Public Service Saint Louis, MO Pop. 301,578

Security Guard Salary in Saint Louis, Missouri

The median security guard salary in Saint Louis, MO is $31,275 per year, which is 10% below the national median and 2.3% above the Missouri state average.

City Median
$31,275
vs State Avg
+$695
vs National
$-3,475
Cost of Living
90%

Security Guard Pay in Saint Louis: What to Expect (2026)

Saint Louis offers a median security guard salary of $31,275, which is $695 above the Missouri state average of $30,580. Compared to the national median of $34,750, Saint Louis pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Saint Louis's cost of living is 90% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for security guards in Saint Louis spans from $22,500 at the 10th percentile to $46,800 at the 90th percentile — a $24,300 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $23,400, while senior security guards with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $45,000. With a population of 301,578, Saint Louis is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Security Guard Salary in Saint Louis by Experience

In Saint Louis, an entry-level security guard earns around $23,400, while experienced professionals earn up to $45,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$23,400
$-2,600 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$32,400
$-3,600 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$45,000
$-5,000 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Saint Louis, MO

Percentile Saint Louis
10th Percentile $22,500
25th Percentile $26,100
Median (50th) $31,275
75th Percentile $37,800
90th Percentile $46,800

Security Guard Salary in Other Missouri Cities

Kansas City, MO
$31,970
Pop. 508,090
Columbia, MO
$30,580
Pop. 126,254
Independence, MO
$29,538
Pop. 123,011
Springfield, MO
$28,495
Pop. 169,176

How to Become a Security Guard in Saint Louis

Education

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

Find Security Guard Jobs in Saint Louis

Browse open security guard positions in Saint Louis, MO:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Security Guard Salary in Saint Louis

How much does a Security Guard make in Saint Louis, MO? ▼
The median security guard salary in Saint Louis, Missouri is $31,275 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $34,750. Salaries range from $22,500 (10th percentile) to $46,800 (90th percentile).
How much does a Security Guard make per hour in Saint Louis? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $31,275, a security guard in Saint Louis earns approximately $15 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Saint Louis compare to the Missouri state average for security guard pay? ▼
Saint Louis's median security guard salary of $31,275 is 2.3% above the Missouri state average of $30,580. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Saint Louis, MO? ▼
Saint Louis has a cost of living index of 90% compared to the national average. This means a security guard salary of $31,275 in Saint Louis has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a security guard in Saint Louis? ▼
Most security guard positions in Saint Louis 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.