Security Guard salary in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO
Security Guards in the Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO metro area earn a median of $45,420 a year ($21.84 an hour), based on BLS data for 10,910 workers.
Pay ranges from $36,780 for the lowest-paid 10% to $57,330 for the top 10%. That is 19% higher than the national median of $38,020. Pay here is 1% higher than the Colorado statewide median of $45,150. There are 6.8 security guards per 1,000 jobs here — close to the national average. The average (mean) salary is $46,870, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for security guards in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $36,780 | $17.69 |
| 25th percentile | $38,960 | $18.73 |
| Median | $45,420 | $21.84 |
| 75th percentile | $47,560 | $22.86 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $57,330 | $27.56 |
| Average (mean) | $46,870 | $22.53 |
Half of security guards earn more than the median and half earn less. Percentiles show the spread: 10% earn less than the 10th percentile, and 10% earn more than the 90th.
Median paycheck, before taxes
| Pay period | Amount |
|---|---|
| Monthly | $3,785 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $1,892.50 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,746.92 |
| Weekly | $873.46 |
| Hourly | $21.84 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Security Guard salary in other metro areas nearby
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Boulder, CO | $46,450 | 480 |
| Fort Collins-Loveland, CO | $43,320 | 1,080 |
| Colorado Springs, CO | $42,670 | 2,210 |
| Pueblo, CO | $40,360 | 490 |
| Grand Junction, CO | $38,590 | 230 |
| Greeley, CO | $37,190 | 470 |
Highest-paying states for security guards
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| District of Columbia | $64,210 |
| Alaska | $47,480 |
| Washington | $47,100 |
| Vermont | $45,550 |
| Oregon | $45,500 |
| New Hampshire | $45,200 |
| Colorado | $45,150 |
| Massachusetts | $44,670 |
| New York | $44,240 |
| Virginia | $43,640 |
See Security Guard pay in every state or the Colorado statewide figures.
Related jobs in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers | $36,620 | $17.61 |
| Protective Service Workers, All Other | $43,720 | $21.02 |
| Crossing Guards and Flaggers | $35,620 | $17.13 |
| Transportation Security Screener | $71,530 | $34.39 |
| Private Detectives and Investigators | $52,000 | $25.00 |
| Animal Control Worker | $61,950 | $29.79 |
| Gambling Surveillance Officers and Gambling Investigators | $45,610 | $21.93 |
| Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers | $101,970 | $49.02 |
| Firefighter | $87,980 | $42.30 |
| Correctional Officers and Jailers | $65,660 | $31.57 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives | $127,250 | $61.18 |
| Detectives and Criminal Investigators | $113,340 | $54.49 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Security Workers | $56,200 | $27.02 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Firefighting and Prevention Workers | $119,500 | $57.45 |
More: Protective Service Occupations · all salaries in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 estimates, occupation code 33-9032. Wages include base pay, tips, commissions and shift pay, but not overtime, bonuses or benefits, and exclude the self-employed.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a security guard make in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO?
The median salary for security guards in the Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO metro area is $45,420 a year, or $21.84 an hour. Pay ranges from $36,780 for the lowest-paid 10% to $57,330 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid security guards make in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO?
The top 10% of security guards in the Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO metro area earn at least $57,330 a year. The top 25% earn $47,560 or more.
What is the starting pay for security guards in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $36,780 a year, and a quarter of security guards earn $38,960 or less.
How many security guards work in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO?
About 10,910 security guards are employed in the Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO metro area, not counting the self-employed.