Public Service Wisconsin (WI) Rank #31 of 50

Security Guard Salary in Wisconsin

The median security guard salary in Wisconsin is $31,970 per year, which is 8% below the national median of $34,750.

Median Salary
$31,970
vs National
$-2,780
State Rank
#31 of 50
Cost of Living
92%

Security Guard Salary Overview in Wisconsin (2026)

Wisconsin ranks #31 out of 50 states for security guard compensation. Security Guard salaries in Wisconsin are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $31,970 per year, security guards in Wisconsin earn $2,780 less than the national median of $34,750.

A key advantage of working in Wisconsin is its below-average cost of living (92% of the national index). This means the $31,970 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $34,750 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in Wisconsin is significant: security guards at the 10th percentile earn $23,000, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $47,840 — a $24,840 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Wisconsin for this role is Madison, where the median reaches $34,750.

Nationally, security guard employment is projected to grow 3% over the next decade (as fast as average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for security guards across the country.

Security Guard Salary in Wisconsin by Experience

In Wisconsin, an entry-level security guard earns around $23,920, while experienced professionals earn up to $46,000 per year. The cost of living index in Wisconsin is 92% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$23,920
$-2,080 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$33,120
$-2,880 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$46,000
$-4,000 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Wisconsin

Percentile WI Salary
10th Percentile $23,000
25th Percentile $26,680
Median (50th) $31,970
75th Percentile $38,640
90th Percentile $47,840

Security Guard Salary by City in Wisconsin

The largest employment areas for security guards in Wisconsin include Milwaukee, Madison, Green Bay, and Kenosha. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Security Guard in Wisconsin

Education

Most security guard positions require a high school diploma. Wisconsin has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

SurveillanceAccess ControlReport WritingCommunicationObservationCPR/First Aid

Job Outlook in Wisconsin

Nationally, security guard employment is projected to grow 3% over the next decade (as fast as average). Wisconsin's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Security Guard Salary in Wisconsin

How much does a Security Guard make in Wisconsin? ▼
The median security guard salary in Wisconsin is $31,970 per year, which is 8% below the national median of $34,750. Salaries range from $23,000 (10th percentile) to $47,840 (90th percentile).
How much does a Security Guard make per hour in Wisconsin? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $31,970, a security guard in Wisconsin earns approximately $15 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Wisconsin a good state for security guards? ▼
Wisconsin ranks #31 out of 50 states for security guard pay. The cost of living index is 92% of the national average. Entry-level security guards earn $23,920, while senior professionals earn $46,000.
How does Wisconsin compare to other states for security guard salary? ▼
The highest paying state for security guards is Hawaii at $59,075. Wisconsin's median of $31,970 ranks #31 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include North Carolina ($31,970) and Texas ($31,970).
What is the entry-level security guard salary in Wisconsin? ▼
An entry-level security guard in Wisconsin earns approximately $23,920 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $33,120. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $46,000.
What city in Wisconsin pays security guards the most? ▼
Madison is the highest paying city in Wisconsin for security guards, with a median salary of $34,750. Other cities include Milwaukee and Green Bay.