Public Service Pittsburgh, PA Pop. 302,971

Security Guard Salary in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

The median security guard salary in Pittsburgh, PA is $32,318 per year, which is 7% below the national median and 3.1% below the Pennsylvania state average.

City Median
$32,318
vs State Avg
$-1,042
vs National
$-2,432
Cost of Living
93%

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

Pittsburgh offers a median security guard salary of $32,318, which is $1,042 below the Pennsylvania state average of $33,360. Compared to the national median of $34,750, Pittsburgh pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Pittsburgh's cost of living is 93% 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 Pittsburgh spans from $23,250 at the 10th percentile to $48,360 at the 90th percentile — a $25,110 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $24,180, while senior security guards with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $46,500. With a population of 302,971, Pittsburgh is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Security Guard Salary in Pittsburgh by Experience

In Pittsburgh, an entry-level security guard earns around $24,180, while experienced professionals earn up to $46,500 per year. The local cost of living index is 93% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$24,180
$-1,820 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$33,480
$-2,520 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$46,500
$-3,500 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Pittsburgh, PA

Percentile Pittsburgh
10th Percentile $23,250
25th Percentile $26,970
Median (50th) $32,318
75th Percentile $39,060
90th Percentile $48,360

Security Guard Salary in Other Pennsylvania Cities

Philadelphia, PA
$35,445
Pop. 1,603,797
Allentown, PA
$32,665
Pop. 126,092
Reading, PA
$30,580
Pop. 95,112
Erie, PA
$29,190
Pop. 94,831

How to Become a Security Guard in Pittsburgh

Education

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

Find Security Guard Jobs in Pittsburgh

Browse open security guard positions in Pittsburgh, PA:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Security Guard Salary in Pittsburgh

How much does a Security Guard make in Pittsburgh, PA? ▼
The median security guard salary in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania is $32,318 per year, which is 7% below the national median of $34,750. Salaries range from $23,250 (10th percentile) to $48,360 (90th percentile).
How much does a Security Guard make per hour in Pittsburgh? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $32,318, a security guard in Pittsburgh earns approximately $16 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Pittsburgh compare to the Pennsylvania state average for security guard pay? ▼
Pittsburgh's median security guard salary of $32,318 is 3.1% below the Pennsylvania state average of $33,360. The local cost of living index is 93% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Pittsburgh, PA? ▼
Pittsburgh has a cost of living index of 93% compared to the national average. This means a security guard salary of $32,318 in Pittsburgh has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a security guard in Pittsburgh? ▼
Most security guard positions in Pittsburgh 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.