Public Service Reading, PA Pop. 95,112

Security Guard Salary in Reading, Pennsylvania

The median security guard salary in Reading, PA is $30,580 per year, which is 12% below the national median and 8.3% below the Pennsylvania state average.

City Median
$30,580
vs State Avg
$-2,780
vs National
$-4,170
Cost of Living
88%

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

Reading offers a median security guard salary of $30,580, which is $2,780 below the Pennsylvania state average of $33,360. Compared to the national median of $34,750, Reading pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Reading's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 88% of the national average. This means the $30,580 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $34,750 in an average-cost city. This makes Reading an attractive option for security guards seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for security guards in Reading spans from $22,000 at the 10th percentile to $45,760 at the 90th percentile — a $23,760 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $22,880, while senior security guards with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $44,000. Reading is a smaller market (pop. 95,112), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Security Guard Salary in Reading by Experience

In Reading, an entry-level security guard earns around $22,880, while experienced professionals earn up to $44,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$22,880
$-3,120 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$31,680
$-4,320 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$44,000
$-6,000 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Reading, PA

Percentile Reading
10th Percentile $22,000
25th Percentile $25,520
Median (50th) $30,580
75th Percentile $36,960
90th Percentile $45,760

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
Erie, PA
$29,190
Pop. 94,831

How to Become a Security Guard in Reading

Education

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

Find Security Guard Jobs in Reading

Browse open security guard positions in Reading, PA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Security Guard Salary in Reading

How much does a Security Guard make in Reading, PA? ▼
The median security guard salary in Reading, Pennsylvania is $30,580 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $34,750. Salaries range from $22,000 (10th percentile) to $45,760 (90th percentile).
How much does a Security Guard make per hour in Reading? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $30,580, a security guard in Reading earns approximately $15 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Reading compare to the Pennsylvania state average for security guard pay? ▼
Reading's median security guard salary of $30,580 is 8.3% below the Pennsylvania state average of $33,360. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Reading, PA? ▼
Reading has a cost of living index of 88% compared to the national average. This means a security guard salary of $30,580 in Reading has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a security guard in Reading? ▼
Most security guard positions in Reading 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.