Public Service Jersey City, NJ Pop. 292,449

Security Guard Salary in Jersey City, New Jersey

The median security guard salary in Jersey City, NJ is $44,480 per year, which is 28.0% above the national median and 11.3% above the New Jersey state average.

City Median
$44,480
vs State Avg
+$4,517
vs National
+$9,730
Cost of Living
128%

Security Guard Pay in Jersey City: What to Expect (2026)

Jersey City offers a median security guard salary of $44,480, which is $4,517 above the New Jersey state average of $39,963. Compared to the national median of $34,750, Jersey City pays above average for this role.

However, Jersey City's cost of living index is 128%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $44,480 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $34,750. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Jersey City should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for security guards in Jersey City spans from $32,000 at the 10th percentile to $66,560 at the 90th percentile — a $34,560 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $33,280, while senior security guards with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $64,000. With a population of 292,449, Jersey City is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Security Guard Salary in Jersey City by Experience

In Jersey City, an entry-level security guard earns around $33,280, while experienced professionals earn up to $64,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 128% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$33,280
+$7,280 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$46,080
+$10,080 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$64,000
+$14,000 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Jersey City, NJ

Percentile Jersey City
10th Percentile $32,000
25th Percentile $37,120
Median (50th) $44,480
75th Percentile $53,760
90th Percentile $66,560

Security Guard Salary in Other New Jersey Cities

How to Become a Security Guard in Jersey City

Education

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

Find Security Guard Jobs in Jersey City

Browse open security guard positions in Jersey City, NJ:

Frequently Asked Questions: Security Guard Salary in Jersey City

How much does a Security Guard make in Jersey City, NJ? ▼
The median security guard salary in Jersey City, New Jersey is $44,480 per year, which is 28.0% above the national median of $34,750. Salaries range from $32,000 (10th percentile) to $66,560 (90th percentile).
How much does a Security Guard make per hour in Jersey City? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $44,480, a security guard in Jersey City earns approximately $21 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Jersey City compare to the New Jersey state average for security guard pay? ▼
Jersey City's median security guard salary of $44,480 is 11.3% above the New Jersey state average of $39,963. The local cost of living index is 128% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Jersey City, NJ? ▼
Jersey City has a cost of living index of 128% compared to the national average. This means a security guard salary of $44,480 in Jersey City has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a security guard in Jersey City? ▼
Most security guard positions in Jersey City 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.