Security Guard Salary in California
Security Guards in California earn an average of $43,164 per year across 6 metro areas. This is +16.3% higher than the national average.
Average Salary
$43,164
per year
Hourly Rate
$20.75
per hour
vs National
+16.3%
$37,110 national
Salary Range
$28,133
to $63,529
Cost of Living Adjusted Salary
Nominal Salary
$43,164
Cost of Living Index
142
100 = national average
Adjusted Salary
$30,397
purchasing power equivalent
After adjusting for California's cost of living (above average), a Security Guard's salary of $43,164 has the purchasing power of $30,397 in an average-cost area.
Security Guard Salary by City in California
| City | Median Salary | Hourly Rate | Entry Level (P10) | Senior (P90) | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| San Jose, CA | $52,005 | $25.00/hr | $33,902 | $77,775 | 1,257 |
| San Francisco, CA | $50,547 | $24.30/hr | $32,007 | $75,741 | 1,708 |
| Los Angeles, CA | $41,010 | $19.72/hr | $26,930 | $60,412 | 1,485 |
| San Diego, CA | $40,183 | $19.32/hr | $26,548 | $58,765 | 1,262 |
| Riverside, CA | $37,758 | $18.15/hr | $24,800 | $54,451 | 958 |
| Sacramento, CA | $37,482 | $18.02/hr | $24,613 | $54,031 | 1,027 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS Survey, 2026. Sorted by median salary (highest first).
California vs National Average
Security Guard Salary Comparison
Employment in California
There are approximately 7,697 Security Guards employed across 6 metro areas in California.
Key Industries: Technology, Entertainment & Media, Agriculture
State Income Tax: 1% - 13.3%
Security Guard Salary Range in California
Entry Level (10th Percentile)
$28,133
Starting salary for new Security Guards
Median (50th Percentile)
$43,164
Mid-career Security Guard salary
Senior (90th Percentile)
$63,529
Top earners in the field
Related Occupations in California
Security Guard Salary in Neighboring States
Compare Security Guard salaries in California with nearby states to find the best opportunities.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Security Guard salary in California?
The average Security Guard salary in California is $43,164 per year ($20.75/hour) based on 2026 data across 6 metro areas. This is 16.3% above the national average of $37,110.
What is the highest paying city for Security Guards in California?
San Jose, CA is the highest paying city for Security Guards in California, with a median salary of $52,005 per year. The lowest paying metro area is Sacramento, CA at $37,482.
What is the salary range for Security Guards in California?
Security Guard salaries in California range from $28,133 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $63,529 (experienced, 90th percentile). The median salary is $43,164 per year.
About This Data
Salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey. State-level averages are calculated from metro area data within California. Figures represent 2026 estimates and may not reflect all employers or self-employed workers. Cost of living adjustments use regional indices to provide purchasing power context.