Public Service Indianapolis, IN Pop. 887,642

Security Guard Salary in Indianapolis, Indiana

The median security guard salary in Indianapolis, IN is $32,318 per year, which is 7% below the national median and 3.3% above the Indiana state average.

City Median
$32,318
vs State Avg
+$1,043
vs National
$-2,432
Cost of Living
93%

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

Indianapolis offers a median security guard salary of $32,318, which is $1,043 above the Indiana state average of $31,275. Compared to the national median of $34,750, Indianapolis pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Indianapolis's cost of living is 93% 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 Indianapolis spans from $23,250 at the 10th percentile to $48,360 at the 90th percentile — a $25,110 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $24,180, while senior security guards with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $46,500. As a major metro area with a population of 887,642, Indianapolis typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Security Guard Salary in Indianapolis by Experience

In Indianapolis, an entry-level security guard earns around $24,180, while experienced professionals earn up to $46,500 per year. The local cost of living index 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

Salary Percentiles in Indianapolis, IN

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

Security Guard Salary in Other Indiana Cities

Carmel, IN
$36,488
Pop. 99,757
Fort Wayne, IN
$29,538
Pop. 263,886
Evansville, IN
$29,190
Pop. 117,429
South Bend, IN
$28,843
Pop. 103,453

How to Become a Security Guard in Indianapolis

Education

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

Find Security Guard Jobs in Indianapolis

Browse open security guard positions in Indianapolis, IN:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Security Guard Salary in Indianapolis

How much does a Security Guard make in Indianapolis, IN? ▼
The median security guard salary in Indianapolis, Indiana 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 Indianapolis? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $32,318, a security guard in Indianapolis earns approximately $16 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Indianapolis compare to the Indiana state average for security guard pay? ▼
Indianapolis's median security guard salary of $32,318 is 3.3% above the Indiana state average of $31,275. The local cost of living index is 93% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Indianapolis, IN? ▼
Indianapolis has a cost of living index of 93% compared to the national average. This means a security guard salary of $32,318 in Indianapolis has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a security guard in Indianapolis? ▼
Most security guard positions in Indianapolis 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.