Public Service Boston, MA Pop. 675,647

Security Guard Salary in Boston, Massachusetts

The median security guard salary in Boston, MA is $52,820 per year, which is 52.0% above the national median and 12.6% above the Massachusetts state average.

City Median
$52,820
vs State Avg
+$5,907
vs National
+$18,070
Cost of Living
152%

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

Boston offers a median security guard salary of $52,820, which is $5,907 above the Massachusetts state average of $46,913. Compared to the national median of $34,750, Boston pays above average for this role.

However, Boston's cost of living index is 152%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $52,820 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $34,750. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Boston should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for security guards in Boston spans from $38,000 at the 10th percentile to $79,040 at the 90th percentile — a $41,040 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $39,520, while senior security guards with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $76,000. As a major metro area with a population of 675,647, Boston typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Security Guard Salary in Boston by Experience

In Boston, an entry-level security guard earns around $39,520, while experienced professionals earn up to $76,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 152% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$39,520
+$13,520 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$54,720
+$18,720 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$76,000
+$26,000 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Boston, MA

Percentile Boston
10th Percentile $38,000
25th Percentile $44,080
Median (50th) $52,820
75th Percentile $63,840
90th Percentile $79,040

Security Guard Salary in Other Massachusetts Cities

Cambridge, MA
$55,600
Pop. 118,403
Worcester, MA
$38,225
Pop. 206,518
Lowell, MA
$36,488
Pop. 115,554
Springfield, MA
$34,055
Pop. 155,929

How to Become a Security Guard in Boston

Education

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

Find Security Guard Jobs in Boston

Browse open security guard positions in Boston, MA:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Security Guard Salary in Boston

How much does a Security Guard make in Boston, MA? ▼
The median security guard salary in Boston, Massachusetts is $52,820 per year, which is 52.0% above the national median of $34,750. Salaries range from $38,000 (10th percentile) to $79,040 (90th percentile).
How much does a Security Guard make per hour in Boston? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $52,820, a security guard in Boston earns approximately $25 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Boston compare to the Massachusetts state average for security guard pay? ▼
Boston's median security guard salary of $52,820 is 12.6% above the Massachusetts state average of $46,913. The local cost of living index is 152% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Boston, MA? ▼
Boston has a cost of living index of 152% compared to the national average. This means a security guard salary of $52,820 in Boston has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a security guard in Boston? ▼
Most security guard positions in Boston 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.