If you’re looking for a career that’s “steady as a rock” and offers a genuine path to a six-figure income, you’ve likely looked into the Australian security industry. But let’s be fair, most people want to know the bottom line before they commit to a security guard course.
The good news? In 2025, the demand for security in Australia is through the roof. From high-rise corporate towers in Sydney to massive music festivals in Melbourne, there’s no shortage of work. But “how much is on the table?” is a loaded question.
In this guide, we’re breaking down the reality of the security guard salary in Australia, including the “hidden” multipliers like penalty rates and the exact steps to get your security guard license.
How Much Does a Security Guard Earn in Australia?
- National Average Salary: $72,000 – $88,000 per year.
- Average Hourly Rate: $32 – $45 per hour (Industry average, including casual loading).
- Typical Weekly Take-Home: $1,400 – $1,850 (Depending on your shift patterns).
Disclaimer: These figures aren’t set in stone. Your actual pay slip depends heavily on your role, whether you’re working the “graveyard shift,” and if you have the right security guard training to handle high-risk environments.
Average Security Guard Salary by Experience Level
In this game, your years on the clock matter. Experience doesn’t just mean you’ve seen it all; it means you’re trusted with higher-value assets.
Entry-Level Security Guard Salary (0–1 Year)
Just getting your foot in the door? You’ll likely start as a Level 1 or 2 Officer.
- Hourly Rate: $28 – $34.
- Annual Estimate: $60,000 – $68,000.
- Typical Roles: Retail loss prevention, gatehouse duty, or static guarding at construction sites.
Experienced Security Guard Salary (3–5 Years)
Once you know the ropes, your value jumps significantly.
- Hourly Rate: $36 – $48.
- Annual Estimate: $75,000 – $92,000.
- Why it increases: You’re more likely to land stable, full-time contracts or move into “Grade 5” roles where you manage smaller teams.
Senior & Specialist Security Roles
These are the “top-tier” gigs that often require specialized security guard training.
- Hourly Rate: $55 – $100+.
- Roles: Close personal protection (Bodyguarding), Armed cash-in-transit, or Critical Infrastructure (Data Centres/Government buildings).
Security Guard Salary by Location in Australia
Where you live dictates your “buying power,” but some cities clearly pay a premium for protection.
Highest Paying Cities for Security Guards
- Canberra: The hub of government security. High demand for NV1 cleared guards can push salaries over $105,000.
- Sydney: Fast-paced and event-heavy. Expect an average of $90,000 for proactive guards.
- Melbourne: Strong corporate and retail demand keeps averages around $85,000.
Sydney Security Guard Salary (NSW)
Sydney is a unique beast. Because of the sheer volume of international events and major infrastructure projects, the demand for SLED-approved guards is constant.
- NSW Edge: Licensing in NSW is rigorous, which actually keeps wages higher compared to some other states.
- CBD vs. Suburbs: A corporate concierge in the CBD often earns 15% more than a static guard in the outer suburbs due to the complexity of the “front-of-house” role.
Typical Hourly Pay Ranges (What You’re Actually Paid)
When you look at your pay slip, the rate usually reflects the level of responsibility. Here is the breakdown by sector:
- Retail / Shopping Centres: $30 – $35 per hour. This is the entry-point for most new guards. It’s steady work and great for getting your foot in the door.
- Corporate / Commercial: $38 – $48 per hour. These roles in office towers require sharp communication skills and a professional look.
- Events / Crowd Control: $40 – $55 per hour. Because these are often high-energy and casual, the hourly rates are higher to account for the intensity.
- Critical Infrastructure: $50 – $75 per hour. Protecting data centres or power plants requires high trust and extra security guard training.
Why Some Guards Earn $50+ Per Hour
It’s not magic; it’s math. If you’re working as a casual guard on a Public Holiday in Sydney, your rate can skyrocket to $70+ per hour. Specialized deployments, like “fire-watch” or high-risk maritime security, also command massive premiums.
Security Services Award Rates & Penalty Pay
The Security Services Industry Award [MA000016] is the bible for pay rates in Australia. It ensures that if you’re working when everyone else is sleeping or partying, you’re compensated fairly.
Base Award Rates (Entry Level)
- Weekday: ~$25.27 (Permanent) / ~$31.59 (Casual).
- Saturday: 150% of base.
- Sunday: 200% of base.
- Public Holidays: 250% of base.
How Penalty Rates Increase Your Take-Home Pay
Example: A 12-hour shift on a Sunday isn’t just a long day, it’s effectively getting paid for 24 hours of work at the base rate. Smart guards “work the calendar,” picking up weekend and night shifts to maximize their earnings while keeping their weekdays free.
What Type of Security Guard Pays the Most?
If you want to move away from the “static” minimums, you need to specialize. Here’s the ranking of roles by earning potential:
- Risk & Security Analysts: Mapping out threats for major corporations ($120k+).
- Armed / Close Protection: High-risk, high-reward ($100k+).
- Government & Infrastructure: Steady, high-paying, and often comes with great benefits ($95k+).
- Control Room Operators: Watching the “eye in the sky” requires a calm head and earns a premium ($85k+).
What Factors Actually Affect Your Salary?
- Location: Major metros pay more, but remote mine sites pay the “big bucks.”
- Experience: The more “incidents” you’ve managed safely, the higher your value.
- Shift Patterns: Nights and weekends are the “bread and butter” of high earners.
- Licensing & Training: Without a valid security guard license, you’re off the field.
- Extra Certifications: Having First Aid, CPR, or an RSA can make you eligible for 30% more shifts.
How to Increase Your Security Guard Salary
1. Get Properly Licensed in NSW
In NSW, you need SLED (Security Licensing & Enforcement Directorate) approval. Don’t cut corners here; a legitimate license is your ticket to the best-paying firms.
2. Complete Nationally Recognised Training
Don’t just get any certificate. The CPP20218 Certificate II in Security Operations is the gold standard. It’s the “passport” that allows you to work across various roles.
3. Add First Aid & CPR
Employers hate having to find a separate first aid officer. If you have your HLTAID011 (Provide First Aid) on your resume, you become an “all-in-one” solution for high-paying event shifts.
Do You Need Training to Become a Security Guard?
Absolutely. You wouldn’t fly a plane without lessons, and you shouldn’t step onto a high-risk site without the right security guard training.
- Legal Requirement: To apply for a license, you must complete the Certificate II mentioned above.
- RTO & SLED Approval: Ensure your training provider is a Registered Training Organisation (RTO). If they aren’t SLED-approved, your license application will be rejected, wasting both your time and money.
Why Multisec Training Is Different
At Multisec Training, we operate differently. We aren’t just a training facility; we are industry veterans with “boots on the ground” experience.
- 40+ Years Experience: Founded and run by law enforcement and security veterans.
- RTO #45548: Fully accredited Registered Training Organisation.
- SLED-Approved Trainers: We meet the highest NSW regulatory standards.
- 1,000+ Trained Students: A proven track record of successful graduates.
- Job Placement Support: We leverage our industry connections to help you find work.
- Auburn, Sydney Location: Centrally located for Western Sydney students.
- 7-Day Trainer Access: Support when you need it, even on weekends.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Is security guard a good career in Australia?
Yes. It’s one of the most flexible industries available. Whether you want a steady corporate 9-to-5 or high-paying weekend shifts, the job security is excellent because human oversight can’t be replaced by AI.
2. Can you earn $100,000 as a security guard?
Absolutely. Many guards hit this by specializing in high-risk sectors (like armed transit) or by strategically picking up Sunday and Public Holiday shifts where penalty rates double your base pay.
3. Do security guards get paid weekly?
Typically, yes. Most casual agencies pay weekly to keep up with the fast-paced nature of the work. Permanent roles in hospitals or government sites more commonly pay fortnightly.
4. Is security work in demand in NSW?
It’s at an all-time high. With Sydney’s massive infrastructure projects and a constant stream of international events, there is a perpetual shortage of SLED-licensed professionals.
5. How long does it take to start earning?
Roughly 2 to 4 months. This includes the 10 days for your security guard course, a few weeks for your RTO paperwork, and the remaining time for SLED to process your security guard license.
Is a Security Guard Career Worth It?
If you’re willing to put in the work, get the right security guard license, and “play your cards right” with shift patterns, the answer is a resounding yes. You can start with a solid base and, within a few years, be earning more than many office-bound professionals.
Ready to start your journey?
View Security Guard Course Dates: Check upcoming intakes at our Auburn training centre.
