Security Guard in Philadelphia, PA

The Salary Picture: Where Philadelphia Stands

If you're eyeing a career in security in Philadelphia, let's talk numbers first. The median salary for a Security Guard in the Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington metro is $36,519 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $17.56/hour. This is slightly above the national average of $36,140/year, which is a small but meaningful advantage for a city with Philly's cost of living.

The job market here is stable, with an estimated 3,101 jobs currently in the metro area. The 10-year job growth projection is 3%, which aligns with the national average. This isn't a boom industry, but it's a reliable one. Security is a constant need, especially in a dense urban environment like Philadelphia.

To give you a clearer picture of your earning potential, here’s a breakdown by experience level. These are general estimates based on local market data and industry standards.

Experience Level	Years of Experience	Estimated Annual Salary	Estimated Hourly Rate
Entry-Level	0-2 years	$30,000 - $34,000	$14.42 - $16.35
Mid-Level	2-5 years	$36,000 - $42,000	$17.31 - $20.19
Senior/Supervisor	5-10 years	$42,000 - $50,000	$20.19 - $24.04
Expert/Manager	10+ years	$50,000+	$24.04+

How does Philly stack up against other Pennsylvania cities? While the Pittsburgh and Allentown metros have similar cost of living, Philadelphia's larger job market (more opportunities) and higher median salary give it a slight edge for career-minded guards. However, if you're looking for the absolute highest wages, you might consider roles in the suburbs or specialized corporate security in King of Prussia, but the city itself offers the most diverse opportunities.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

The median salary of $36,519 is a gross figure. Let's break down what a Security Guard can realistically expect to take home after taxes and one of the city's biggest expenses: rent.

Assumptions for a Single Filer:

• Gross Annual Salary: $36,519
• Estimated Taxes (Federal, State, FICA): ~22% (This is a general estimate; actual rate depends on deductions)
• Estimated Monthly Rent (1BR): $1,451 (Philadelphia average)

Monthly Budget Breakdown:

• Gross Monthly Pay: $36,519 / 12 = $3,043
• Estimated Taxes & Deductions (22%): -$669
• Net Monthly Take-Home Pay: $2,374
• Rent: -$1,451
• Remaining for Utilities, Food, Transit, etc.: $923

This is a tight budget. With $923 left for all other expenses (SEPTA pass ~$100, groceries, cell phone, etc.), financial discipline is crucial. The cost of living index for Philadelphia is 103.5 (US avg = 100), meaning it's about 3.5% more expensive than the national average. This is manageable but not luxurious.

Can they afford to buy a home? On this single-income budget, buying a home in Philadelphia is extremely challenging without significant savings or a dual income. The median home price in the city hovers around $250,000. A 20% down payment is $50,000. With a monthly take-home of $2,374, a standard mortgage payment (principal, interest, taxes, insurance) on a $200,000 loan would be around $1,200-$1,400 per month, leaving very little for everything else. For most Security Guards in this salary range, renting, especially with a roommate in a more affordable neighborhood, is the realistic path.

Where the Jobs Are: Philadelphia's Major Employers

Philadelphia's security job market is diverse. You're not limited to the classic uniformed guard at a bank. Here are the major local employers, broken down by sector:

1. University City Security (UCS): A massive employer based in University City. They patrol the campuses of the University of Pennsylvania and Drexel University, plus the surrounding hospital districts (Penn Medicine, CHOP). They offer a clear career ladder from officer to supervisor. Hiring Trend: Steady, with high turnover creating frequent openings, especially for overnight shifts.

2. The Philadelphia Museum of Art & Barnes Foundation: Cultural institutions require a specialized type of security—discreet, customer-service oriented, and often with an interest in the arts. These roles are highly competitive but offer unique work environments. Hiring Trend: Positions open infrequently; persistence is key.

3. City of Philadelphia (Department of Public Property): The city itself is a huge employer. These guards secure municipal buildings, courts, and public facilities. The pay is often on a union scale with strong benefits, which can offset the base salary. Hiring Trend: Hiring is periodic and often driven by budget cycles; check the City's jobs portal regularly.

4. Comcast Technology Center & Center City: As a major corporate hub, Comcast and other downtown towers (like One Liberty Place) hire directly for in-house security teams. These roles often require higher clearances and offer better pay and benefits than typical contract security. Hiring Trend: Direct hires are less frequent than contract positions, but they are more stable.

5. Regional Hospital Security: Beyond Penn and CHOP, major hospitals like Thomas Jefferson University Hospital (Center City) and Einstein Medical Center (North Philly) have their own security departments. The work is fast-paced and requires strong conflict de-escalation skills. Hiring Trend: Consistent need, especially for positions that require hospital security certification (often provided by the employer).

6. Contract Security Firms (Allied Universal, Securitas): These are the backbone of the industry, serving everything from corporate offices to construction sites. They are the best place to get your foot in the door. Hiring Trend: Always hiring, but be prepared for variable schedules and lower starting pay.

Getting Licensed in PA

Pennsylvania has clear, state-mandated requirements to become a Security Guard. The process is straightforward and relatively inexpensive.

State Requirements:

• Age: Must be at least 18 years old.
• Background Check: A clean criminal record is essential. You must pass a background check through the Pennsylvania State Police.
• Training: You must complete a 16-hour training course approved by the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD). This covers legal powers, use of force, terrorism awareness, and emergency procedures.
• Armed vs. Unarmed: The above is for unarmed guards. To carry a firearm, you need an additional 40 hours of firearms training, a state-issued license to carry firearms, and further certification.

Costs & Timeline:

• Course Cost: The 16-hour unarmed course typically costs between $100 and $200. Many employers, especially large contract firms, will cover or reimburse this cost after you're hired.
• Timeline: Once you sign up for a course (which can be found through local training centers or community colleges), you can complete the certification in two consecutive days. After passing the course and submitting your paperwork to the state, your license is usually issued within 30-45 days.

Insider Tip: Don't wait to get hired to start training. Having your PCCD certification on your resume makes you immediately more attractive to employers. It shows initiative and readiness.

Best Neighborhoods for Security Guards

Choosing where to live depends on your work schedule, budget, and lifestyle. Here’s a breakdown of neighborhoods that are popular with security professionals.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Avg. 1BR Rent	Why It's a Good Fit
Fishtown / Northern Liberties	Trendy, walkable, lots of restaurants/bars. Easy SEPTA access (El, BSL).	$1,600 - $1,800	Great for social life and younger guards. Commute is easy to Center City.
South Philly (Bella Vista/Queen Village)	Historic, close to downtown, tight-knit. Walkable to many jobs.	$1,400 - $1,700	Ideal for those working in Center City, Hospital Row, or the Sports Complex.
West Philadelphia (University City)	Diverse, academic, green spaces. Direct access to many top employers (UPenn, CHOP).	$1,200 - $1,500	Perfect if you land a job with UCS or the hospitals. More affordable.
Manayunk / Roxborough	Suburban feel with a main street vibe, close to Wissahickon Park.	$1,100 - $1,400	Good for those with a car who work in the suburbs or don't mind a longer commute.
Port Richmond / Kensington	Working-class, affordable, with a strong local character.	$900 - $1,200	Budget Saver. Close to the El line for downtown commutes. Be aware of varying block-by-block conditions.

Insider Tip: If you're new to Philly, consider a short-term sublet in University City or West Philly first. It's centrally located for job hunting and gives you time to explore the city before committing to a long-term lease.

The Long Game: Career Growth

A Security Guard role can be more than a job; it can be a career with the right specialization. The 10-year job growth of 3% is modest, but advancement can be faster within specific niches.

• Specialty Premiums:

  • Armed Guard: Adds a $3-$6/hour premium in Philly. The training and licensing are intensive but pay off.
  • Corporate Security: Requires knowledge of IT systems, access control, and often a clean background check for sensitive environments. Pay can be 10-20% higher.
  • Executive Protection: For high-net-worth individuals or corporate executives. Requires advanced training, tactical driving, and medical skills. Pay: $50,000+ to start, with top earners making six figures.
  • Hospital Security: Requires de-escalation in high-stress medical environments. Often offers shift differentials and opportunities for crisis intervention certification.

• Advancement Paths:

  1. Officer -> Field Supervisor (managing a team)
  2. Field Supervisor -> Operations Manager (overseeing multiple sites)
  3. Specialist -> Security Director (for a large facility or corporate campus)
  4. Leverage Experience -> Law Enforcement (many Philly police recruits have security backgrounds).

The key is to gain experience, seek out training opportunities (often paid for by employers), and build a reputation for reliability and professionalism.

The Verdict: Is Philadelphia Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Strong, stable job market with 3,101 positions.	High cost of living, especially rent, which eats into a $36,519 median salary.
Above-average pay compared to the national median.	Tight monthly budget after taxes and rent; savings goal is challenging.
Diverse employer base (universities, hospitals, corporations, city).	Urban challenges – noise, congestion, and occasional crime in certain areas.
Excellent public transit (SEPTA) reduces car dependency.	Weather – cold winters and humid summers.
Rich culture, history, and food scene for off-hours.	Competition for desirable jobs (e.g., museums, corporate) can be fierce.

Final Recommendation:
Philadelphia is a solid choice for a Security Guard, but it requires financial savvy and a strategic approach. It's best suited for those who:

• Are willing to start in a contract role to get experience.
• Value city life and are comfortable with an urban environment.
• Are motivated to pursue specialty certifications (armed, hospital, etc.) to boost income.
• Are open to living with a roommate or in an up-and-coming neighborhood to manage costs.

If you're looking for a low-cost, quiet lifestyle, Philly may be a stretch. But for a motivated guard seeking career growth in a diverse, historic city with a non-stop job market, it's a viable and rewarding destination.

FAQs

Q: Can I get a security job in Philly without experience?
A: Yes, absolutely. Most entry-level positions are open to those with a clean background and a PCCD security license. Companies like Allied Universal and the City of Philadelphia frequently hire for first-time guards.

Q: Is it worth it to get an armed guard license in Pennsylvania?
A: For career advancement and higher pay, yes. It requires significant training and responsibility, but it opens doors to higher-paying roles in corporate security, financial institutions, and executive protection. The hourly premium in Philly is substantial.

Q: How competitive is the job market for security guards in Philadelphia?
A: For entry-level positions, it's not highly competitive—there are always openings. For desirable roles (corporate, hospitals, specific institutions), the competition is moderate to high. Having your PCCD license and a reliable reference can set you apart.

Q: What's the biggest challenge for a security guard living in Philadelphia?
A: The biggest challenge is budget management. With a median salary of $36,519 and average rent at $1,451/month, discretionary income is limited. Living with a roommate or choosing a more affordable neighborhood is often necessary for financial comfort.

Q: Are there union opportunities?
A: Yes. The City of Philadelphia's security positions are often unionized (e.g., District Council 47). Some contract security firms also have unionized sites. Union jobs typically offer better benefits, structured pay raises, and stronger job protection.