New Mexico Median
$43,320
per year
Hourly Rate
$20.83
based on 2,080 hrs/yr
vs National
+14% vs US median
US median $38,020
State Rank
#12 of 51
8,410 employed here
How much does a Security Guard make in New Mexico?
A Security Guard working in New Mexico earns a median salary of $43,320 per year, or about $20.83 per hour. That is 14% above the national median of $38,020 for this occupation.
Within New Mexico, entry-level pay starts around $30,220 while the top 10% make $64,840 or more. The middle 50% of earners fall between $35,570 and $53,530 a year.
Security Guard salary range in New Mexico
| Pay level | Annual salary | Hourly rate | |
|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $30,220 | $14.53 |
|
| 25th percentile (early career) | $35,570 | $17.10 |
|
| 50th percentile (median) | $43,320 | $20.83 |
|
| 75th percentile (experienced) | $53,530 | $25.74 |
|
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $64,840 | $31.17 |
|
How New Mexico compares
New Mexico ranks 12th out of 51 states and territories for Security Guard pay. The top 5 best-paying states:
Security Guard salary in other states
District of Columbia $64,210Alaska $47,480Washington $47,100Vermont $45,550Oregon $45,500New Hampshire $45,200Colorado $45,150Massachusetts $44,670New York $44,240Virginia $43,640Minnesota $43,380California $43,240Hawaii $42,820Utah $42,700Missouri $40,390Connecticut $39,920Nebraska $39,840Illinois $39,490North Dakota $39,310Wyoming $39,200Maine $39,100New Jersey $38,880Montana $38,480Idaho $38,300Arizona $38,290Maryland $38,220Wisconsin $37,440Nevada $37,310South Dakota $37,150Iowa $37,080Kansas $37,080Michigan $37,080Pennsylvania $37,050Rhode Island $36,940Indiana $36,490Delaware $36,360Oklahoma $36,270Tennessee $36,000Texas $35,980Florida $35,900Arkansas $35,770Ohio $35,770South Carolina $35,460Kentucky $35,420North Carolina $35,010Georgia $34,980Alabama $33,720Louisiana $32,240Mississippi $29,180West Virginia $28,800
Working as a Security Guard in New Mexico
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 New Mexico pay ($43,320) 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 New Mexico?
The median Security Guard salary in New Mexico is $43,320 per year, or about $20.83 per hour, per official BLS state wage estimates. Salaries typically range from $30,220 at the entry level to $64,840 for the top 10% of earners.
How does New Mexico pay compare to the national average?
New Mexico pays Security Guards about 14% more than the national median of $38,020. New Mexico ranks 12th out of 51 states and territories reporting this occupation.
Is New Mexico a good state for Security Guards?
Yes on pay — New Mexico pays above the national median for this occupation, at $43,320 a year. About 8,410 Security Guards are employed in New Mexico. Weigh that against local housing and living costs before moving.
What are the highest-paying jobs in New Mexico?
The highest-paying occupations in New Mexico include Emergency Medicine Physician ($405,130), Anesthesiologist ($393,970), Surgeon, All Other ($363,940), based on median annual pay in official BLS state estimates.
← See the national Security Guard salary report
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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.