Public Service Houston, TX Pop. 2,304,580

Security Guard Salary in Houston, Texas

The median security guard salary in Houston, TX is $33,360 per year, which is 4% below the national median and 4.3% above the Texas state average.

City Median
$33,360
vs State Avg
+$1,390
vs National
$-1,390
Cost of Living
96%

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

Houston offers a median security guard salary of $33,360, which is $1,390 above the Texas state average of $31,970. Compared to the national median of $34,750, Houston pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Houston's cost of living is 96% 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 Houston spans from $24,000 at the 10th percentile to $49,920 at the 90th percentile — a $25,920 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $24,960, while senior security guards with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $48,000. As a major metro area with a population of 2,304,580, Houston typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Security Guard Salary in Houston by Experience

In Houston, an entry-level security guard earns around $24,960, while experienced professionals earn up to $48,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 96% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$24,960
$-1,040 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$34,560
$-1,440 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$48,000
$-2,000 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Houston, TX

Percentile Houston
10th Percentile $24,000
25th Percentile $27,840
Median (50th) $33,360
75th Percentile $40,320
90th Percentile $49,920

Security Guard Salary in Other Texas Cities

Austin, TX
$36,488
Pop. 978,908
Dallas, TX
$34,750
Pop. 1,304,379
Fort Worth, TX
$31,970
Pop. 918,915
San Antonio, TX
$30,580
Pop. 1,434,625

How to Become a Security Guard in Houston

Education

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

Find Security Guard Jobs in Houston

Browse open security guard positions in Houston, TX:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Security Guard Salary in Houston

How much does a Security Guard make in Houston, TX? ▼
The median security guard salary in Houston, Texas is $33,360 per year, which is 4% below the national median of $34,750. Salaries range from $24,000 (10th percentile) to $49,920 (90th percentile).
How much does a Security Guard make per hour in Houston? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $33,360, a security guard in Houston earns approximately $16 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Houston compare to the Texas state average for security guard pay? ▼
Houston's median security guard salary of $33,360 is 4.3% above the Texas state average of $31,970. The local cost of living index is 96% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Houston, TX? ▼
Houston has a cost of living index of 96% compared to the national average. This means a security guard salary of $33,360 in Houston has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a security guard in Houston? ▼
Most security guard positions in Houston 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.