Public Service Philadelphia, PA Pop. 1,603,797

Security Guard Salary in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

The median security guard salary in Philadelphia, PA is $35,445 per year, which is 2.0% above the national median and 6.3% above the Pennsylvania state average.

City Median
$35,445
vs State Avg
+$2,085
vs National
+$695
Cost of Living
102%

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

Philadelphia offers a median security guard salary of $35,445, which is $2,085 above the Pennsylvania state average of $33,360. Compared to the national median of $34,750, Philadelphia pays above average for this role.

Philadelphia's cost of living is 102% 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 Philadelphia spans from $25,500 at the 10th percentile to $53,040 at the 90th percentile — a $27,540 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $26,520, while senior security guards with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $51,000. As a major metro area with a population of 1,603,797, Philadelphia typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Security Guard Salary in Philadelphia by Experience

In Philadelphia, an entry-level security guard earns around $26,520, while experienced professionals earn up to $51,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 102% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$26,520
+$520 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$36,720
+$720 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$51,000
+$1,000 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Philadelphia, PA

Percentile Philadelphia
10th Percentile $25,500
25th Percentile $29,580
Median (50th) $35,445
75th Percentile $42,840
90th Percentile $53,040

Security Guard Salary in Other Pennsylvania Cities

Allentown, PA
$32,665
Pop. 126,092
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 Philadelphia

Education

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

Find Security Guard Jobs in Philadelphia

Browse open security guard positions in Philadelphia, PA:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Security Guard Salary in Philadelphia

How much does a Security Guard make in Philadelphia, PA? ▼
The median security guard salary in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania is $35,445 per year, which is 2.0% above the national median of $34,750. Salaries range from $25,500 (10th percentile) to $53,040 (90th percentile).
How much does a Security Guard make per hour in Philadelphia? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $35,445, a security guard in Philadelphia earns approximately $17 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Philadelphia compare to the Pennsylvania state average for security guard pay? ▼
Philadelphia's median security guard salary of $35,445 is 6.3% above the Pennsylvania state average of $33,360. The local cost of living index is 102% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Philadelphia, PA? ▼
Philadelphia has a cost of living index of 102% compared to the national average. This means a security guard salary of $35,445 in Philadelphia has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a security guard in Philadelphia? ▼
Most security guard positions in Philadelphia 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.