Security Guards in Pennsylvania
Thinking about a career as a Security Guards in Pennsylvania? Here’s what the data says. Guard, patrol, or monitor premises to prevent theft, violence, or infractions of rules. May operate x-ray and metal detector equipment. Excludes “Police Officers” (33-3050) and “Transportation Security Screeners” (33-9093).
What do Security Guards Make in Pennsylvania?
For a security guards working in Pennsylvania, the typical annual salary is $37,680 per year (or roughly $18.11/hour).Earnings range from $29,860 at the 10th percentile to $51,810 at the 90th percentile.
| Wage Statistic | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $29,860 | $14.36 |
| 25th percentile | $34,370 | $16.52 |
| Median (50th) | $37,680 | $18.11 |
| 75th percentile | $45,210 | $21.73 |
| 90th percentile | $51,810 | $24.91 |
The location quotient — a measure of how concentrated this occupation is in Pennsylvania compared to the national average — is 0.90.
National Wage Comparison
Nationally, security guards earn a median of $70,212 per year ($33.76/hour), below the Pennsylvania median.
Employment Outlook
National employment for 348,968 security guards across the United States. In Pennsylvania alone, approximately 43,710 people work in this role. That puts the state above the typical state, which employs around 14,030 security guards.
Top Pennsylvania Metros for Security Guards
The largest metro-area employers of security guards in Pennsylvania.
| Metro Area | Number Employed | Annual Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD | 25,150 | $38,590 |
| Pittsburgh, PA | 8,760 | $36,210 |
| Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ | 2,750 | $36,210 |
| Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA | 2,380 | $38,380 |
| Scranton–Wilkes-Barre, PA | 1,960 | $37,040 |
| Reading, PA | 940 | $38,790 |
| Lancaster, PA | 860 | $37,360 |
| York-Hanover, PA | 830 | $35,060 |
| Erie, PA | 810 | $35,700 |
| Williamsport, PA | 540 | $38,100 |
| State College, PA | 320 | $38,350 |
| Johnstown, PA | 280 | $31,470 |
| Altoona, PA | 250 | $35,350 |
| Chambersburg, PA | 220 | $42,190 |
| Gettysburg, PA | 160 | $35,610 |
| Lebanon, PA | 120 | $35,870 |
Top States for Security Guards Employment
View the states that employ the most security guards work.
| State | Number Employed |
|---|---|
| California | 185,510 |
| New York | 132,140 |
| Texas | 99,370 |
| Florida | 95,350 |
| Illinois | 53,560 |
| Pennsylvania | 43,710 |
| New Jersey | 37,970 |
| Georgia | 35,410 |
| Ohio | 34,590 |
| Virginia | 33,440 |
| North Carolina | 29,360 |
| Tennessee | 28,260 |
| Puerto Rico | 27,440 |
| Maryland | 27,220 |
| Arizona | 26,720 |
| Michigan | 25,760 |
| Nevada | 25,610 |
| Washington | 24,820 |
| Massachusetts | 24,100 |
| Missouri | 19,180 |
Highest-Paying States for Security Guards
The highest-paying states for security guards.
| State | Annual Median Salary |
|---|---|
| District of Columbia | $63,130 |
| Alaska | $48,620 |
| Washington | $48,010 |
| Colorado | $46,080 |
| Minnesota | $46,020 |
| Massachusetts | $44,950 |
| New Hampshire | $44,510 |
| California | $43,930 |
| Oregon | $43,680 |
| Virginia | $43,440 |
Skills
Top security guards skills, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:
Knowledge Areas
Important knowledge areas for this occupation, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:
Abilities
Key abilities for security guards, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:
Daily Tasks
Common tasks include:
- Lock doors and gates of entrances and exits to secure buildings.
- Patrol industrial or commercial premises to prevent and detect signs of intrusion and ensure security of doors, windows, and gates.
- Respond to medical emergencies by administering basic first aid or by obtaining assistance from paramedics.
- Answer alarms and investigate disturbances.
- Circulate among visitors, patrons, or employees to preserve order and protect property.
- Monitor and authorize entrance and departure of employees, visitors, and other persons to guard against theft and maintain security of premises.
- Write reports of daily activities and irregularities, such as equipment or property damage, theft, presence of unauthorized persons, or unusual occurrences.
- Warn persons of rule infractions or violations, and apprehend or evict violators from premises, using force when necessary.
- Answer telephone calls to take messages, answer questions, and provide information during non-business hours or when switchboard is closed.
- Call police or fire departments in cases of emergency, such as fire or presence of unauthorized persons.
- Operate detecting devices to screen individuals and prevent passage of prohibited articles into restricted areas.
- Inspect and adjust security systems, equipment, or machinery to ensure operational use and to detect evidence of tampering.
Work Activities
- Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
- Getting Information
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
- Documenting/Recording Information
- Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships
- Performing for or Working Directly with the Public
- Making Decisions and Solving Problems
- Training and Teaching Others
- Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work
- Communicating with People Outside the Organization
- Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards
- Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others
Tools & Technology
Software and systems commonly involved: Hot technologies: Microsoft Excel
What Major Will Prepare You For This Career?
Related college programs include:
- Criminal Justice & Corrections
Featured schools near , edit
Related Careers
Other careers like security guards include:
- Security Managers
- Security Management Specialists
- First-Line Supervisors of Firefighting and Prevention Workers
- First-Line Supervisors of Security Workers
- Firefighters
- Fire Inspectors and Investigators
Also Known As
Access Control Security Officer, Alarm Investigator, Armed Guard, Armed Security Guard, Armed Security Officer, Armored Car Driver, Armored Car Guard, Bag Checker, Baggage Inspector, Baggage Screener, Baggage Security Checker, Bank Guard, Bodyguard, Bouncer, Camp Guard.
References
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics — https://www.bls.gov/oes/
- O*NET Online — https://www.onetonline.org/
- BLS Employment Projections — https://www.bls.gov/emp/
- O*NET-SOC code: 33-9032.00
Course Advisor provides higher-education, college and university, degree, program, career, salary, and other helpful information to students, faculty, institutions, and other internet audiences. Presented information and data are subject to change. Inclusion on this website does not imply or represent a direct relationship with the company, school, or brand. Information, though believed correct at time of publication, may not be correct, and no warranty is provided. Contact the schools to verify any information before relying on it. Financial aid may be available for those who qualify. The displayed options may include sponsored or recommended results, not necessarily based on your preferences.
© Course Advisor – All Rights Reserved.