Public Service Rochester, NY Pop. 211,328

Security Guard Salary in Rochester, New York

The median security guard salary in Rochester, NY is $31,275 per year, which is 10% below the national median and 26.2% below the New York state average.

City Median
$31,275
vs State Avg
$-11,120
vs National
$-3,475
Cost of Living
90%

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

Rochester offers a median security guard salary of $31,275, which is $11,120 below the New York state average of $42,395. Compared to the national median of $34,750, Rochester pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Rochester's cost of living is 90% 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 Rochester spans from $22,500 at the 10th percentile to $46,800 at the 90th percentile — a $24,300 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $23,400, while senior security guards with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $45,000. With a population of 211,328, Rochester is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Security Guard Salary in Rochester by Experience

In Rochester, an entry-level security guard earns around $23,400, while experienced professionals earn up to $45,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$23,400
$-2,600 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$32,400
$-3,600 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$45,000
$-5,000 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Rochester, NY

Percentile Rochester
10th Percentile $22,500
25th Percentile $26,100
Median (50th) $31,275
75th Percentile $37,800
90th Percentile $46,800

Security Guard Salary in Other New York Cities

How to Become a Security Guard in Rochester

Education

Most security guard positions require a high school diploma. Rochester 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 Rochester may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Security Guard Jobs in Rochester

Browse open security guard positions in Rochester, NY:

Frequently Asked Questions: Security Guard Salary in Rochester

How much does a Security Guard make in Rochester, NY? ▼
The median security guard salary in Rochester, New York is $31,275 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $34,750. Salaries range from $22,500 (10th percentile) to $46,800 (90th percentile).
How much does a Security Guard make per hour in Rochester? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $31,275, a security guard in Rochester earns approximately $15 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Rochester compare to the New York state average for security guard pay? ▼
Rochester's median security guard salary of $31,275 is 26.2% below the New York state average of $42,395. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Rochester, NY? ▼
Rochester has a cost of living index of 90% compared to the national average. This means a security guard salary of $31,275 in Rochester has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a security guard in Rochester? ▼
Most security guard positions in Rochester 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.