Public Service Maryland (MD) Rank #9 of 50

Security Guard Salary in Maryland

The median security guard salary in Maryland is $38,225 per year, which is 10.0% above the national median of $34,750.

Median Salary
$38,225
vs National
+$3,475
State Rank
#9 of 50
Cost of Living
110%

Security Guard Salary Overview in Maryland (2026)

Maryland ranks #9 out of 50 states for security guard compensation. This places Maryland in the top tier nationally, making it one of the best states for security guards seeking high pay. At $38,225 per year, security guards in Maryland earn $3,475 more than the national median of $34,750.

It's worth noting that Maryland's cost of living is 110% of the national average, which reduces the real purchasing power of the $38,225 salary. After adjusting for cost of living, the effective salary is closer to $34,750.

The salary spread in Maryland is significant: security guards at the 10th percentile earn $27,500, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $57,200 — a $29,700 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Maryland for this role is Silver Spring, where the median reaches $42,395.

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 Maryland by Experience

In Maryland, an entry-level security guard earns around $28,600, while experienced professionals earn up to $55,000 per year. The cost of living index in Maryland is 110% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$28,600
+$2,600 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$39,600
+$3,600 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$55,000
+$5,000 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Maryland

Percentile MD Salary
10th Percentile $27,500
25th Percentile $31,900
Median (50th) $38,225
75th Percentile $46,200
90th Percentile $57,200

Security Guard Salary by City in Maryland

The largest employment areas for security guards in Maryland include Baltimore, Columbia, Silver Spring, and Germantown. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Security Guard in Maryland

Education

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

Key Skills

SurveillanceAccess ControlReport WritingCommunicationObservationCPR/First Aid

Job Outlook in Maryland

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

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Frequently Asked Questions: Security Guard Salary in Maryland

How much does a Security Guard make in Maryland? ▼
The median security guard salary in Maryland is $38,225 per year, which is 10.0% above the national median of $34,750. Salaries range from $27,500 (10th percentile) to $57,200 (90th percentile).
How much does a Security Guard make per hour in Maryland? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $38,225, a security guard in Maryland earns approximately $18 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Maryland a good state for security guards? ▼
Maryland ranks #9 out of 50 states for security guard pay. The cost of living index is 110% of the national average. Entry-level security guards earn $28,600, while senior professionals earn $55,000.
How does Maryland compare to other states for security guard salary? ▼
The highest paying state for security guards is Hawaii at $59,075. Maryland's median of $38,225 ranks #9 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Washington ($39,963) and Connecticut ($38,920).
What is the entry-level security guard salary in Maryland? ▼
An entry-level security guard in Maryland earns approximately $28,600 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $39,600. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $55,000.
What city in Maryland pays security guards the most? ▼
Silver Spring is the highest paying city in Maryland for security guards, with a median salary of $42,395. Other cities include Baltimore and Columbia.