How Much Do Security Guards Make in Florida in 2026? Salary, Hourly Pay & Career Opportunities

What Is the Average Security Guard Salary in Florida?

The BLS reports two different measures: the median (the middle of the wage distribution) and the mean (the arithmetic average). For Florida security guards, the May 2025 figures were:

• Median hourly wage: $17.26
• Median annual wage: $35,900
• Mean hourly wage: $18.08
• Mean annual wage: approximately $37,610

According to O*NET's Florida security guard wage data, the statewide annual wage distribution was:

These percentiles describe wages across workers in the occupation—not fixed starting salaries or automatic pay levels based on years of experience.

Important 2026 Update: Florida's $15 Minimum Wage

Florida's minimum wage increased to $15.00 per hour on September 30, 2026, for employees covered by the state's standard minimum wage requirements. At 40 hours per week for 52 weeks, $15 per hour equals $31,200 in gross annual wages before taxes and deductions.

Because the BLS figures above reflect May 2025, some lower-end reported wages predate the 2026 minimum wage increase. Don't interpret those older amounts as lawful current offers for every covered employee. You can verify the current rate at the Florida Department of Commerce minimum-wage page.

How Much Do Security Guards Make Per Hour in Florida Cities?

Location matters. The latest BLS metropolitan-area estimates show meaningful differences across Florida. These are metropolitan-area medians, not guaranteed city-specific offers.

Source: U.S. Department of Labor CareerOneStop Salary Finder, BLS May 2025 estimates.

What about Miami? In the Miami–Fort Lauderdale–West Palm Beach metro, the median security guard wage was $17.33 per hour ($36,040 annually). A position's actual offer will depend on the employer, site, schedule, qualifications, and responsibilities.

Do Armed Security Guards Make More Than Unarmed Guards in Florida?

Armed security roles may pay more, but there is no single official statewide armed-versus-unarmed rate in the broad BLS Security Guards wage category. The role, employer, experience, and assignment all matter.

For a separate, more job-title-specific comparison, Salary.com estimates dated October 1, 2026 list:

• Unarmed security guard: approximately $36,612 per year in Florida.
• Armed security guard: approximately $45,021 per year in Florida.

These are third-party salary-model estimates, not directly comparable BLS medians or guaranteed offers. Use them as general context, not as a promised pay increase for earning an additional credential.

Sources: Salary.com unarmed security guard estimate and Salary.com armed security guard estimate.

Florida Class D vs. Class G: What Do You Need?

For regulated unarmed security officer duties in Florida, the usual pathway starts with a Class D Security Officer License, which generally requires 40 hours of professional training through an FDACS-licensed school unless an exemption applies.

A security officer assigned to regulated armed duties generally must also hold a Class G Statewide Firearm License. Initial Class G licensing ordinarily involves 28 hours of firearms training, including practical qualification, and annual firearms requalification afterward. Class G is an additional authorization—not a replacement for the appropriate underlying professional license.

Read DVPSTA's Class D vs. Class G license comparison for a full breakdown, or review the official FDACS Class D and Class G requirements.

What Affects a Security Guard's Salary in Florida?

Two officers with similar licenses can receive different pay offers. Employers may consider:

• Location and employer: Pay varies by market and by the organization hiring you.
• Assignment type: A residential gatehouse, healthcare facility, retail site, event venue, and mobile patrol may require different duties.
• Experience: A history of reliable attendance, report writing, de-escalation, and professional communication can strengthen your candidacy.
• Schedule: Overnight, weekend, holiday, and overtime shifts may affect total pay, depending on employer policies and applicable law.
• Additional qualifications: Armed credentials, supervisory experience, first aid skills, and relevant specialized training may help you qualify for certain positions.

There is no guarantee that a particular assignment, extra certificate, or shift will pay more. Always check the job advertisement and written offer.

Can You Earn More by Becoming a Security Supervisor?

Advancement into leadership is another potential career path. Based on BLS May 2025 wage data, the median annual wage for first-line supervisors of security workers in Florida was $47,140, or $22.67 per hour.

That is a different occupation, with different duties and hiring expectations—not the automatic salary of a security guard after a certain number of years. Supervisors may coordinate personnel, handle incidents, review reports, and oversee site procedures.

Source: O*NET — First-Line Supervisors of Security Workers, Florida.

Is Security a Good Career in Florida in 2026?

Security work can be an accessible entry into professional protective services for people seeking structured shifts, diverse job settings, and opportunities to gain experience. It also involves important responsibilities: observing incidents, communicating clearly, following procedures, and responding appropriately to emergencies.

The BLS projects 1% U.S. employment growth from 2025 to 2035 for security guards and gambling surveillance officers combined, which is slower than average. However, the agency projects roughly 157,200 openings per year nationally in the combined category, many from replacing workers who leave the occupation. This is a national projection, not a forecast of new Florida jobs or a guarantee of employment.

Source: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.

How to Start a Security Guard Career in Florida

If the salary and career possibilities interest you, the first practical step is understanding Florida licensing.

1. Review Class D eligibility. FDACS generally requires applicants to be at least 18 years old, meet applicable citizenship/residency/work-authorization rules, and complete required background and application procedures.
2. Complete the training requirement. Most new Class D applicants must complete 40 hours of approved professional security officer training, unless eligible for an exception.
3. Apply to FDACS. Training completion does not automatically issue a state license; FDACS makes the licensing determination.
4. Compare jobs carefully. Research hourly rates, required shifts, benefits, commuting costs, and advancement pathways.
5. Consider additional training later. If your goals include qualifying armed assignments, research the separate Class G requirements and practical range training.

DVPSTA offers live, instructor-led Florida Class D training, including scheduled evening courses, with a $100 promotional course tuition currently advertised on its website. State application and fingerprinting expenses are separate. Visit the DVPSTA Class D training page for current schedules and enrollment information.

You can also see what to expect during DVPSTA's 40-hour live online training.

Frequently Asked Questions About Florida Security Guard Pay

How much does a security guard make per hour in Florida?

The statewide median was $17.26 per hour in BLS May 2025 data, the latest published occupational wage estimate available for this guide. Actual 2026 offers vary, and Florida's minimum wage for covered employees is $15 per hour as of September 30, 2026.

How much do security guards make a year in Florida?

The BLS statewide median was $35,900 annually in May 2025. This is a median across the occupation, not a starting salary guarantee.

How much do security guards make in Miami?

In the Miami–Fort Lauderdale–West Palm Beach metropolitan area, the BLS median was $17.33 an hour or $36,040 a year in May 2025.

How much do armed security guards make in Florida?

A third-party Salary.com benchmark dated October 1, 2026 estimates approximately $45,021 per year for its armed security guard job profile. That is a modeled benchmark, not an official BLS armed-only median or guaranteed offer.

Can a security guard earn $25 an hour in Florida?

Some positions may offer that amount or more, especially with different responsibilities or qualifications, but it is above the statewide BLS median for security guards. At 40 hours per week for 52 weeks, $25 per hour would equal $52,000 gross annually, before taxes, unpaid time off, or other adjustments.

Does a Class D license guarantee a job?

No. The license is a regulatory credential for qualifying security duties. Employers make independent hiring decisions, and FDACS determines license eligibility.

Take the First Step With DVPSTA

Your career starts with the right training—not a salary promise. Whether you are exploring your first unarmed security position or planning a longer-term pathway into specialized security work, DVPSTA can help you understand the required Florida training process.

Explore Florida Class D Live Online Training & Upcoming Classes

Compare Florida Class D and Class G Licenses

DVPSTA — Florida Class DS Security Officer School License DS3400004. Wage information comes from BLS May 2025 estimates and separately labeled October 2026 salary-model benchmarks. Information is educational; it does not guarantee wages, job placement, or state licensure. Verify licensing requirements with FDACS and current pay with employers.