Public Service Rhode Island (RI) Rank #13 of 50

Security Guard Salary in Rhode Island

The median security guard salary in Rhode Island is $36,488 per year, which is 5.0% above the national median of $34,750.

Median Salary
$36,488
vs National
+$1,738
State Rank
#13 of 50
Cost of Living
105%

Security Guard Salary Overview in Rhode Island (2026)

Rhode Island ranks #13 out of 50 states for security guard compensation. Rhode Island falls in the middle of the pack for security guard pay, offering salaries near the national average. At $36,488 per year, security guards in Rhode Island earn $1,738 more than the national median of $34,750.

Rhode Island's cost of living is near the national average at 105%, meaning security guard salaries here translate closely to their face value in purchasing power.

The salary spread in Rhode Island is significant: security guards at the 10th percentile earn $26,250, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $54,600 — a $28,350 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Rhode Island for this role is Providence, where the median reaches $37,530.

Nationally, security guard employment is projected to grow 3% over the next decade (as fast as average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for security guards across the country.

Security Guard Salary in Rhode Island by Experience

In Rhode Island, an entry-level security guard earns around $27,300, while experienced professionals earn up to $52,500 per year. The cost of living index in Rhode Island is 105% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$27,300
+$1,300 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$37,800
+$1,800 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$52,500
+$2,500 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Rhode Island

Percentile RI Salary
10th Percentile $26,250
25th Percentile $30,450
Median (50th) $36,488
75th Percentile $44,100
90th Percentile $54,600

Security Guard Salary by City in Rhode Island

The largest employment areas for security guards in Rhode Island include Providence, Warwick, Cranston, and Pawtucket. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Security Guard in Rhode Island

Education

Most security guard positions require a high school diploma. Rhode Island has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

SurveillanceAccess ControlReport WritingCommunicationObservationCPR/First Aid

Job Outlook in Rhode Island

Nationally, security guard employment is projected to grow 3% over the next decade (as fast as average). Rhode Island's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Security Guard Salary in Rhode Island

How much does a Security Guard make in Rhode Island? ▼
The median security guard salary in Rhode Island is $36,488 per year, which is 5.0% above the national median of $34,750. Salaries range from $26,250 (10th percentile) to $54,600 (90th percentile).
How much does a Security Guard make per hour in Rhode Island? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $36,488, a security guard in Rhode Island earns approximately $18 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Rhode Island a good state for security guards? ▼
Rhode Island ranks #13 out of 50 states for security guard pay. The cost of living index is 105% of the national average. Entry-level security guards earn $27,300, while senior professionals earn $52,500.
How does Rhode Island compare to other states for security guard salary? ▼
The highest paying state for security guards is Hawaii at $59,075. Rhode Island's median of $36,488 ranks #13 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Colorado ($36,488) and New Hampshire ($36,488).
What is the entry-level security guard salary in Rhode Island? ▼
An entry-level security guard in Rhode Island earns approximately $27,300 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $37,800. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $52,500.
What city in Rhode Island pays security guards the most? ▼
Providence is the highest paying city in Rhode Island for security guards, with a median salary of $37,530. Other cities include Warwick and Cranston.