Public Service Memphis, TN Pop. 633,104

Security Guard Salary in Memphis, Tennessee

The median security guard salary in Memphis, TN is $29,885 per year, which is 14% below the national median and 3.4% below the Tennessee state average.

City Median
$29,885
vs State Avg
$-1,043
vs National
$-4,865
Cost of Living
86%

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

Memphis offers a median security guard salary of $29,885, which is $1,043 below the Tennessee state average of $30,928. Compared to the national median of $34,750, Memphis pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Memphis's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 86% of the national average. This means the $29,885 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $34,750 in an average-cost city. This makes Memphis an attractive option for security guards seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for security guards in Memphis spans from $21,500 at the 10th percentile to $44,720 at the 90th percentile — a $23,220 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $22,360, while senior security guards with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $43,000. As a major metro area with a population of 633,104, Memphis typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Security Guard Salary in Memphis by Experience

In Memphis, an entry-level security guard earns around $22,360, while experienced professionals earn up to $43,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$22,360
$-3,640 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$30,960
$-5,040 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$43,000
$-7,000 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Memphis, TN

Percentile Memphis
10th Percentile $21,500
25th Percentile $24,940
Median (50th) $29,885
75th Percentile $36,120
90th Percentile $44,720

Security Guard Salary in Other Tennessee Cities

Nashville, TN
$34,750
Pop. 689,447
Murfreesboro, TN
$31,970
Pop. 152,769
Knoxville, TN
$30,580
Pop. 190,740
Chattanooga, TN
$30,580
Pop. 181,099

How to Become a Security Guard in Memphis

Education

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

Find Security Guard Jobs in Memphis

Browse open security guard positions in Memphis, TN:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Security Guard Salary in Memphis

How much does a Security Guard make in Memphis, TN? ▼
The median security guard salary in Memphis, Tennessee is $29,885 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $34,750. Salaries range from $21,500 (10th percentile) to $44,720 (90th percentile).
How much does a Security Guard make per hour in Memphis? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $29,885, a security guard in Memphis earns approximately $14 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Memphis compare to the Tennessee state average for security guard pay? ▼
Memphis's median security guard salary of $29,885 is 3.4% below the Tennessee state average of $30,928. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Memphis, TN? ▼
Memphis has a cost of living index of 86% compared to the national average. This means a security guard salary of $29,885 in Memphis has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a security guard in Memphis? ▼
Most security guard positions in Memphis 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.