State Rank
#1 of 50
Cost of Living
170%

Security Guard Salary Overview in Hawaii (2026)

Hawaii ranks #1 out of 50 states for security guard compensation. This places Hawaii in the top tier nationally, making it one of the best states for security guards seeking high pay. At $59,075 per year, security guards in Hawaii earn $24,325 more than the national median of $34,750.

It's worth noting that Hawaii's cost of living is 170% of the national average, which reduces the real purchasing power of the $59,075 salary. After adjusting for cost of living, the effective salary is closer to $34,750.

The salary spread in Hawaii is significant: security guards at the 10th percentile earn $42,500, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $88,400 — a $45,900 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Hawaii for this role is Honolulu, where the median reaches $60,813.

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 Hawaii by Experience

In Hawaii, an entry-level security guard earns around $44,200, while experienced professionals earn up to $85,000 per year. The cost of living index in Hawaii is 170% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$44,200
+$18,200 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$61,200
+$25,200 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$85,000
+$35,000 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Hawaii

Percentile HI Salary
10th Percentile $42,500
25th Percentile $49,300
Median (50th) $59,075
75th Percentile $71,400
90th Percentile $88,400

Security Guard Salary by City in Hawaii

The largest employment areas for security guards in Hawaii include Honolulu, Pearl City, Hilo, and Kailua. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Security Guard in Hawaii

Education

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

Key Skills

SurveillanceAccess ControlReport WritingCommunicationObservationCPR/First Aid

Job Outlook in Hawaii

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

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Frequently Asked Questions: Security Guard Salary in Hawaii

How much does a Security Guard make in Hawaii? ▼
The median security guard salary in Hawaii is $59,075 per year, which is 70.0% above the national median of $34,750. Salaries range from $42,500 (10th percentile) to $88,400 (90th percentile).
How much does a Security Guard make per hour in Hawaii? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $59,075, a security guard in Hawaii earns approximately $28 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Hawaii a good state for security guards? ▼
Hawaii ranks #1 out of 50 states for security guard pay. The cost of living index is 170% of the national average. Entry-level security guards earn $44,200, while senior professionals earn $85,000.
How does Hawaii compare to other states for security guard salary? ▼
The highest paying state for security guards is Hawaii at $59,075. Hawaii's median of $59,075 ranks #1 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include California ($47,955) and Massachusetts ($46,913).
What is the entry-level security guard salary in Hawaii? ▼
An entry-level security guard in Hawaii earns approximately $44,200 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $61,200. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $85,000.
What city in Hawaii pays security guards the most? ▼
Honolulu is the highest paying city in Hawaii for security guards, with a median salary of $60,813. Other cities include Pearl City and Hilo.