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Security Guards Salary in Modesto, CA

BLS Official DataUpdated 2025-05-31
Median Annual

$38,990

Mean: $44,260

~$30,412 est. take-home

Hourly Rate

$18.74

Based on 2,080 hrs/yr

Cost of Living

100

100 = national avg

Security Guards salary in Modesto, CA — median $38,990/year, range $36,600-$47,990

Salary Distribution

Where the median falls between the 25th and 75th percentile.

25th %

$36,600

Median

$38,990

75th %

$47,990

Median is in the 21th percentile of the typical range

Security Guards in other CA cities

Compare the same occupation across cities in CA.

About Security Guards salaries in Modesto, CA

Security Guards in Modesto, CA earn a median of $38,990 per year, based on BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics data. The mean salary is $44,260, which tends to skew higher because a small number of high earners pull the average up.

Most security guards in this area earn between $36,600 and $47,990. Where you land depends on experience, employer type, and whether you have in-demand specializations.

That works out to roughly $18.74 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year. Actual hourly pay may differ for part-time or contract roles.

Career Outlook

5% growthAs fast as average (BLS 2024–2034)

5% growth. Steady demand from office buildings, hospitals, schools, and event venues. Some roles are evolving to include monitoring digital security systems alongside traditional patrols.

Worth knowing: Armed security certifications and state guard cards open up better-paying positions. Corporate and hospital security roles pay noticeably more than residential or retail assignments.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average salary for a security guards in Modesto?

The median — where half earn more and half earn less — is $38,990. The average (mean) is $44,260, which is higher because top earners pull it up.

How much does a security guards make per hour in Modesto?

About $18.74/hour, based on a standard 2,080-hour work year. Part-time or overtime hours will change the actual rate.

What is the salary range for security guards in Modesto?

The middle 50% earn between $36,600 and $47,990. Below $36,600 is typically entry-level; above $47,990 usually means significant experience or specialized skills.

Salary Conversion Table

How does $38,990 per year break down across different time periods?

PeriodGrossEst. Take-Home
Yearly$38,990$30,412
Monthly$3,249$2,534
Biweekly$1,500$1,170
Weekly$750$585
Hourly (40h/wk)$18.74$14.62
Hourly (35h/wk)$21.42$16.71
Hourly (30h/wk)$24.99$19.49
Daily (8h)$150$117

Take-home estimates use an effective tax rate of 22%. Actual amounts vary by filing status, deductions, and state tax.

Security Guards: Highest-Paying Cities in the U.S.

Top 10 cities nationwide for security guards, based on BLS median salary data.

Related Occupations in Modesto

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