Public Service Montana (MT) Rank #25 of 50

Security Guard Salary in Montana

The median security guard salary in Montana is $33,013 per year, which is 5% below the national median of $34,750.

Median Salary
$33,013
vs National
$-1,737
State Rank
#25 of 50
Cost of Living
95%

Security Guard Salary Overview in Montana (2026)

Montana ranks #25 out of 50 states for security guard compensation. Montana falls in the middle of the pack for security guard pay, offering salaries near the national average. At $33,013 per year, security guards in Montana earn $1,737 less than the national median of $34,750.

Montana's cost of living is near the national average at 95%, meaning security guard salaries here translate closely to their face value in purchasing power.

The salary spread in Montana is significant: security guards at the 10th percentile earn $23,750, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $49,400 — a $25,650 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Montana for this role is Bozeman, where the median reaches $39,963.

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 Montana by Experience

In Montana, an entry-level security guard earns around $24,700, while experienced professionals earn up to $47,500 per year. The cost of living index in Montana is 95% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$24,700
$-1,300 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$34,200
$-1,800 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$47,500
$-2,500 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Montana

Percentile MT Salary
10th Percentile $23,750
25th Percentile $27,550
Median (50th) $33,013
75th Percentile $39,900
90th Percentile $49,400

Security Guard Salary by City in Montana

The largest employment areas for security guards in Montana include Billings, Missoula, Great Falls, and Bozeman. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Security Guard in Montana

Education

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

Key Skills

SurveillanceAccess ControlReport WritingCommunicationObservationCPR/First Aid

Job Outlook in Montana

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

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Frequently Asked Questions: Security Guard Salary in Montana

How much does a Security Guard make in Montana? ▼
The median security guard salary in Montana is $33,013 per year, which is 5% below the national median of $34,750. Salaries range from $23,750 (10th percentile) to $49,400 (90th percentile).
How much does a Security Guard make per hour in Montana? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $33,013, a security guard in Montana earns approximately $16 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Montana a good state for security guards? ▼
Montana ranks #25 out of 50 states for security guard pay. The cost of living index is 95% of the national average. Entry-level security guards earn $24,700, while senior professionals earn $47,500.
How does Montana compare to other states for security guard salary? ▼
The highest paying state for security guards is Hawaii at $59,075. Montana's median of $33,013 ranks #25 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Pennsylvania ($33,360) and Illinois ($33,013).
What is the entry-level security guard salary in Montana? ▼
An entry-level security guard in Montana earns approximately $24,700 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $34,200. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $47,500.
What city in Montana pays security guards the most? ▼
Bozeman is the highest paying city in Montana for security guards, with a median salary of $39,963. Other cities include Billings and Missoula.