Public Service Albany, NY Pop. 99,224

Security Guard Salary in Albany, New York

The median security guard salary in Albany, NY is $34,055 per year, which is 2% below the national median and 19.7% below the New York state average.

City Median
$34,055
vs State Avg
$-8,340
vs National
$-695
Cost of Living
98%

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

Albany offers a median security guard salary of $34,055, which is $8,340 below the New York state average of $42,395. Compared to the national median of $34,750, Albany pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Albany's cost of living is 98% 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 Albany spans from $24,500 at the 10th percentile to $50,960 at the 90th percentile — a $26,460 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $25,480, while senior security guards with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $49,000. Albany is a smaller market (pop. 99,224), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Security Guard Salary in Albany by Experience

In Albany, an entry-level security guard earns around $25,480, while experienced professionals earn up to $49,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 98% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$25,480
$-520 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$35,280
$-720 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$49,000
$-1,000 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Albany, NY

Percentile Albany
10th Percentile $24,500
25th Percentile $28,420
Median (50th) $34,055
75th Percentile $41,160
90th Percentile $50,960

Security Guard Salary in Other New York Cities

How to Become a Security Guard in Albany

Education

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

Find Security Guard Jobs in Albany

Browse open security guard positions in Albany, NY:

Frequently Asked Questions: Security Guard Salary in Albany

How much does a Security Guard make in Albany, NY? ▼
The median security guard salary in Albany, New York is $34,055 per year, which is 2% below the national median of $34,750. Salaries range from $24,500 (10th percentile) to $50,960 (90th percentile).
How much does a Security Guard make per hour in Albany? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $34,055, a security guard in Albany earns approximately $16 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Albany compare to the New York state average for security guard pay? ▼
Albany's median security guard salary of $34,055 is 19.7% below the New York state average of $42,395. The local cost of living index is 98% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Albany, NY? ▼
Albany has a cost of living index of 98% compared to the national average. This means a security guard salary of $34,055 in Albany has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a security guard in Albany? ▼
Most security guard positions in Albany 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.