Security Guard salary in California
Updated Updated for 2026 tax law
A security guard in California earns a median of $43,240 a year ($20.79/hour equivalent), 13.7% above the national median of $38,020. California ranks #13 of 51 states. About 199,480 people do this job in California.
Take-home pay in California
At the California median, a single filer keeps about $35,649 a year after federal, FICA and California taxes — $1,371 every two weeks. Try your own numbers with the California paycheck calculator.
- Gross pay
- $1,663.08
- Federal income tax
- −$115.72
- Social Security (6.2%)
- −$103.11
- Medicare (1.45%)
- −$24.11
- California income tax
- −$27.40
- CA SDI
- −$21.62
- Take-home pay
- $1,371.11
Annual breakdown
- Gross
- $43,240
- Federal
- $3,009
- FICA
- $3,308
- State + local
- $1,274
- Net
- $35,649
- Marginal federal rate
- 12.0%
- Marginal state rate
- 4.0%
2026 federal brackets (Rev. Proc. 2025-32) and 2026 state rules. Estimates assume wages are your only income and use annual liability, so your actual withholding can differ slightly.
How California compares
| Rank | State | Median salary |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | District of Columbia | $64,210 |
| #2 | Alaska | $47,480 |
| #3 | Washington | $47,100 |
| #4 | Vermont | $45,550 |
| #5 | Oregon | $45,500 |
| #13 | California | $43,240 |
| #49 | Louisiana | $32,240 |
| #50 | Mississippi | $29,180 |
| #51 | West Virginia | $28,800 |
See the national security guard salary page for the full pay range and all states.
BLS occupation: Security Guards (SOC 33-9032), May 2025, state estimates.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a security guard make in California?
The median salary is $43,240 a year and the average is $44,920 (BLS May 2025).
Is California a good state for security guards?
California ranks #13 of 51 states for median pay in this job, 14% above the national median of $38,020.
What is $43,240 after taxes in California?
About $35,649 a year ($1,371 every two weeks) for a single filer in 2026.
Your business here? Sponsor this calculator from $19/week. See placements
Estimates for information only — not tax, legal or financial advice.