Security Guard Salary in Australia (2026): Award Rates, Penalty Pay & What to Expect
Thinking about a career in security? One of the first questions is what you could earn. The honest answer is that it depends on your role, employer, shift patterns and licence. This guide covers the award minimums (updated from 1 July 2026), how penalty rates work, and what affects your pay.
How much does a security guard earn in Australia?
There are two useful reference points:
- Award minimum: from $28.42 per hour for a permanent Level 1 security officer, or $35.53 per hour for a casual (which includes the 25% casual loading).
- Market median: Jobs and Skills Australia reports median full-time earnings of about $1,818 per week (around $42 per hour) for security officers and guards. This covers the wider occupation group, including crowd controllers, and your own pay may be higher or lower.
Security Services Award rates (from 1 July 2026)
The Security Services Industry Award [MA000016] sets minimum rates for most security guards.
| Classification | Permanent (per hour) | Casual (per hour) |
|---|---|---|
| Security Officer Level 1 | $28.42 | $35.53 |
| Security Officer Level 2 | $29.24 | $36.55 |
| Security Officer Level 3 | $29.73 | $37.16 |
| Security Officer Level 4 | $30.23 | $37.79 |
| Security Officer Level 5 | $31.20 | $39.00 |
These are minimums. Many employers pay more, and the rates change each year, so check the Fair Work pay guide for the current figures.
Penalty rates: weekends and public holidays
Working when others are off pays more. For a Level 1 officer:
| Day | Permanent | Casual |
|---|---|---|
| Saturday | $42.63 (150%) | $49.74 |
| Sunday | $56.84 (200%) | $63.95 |
| Public holiday | $71.05 (250%) | $78.16 |
For example, 12 ordinary hours on a Sunday at the permanent Level 1 rate is $682.08 before tax, compared with $341.04 for 12 hours on a weekday. This is a simple calculation. Overtime, breaks and other award conditions can change the final figure.
What affects how much you earn?
- Role and classification: your duties and responsibility determine your award level.
- Shift patterns: nights, weekends and public holidays carry higher rates.
- Employer and site: pay differs between employers, contracts and types of venue.
- Licence class and training: specialised work generally needs extra licensing and training.
- Extra certificates: First Aid (HLTAID011), CPR or an RSA can make you more versatile to employers.
Compare offers rather than relying on averages, and ask which award level and rate applies to you.
How to get started in NSW
- Complete a nationally recognised course such as CPP20218 Certificate II in Security Operations with a registered training organisation (RTO).
- Apply for your licence through the NSW Security Licensing & Enforcement Directorate (SLED). Eligibility requirements apply, and processing times vary.
- Consider adding First Aid and CPR training.
Check the current requirements on the SLED website before you apply.
Train with Multisec Training
Multisec Training (RTO 45548, SLED Approval No. 25/066) delivers the CPP20218 Certificate II in Security Operations at our Auburn, Sydney campus, with weekday and weekend options. Completing a course does not guarantee a licence. Licence applications are assessed and approved by SLED.
Frequently asked questions
Is security guard a good career in Australia?
It can suit people who want flexible or shift-based work, but pay, hours and conditions vary by employer and role.
Can you earn $100,000 as a security guard?
Some people reach that through overtime, penalty shifts or specialised roles, but it isn’t typical and isn’t guaranteed.
Do security guards get paid weekly?
Pay cycles vary by employer, so ask at interview.
How long does it take to start working?
The weekday course runs 10 days. After that, licence processing times depend on SLED, so check current timeframes with them.
View upcoming course dates: see the Security Guard Course page for current intakes at our Auburn centre.
