Security Guard Salary in Australia (2026): Award Rates, Hourly Pay & Penalties
How much do security guards get paid in Australia in 2026? Whether you’re considering a career in security or already working in the industry, understanding current security award rates can help you assess your earning potential.
This guide explains the Security Services Industry Award minimum pay rates effective from 1 July 2026, including permanent and casual hourly wages, weekend and public holiday penalties, and the factors that influence security guard salaries across Australia.
We’ll also explain how qualifications, experience and security licensing can affect your employment opportunities, particularly in Sydney and NSW.
How Much Do Security Guards Get Paid in Australia in 2026?
Security guard pay in Australia depends on your employment type, award classification, experience and the shifts you work.
There are two important figures to understand:
- Minimum award rate: Under the Security Services Industry Award, a Level 1 security officer earns a minimum of $28.42 per hour as a permanent employee, or $35.53 per hour as a casual employee, including the 25% casual loading.
- Typical industry earnings: Jobs and Skills Australia reports median full-time earnings of approximately $1,818 per week for security officers and guards. This is an occupational median, not a guaranteed salary or the minimum award rate.
A security guard working regular weekday shifts may earn less than someone working nights, weekends, public holidays or overtime. Higher classifications and specialist responsibilities can also affect earnings.
It’s important to distinguish between minimum security award rates and actual market salaries when comparing security jobs in Australia.
Security Award Rates 2026 – Security Services Industry Award
The Security Services Industry Award [MA000016] sets minimum wages and employment conditions for security officers covered by the award in Australia.
From 1 July 2026, the minimum ordinary hourly rate for a permanent Level 1 security officer is $28.42, while the corresponding casual rate is $35.53, including the 25% casual loading.
Security Guard Hourly Pay Rates – 2026
The following table shows minimum ordinary weekday hourly rates for Security Officer Levels 1–5 under the Security Services Industry Award.
| Security Officer Classification | Permanent Hourly Rate | Casual Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | $28.42 | $35.53 |
| Level 2 | $29.24 | $36.55 |
| Level 3 | $29.73 | $37.16 |
| Level 4 | $30.23 | $37.79 |
| Level 5 | $31.20 | $39.00 |
Important: These figures are minimum ordinary hourly rates, not average industry salaries. Actual wages depend on classification, employment arrangements, shift penalties, overtime and any applicable enterprise agreement.
Security award rates are generally reviewed annually, so employees and employers should confirm current entitlements using the official Fair Work Ombudsman Pay and Conditions Tool.
Security Guard Weekend and Public Holiday Pay Rates 2026
Security guards in Australia may earn higher hourly wages when working Saturdays, Sundays, public holidays and night shifts.
Under the Security Services Industry Award [MA000016], penalty rates depend on the employee’s classification, employment type and when the work is performed.
Security Officer Level 1 – Weekend and Public Holiday Rates
The following minimum hourly rates apply to a Level 1 security officer from 1 July 2026.
| Shift | Permanent Hourly Rate | Casual Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Monday–Friday (daytime) | $28.42 | $35.53 |
| Saturday | $42.63 | $49.74 |
| Sunday | $56.84 | $63.95 |
| Public holiday | $71.05 | $78.16 |
Casual rates include the applicable 25% casual loading. These figures are for ordinary hours worked, not overtime.
How Much Can a Security Guard Earn Working Sundays?
For example, a permanent Level 1 security officer working an eight-hour ordinary shift on a Sunday would earn approximately $454.72 before tax, based on the minimum Sunday rate of $56.84 per hour.
A casual Level 1 security officer working the same eight-hour ordinary shift would earn approximately $511.60 before tax, based on the minimum casual Sunday rate of $63.95 per hour.
These examples assume all eight hours qualify as ordinary Sunday hours. Actual earnings may differ depending on overtime, breaks, allowances, classification and employment arrangements.
Do Security Guards Get Paid More for Night Shifts?
Yes. Under the award, applicable weekday night-shift penalties can increase a security officer’s minimum hourly pay.
For a Level 1 security officer, the ordinary weekday night rate is $34.59 per hour for permanent employees and $41.69 for casual employees. Different rates apply to permanent night workers.
For the latest conditions and rates, refer to the Security Services Industry Award (MA000016).
What Affects Security Guard Salaries in Australia?
Not all security guards earn the same hourly wage. While the Security Services Industry Award establishes minimum pay rates for covered employees, actual earnings depend on several factors.
1. Security Officer Classification
The Security Services Industry Award includes different security officer classifications based on duties, responsibilities and required skills.
A Level 1 security officer generally performs duties associated with entry-level security work, while higher classifications may involve additional responsibilities, specialised tasks or supervisory functions.
Your classification should reflect the work you perform, not simply how long you’ve worked in the industry.
2. Employment Type: Full-Time, Part-Time or Casual
Casual security officers generally receive a 25% casual loading on applicable ordinary hourly rates to compensate for certain entitlements they do not receive.
Full-time and part-time employees have different leave and employment entitlements, which should be considered when comparing job offers.
3. Weekend, Night and Public Holiday Shifts
Security operations often run outside standard business hours.
Working nights, weekends and public holidays can increase earnings through applicable penalty rates. Overtime and allowances may also affect total pay.
4. Location and Employer
Security guard salaries can vary between Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and other Australian locations.
Differences may reflect employer requirements, available shifts, site responsibilities, enterprise agreements and local employment conditions.
The national award generally establishes minimum rates for covered employees, rather than separate minimum wages for each city.
5. Qualifications, Licensing and Experience
Security officers must hold the appropriate licence for their duties, subject to the requirements of their state or territory.
Additional training, experience and relevant skills may help applicants qualify for a wider range of security roles.
However, completing a qualification does not automatically guarantee a particular salary, job or security licence.
Security Guard Salary in Sydney and NSW
Sydney offers a range of security employment opportunities across commercial properties, retail environments, events, construction sites and other workplaces.
Security guards working in NSW may perform duties such as access control, monitoring premises, managing entry points, conducting patrols and responding to security incidents within the scope of their licence and employment.
How Much Do Security Guards Earn in Sydney?
For employees covered by the Security Services Industry Award, the same national minimum rates generally apply in Sydney as elsewhere in Australia.
As of 1 July 2026, the minimum ordinary weekday hourly rate for a permanent Level 1 security officer is $28.42, while the corresponding casual rate is $35.53.
Actual earnings may be higher depending on the employee’s classification, shifts, employer and applicable industrial arrangements.
When reviewing Sydney security jobs, compare the advertised hourly rate with the relevant award classification and any additional penalties or allowances.
How to Become a Licensed Security Guard in NSW
If you’re considering a career in the security industry, understanding the training and licensing requirements is an important first step.
In NSW, security licences are administered by the NSW Police Security Licensing & Enforcement Directorate (SLED).
Step 1: Check Your Eligibility
Before enrolling in security training, review the current eligibility requirements for the NSW security licence class you intend to apply for.
Requirements may include identity, age, residency or visa status, criminal history and other suitability criteria.
Step 2: Complete the Required Security Training
For relevant NSW Class 1 security licence subclasses, the required training pathway includes the nationally recognised CPP20218 Certificate II in Security Operations, delivered through an appropriately approved registered training organisation.
The qualification includes 14 core units of competency covering practical security skills, communication, legal responsibilities, risk management and responding to security incidents.
The qualification also includes HLTAID011 – Provide First Aid.
Training and assessment requirements must be completed before the relevant qualification can be issued.
Step 3: Apply for Your NSW Security Licence
After successfully completing the required training and meeting the applicable requirements, you can proceed with the relevant NSW security licence application process.
Completing a security course does not automatically grant a security licence. NSW Police SLED assesses applications and determines whether applicants meet licensing requirements.
Check the NSW Police SLED website for current licensing requirements, fees and application procedures.
Security Guard Training in Sydney with Multisec Training
Multisec Training (RTO 45548) delivers the nationally recognised CPP20218 Certificate II in Security Operations at our Auburn training centre in Sydney.
Our security training combines scheduled face-to-face instruction, practical activities and assessment to help students develop the skills and knowledge required for the qualification.
Security Course Options
We offer weekday and weekend training schedules to accommodate different availability.
- Weekday security training: $1,100
- Weekend security training: $1,400
- Training location: Unit 15, 191 Parramatta Road, Auburn NSW 2144
Course schedules, pre-course learning, assessments and enrolment requirements should be confirmed before booking.
Successful completion of the required training can support an application for the relevant NSW security licence, subject to SLED eligibility and approval.
Interested in starting security training in Sydney?
View Our Security Guard Course and Upcoming Dates
Or call 1300 756 533 to speak with the Multisec Training team.
Frequently Asked Questions About Security Guard Pay in Australia
How Much Do Security Guards Get Paid Per Hour in Australia?
From 1 July 2026, the minimum ordinary weekday hourly rate under the Security Services Industry Award for a permanent Level 1 security officer is $28.42. The corresponding casual rate is $35.53, including casual loading.
Higher classifications, penalty rates and other applicable entitlements can increase earnings.
What Are the Security Award Rates for 2026?
Under the Security Services Industry Award, minimum ordinary weekday hourly rates for permanent security officers range from $28.42 at Level 1 to $31.20 at Level 5, effective 1 July 2026.
Different rates apply to casual employment, weekends, public holidays and certain shifts.
Do Casual Security Guards Earn More Per Hour?
Casual security guards generally receive a higher ordinary hourly rate because of casual loading.
However, permanent employees receive employment entitlements that casual employees may not receive, so the higher hourly rate does not necessarily mean a better overall employment package.
How Much Do Security Guards Earn on Sundays?
Under the 2026 award rates, a Level 1 security officer working ordinary Sunday hours receives a minimum of $56.84 per hour as a permanent employee or $63.95 per hour as a casual employee.
Other award conditions, including overtime provisions, may affect the final amount.
Can Security Guards Earn $100,000 a Year?
Some security professionals may earn $100,000 or more annually through higher-paying roles, substantial overtime, penalty shifts or specialist responsibilities.
However, this is not a typical or guaranteed starting salary for someone entering the security industry.
Is Security Guard Work a Good Career in Australia?
Security work may appeal to people interested in practical roles, varied workplaces and shift-based employment.
Career suitability depends on individual circumstances, licensing eligibility, working conditions and available opportunities.
Do Security Guards Need a Licence in NSW?
Yes. People performing regulated security activities in NSW generally require the appropriate security licence issued by NSW Police SLED.
Training and licensing requirements depend on the type of security work being undertaken.
How Long Does It Take to Become a Security Guard in Sydney?
The timeframe depends on the approved training schedule, any required pre-course learning and assessment, successful completion of the qualification and the NSW security licensing process.
Multisec Training offers weekday and weekend training options. Contact our team for current schedules and enrolment requirements.
Where Can I Check Official Security Award Rates?
The most reliable source for minimum award wages and employment conditions is the Fair Work Ombudsman.
You can review the Security Services Industry Award (MA000016) or use the Fair Work Pay and Conditions Tool to check applicable pay rates.
Start Your Security Training in Sydney
Understanding security guard salaries and award rates is useful when deciding whether the security industry is right for you.
If you’re ready to explore the training requirements, Multisec Training can help you understand the CPP20218 Certificate II in Security Operations and the available weekday and weekend course schedules.
Explore upcoming security training courses in Sydney:
Enquire About Our Security Guard Course
Multisec Training | RTO 45548
Phone: 1300 756 533
Sydney Training Centre: Unit 15, 191 Parramatta Road, Auburn NSW 2144
