Public Service Mississippi (MS) Rank #50 of 50

Security Guard Salary in Mississippi

The median security guard salary in Mississippi is $28,843 per year, which is 17% below the national median of $34,750.

Median Salary
$28,843
vs National
$-5,907
State Rank
#50 of 50
Cost of Living
83%

Security Guard Salary Overview in Mississippi (2026)

Mississippi ranks #50 out of 50 states for security guard compensation. Security Guard salaries in Mississippi are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $28,843 per year, security guards in Mississippi earn $5,907 less than the national median of $34,750.

A key advantage of working in Mississippi is its below-average cost of living (83% of the national index). This means the $28,843 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $34,751 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in Mississippi is significant: security guards at the 10th percentile earn $20,750, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $43,160 — a $22,410 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Mississippi for this role is Jackson, where the median reaches $29,538.

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 Mississippi by Experience

In Mississippi, an entry-level security guard earns around $21,580, while experienced professionals earn up to $41,500 per year. The cost of living index in Mississippi is 83% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$21,580
$-4,420 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$29,880
$-6,120 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$41,500
$-8,500 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Mississippi

Percentile MS Salary
10th Percentile $20,750
25th Percentile $24,070
Median (50th) $28,843
75th Percentile $34,860
90th Percentile $43,160

Security Guard Salary by City in Mississippi

The largest employment areas for security guards in Mississippi include Jackson, Gulfport, Southaven, and Hattiesburg. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Security Guard in Mississippi

Education

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

Key Skills

SurveillanceAccess ControlReport WritingCommunicationObservationCPR/First Aid

Job Outlook in Mississippi

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

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Frequently Asked Questions: Security Guard Salary in Mississippi

How much does a Security Guard make in Mississippi? ▼
The median security guard salary in Mississippi is $28,843 per year, which is 17% below the national median of $34,750. Salaries range from $20,750 (10th percentile) to $43,160 (90th percentile).
How much does a Security Guard make per hour in Mississippi? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $28,843, a security guard in Mississippi earns approximately $14 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Mississippi a good state for security guards? ▼
Mississippi ranks #50 out of 50 states for security guard pay. The cost of living index is 83% of the national average. Entry-level security guards earn $21,580, while senior professionals earn $41,500.
How does Mississippi compare to other states for security guard salary? ▼
The highest paying state for security guards is Hawaii at $59,075. Mississippi's median of $28,843 ranks #50 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Arkansas ($29,190) and West Virginia ($29,190).
What is the entry-level security guard salary in Mississippi? ▼
An entry-level security guard in Mississippi earns approximately $21,580 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $29,880. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $41,500.
What city in Mississippi pays security guards the most? ▼
Jackson is the highest paying city in Mississippi for security guards, with a median salary of $29,538. Other cities include Gulfport and Southaven.