Security Guard Salary in TennesseeNo State Income Tax
Security Guards in Tennessee earn an average of $34,330 per year across 2 metro areas. This is +7.5% lower than the national average.
Average Salary
$34,330
per year
Hourly Rate
$16.51
per hour
vs National
-7.5%
$37,110 national
Salary Range
$21,872
to $49,820
Cost of Living Adjusted Salary
Nominal Salary
$34,330
Cost of Living Index
93
100 = national average
Adjusted Salary
$36,914
purchasing power equivalent
After adjusting for Tennessee's cost of living (below average), a Security Guard's salary of $34,330 has the purchasing power of $36,914 in an average-cost area. Additionally, Tennessee has no state income tax, further increasing take-home pay.
Security Guard Salary by City in Tennessee
| City | Median Salary | Hourly Rate | Entry Level (P10) | Senior (P90) | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nashville, TN | $35,770 | $17.20/hr | $22,765 | $51,101 | 1,059 |
| Memphis, TN | $32,889 | $15.81/hr | $20,979 | $48,538 | 1,003 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS Survey, 2026. Sorted by median salary (highest first).
Tennessee vs National Average
Security Guard Salary Comparison
Employment in Tennessee
There are approximately 2,062 Security Guards employed across 2 metro areas in Tennessee.
Key Industries: Healthcare, Automotive, Music & Entertainment
State Income Tax: None (tax-free state)
Security Guard Salary Range in Tennessee
Entry Level (10th Percentile)
$21,872
Starting salary for new Security Guards
Median (50th Percentile)
$34,330
Mid-career Security Guard salary
Senior (90th Percentile)
$49,820
Top earners in the field
Related Occupations in Tennessee
Security Guard Salary in Neighboring States
Compare Security Guard salaries in Tennessee with nearby states to find the best opportunities.
More Tennessee Data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Security Guard salary in Tennessee?
The average Security Guard salary in Tennessee is $34,330 per year ($16.51/hour) based on 2026 data across 2 metro areas. This is 7.5% below the national average of $37,110.
What is the highest paying city for Security Guards in Tennessee?
Nashville, TN is the highest paying city for Security Guards in Tennessee, with a median salary of $35,770 per year. The lowest paying metro area is Memphis, TN at $32,889.
What is the salary range for Security Guards in Tennessee?
Security Guard salaries in Tennessee range from $21,872 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $49,820 (experienced, 90th percentile). The median salary is $34,330 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 Tennessee. 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.