2024 Data

Security Guard Salary in San Antonio, TX: $34,473 (2024)

Official 2024 BLS Data | $16.57/hour | $23,029 - $50,148 range

Median Annual Salary

$34,473

7.1% vs national

Hourly Rate

$16.57

/hour

Jobs in Area

1,162

employed

Salary Range$23,029 - $50,148
10th %Median90th %

Compare to Other Cities

See All →

San Antonio, TX

$34,473

San Jose, CA

$52,005

$17,532 more (+50.9%)

in San Jose, CA

Security Guard Salary Range in San Antonio, TX

Annual Salary Range

$34k

$23k

10th percentile

$29k

25th

$42k

75th

$50k

90th percentile

Salary Breakdown by Percentile

PercentileAnnual SalaryHourly Rate
10th Percentile (Entry Level)$23,029$11.07
25th Percentile$29,057$13.97
Median (50th Percentile)$34,473$16.57
75th Percentile$41,554$19.98
90th Percentile (Top Earners)$50,148$24.11
Average (Mean)$37,938$18.24

Security Guard Market Insights for San Antonio, TX

Compensation Overview

Security Guard compensation in San Antonio, TX aligns with regional expectations. The salary range from $23,029 to $50,148 provides a clear picture of earning potential at different career stages.

Local Market Context

San Antonio, TX offers competitive compensation that aligns closely with national benchmarks. The Texas economy supports a diverse range of industries, providing stable employment opportunities across multiple sectors.

Career Outlook

The Security Guard profession offers diverse career opportunities across industries. Professional development and continuous learning are key factors in advancing within this field. With a 118% salary range from entry-level to top earners, there is substantial room for financial growth as you advance in your career.

Tips for Increasing Your Salary

  • Develop specialized expertise to command higher compensation—top earners make 45% more than median salaries
  • Build a professional network through industry associations and local business groups
  • Pursue relevant certifications or advanced education to demonstrate expertise

-7%

vs National Avg

-8%

vs State Avg

118%

Salary Range

1,162

Jobs in Area

Career Path & Salary Progression

Typical Security Guard salary growth in San Antonio, TX based on experience level.

🎓

Entry Level

0-2 years

10th percentile

$23,029

/year

📈

Early Career

2-5 years

25th percentile

$29,057

/year

💼

Mid Career

5-10 years

50th percentile

$34,473

/year

🎯

Senior

10-15 years

75th percentile

$41,554

/year

Expert

15+ years

90th percentile

$50,148

/year

Next Career Steps

Common career progressions from Security Guard:

Note: Career progression and salary growth vary based on company size, industry, skills, and performance. These estimates use percentile data from the BLS as a general guide for typical career paths.

Security Guard Job Market in San Antonio, TX

Where Security Guards Work

Security Guards work across multiple industries including corporations, government agencies, healthcare organizations, and consulting firms. Each sector offers different compensation structures and career trajectories.

Local Employment Landscape

The San Antonio, TX area maintains a healthy employment base for this occupation, with opportunities distributed across multiple employers. This provides job stability and career mobility without the intense competition found in major metros.

Types of Employers Hiring

Large Corporations

Typically offer comprehensive benefits, structured advancement, and competitive base salaries with bonus potential

Small to Medium Businesses

May provide more responsibility earlier in your career, flexible work arrangements, and equity opportunities

Government Agencies

Known for job security, excellent benefits packages, pension plans, and work-life balance

Professional Services Firms

Provide client exposure, rapid skill development, and often above-market compensation for top performers

Skills That Increase Earning Potential

Advanced certifications in your specialtyLeadership and team managementData analysis and reportingCommunication and presentation skillsIndustry-specific software proficiency

Job Search Strategy for San Antonio, TX

  • Research major employers in the San Antonio-New Braunfels area and follow them on LinkedIn for job alerts
  • Join local professional associations for networking and job leads specific to Texas
  • Tailor your salary expectations based on the San Antonio, TX market rate of $34,473
  • Consider roles at varying experience levels—entry positions start at $23,029 in this market

Frequently Asked Questions

The median security guard salary in San Antonio, TX is $34,473 per year ($16.57/hour) as of 2026. This is based on official U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data. Salaries range from $23,029 for entry-level positions to $50,148 for experienced professionals in the top 10%.

Entry-level security guards in San Antonio, TX typically start at around $23,029 per year ($11.07/hour), representing the 10th percentile. New graduates and those with less than 2 years of experience fall into this range. With experience and skill development, salaries can progress to the median of $34,473 within 3-5 years.

Security Guards in San Antonio, TX earn a median hourly wage of $16.57 per hour. Hourly rates range from $11.07/hour at entry-level (10th percentile) to $24.11/hour for top earners (90th percentile). Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, this translates to annual salaries between $23,029 and $50,148.

The median security guard salary of $34,473 in San Antonio, TX is slightly below the national median of $37,110 (7.1% lower). The cost of living is also 8% below average. This salary places you at the 50th percentile, meaning half of security guards in the area earn more and half earn less.

Security Guards in San Antonio, TX earn slightly below the national average. The local median salary of $34,473 is 7.1% lower than the national median of $37,110. The cost of living is also 8% below average. When adjusted for cost of living, the effective salary is approximately $37,308.

The top 10% of security guards in San Antonio, TX earn $50,148 or more per year ($24.11/hour). These top earners typically have 10+ years of experience, advanced certifications, specialized expertise, or hold senior/management positions. The 75th percentile earns $41,554, which is a realistic goal for mid-career professionals.

Key skills that can boost security guard salary in San Antonio, TX include: Strong communication and interpersonal abilities, Problem-solving and critical thinking, Technical proficiency relevant to the field, Attention to detail and organizational skills. Professionals with these skills often earn above the median of $34,473, potentially reaching the 75th percentile ($41,554) or higher. Years of relevant experience

San Antonio, TX has a moderate job market for security guards, with approximately 1,162 professionals employed in the area. The median salary of $34,473 is slightly below the national average. The cost of living is also 8% below average. Job seekers should consider both salary and local industry demand when evaluating opportunities.

Compare your security guard salary to these San Antonio, TX benchmarks: 10th percentile (entry-level): $23,029, 25th percentile: $29,057, 50th percentile (median): $34,473, 75th percentile: $41,554, 90th percentile (top earners): $50,148. If you earn more than $34,473, you're above average for the area.

Beyond the $34,473 median base salary, security guards in San Antonio, TX typically receive comprehensive benefits including health insurance (medical, dental, vision), retirement plans (401k with employer matching), paid time off (15-25 days), and potentially bonuses or profit-sharing. Total compensation including benefits typically adds 25-40% to base salary value.

Experienced security guards with 5-10 years in San Antonio, TX typically earn $41,554 (75th percentile) to $50,148 (90th percentile) per year. Senior professionals with 10+ years, certifications, or management roles can reach the top 10% at $50,148. Mid-career professionals (3-5 years) usually earn around the median of $34,473.

Security Guards in San Antonio, TX can see significant salary growth over their careers. Entry-level ($23,029) to median ($34,473) typically takes 3-5 years. Reaching the 90th percentile ($50,148) may take 10+ years and often requires specialized skills, certifications, or leadership experience. That's a potential growth of $27,119 over a career.

Data Source & Methodology

Official government statistics you can trust

Primary Source

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) Program

Visit Official BLS Website

Data Year

2024

2 Years Old

Geographic Area

San Antonio-New Braunfels

Metropolitan Statistical Area

Occupation Code

33-9032

SOC Classification

Sample Size

1,162

Employees Surveyed

How This Data Is Collected

The OEWS program produces employment and wage estimates annually for over 800 occupations across all metropolitan and nonmetropolitan areas. Approximately 1.1 million establishments are surveyed over a three-year period, representing the most comprehensive wage data available for the U.S. labor market.

Note: Percentile wages represent actual reported wages and may differ from individual compensation packages that include benefits, bonuses, and equity.

Last updated: January 23, 2026

Salary Calculator

Security Guard in San Antonio, TX

$/yr

Enter your salary above to see how you compare

Median: $34,473/yr

How San Antonio, TX Compares

vs National Average

$37,110

-7.1%

vs Texas Average

$37,412

-7.9%

Cost-of-Living Adjusted

$37,308

+8.2%

Cost of living in San Antonio, TX is 7.6% below the national average.

Highest Paying Cities

See which cities pay Security Guards the most.

View Top 10 Cities

Security Guard Jobs in San Antonio, TX

Find open positions and apply today.

View Jobs on Indeed

Affiliate link