Security Guard Salary in Owensboro, KY: $28,495 (2026)

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

Owensboro offers a median security guard salary of $28,495, which is $1,738 below the Kentucky state average of $30,233. Compared to the national median of $34,750, Owensboro pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Owensboro's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 82% of the national average. This means the $28,495 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $34,750 in an average-cost city. This makes Owensboro an attractive option for security guards seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for security guards in Owensboro spans from $20,500 at the 10th percentile to $42,640 at the 90th percentile — a $22,140 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $21,320, while senior security guards with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $41,000. Owensboro is a smaller market (pop. 60,183), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Security Guard Salary in Owensboro by Experience

In Owensboro, an entry-level security guard earns around $21,320, while experienced professionals earn up to $41,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 82% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$21,320

$-4,680 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$29,520

$-6,480 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$41,000

$-9,000 vs national

Percentile	Owensboro	KY State	National
10th Percentile	$20,500	$21,750	$25,000
25th Percentile	$23,780	$25,230	$29,000
Median (50th)	$28,495	$30,233	$34,750
75th Percentile	$34,440	$36,540	$42,000
90th Percentile	$42,640	$45,240	$52,000

Percentile

Owensboro

10th Percentile

$20,500

25th Percentile

$23,780

Median (50th)

$28,495

75th Percentile

$34,440

90th Percentile

$42,640

How to Become a Security Guard in Owensboro

Education

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

Frequently Asked Questions: Security Guard Salary in Owensboro

How much does a Security Guard make in Owensboro, KY? ▼

The median security guard salary in Owensboro, Kentucky is $28,495 per year, which is 18% below the national median of $34,750. Salaries range from $20,500 (10th percentile) to $42,640 (90th percentile).

How much does a Security Guard make per hour in Owensboro? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $28,495, a security guard in Owensboro earns approximately $14 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Owensboro compare to the Kentucky state average for security guard pay? ▼

Owensboro's median security guard salary of $28,495 is 5.7% below the Kentucky state average of $30,233. The local cost of living index is 82% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Owensboro, KY? ▼

Owensboro has a cost of living index of 82% compared to the national average. This means a security guard salary of $28,495 in Owensboro has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a security guard in Owensboro? ▼

Most security guard positions in Owensboro 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.

Security Guard Salary in Owensboro, Kentucky