Public Service Albuquerque, NM Pop. 564,559

Security Guard Salary in Albuquerque, New Mexico

The median security guard salary in Albuquerque, NM is $33,013 per year, which is 5% below the national median and 2.2% above the New Mexico state average.

City Median
$33,013
vs State Avg
+$695
vs National
$-1,737
Cost of Living
95%

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

Albuquerque offers a median security guard salary of $33,013, which is $695 above the New Mexico state average of $32,318. Compared to the national median of $34,750, Albuquerque pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Albuquerque's cost of living is 95% 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 Albuquerque spans from $23,750 at the 10th percentile to $49,400 at the 90th percentile — a $25,650 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $24,700, while senior security guards with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $47,500. As a major metro area with a population of 564,559, Albuquerque typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Security Guard Salary in Albuquerque by Experience

In Albuquerque, an entry-level security guard earns around $24,700, while experienced professionals earn up to $47,500 per year. The local cost of living index 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

Salary Percentiles in Albuquerque, NM

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

Security Guard Salary in Other New Mexico Cities

Santa Fe, NM
$38,225
Pop. 87,505
Rio Rancho, NM
$31,970
Pop. 104,046
Las Cruces, NM
$30,580
Pop. 111,385
Roswell, NM
$28,495
Pop. 48,422

How to Become a Security Guard in Albuquerque

Education

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

Find Security Guard Jobs in Albuquerque

Browse open security guard positions in Albuquerque, NM:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Security Guard Salary in Albuquerque

How much does a Security Guard make in Albuquerque, NM? ▼
The median security guard salary in Albuquerque, New Mexico 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 Albuquerque? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $33,013, a security guard in Albuquerque earns approximately $16 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Albuquerque compare to the New Mexico state average for security guard pay? ▼
Albuquerque's median security guard salary of $33,013 is 2.2% above the New Mexico state average of $32,318. The local cost of living index is 95% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Albuquerque, NM? ▼
Albuquerque has a cost of living index of 95% compared to the national average. This means a security guard salary of $33,013 in Albuquerque has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a security guard in Albuquerque? ▼
Most security guard positions in Albuquerque 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.