Security Guard salary in Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN
Security Guards in the Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN metro area earn a median of $37,010 a year ($17.80 an hour), based on BLS data for 10,710 workers.
Pay ranges from $30,360 for the lowest-paid 10% to $56,270 for the top 10%. That is 3% lower than the national median of $38,020. Pay here is 3% higher than the Tennessee statewide median of $36,000. There are 9.7 security guards per 1,000 jobs here — close to the national average. The average (mean) salary is $40,010, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for security guards in Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $30,360 | $14.60 |
| 25th percentile | $33,140 | $15.93 |
| Median | $37,010 | $17.80 |
| 75th percentile | $43,780 | $21.05 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $56,270 | $27.06 |
| Average (mean) | $40,010 | $19.24 |
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 | $3,084.17 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $1,542.08 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,423.46 |
| Weekly | $711.73 |
| Hourly | $17.80 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Buying a home? On a $37,010 salary, see how much house you can afford in Tennessee at today's mortgage rates, or work out a payment with the mortgage calculator.
Security Guard salary in other metro areas nearby
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Kingsport-Bristol, TN-VA | $36,270 | 500 |
| Jackson, TN | $35,960 | 460 |
| Clarksville, TN-KY | $35,900 | 340 |
| Knoxville, TN | $35,810 | 2,860 |
| Chattanooga, TN-GA | $35,650 | 1,820 |
| Memphis, TN-MS-AR | $35,100 | 8,450 |
| Morristown, TN | $30,790 | 70 |
| Cleveland, TN | $30,680 | 100 |
| Johnson City, TN | $27,720 | 570 |
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 Tennessee statewide figures.
Related jobs in Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers | $28,500 | $13.70 |
| Crossing Guards and Flaggers | $41,600 | $20.00 |
| Transportation Security Screener | $61,110 | $29.38 |
| School Bus Monitor | $30,640 | $14.73 |
| Private Detectives and Investigators | $44,890 | $21.58 |
| Protective Service Workers, All Other | $47,990 | $23.07 |
| Animal Control Worker | $45,460 | $21.86 |
| Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers | $68,780 | $33.07 |
| Firefighter | $49,300 | $23.70 |
| Correctional Officers and Jailers | $50,940 | $24.49 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives | $94,420 | $45.39 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Firefighting and Prevention Workers | $80,720 | $38.81 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Security Workers | $47,600 | $22.88 |
| Detectives and Criminal Investigators | $78,460 | $37.72 |
More: Protective Service Occupations · all salaries in Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN
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 Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN?
The median salary for security guards in the Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN metro area is $37,010 a year, or $17.80 an hour. Pay ranges from $30,360 for the lowest-paid 10% to $56,270 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid security guards make in Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN?
The top 10% of security guards in the Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN metro area earn at least $56,270 a year. The top 25% earn $43,780 or more.
What is the starting pay for security guards in Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $30,360 a year, and a quarter of security guards earn $33,140 or less.
How many security guards work in Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN?
About 10,710 security guards are employed in the Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN metro area, not counting the self-employed.