Pay for armed guards varies widely by region and risk level. In Western Europe guards earn roughly €22,000–€40,000/year (about $23k–$42k). The UK security officer with firearm endorsement often sees £22,000–£35,000 ($28k–$45k). In North America typical ranges run CAD 34,000–CAD 60,000 ($25k–$45k) in Canada and USD 28,000–USD 55,000 in the U.S., higher in high-risk private contractor roles.
In Asia-Pacific pay ranges from SGD 24,000–SGD 60,000 in Singapore ($18k–$45k) to lower public-market rates in Southeast Asia, e.g., Philippines PHP 120,000–PHP 360,000 ($2.0k–$7.0k). Latin America offers wide variance: Mexico MXN 120,000–MXN 300,000 ($7k–$17k) depending on private vs. corporate clients.
Adjust salary by local cost of living and purchasing power. €35,000 in Lisbon buys more local goods than the same nominal salary in London. Employers often include benefits: paid leave, training, uniforms, and sometimes private health care or hazard pay. In many countries employers provide firearms, insurance, and allowances for high-risk posts.
Tax regimes change take-home pay. High nominal wages in some countries come with high social contributions and income tax; low-tax countries raise net pay but may lack social benefits. Experience, overseas PSO/PMC service, and internationally‑recognized firearms endorsements increase bargaining power. Large multinational contractors use standardized pay bands for deployed or protected-site assignments; local firms often use hourly rates or monthly fixed pay.
