Security Guard in Savannah, GA

As someone who’s navigated the cobblestone streets of Savannah for years, I can tell you this city isn’t just about historic squares and ghost tours. For a security guard, it’s a landscape of opportunity shaped by tourism, healthcare, logistics, and industry. It’s a city where the humid air hangs heavy over the port, and the job market moves to the rhythm of cruise ships and hospital shifts. This guide isn’t a sales pitch; it’s a realistic, data-driven look at what it takes to build a life in Savannah as a security professional.

The Salary Picture: Where Savannah Stands

Let’s cut to the chase. The financial reality for security guards in Savannah is modest, and it’s essential to understand the numbers before you pack your bags. According to the most recent data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the national average for security guards is $36,140/year. In Savannah, the median salary is slightly below that, at $35,662/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $17.15/hour. This isn't a high-cost area, but it's not a low-wage backwater either—it sits in a middle ground that demands careful budgeting.

The job market itself is competitive but steady. There are approximately 295 jobs in the metro area at any given time, with a 10-year job growth projected at 3%. This growth is slower than the national average, reflecting Savannah’s established industries rather than a tech boom. However, the constant churn in tourism and healthcare creates a consistent demand for replacements and new hires.

Experience-Level Breakdown

Your earning potential is directly tied to experience and the type of site you secure. Here’s how salaries typically break down in the Savannah market:

Experience Level	Typical Title	Annual Salary Range (Savannah)	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)	Security Officer, Patrol Guard	$28,000 - $32,000	Foot or vehicle patrols, access control at retail or low-risk sites, basic reporting.
Mid-Level (2-5 yrs)	Armed Guard, Corporate Security	$34,000 - $40,000	Static posts at corporate offices, banks, or industrial sites; may include armed duties with proper licensure.
Senior (5-10 yrs)	Lead Officer, Site Supervisor	$41,000 - $48,000	Supervising a team, handling complex incidents, client relations, training new staff.
Expert (10+ yrs)	Security Manager, Director	$50,000+ (variable)	Overseeing multiple sites, budget management, crisis planning, direct liaison with corporate or hospital administration.

Comparison to Other Georgia Cities

To put Savannah’s wages in context, it’s helpful to compare them to other major Georgia cities. While $35,662 is the median here, it’s crucial to understand the cost-of-living adjustments.

City	Median Salary (Security Guard)	Cost of Living Index (US Avg=100)	Relative Affordability
Savannah	$35,662	95.6	Good
Atlanta	$36,500+	104.1	Challenging (higher rent)
Augusta	$32,500	85.2	Excellent (but lower pay)
Columbus	$33,000	84.0	Excellent (but lower pay)
Macon	$31,200	83.5	Excellent (but lower pay)

Savannah offers a unique balance: wages that are competitive within the state, paired with a cost of living that is 4.4% below the national average. You won’t command an Atlanta salary, but your dollar will stretch further here than in the state’s capital.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get real about monthly finances. With a median salary of $35,662, your gross monthly income is roughly $2,972. After federal, state, and FICA taxes (approximately 22-25% for this bracket), your take-home pay lands closer to $2,200 - $2,300 per month.

The baseline for a one-bedroom apartment in Savannah averages $1,287/month. This is your biggest fixed expense. Let’s break down a realistic monthly budget.

Monthly Budget Breakdown for a Security Guard Earning $35,662

Expense Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes & Insider Tips
Net Income (After Taxes)	$2,250	Assumes a single filer with standard deductions.
Rent (1BR Apartment)	$1,287	This is the city average. Could be lower in midtown, higher in downtown.
Utilities (Electric, Water, Internet)	$180	Savannah’s humid summers mean higher AC costs. Factor in $40-$60 for internet.
Groceries	$300	Shop at Kroger or Publix; avoid tourist-trap markets downtown.
Car Payment/Insurance/Gas	$350	Critical: Savannah is a car-dependent city. Public transit (CAT) is unreliable for shift work. Car insurance is higher due to coastal weather risks.
Health Insurance	$150	If not provided by employer; ACA marketplace plans can be costly.
Miscellaneous (Phone, Personal)	$200
Total Expenses	$2,467
Monthly Deficit	($217)

The Bottom Line: On a single median income, living alone in a standard 1-bedroom apartment is not comfortably affordable. You will have a monthly deficit. This is why many security guards in Savannah:

1. Live with roommates (reducing rent to $700-$800).
2. Work a second job (common in the service industry).
3. Seek housing in more affordable neighborhoods (see below).
4. Get an armed guard license to access higher-paying posts.

Can They Afford to Buy a Home?

No, not on a single median income. The median home price in Savannah is approximately $285,000. A 20% down payment is $57,000. With a monthly mortgage, property taxes, and insurance, the payment would exceed $1,800/month—over 80% of your net income. Homeownership is a long-term goal that typically requires a dual-income household, significant promotions, or a substantial down payment saved over years of disciplined budgeting.

Where the Jobs Are: Savannah's Major Employers

Savannah’s security job market is anchored by a few key sectors. Knowing where to look is half the battle.

1. Gulfstream Aerospace: A major employer in the aerospace sector. They hire for corporate security, perimeter patrols, and access control at their massive complex near the airport. Jobs here are steady and often come with better benefits. Hiring Trend: Consistent, with a preference for candidates with clean driving records and reliability.

2. St. Joseph's/Candler Healthcare System & Memorial Health University Medical Center: The two major hospital systems are always in need of security. This is high-stakes work—dealing with agitated patients, visitor management, and asset protection. Hiring Trend: Constant turnover due to the stressful nature of the job, creating frequent openings. Shifts are 24/7.

3. The Port of Savannah (Georgia Ports Authority): The gateway for goods on the East Coast. Security here involves securing massive container yards, checking credentials at gates, and monitoring vast perimeters. Jobs are often with subcontractors like Worley or directly with GPA. Hiring Trend: Strong and growing, linked to global trade. Often requires a TWIC card (Transportation Worker Identification Credential).

4. Savannah Tourism & Hospitality: This is the lifeblood of the city. Major employers include:

   • The Savannah Convention Center: Requires security for events, trade shows, and VIP protection.
   • Historic District Hotels & Resorts (e.g., The Perry Lane, The Alida): Discrete, professional security for high-end guests.
   • City of Savannah: Hires for park patrol, event security (like the St. Patrick's Day Parade), and municipal building security.
   • Hiring Trend: Highly seasonal. The best jobs are posted in early spring (March-October) for the peak tourist season. Winters can be slow.

5. Industrial & Construction Sites: As Savannah’s metro area expands, new construction sites (e.g., around Pooler/Port Wentworth) need overnight security. Companies like Skanska or local contractors hire through agencies. Hiring Trend: Project-based. Good for short-term, high-intensity work.

Insider Tip: The most stable, year-round jobs are with large institutions: hospitals, Gulfstream, and the port. The tourist industry offers more flexible hours but less job security. Check Indeed and Company Career Pages directly. Many hotels post jobs on their own sites before using third-party portals.

Getting Licensed in GA

Georgia has clear, state-regulated requirements for security guards. The process is straightforward but requires specific steps.

1. Basic Requirements: You must be at least 18 years old, pass a criminal background check (no felony convictions), and possess a valid Georgia driver’s license or ID.
2. Training: To work as an unarmed guard, you must complete a 24-hour training course from a Georgia Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) certified school. This covers legal authority, use of force, and emergency procedures. Cost: $150 - $250.
3. Armed Guard License: To carry a firearm, you need:
   • An additional 16 hours of firearms training (total 40 hours).
   • Proof of proficiency with the specific firearm you will carry.
   • A separate application to the Georgia Security Board. Expect an additional cost of $300 - $500 for the course and licensing fees.
4. Application Process: After training, you apply through the Georgia Private Security and Protective Services Board. You’ll submit your training certificates, fingerprints, and pay the application fee ($120 for unarmed, $150 for armed). Processing can take 4-8 weeks.
5. Renewal: Licenses must be renewed every two years, with a mandatory 2-hour refresher course.

Timeline to Get Started: If you start today, you can be working as an unarmed guard in as little as 3-4 weeks (training + application processing). An armed guard license adds another 1-2 months.

Best Neighborhoods for Security Guards

Where you live impacts your commute, budget, and lifestyle. Here’s a local’s breakdown.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Avg. 1BR Rent	Why It Works for Security Guards
Midtown	Residential, quiet, tree-lined. 10-15 min to downtown, 20 min to hospitals.	$1,100 - $1,300	The sweet spot. Affordable, safe, and central. Easy access to most major employers. Many older apartment complexes offer better rates.
Victorian District	Just south of downtown. Walkable to squares but grittier.	$900 - $1,150	Very affordable, but parking can be a nightmare. Good if you work downtown and want to walk/bike to work.
Southside/Pooler	Suburban, modern, chain stores. 20-30 min commute to downtown.	$1,200 - $1,400	Close to Gulfstream and the airport. Newer apartments, but the commute to downtown/hospitals is longer.
Thunderbolt/Windsor Forest	Working-class, maritime feel. 15 min to downtown.	$850 - $1,050	Hidden gem for affordability. Close to the port and industrial areas. Less tourist traffic, more local feel.
Downtown Historic District	Tourist central. Walkable to everything, but noisy and expensive.	$1,400+	Not recommended on a guard’s salary unless you have roommates or a high-paying post. The charm wears off when you’re paying premium rent.

Commute Reality: Savannah’s traffic is congested, especially on the bridges (Talmadge, Truman) and during tourist season. A 10-mile commute can take 25 minutes or over an hour. Living centrally (Midtown) is a major quality-of-life advantage.

The Long Game: Career Growth

A security guard job in Savannah doesn’t have to be dead-end. The key is specialization and moving up the chain.

• Specialty Premiums:

  • Armed Guard: Adds $3-$5/hour to your base rate. This is the single fastest way to increase your income.
  • TWIC Card Holder: Required for port work. Opens up jobs paying $18-$22/hour.
  • EMT/First Aid Certified: Makes you valuable for event and hospital security. Can add $1-$2/hour.
  • CPR/AED Instructor: Can lead to training roles within companies.

• Advancement Paths:

  • From Guard to Supervisor: Requires leadership skills, reliability, and often 2+ years of experience. Pay jumps to the $40k+ range.
  • From Supervisor to Manager: Involves budgeting, scheduling, and client management. Often requires a degree or extensive experience. Pay can reach $50k-$65k.
  • Government & Federal: With experience, clearing a background check, and a clean record, you can apply for TSA, Federal Protective Service, or Department of Defense contracts. These pay significantly more but are highly competitive.

• 10-Year Outlook: The 3% growth indicates a stable, not booming, market. The demand will be for skilled, reliable, and specialized guards. The generic, low-skill positions will remain but will see wage stagnation. The future belongs to guards who are armed, certified in niche areas (like maritime security), and can demonstrate leadership potential.

The Verdict: Is Savannah Right for You?

Savannah is a city of contrasts: historic beauty and modern industry, Southern charm and economic reality. For a security guard, it’s a place of opportunity, but only if you go in with your eyes open.

Pros	Cons
Lower Cost of Living than Atlanta or national average.	Salaries are modest; living alone is a financial stretch.
Stable job market in healthcare, aerospace, and logistics.	Job growth is slow (3%); competition for the best posts is real.
Unique work environment—no two days are the same in the historic district or port.	Car dependency is high; public transit is inadequate for shift work.
Rich culture and lifestyle outside of work hours.	Seasonal tourism can mean unstable hours in some sectors.
Pathways to higher pay through armed licensing and specialization.	High upfront cost for armed guard training and licensing.

Final Recommendation: Savannah is a good fit for you if you are willing to start unarmed, live with a roommate or in Midtown, and are committed to obtaining an armed guard license within 1-2 years. It’s a viable long-term career move if you target stable employers like Gulfstream or the hospitals and specialize.

Savannah is a poor fit if you need a high starting salary immediately, dislike humid weather, or are unwilling to invest in additional training and licenses. The city rewards patience and specialization.

FAQs

Q: Is the cost of living truly low in Savannah?
A: It’s below the national average (95.6), but it’s not dirt cheap. The biggest savings come from groceries and utilities compared to coastal cities, but rent and car insurance are significant. Your budget will be tight on a single median income.

Q: How do I find security jobs in Savannah?
A: Start with Indeed and LinkedIn. Then, go directly to the career pages of Gulfstream, St. Joseph's/Candler, Memorial Health, and the Georgia Ports Authority. For tourism jobs, check individual hotel websites. Local staffing agencies like Randstad or Adecco often have contracts with these larger employers.

Q: Is Savannah safe for a security guard to live in?
A: Yes, generally. Like any city, it has areas with higher crime rates, but the neighborhoods recommended (Midtown, Thunderbolt) are considered safe. As a security professional, you’ll quickly learn which areas to avoid, especially for night shifts. Your situational awareness is your best tool.

Q: Can I get by without a car in Savannah?
A: Almost certainly not. The city’s layout is spread out. While downtown is walkable, your job will likely be at a hospital, port, or industrial site that is inaccessible by public transit. Rideshares are expensive for daily commutes. A reliable car is a non-negotiable job requirement.

Q: What’s the best path to a higher salary?
A: Get your armed guard license as soon as you’re eligible. It’s the single most impactful investment. Gain experience in a high-demand sector (healthcare or port security). After 3-5 years, pursue a supervisor role or get a TWIC card for port work. The money is in specialization, not generalism.

*Data Sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Outlook Handbook, Georgia Security and