Public Service Cambridge, MA Pop. 118,403

Security Guard Salary in Cambridge, Massachusetts

The median security guard salary in Cambridge, MA is $55,600 per year, which is 60.0% above the national median and 18.5% above the Massachusetts state average.

City Median
$55,600
vs State Avg
+$8,687
vs National
+$20,850
Cost of Living
160%

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

Cambridge offers a median security guard salary of $55,600, which is $8,687 above the Massachusetts state average of $46,913. Compared to the national median of $34,750, Cambridge pays above average for this role.

However, Cambridge's cost of living index is 160%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $55,600 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $34,750. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Cambridge should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for security guards in Cambridge spans from $40,000 at the 10th percentile to $83,200 at the 90th percentile — a $43,200 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $41,600, while senior security guards with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $80,000. With a population of 118,403, Cambridge is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Security Guard Salary in Cambridge by Experience

In Cambridge, an entry-level security guard earns around $41,600, while experienced professionals earn up to $80,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 160% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$41,600
+$15,600 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$57,600
+$21,600 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$80,000
+$30,000 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Cambridge, MA

Percentile Cambridge
10th Percentile $40,000
25th Percentile $46,400
Median (50th) $55,600
75th Percentile $67,200
90th Percentile $83,200

Security Guard Salary in Other Massachusetts Cities

Boston, MA
$52,820
Pop. 675,647
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 Cambridge

Education

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

Find Security Guard Jobs in Cambridge

Browse open security guard positions in Cambridge, MA:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Security Guard Salary in Cambridge

How much does a Security Guard make in Cambridge, MA? ▼
The median security guard salary in Cambridge, Massachusetts is $55,600 per year, which is 60.0% above the national median of $34,750. Salaries range from $40,000 (10th percentile) to $83,200 (90th percentile).
How much does a Security Guard make per hour in Cambridge? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $55,600, a security guard in Cambridge earns approximately $27 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Cambridge compare to the Massachusetts state average for security guard pay? ▼
Cambridge's median security guard salary of $55,600 is 18.5% above the Massachusetts state average of $46,913. The local cost of living index is 160% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Cambridge, MA? ▼
Cambridge has a cost of living index of 160% compared to the national average. This means a security guard salary of $55,600 in Cambridge has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a security guard in Cambridge? ▼
Most security guard positions in Cambridge 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.