Israeli Security Guards Earn Between NIS 7,500 and NIS 16,000 Monthly
Security guards in Israel typically earn between 7,500 and 12,000 NIS gross per month for a full-time position at locations like malls, offices, or parking lots. The industry's minimum wage, effective since April, is 7,118.85 NIS per month, or 39.11 NIS per hour, exceeding the general minimum wage of 6,443.85 NIS (35.4 NIS/hour). However, this is still considerably lower than the average salary for an employee, which ranges from 14,000 to 15,000 NIS monthly.
The salary for security guards significantly increases with armament and specialized training. Armed guards, those working in educational institutions, or event security personnel with experience can expect to earn between 10,000 and 16,000 NIS, with additional pay for night shifts, weekends, and armed duty. Team leaders or security managers at large sites can earn between 14,000 and 20,000 NIS. These figures vary based on the security company and the specific tender, rather than rank.
Hourly rates for armed guards or those at classified facilities are advertised between 44 and 60 NIS, nearly 1.5 times the industry minimum. The pay structure is heavily influenced by shift work, with night, weekend, and holiday shifts substantially increasing a guard's take-home pay. For comparison, junior non-commissioned officers in the IDF now earn more than basic entry-level security guards and approach the salary of experienced armed guards.
Basic security work requires individuals to be at least 18, have a clean record, pass medical exams, and complete a short course. Obtaining a firearm license and undergoing Israeli Police training, which includes weeks of instruction and periodic checks, significantly boosts hourly wages. Further certifications for classified facilities, VIP protection, or aviation security involve more rigorous vetting and command higher pay. Many former combat soldiers enter armed security roles directly due to their existing training and security clearances.
Despite the accessibility, the profession faces high turnover, particularly in basic security roles, due to demanding conditions like night shifts, prolonged standing, and a monotonous routine. In the United States, the median salary for security guards was approximately $38,020 annually as of May 2025, translating to about 11,700 NIS per month, falling within the range of Israeli entry-level guards. The demand in Israel remains consistently high, especially for educational institutions and classified sites, with a shortage of armed guards driving up hourly rates.
