Public Service Milwaukee, WI Pop. 577,222

Security Guard Salary in Milwaukee, Wisconsin

The median security guard salary in Milwaukee, WI is $31,970 per year, which is 8% below the national median and 0.0% above the Wisconsin state average.

City Median
$31,970
vs State Avg
+$0
vs National
$-2,780
Cost of Living
92%

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

Milwaukee offers a median security guard salary of $31,970, which is $0 above the Wisconsin state average of $31,970. Compared to the national median of $34,750, Milwaukee pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Milwaukee's cost of living is 92% 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 Milwaukee spans from $23,000 at the 10th percentile to $47,840 at the 90th percentile — a $24,840 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $23,920, while senior security guards with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $46,000. As a major metro area with a population of 577,222, Milwaukee typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Security Guard Salary in Milwaukee by Experience

In Milwaukee, an entry-level security guard earns around $23,920, while experienced professionals earn up to $46,000 per year. The local cost of living index 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

Salary Percentiles in Milwaukee, WI

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

Security Guard Salary in Other Wisconsin Cities

Madison, WI
$34,750
Pop. 269,840
Kenosha, WI
$31,275
Pop. 99,986
Green Bay, WI
$30,580
Pop. 107,395
Racine, WI
$29,885
Pop. 77,816

How to Become a Security Guard in Milwaukee

Education

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

Find Security Guard Jobs in Milwaukee

Browse open security guard positions in Milwaukee, WI:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Security Guard Salary in Milwaukee

How much does a Security Guard make in Milwaukee, WI? ▼
The median security guard salary in Milwaukee, 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 Milwaukee? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $31,970, a security guard in Milwaukee earns approximately $15 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Milwaukee compare to the Wisconsin state average for security guard pay? ▼
Milwaukee's median security guard salary of $31,970 is 0.0% above the Wisconsin state average of $31,970. The local cost of living index is 92% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Milwaukee, WI? ▼
Milwaukee has a cost of living index of 92% compared to the national average. This means a security guard salary of $31,970 in Milwaukee has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a security guard in Milwaukee? ▼
Most security guard positions in Milwaukee 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.