Security Guard in Wichita, KS

The Salary Picture: Where Wichita Stands

As a security guard looking at Wichita, you're looking at a market that pays below the national average but offers a lower cost of living that can stretch those dollars. The median salary for security guards in the Wichita metro is $35,597/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $17.11/hour. This is slightly below the national average of $36,140/year, but when you factor in Wichita’s cost of living—which sits at 95.0, or 5% lower than the U.S. average—the gap narrows significantly.

The job market is modest but stable, with an estimated 792 security guard positions in the metro area. The 10-year job growth is projected at 3%, which is slower than the national average for many professions but indicates steady demand, particularly in healthcare, manufacturing, and education sectors that form Wichita’s economic backbone.

Here’s how salary typically breaks down by experience level in the Wichita market:

Experience Level	Typical Years	Annual Salary Range	Hourly Range	Notes
Entry-Level	0-2 years	$29,000 - $33,000	$13.94 - $15.87	Often starts in retail or basic patrol roles
Mid-Level	2-5 years	$34,000 - $38,000	$16.35 - $18.27	Hospital or corporate security; may have certs
Senior	5-10 years	$38,000 - $43,000	$18.27 - $20.67	Supervisory roles; specialized sites
Expert/Lead	10+ years	$43,000+	$20.67+	Management, specialized government contracts

Compared to other Kansas cities, Wichita’s security guard salaries are competitive. In Kansas City, the median is closer to $38,000, but rent and cost of living are significantly higher. In Topeka, salaries hover around $34,000 with a similar cost of living, making Wichita a balanced option for those wanting a mid-sized city with good opportunities.

Insider Tip: Many local employers, like Spirit AeroSystems or Koch Industries, offer security positions with better-than-average benefits packages (health, retirement) that aren’t always reflected in the base salary. Always ask about the full compensation package, not just the hourly rate.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get real about your monthly budget. For a single filer earning the median salary of $35,597/year, here’s a rough take-home calculation after taxes (federal, state, FICA). While exact figures vary, a good estimate is that you’ll take home about 75-78% of your gross pay. That leaves you with approximately $2,200 - $2,280 per month.

Wichita’s average 1-bedroom rent is $774/month. This puts housing at a manageable 35-36% of your take-home pay, which is within the recommended 30-40% range for affordability.

Here’s a sample monthly budget for a security guard earning the median salary:

Expense Category	Estimated Cost	% of Take-Home
Rent (1BR)	$774	~35%
Utilities (Electric, Water, Gas, Internet)	$180	~8%
Groceries	$300	~14%
Car Payment/Fuel/Insurance	$350	~16%
Health Insurance (if not employer-paid)	$150	~7%
Miscellaneous (Phone, Personal)	$200	~9%
Total	$1,954	~89%
Remaining (Savings/Debt)	~$250 - $330	~11%

This budget is tight but feasible. The key is securing an apartment within the $700-$850 range, which is very doable in many Wichita neighborhoods. Buying a home on this single income is challenging but not impossible with discipline. The median home price in Wichita is around $180,000. A 5% down payment would be $9,000, and a typical monthly mortgage payment (including taxes and insurance) could be $1,200-$1,400. This would consume over 50% of your take-home pay, which is not financially advisable without a partner’s income or a significant down payment. Focus on renting, building savings, and potentially upskilling for higher-paying roles before considering homeownership.

Insider Tip: Look for apartments in older, well-maintained buildings in neighborhoods like College Hill or Riverside. They often offer more square footage and character for the same price as a new complex on the outskirts, with a shorter commute to downtown or major employers.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get real about your monthly budget. For a single filer earning the median salary of $35,597/year, here’s a rough take-home calculation after taxes (federal, state, FICA). While exact figures vary, a good estimate is that you’ll take home about 75-78% of your gross pay. That leaves you with approximately $2,200 - $2,280 per month.

Wichita’s average 1-bedroom rent is $774/month. This puts housing at a manageable 35-36% of your take-home pay, which is within the recommended 30-40% range for affordability.

Here’s a sample monthly budget for a security guard earning the median salary:

Expense Category	Estimated Cost	% of Take-Home
Rent (1BR)	$774	~35%
Utilities (Electric, Water, Gas, Internet)	$180	~8%
Groceries	$300	~14%
Car Payment/Fuel/Insurance	$350	~16%
Health Insurance (if not employer-paid)	$150	~7%
Miscellaneous (Phone, Personal)	$200	~9%
Total	$1,954	~89%
Remaining (Savings/Debt)	~$250 - $330	~11%

This budget is tight but feasible. The key is securing an apartment within the $700-$850 range, which is very doable in many Wichita neighborhoods. Buying a home on this single income is challenging but not impossible with discipline. The median home price in Wichita is around $180,000. A 5% down payment would be $9,000, and a typical monthly mortgage payment (including taxes and insurance) could be $1,200-$1,400. This would consume over 50% of your take-home pay, which is not financially advisable without a partner’s income or a significant down payment. Focus on renting, building savings, and potentially upskilling for higher-paying roles before considering homeownership.

Insider Tip: Look for apartments in older, well-maintained buildings in neighborhoods like College Hill or Riverside. They often offer more square footage and character for the same price as a new complex on the outskirts, with a shorter commute to downtown or major employers.

Where the Jobs Are: Wichita's Major Employers

Wichita’s security job market is anchored by several major local industries: aviation, healthcare, education, and manufacturing. Here’s a breakdown of key employers and the types of security roles they typically offer:

1. Via Christi Health (Ascension): One of the largest healthcare providers in the region, with multiple hospitals and clinics. They hire security officers for 24/7 hospital patrols, parking enforcement, and access control. Hiring trends are consistently steady due to the critical need for safety in medical environments, especially post-pandemic. They often prefer candidates with CPR/first aid certification.

2. Spirit AeroSystems: As a major aircraft manufacturer, Spirit’s security needs are extensive. They hire for corporate campus security, gatehouses, and manufacturing facility patrols. These roles often require background checks and may offer higher starting pay due to the sensitive nature of the work. Hiring is tied to the aerospace sector’s health, so it can fluctuate, but long-term demand is solid.

3. Wichita Public Schools (USD 259): The school district employs security personnel for school resource officers (SROs) and district facility patrols. These roles require specific training and often a peace officer license. There’s a growing need for school security, making this a growth area.

4. Koch Industries: The global conglomerate headquartered in Wichita has a large campus and requires extensive security for its corporate offices, industrial facilities, and research centers. Roles range from entry-level patrol to specialized security analysts. Koch is known for offering competitive benefits, which can be a major draw.

5. Wichita State University: The university hires security officers for campus safety, event security (basketball games, concerts), and facility access. These are often part-time or full-time with flexible schedules. Hiring peaks before the fall and spring semesters.

6. Barton Community College (Fort Riley and Great Bend): While not in Wichita proper, this college’s security needs, especially for its Fort Riley satellite campus serving military personnel, are significant. Roles here can offer unique experience in a military-adjacent environment.

Hiring Trends: The most consistent hiring is in healthcare and education. The aviation sector (Spirit, Cessna) offers higher pay but can be more cyclical. For immediate openings, check with local security contracting firms like Securitas, Allied Universal, or G4S, which service many of these major employers. They are often the first point of contact for entry-level positions.

Insider Tip: Many of these employers use third-party contractors for initial screening. Applying directly on the company’s website (e.g., Via Christi’s careers page) can sometimes get you to a human faster than going through a contractor’s portal. Mention any specific experience with the employer’s industry (e.g., healthcare privacy) in your application.

Getting Licensed in KS

Kansas has a straightforward licensing process for security guards, managed by the Kansas Attorney General’s Office, Private Security Section. It’s not overly burdensome, but you must follow the steps.

Requirements:

1. Age: Must be at least 18 years old.
2. Background Check: A clean criminal record is essential. A felony conviction will disqualify you, and certain misdemeanors (e.g., domestic violence, drug-related) may also be problematic.
3. Training: You must complete a minimum 12-hour training course from a state-approved provider. The curriculum covers Kansas law, use of force, report writing, and ethics. This is a non-negotiable step.
4. Application: Submit an application with the Kansas Attorney General’s office, including a passport-style photo and the training certificate. The current application fee is $75.
5. In-Service Training: Once licensed, you must complete 8 hours of in-service training every two years to maintain your license.

Cost Breakdown:

• Training Course: $100 - $200 (varies by provider)
• Application Fee: $75
• Background Check Fee: ~$20 (often included in the application)
• Total Initial Cost: ~$200 - $300

Timeline:

• Week 1: Find and enroll in an approved training course. Many are offered in Wichita (check with local community colleges or private security trainers).
• Week 2-3: Complete the 12-hour course (can often be done over a weekend).
• Week 4: Submit your application to the Attorney General’s office. Processing can take 2-4 weeks.
• Week 6-8: Receive your license in the mail.

Insider Tip: Some employers, especially larger ones like Spirit or healthcare systems, will reimburse the cost of your training and licensing if you are hired. It’s worth asking during the interview process. This can save you the upfront investment.

The Best Neighborhoods for Security Guards

Choosing where to live in Wichita impacts your commute, lifestyle, and budget. Here are four neighborhoods that balance affordability with reasonable access to major employers:

1. College Hill: Located east of downtown, this historic area is popular with young professionals and university staff. It’s close to Wichita State University and Via Christi St. Francis Hospital. Rent for a 1BR is typically $700 - $850. Commute to downtown or the east-side corporate parks is 10-15 minutes. Great for those who value walkability and older architecture.

2. Riverside: West of the river, this neighborhood offers a mix of affordability and accessibility. It’s a straight shot to Spirit AeroSystems and Koch Industries (southside). Commute times are generally 15-20 minutes. You can find 1BR apartments for $650 - $800. The area is more residential and quiet, ideal for those who prefer a less dense environment.

3. Old Town (Downtown): If you want to be in the heart of the action, Old Town is the spot. It’s walkable to restaurants, bars, and events. This is great for security jobs at downtown bars, hotels, or event venues. However, rent is higher, typically $900 - $1,100+ for a 1BR. Best for those who prioritize nightlife and don’t mind a smaller living space.

4. Southcentral / Harry Street Area: This area is south-central, offering a strategic location for commuting to the South Wichita manufacturing corridor (including Spirit) and the east-side medical district. It’s a practical, no-frills area with plenty of retail and services. Rent is very reasonable, often $600 - $750 for a 1BR. Commutes are typically 10-20 minutes.

Insider Tip: Traffic in Wichita is generally mild, but the Kellogg (US-54/US-400) highway is the main artery. Living within a few minutes of a Kellogg on-ramp (like in Riverside or Southcentral) can shave 5-10 minutes off your commute to major employers on the east or west sides.

The Long Game: Career Growth

While the entry-level pay is modest, there are clear pathways to increase your earnings and responsibility. The 3% job growth suggests you need to be proactive to advance.

Specialty Premiums & Advancement Paths:

• Armed Guard: Adding a concealed carry permit and armed certification can increase your hourly rate by $2-$4/hour. This is common for bank, armored car, or high-risk facility security.
• Corporate Security Specialist: Moving from patrol to a role focused on risk assessment, cybersecurity awareness, or executive protection. This often requires additional certifications (e.g., CPP from ASIS) and can lead to salaries in the $50,000+ range.
• Security Supervisor/Manager: With 5+ years of experience, you can move into supervisory roles. This involves managing schedules, training junior guards, and liaising with client management. Pay can reach $45,000 - $55,000.
• Law Enforcement Path: Many security guards use the experience as a stepping stone to become a Wichita Police Officer (starting salary ~$50,000) or a Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Deputy. Your security experience is a significant advantage in the hiring process.

10-Year Outlook:
The 3% growth rate is stable but slow. To beat the average, you must specialize. The most promising areas for growth in Wichita are:

1. Cybersecurity for Physical Security: As companies integrate IT with physical access control, guards who understand these systems will be in demand.
2. Healthcare Security Management: With aging population and increased hospital security needs, specialized managers will be crucial.
3. Aviation Security: As Spirit and other aerospace firms grow, specialized security for sensitive manufacturing will expand.

Insider Tip: Join the Kansas Private Security Association (KPSA). Attending meetings and networking with managers from major employers can uncover unadvertised opportunities. Many promotions in this field come from internal referrals.

The Verdict: Is Wichita Right for You?

Wichita offers a stable, affordable entry into the security profession, with a cost of living that allows a single person to live on a median security guard salary without constant financial stress. It’s a city of practicality, where your paycheck stretches further than in larger metros.

Here’s a summary of the pros and cons:

Pros	Cons
Cost of Living is 5% below national average, making your $35,597 salary more manageable.	Salaries are below the national average ($36,140).
Stable job market with 792 positions and steady demand in healthcare and education.	Job growth is slow (3%), requiring proactivity for advancement.
Short commutes—most neighborhoods offer 10-20 minute drives to major employers.	Limited specialty niches compared to major coastal cities.
Strong aviation and healthcare sectors offer long