Public Service Madison, WI Pop. 269,840

Security Guard Salary in Madison, Wisconsin

The median security guard salary in Madison, WI is $34,750 per year, which is 0.0% above the national median and 8.7% above the Wisconsin state average.

City Median
$34,750
vs State Avg
+$2,780
vs National
+$0
Cost of Living
100%

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

Madison offers a median security guard salary of $34,750, which is $2,780 above the Wisconsin state average of $31,970. Compared to the national median of $34,750, Madison pays above average for this role.

Madison's cost of living is 100% 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 Madison spans from $25,000 at the 10th percentile to $52,000 at the 90th percentile — a $27,000 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $26,000, while senior security guards with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $50,000. With a population of 269,840, Madison is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Security Guard Salary in Madison by Experience

In Madison, an entry-level security guard earns around $26,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $50,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 100% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$26,000
+$0 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$36,000
+$0 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$50,000
+$0 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Madison, WI

Percentile Madison
10th Percentile $25,000
25th Percentile $29,000
Median (50th) $34,750
75th Percentile $42,000
90th Percentile $52,000

Security Guard Salary in Other Wisconsin Cities

How to Become a Security Guard in Madison

Education

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

Find Security Guard Jobs in Madison

Browse open security guard positions in Madison, WI:

Frequently Asked Questions: Security Guard Salary in Madison

How much does a Security Guard make in Madison, WI? ▼
The median security guard salary in Madison, Wisconsin is $34,750 per year, which is 0.0% above the national median of $34,750. Salaries range from $25,000 (10th percentile) to $52,000 (90th percentile).
How much does a Security Guard make per hour in Madison? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $34,750, a security guard in Madison earns approximately $17 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Madison compare to the Wisconsin state average for security guard pay? ▼
Madison's median security guard salary of $34,750 is 8.7% above the Wisconsin state average of $31,970. The local cost of living index is 100% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Madison, WI? ▼
Madison has a cost of living index of 100% compared to the national average. This means a security guard salary of $34,750 in Madison has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a security guard in Madison? ▼
Most security guard positions in Madison 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.