Public Service Allentown, PA Pop. 126,092

Security Guard Salary in Allentown, Pennsylvania

The median security guard salary in Allentown, PA is $32,665 per year, which is 6% below the national median and 2.1% below the Pennsylvania state average.

City Median
$32,665
vs State Avg
$-695
vs National
$-2,085
Cost of Living
94%

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

Allentown offers a median security guard salary of $32,665, which is $695 below the Pennsylvania state average of $33,360. Compared to the national median of $34,750, Allentown pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Allentown's cost of living is 94% 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 Allentown spans from $23,500 at the 10th percentile to $48,880 at the 90th percentile — a $25,380 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $24,440, while senior security guards with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $47,000. With a population of 126,092, Allentown is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Security Guard Salary in Allentown by Experience

In Allentown, an entry-level security guard earns around $24,440, while experienced professionals earn up to $47,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 94% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$24,440
$-1,560 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$33,840
$-2,160 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$47,000
$-3,000 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Allentown, PA

Percentile Allentown
10th Percentile $23,500
25th Percentile $27,260
Median (50th) $32,665
75th Percentile $39,480
90th Percentile $48,880

Security Guard Salary in Other Pennsylvania Cities

Philadelphia, PA
$35,445
Pop. 1,603,797
Pittsburgh, PA
$32,318
Pop. 302,971
Reading, PA
$30,580
Pop. 95,112
Erie, PA
$29,190
Pop. 94,831

How to Become a Security Guard in Allentown

Education

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

Find Security Guard Jobs in Allentown

Browse open security guard positions in Allentown, PA:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Security Guard Salary in Allentown

How much does a Security Guard make in Allentown, PA? ▼
The median security guard salary in Allentown, Pennsylvania is $32,665 per year, which is 6% below the national median of $34,750. Salaries range from $23,500 (10th percentile) to $48,880 (90th percentile).
How much does a Security Guard make per hour in Allentown? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $32,665, a security guard in Allentown earns approximately $16 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Allentown compare to the Pennsylvania state average for security guard pay? ▼
Allentown's median security guard salary of $32,665 is 2.1% below the Pennsylvania state average of $33,360. The local cost of living index is 94% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Allentown, PA? ▼
Allentown has a cost of living index of 94% compared to the national average. This means a security guard salary of $32,665 in Allentown has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a security guard in Allentown? ▼
Most security guard positions in Allentown 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.