Public Service Erie, PA Pop. 94,831

Security Guard Salary in Erie, Pennsylvania

The median security guard salary in Erie, PA is $29,190 per year, which is 16% below the national median and 12.5% below the Pennsylvania state average.

City Median
$29,190
vs State Avg
$-4,170
vs National
$-5,560
Cost of Living
84%

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

Erie offers a median security guard salary of $29,190, which is $4,170 below the Pennsylvania state average of $33,360. Compared to the national median of $34,750, Erie pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Erie's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 84% of the national average. This means the $29,190 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $34,750 in an average-cost city. This makes Erie an attractive option for security guards seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for security guards in Erie spans from $21,000 at the 10th percentile to $43,680 at the 90th percentile — a $22,680 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $21,840, while senior security guards with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $42,000. Erie is a smaller market (pop. 94,831), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Security Guard Salary in Erie by Experience

In Erie, an entry-level security guard earns around $21,840, while experienced professionals earn up to $42,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 84% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$21,840
$-4,160 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$30,240
$-5,760 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$42,000
$-8,000 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Erie, PA

Percentile Erie
10th Percentile $21,000
25th Percentile $24,360
Median (50th) $29,190
75th Percentile $35,280
90th Percentile $43,680

Security Guard Salary in Other Pennsylvania Cities

Philadelphia, PA
$35,445
Pop. 1,603,797
Allentown, PA
$32,665
Pop. 126,092
Pittsburgh, PA
$32,318
Pop. 302,971
Reading, PA
$30,580
Pop. 95,112

How to Become a Security Guard in Erie

Education

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

Find Security Guard Jobs in Erie

Browse open security guard positions in Erie, PA:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Security Guard Salary in Erie

How much does a Security Guard make in Erie, PA? ▼
The median security guard salary in Erie, Pennsylvania is $29,190 per year, which is 16% below the national median of $34,750. Salaries range from $21,000 (10th percentile) to $43,680 (90th percentile).
How much does a Security Guard make per hour in Erie? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $29,190, a security guard in Erie earns approximately $14 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Erie compare to the Pennsylvania state average for security guard pay? ▼
Erie's median security guard salary of $29,190 is 12.5% below the Pennsylvania state average of $33,360. The local cost of living index is 84% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Erie, PA? ▼
Erie has a cost of living index of 84% compared to the national average. This means a security guard salary of $29,190 in Erie has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a security guard in Erie? ▼
Most security guard positions in Erie 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.