Security Guard Salary in Independence, MO: $29,538 (2026)

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

Independence offers a median security guard salary of $29,538, which is $1,042 below the Missouri state average of $30,580. Compared to the national median of $34,750, Independence pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Independence's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 85% of the national average. This means the $29,538 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $34,751 in an average-cost city. This makes Independence an attractive option for security guards seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for security guards in Independence spans from $21,250 at the 10th percentile to $44,200 at the 90th percentile — a $22,950 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $22,100, while senior security guards with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $42,500. With a population of 123,011, Independence is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Security Guard Salary in Independence by Experience

In Independence, an entry-level security guard earns around $22,100, while experienced professionals earn up to $42,500 per year. The local cost of living index is 85% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$22,100

$-3,900 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$30,600

$-5,400 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$42,500

$-7,500 vs national

Percentile	Independence	MO State	National
10th Percentile	$21,250	$22,000	$25,000
25th Percentile	$24,650	$25,520	$29,000
Median (50th)	$29,538	$30,580	$34,750
75th Percentile	$35,700	$36,960	$42,000
90th Percentile	$44,200	$45,760	$52,000

Percentile

Independence

10th Percentile

$21,250

25th Percentile

$24,650

Median (50th)

$29,538

75th Percentile

$35,700

90th Percentile

$44,200

How to Become a Security Guard in Independence

Education

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

Frequently Asked Questions: Security Guard Salary in Independence

How much does a Security Guard make in Independence, MO? ▼

The median security guard salary in Independence, Missouri is $29,538 per year, which is 15% below the national median of $34,750. Salaries range from $21,250 (10th percentile) to $44,200 (90th percentile).

How much does a Security Guard make per hour in Independence? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $29,538, a security guard in Independence earns approximately $14 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Independence compare to the Missouri state average for security guard pay? ▼

Independence's median security guard salary of $29,538 is 3.4% below the Missouri state average of $30,580. The local cost of living index is 85% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Independence, MO? ▼

Independence has a cost of living index of 85% compared to the national average. This means a security guard salary of $29,538 in Independence has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a security guard in Independence? ▼

Most security guard positions in Independence 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.

Security Guard Salary in Independence, Missouri