Security Guard Salary in Ohio
Security Guards in Ohio earn an average of $34,388 per year across 3 metro areas. This is +7.3% lower than the national average.
Average Salary
$34,388
per year
Hourly Rate
$16.53
per hour
vs National
-7.3%
$37,110 national
Salary Range
$22,058
to $50,013
Cost of Living Adjusted Salary
Nominal Salary
$34,388
Cost of Living Index
91
100 = national average
Adjusted Salary
$37,789
purchasing power equivalent
After adjusting for Ohio's cost of living (below average), a Security Guard's salary of $34,388 has the purchasing power of $37,789 in an average-cost area.
Security Guard Salary by City in Ohio
| City | Median Salary | Hourly Rate | Entry Level (P10) | Senior (P90) | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Columbus, OH | $35,414 | $17.03/hr | $22,806 | $52,140 | 1,060 |
| Cleveland, OH | $34,191 | $16.44/hr | $22,274 | $49,251 | 1,222 |
| Cincinnati, OH | $33,560 | $16.13/hr | $21,094 | $48,647 | 1,046 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS Survey, 2026. Sorted by median salary (highest first).
Ohio vs National Average
Security Guard Salary Comparison
Employment in Ohio
There are approximately 3,328 Security Guards employed across 3 metro areas in Ohio.
Key Industries: Manufacturing, Healthcare, Finance
State Income Tax: 0% - 3.99%
Security Guard Salary Range in Ohio
Entry Level (10th Percentile)
$22,058
Starting salary for new Security Guards
Median (50th Percentile)
$34,388
Mid-career Security Guard salary
Senior (90th Percentile)
$50,013
Top earners in the field
Related Occupations in Ohio
Security Guard Salary in Neighboring States
Compare Security Guard salaries in Ohio with nearby states to find the best opportunities.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Security Guard salary in Ohio?
The average Security Guard salary in Ohio is $34,388 per year ($16.53/hour) based on 2026 data across 3 metro areas. This is 7.3% below the national average of $37,110.
What is the highest paying city for Security Guards in Ohio?
Columbus, OH is the highest paying city for Security Guards in Ohio, with a median salary of $35,414 per year. The lowest paying metro area is Cincinnati, OH at $33,560.
What is the salary range for Security Guards in Ohio?
Security Guard salaries in Ohio range from $22,058 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $50,013 (experienced, 90th percentile). The median salary is $34,388 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 Ohio. 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.