Security Guard Salary in Missouri (2026)

Official state-level BLS pay data for Security Guards in Missouri, plus how it compares with the rest of the country.

Official BLS state wage data · Unknown vintage
Missouri Median
$40,390
per year
Hourly Rate
$19.42
based on 2,080 hrs/yr
vs National
+6% vs US median
US median $38,020
State Rank
#16 of 51
18,630 employed here

How much does a Security Guard make in Missouri?

A Security Guard working in Missouri earns a median salary of $40,390 per year, or about $19.42 per hour. That is 6% above the national median of $38,020 for this occupation.

Within Missouri, entry-level pay starts around $31,040 while the top 10% make $68,860 or more. The middle 50% of earners fall between $36,040 and $48,020 a year.

Security Guard salary range in Missouri

Pay levelAnnual salaryHourly rate
10th percentile (entry level)$31,040$14.92
25th percentile (early career)$36,040$17.33
50th percentile (median)$40,390$19.42
75th percentile (experienced)$48,020$23.09
90th percentile (top earners)$68,860$33.11

How Missouri compares

Missouri ranks 16th out of 51 states and territories for Security Guard pay. The top 5 best-paying states:

RankStateMedian salary
1District of Columbia$64,210
2Alaska$47,480
3Washington$47,100
4Vermont$45,550
5Oregon$45,500

Working as a Security Guard in Missouri

Nationally, about 1,283,000 people work as Security Guards in the United States. A high school diploma is typically enough, with most skills learned on the job.

Considering a move? Compare Missouri pay ($40,390) against the highest-paying state above, and weigh the difference against housing and everyday costs — a smaller paycheck in a cheaper state can stretch further.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a Security Guard make in Missouri?
The median Security Guard salary in Missouri is $40,390 per year, or about $19.42 per hour, per official BLS state wage estimates. Salaries typically range from $31,040 at the entry level to $68,860 for the top 10% of earners.
How does Missouri pay compare to the national average?
Missouri pays Security Guards about 6% more than the national median of $38,020. Missouri ranks 16th out of 51 states and territories reporting this occupation.
Is Missouri a good state for Security Guards?
Yes on pay — Missouri pays above the national median for this occupation, at $40,390 a year. About 18,630 Security Guards are employed in Missouri. Weigh that against local housing and living costs before moving.
What are the highest-paying jobs in Missouri?
The highest-paying occupations in Missouri include Orthopedic Surgeon, Except Pediatric ($842,800), Cardiologist ($648,070), Emergency Medicine Physician ($456,280), based on median annual pay in official BLS state estimates.

← See the national Security Guard salary report

Related salaries

Private Detectives and Investigators

$51,220
median pay · 36,000 employed

Animal Control Worker

$45,660
median pay · 12,000 employed

Crossing Guards and Flaggers

$38,100
median pay · 94,000 employed

Protective Service Worker, All Other

$42,540
median pay · 82,000 employed
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), Unknown vintage. Education requirements: O*NET (U.S. Department of Labor). State figures are official BLS state-level wage estimates. Where BLS suppresses a state percentile, it is scaled from the official national distribution. Individual pay varies by employer, metro area, and experience.