Public Service Seattle, WA Pop. 737,015

Security Guard Salary in Seattle, Washington

The median security guard salary in Seattle, WA is $51,430 per year, which is 48.0% above the national median and 28.7% above the Washington state average.

City Median
$51,430
vs State Avg
+$11,467
vs National
+$16,680
Cost of Living
148%

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

Seattle offers a median security guard salary of $51,430, which is $11,467 above the Washington state average of $39,963. Compared to the national median of $34,750, Seattle pays above average for this role.

However, Seattle's cost of living index is 148%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $51,430 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $34,750. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Seattle should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for security guards in Seattle spans from $37,000 at the 10th percentile to $76,960 at the 90th percentile — a $39,960 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $38,480, while senior security guards with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $74,000. As a major metro area with a population of 737,015, Seattle typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Security Guard Salary in Seattle by Experience

In Seattle, an entry-level security guard earns around $38,480, while experienced professionals earn up to $74,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 148% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$38,480
+$12,480 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$53,280
+$17,280 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$74,000
+$24,000 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Seattle, WA

Percentile Seattle
10th Percentile $37,000
25th Percentile $42,920
Median (50th) $51,430
75th Percentile $62,160
90th Percentile $76,960

Security Guard Salary in Other Washington Cities

Bellevue, WA
$52,820
Pop. 151,854
Tacoma, WA
$38,225
Pop. 219,346
Vancouver, WA
$35,445
Pop. 190,915
Spokane, WA
$31,970
Pop. 228,989

How to Become a Security Guard in Seattle

Education

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

Find Security Guard Jobs in Seattle

Browse open security guard positions in Seattle, WA:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Security Guard Salary in Seattle

How much does a Security Guard make in Seattle, WA? ▼
The median security guard salary in Seattle, Washington is $51,430 per year, which is 48.0% above the national median of $34,750. Salaries range from $37,000 (10th percentile) to $76,960 (90th percentile).
How much does a Security Guard make per hour in Seattle? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $51,430, a security guard in Seattle earns approximately $25 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Seattle compare to the Washington state average for security guard pay? ▼
Seattle's median security guard salary of $51,430 is 28.7% above the Washington state average of $39,963. The local cost of living index is 148% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Seattle, WA? ▼
Seattle has a cost of living index of 148% compared to the national average. This means a security guard salary of $51,430 in Seattle has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a security guard in Seattle? ▼
Most security guard positions in Seattle 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.