Security Guard Salary in Knoxville, TN: $30,580 (2026)

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

Knoxville offers a median security guard salary of $30,580, which is $348 below the Tennessee state average of $30,928. Compared to the national median of $34,750, Knoxville pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Knoxville'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 Knoxville an attractive option for security guards seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for security guards in Knoxville 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. With a population of 190,740, Knoxville is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Security Guard Salary in Knoxville by Experience

In Knoxville, 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

Percentile	Knoxville	TN State	National
10th Percentile	$22,000	$22,250	$25,000
25th Percentile	$25,520	$25,810	$29,000
Median (50th)	$30,580	$30,928	$34,750
75th Percentile	$36,960	$37,380	$42,000
90th Percentile	$45,760	$46,280	$52,000

Percentile

Knoxville

10th Percentile

$22,000

25th Percentile

$25,520

Median (50th)

$30,580

75th Percentile

$36,960

90th Percentile

$45,760

How to Become a Security Guard in Knoxville

Education

Most security guard positions require a high school diploma. Knoxville and the surrounding Tennessee 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 Knoxville may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Frequently Asked Questions: Security Guard Salary in Knoxville

How much does a Security Guard make in Knoxville, TN? ▼

The median security guard salary in Knoxville, Tennessee 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 Knoxville? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $30,580, a security guard in Knoxville earns approximately $15 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Knoxville compare to the Tennessee state average for security guard pay? ▼

Knoxville's median security guard salary of $30,580 is 1.1% below the Tennessee state average of $30,928. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Knoxville, TN? ▼

Knoxville has a cost of living index of 88% compared to the national average. This means a security guard salary of $30,580 in Knoxville has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a security guard in Knoxville? ▼

Most security guard positions in Knoxville 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.

Security Guard Salary in Knoxville, Tennessee