Public Service Portland, OR Pop. 652,503

Security Guard Salary in Portland, Oregon

The median security guard salary in Portland, OR is $41,005 per year, which is 18.0% above the national median and 7.3% above the Oregon state average.

City Median
$41,005
vs State Avg
+$2,780
vs National
+$6,255
Cost of Living
118%

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

Portland offers a median security guard salary of $41,005, which is $2,780 above the Oregon state average of $38,225. Compared to the national median of $34,750, Portland pays above average for this role.

However, Portland's cost of living index is 118%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $41,005 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $34,750. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Portland should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for security guards in Portland spans from $29,500 at the 10th percentile to $61,360 at the 90th percentile — a $31,860 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $30,680, while senior security guards with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $59,000. As a major metro area with a population of 652,503, Portland typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Security Guard Salary in Portland by Experience

In Portland, an entry-level security guard earns around $30,680, while experienced professionals earn up to $59,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 118% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$30,680
+$4,680 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$42,480
+$6,480 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$59,000
+$9,000 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Portland, OR

Percentile Portland
10th Percentile $29,500
25th Percentile $34,220
Median (50th) $41,005
75th Percentile $49,560
90th Percentile $61,360

Security Guard Salary in Other Oregon Cities

Hillsboro, OR
$38,920
Pop. 106,447
Gresham, OR
$37,530
Pop. 113,103
Eugene, OR
$36,488
Pop. 176,654
Salem, OR
$35,445
Pop. 175,535

How to Become a Security Guard in Portland

Education

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

Find Security Guard Jobs in Portland

Browse open security guard positions in Portland, OR:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Security Guard Salary in Portland

How much does a Security Guard make in Portland, OR? ▼
The median security guard salary in Portland, Oregon is $41,005 per year, which is 18.0% above the national median of $34,750. Salaries range from $29,500 (10th percentile) to $61,360 (90th percentile).
How much does a Security Guard make per hour in Portland? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $41,005, a security guard in Portland earns approximately $20 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Portland compare to the Oregon state average for security guard pay? ▼
Portland's median security guard salary of $41,005 is 7.3% above the Oregon state average of $38,225. The local cost of living index is 118% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Portland, OR? ▼
Portland has a cost of living index of 118% compared to the national average. This means a security guard salary of $41,005 in Portland has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a security guard in Portland? ▼
Most security guard positions in Portland 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.