Wage Benchmark Overview
Median Annual Salary
$43,700$21.01 per hour · $3,642 monthlyRun the numbers on your own pay
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Take-Home Pay Explorer
Security Guards Wage Percentiles in San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA
Official survey estimates from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Full-time calculations assume standard 2,080 annual working hours.
| Earning Tier | Hourly Wage | Monthly Gross | Annual Gross | Est. Annual Net (CA) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $17.50/hr | $3,033 | $36,400 | $30,989 |
| 25th Percentile | $18.08/hr | $3,133 | $37,600 | $31,905 |
| Median (50th Percentile)Metro Benchmark | $21.01/hr | $3,642 | $43,700 | $36,562 |
| 75th Percentile | $22.74/hr | $3,942 | $47,300 | $39,308 |
| 90th Percentile | $28.13/hr | $4,875 | $58,500 | $47,635 |
Cost of Living & Purchasing Power in San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA
A dollar does not buy the same basket of goods everywhere. Compare how $$43,700 measures up against local economic conditions:
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Compare security guards salaries statewide and examine overall earnings in California:
Frequently Asked Questions About Security Guards Pay in San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA
What is the median salary for security guards in San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA?
The official BLS median annual wage for security guards in San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA is $43,700, which equates to approximately $3,642 per month or $21.01 per hour for a 2,080-hour work year.
What is the hourly pay for security guards in San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA?
The median hourly wage for security guards in San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA is $21.01 per hour based on the BLS survey. One in ten earned less than $17.50/hour and one in ten earned more than $28.13/hour.
What is the pay range for security guards in San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA?
BLS wage estimates for security guards in San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA span from $36,400 at the 10th percentile to $37,600 at the 25th, $47,300 at the 75th, and $58,500 at the 90th. These are wage distribution points, not experience levels.
How much do security guards take home after taxes in San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA?
On a median gross salary of $43,700, an estimated $36,562 lands in net take-home pay per year ($1,406 biweekly) for a single filer claiming the standard deduction in California in 2026. Total tax withholding equals $7,138 (an effective rate of 16.3%).
How much do security guards make per month in San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA?
On the median annual salary of $43,700, gross monthly income is $3,642. After federal, FICA, and California state income taxes, estimated net take-home pay is $3,047 per month (or $1,406 every two weeks).
Is $43,700 a good salary in San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA?
At $43,700, the median salary for security guards is 41.1% of the San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA median household income ($106,268). According to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA), the metropolitan price parity index is 111.9, making regional consumer goods and services 11.9% more expensive than the U.S. average.