Public Service Missoula, MT Pop. 75,516

Security Guard Salary in Missoula, Montana

The median security guard salary in Missoula, MT is $35,445 per year, which is 2.0% above the national median and 7.4% above the Montana state average.

City Median
$35,445
vs State Avg
+$2,432
vs National
+$695
Cost of Living
102%

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

Missoula offers a median security guard salary of $35,445, which is $2,432 above the Montana state average of $33,013. Compared to the national median of $34,750, Missoula pays above average for this role.

Missoula's cost of living is 102% 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 Missoula spans from $25,500 at the 10th percentile to $53,040 at the 90th percentile — a $27,540 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $26,520, while senior security guards with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $51,000. Missoula is a smaller market (pop. 75,516), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Security Guard Salary in Missoula by Experience

In Missoula, an entry-level security guard earns around $26,520, while experienced professionals earn up to $51,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 102% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$26,520
+$520 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$36,720
+$720 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$51,000
+$1,000 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Missoula, MT

Percentile Missoula
10th Percentile $25,500
25th Percentile $29,580
Median (50th) $35,445
75th Percentile $42,840
90th Percentile $53,040

Security Guard Salary in Other Montana Cities

How to Become a Security Guard in Missoula

Education

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

Find Security Guard Jobs in Missoula

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Frequently Asked Questions: Security Guard Salary in Missoula

How much does a Security Guard make in Missoula, MT? ▼
The median security guard salary in Missoula, Montana is $35,445 per year, which is 2.0% above the national median of $34,750. Salaries range from $25,500 (10th percentile) to $53,040 (90th percentile).
How much does a Security Guard make per hour in Missoula? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $35,445, a security guard in Missoula earns approximately $17 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Missoula compare to the Montana state average for security guard pay? ▼
Missoula's median security guard salary of $35,445 is 7.4% above the Montana state average of $33,013. The local cost of living index is 102% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Missoula, MT? ▼
Missoula has a cost of living index of 102% compared to the national average. This means a security guard salary of $35,445 in Missoula has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a security guard in Missoula? ▼
Most security guard positions in Missoula 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.