Public Service Louisville, KY Pop. 633,045

Security Guard Salary in Louisville, Kentucky

The median security guard salary in Louisville, KY is $31,970 per year, which is 8% below the national median and 5.7% above the Kentucky state average.

City Median
$31,970
vs State Avg
+$1,737
vs National
$-2,780
Cost of Living
92%

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

Louisville offers a median security guard salary of $31,970, which is $1,737 above the Kentucky state average of $30,233. Compared to the national median of $34,750, Louisville pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Louisville's cost of living is 92% 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 Louisville spans from $23,000 at the 10th percentile to $47,840 at the 90th percentile — a $24,840 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $23,920, while senior security guards with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $46,000. As a major metro area with a population of 633,045, Louisville typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Security Guard Salary in Louisville by Experience

In Louisville, an entry-level security guard earns around $23,920, while experienced professionals earn up to $46,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 92% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$23,920
$-2,080 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$33,120
$-2,880 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$46,000
$-4,000 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Louisville, KY

Percentile Louisville
10th Percentile $23,000
25th Percentile $26,680
Median (50th) $31,970
75th Percentile $38,640
90th Percentile $47,840

Security Guard Salary in Other Kentucky Cities

Lexington, KY
$32,318
Pop. 322,570
Covington, KY
$30,580
Pop. 40,961
Bowling Green, KY
$29,190
Pop. 74,735
Owensboro, KY
$28,495
Pop. 60,183

How to Become a Security Guard in Louisville

Education

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

Find Security Guard Jobs in Louisville

Browse open security guard positions in Louisville, KY:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Security Guard Salary in Louisville

How much does a Security Guard make in Louisville, KY? ▼
The median security guard salary in Louisville, Kentucky is $31,970 per year, which is 8% below the national median of $34,750. Salaries range from $23,000 (10th percentile) to $47,840 (90th percentile).
How much does a Security Guard make per hour in Louisville? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $31,970, a security guard in Louisville earns approximately $15 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Louisville compare to the Kentucky state average for security guard pay? ▼
Louisville's median security guard salary of $31,970 is 5.7% above the Kentucky state average of $30,233. The local cost of living index is 92% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Louisville, KY? ▼
Louisville has a cost of living index of 92% compared to the national average. This means a security guard salary of $31,970 in Louisville has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a security guard in Louisville? ▼
Most security guard positions in Louisville 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.