Public Service New Orleans, LA Pop. 383,997

Security Guard Salary in New Orleans, Louisiana

The median security guard salary in New Orleans, LA is $34,055 per year, which is 2% below the national median and 7.7% above the Louisiana state average.

City Median
$34,055
vs State Avg
+$2,432
vs National
$-695
Cost of Living
98%

Security Guard Pay in New Orleans: What to Expect (2026)

New Orleans offers a median security guard salary of $34,055, which is $2,432 above the Louisiana state average of $31,623. Compared to the national median of $34,750, New Orleans pays below the national benchmark for this role.

New Orleans's cost of living is 98% 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 New Orleans spans from $24,500 at the 10th percentile to $50,960 at the 90th percentile — a $26,460 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $25,480, while senior security guards with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $49,000. With a population of 383,997, New Orleans is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Security Guard Salary in New Orleans by Experience

In New Orleans, an entry-level security guard earns around $25,480, while experienced professionals earn up to $49,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 98% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$25,480
$-520 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$35,280
$-720 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$49,000
$-1,000 vs national

Salary Percentiles in New Orleans, LA

Percentile New Orleans
10th Percentile $24,500
25th Percentile $28,420
Median (50th) $34,055
75th Percentile $41,160
90th Percentile $50,960

Security Guard Salary in Other Louisiana Cities

Baton Rouge, LA
$31,970
Pop. 227,470
Lafayette, LA
$30,580
Pop. 121,374
Lake Charles, LA
$29,885
Pop. 80,000
Shreveport, LA
$29,538
Pop. 187,593

How to Become a Security Guard in New Orleans

Education

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

Find Security Guard Jobs in New Orleans

Browse open security guard positions in New Orleans, LA:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Security Guard Salary in New Orleans

How much does a Security Guard make in New Orleans, LA? ▼
The median security guard salary in New Orleans, Louisiana is $34,055 per year, which is 2% below the national median of $34,750. Salaries range from $24,500 (10th percentile) to $50,960 (90th percentile).
How much does a Security Guard make per hour in New Orleans? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $34,055, a security guard in New Orleans earns approximately $16 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does New Orleans compare to the Louisiana state average for security guard pay? ▼
New Orleans's median security guard salary of $34,055 is 7.7% above the Louisiana state average of $31,623. The local cost of living index is 98% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in New Orleans, LA? ▼
New Orleans has a cost of living index of 98% compared to the national average. This means a security guard salary of $34,055 in New Orleans has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a security guard in New Orleans? ▼
Most security guard positions in New Orleans 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.