Public Service Vancouver, WA Pop. 190,915

Security Guard Salary in Vancouver, Washington

The median security guard salary in Vancouver, WA is $35,445 per year, which is 2.0% above the national median and 11.3% below the Washington state average.

City Median
$35,445
vs State Avg
$-4,518
vs National
+$695
Cost of Living
102%

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

Vancouver offers a median security guard salary of $35,445, which is $4,518 below the Washington state average of $39,963. Compared to the national median of $34,750, Vancouver pays above average for this role.

Vancouver's cost of living is 102% 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 Vancouver spans from $25,500 at the 10th percentile to $53,040 at the 90th percentile — a $27,540 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $26,520, while senior security guards with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $51,000. With a population of 190,915, Vancouver is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Security Guard Salary in Vancouver by Experience

In Vancouver, an entry-level security guard earns around $26,520, while experienced professionals earn up to $51,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 102% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$26,520
+$520 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$36,720
+$720 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$51,000
+$1,000 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Vancouver, WA

Percentile Vancouver
10th Percentile $25,500
25th Percentile $29,580
Median (50th) $35,445
75th Percentile $42,840
90th Percentile $53,040

Security Guard Salary in Other Washington Cities

How to Become a Security Guard in Vancouver

Education

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

Find Security Guard Jobs in Vancouver

Browse open security guard positions in Vancouver, WA:

Frequently Asked Questions: Security Guard Salary in Vancouver

How much does a Security Guard make in Vancouver, WA? ▼
The median security guard salary in Vancouver, Washington is $35,445 per year, which is 2.0% above the national median of $34,750. Salaries range from $25,500 (10th percentile) to $53,040 (90th percentile).
How much does a Security Guard make per hour in Vancouver? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $35,445, a security guard in Vancouver earns approximately $17 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Vancouver compare to the Washington state average for security guard pay? ▼
Vancouver's median security guard salary of $35,445 is 11.3% below the Washington state average of $39,963. The local cost of living index is 102% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Vancouver, WA? ▼
Vancouver has a cost of living index of 102% compared to the national average. This means a security guard salary of $35,445 in Vancouver has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a security guard in Vancouver? ▼
Most security guard positions in Vancouver 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.