Security Guards Offer Protection, But Get Paid Little in Return

Security guards at houses of worship earned a median wage of $35,000 annually as of 2025, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, while facing increased demand following shootings at religious sites. The International Union of Security Officers filed petitions in 2026 requesting wage increases and mandatory training standards for guards assigned to houses of worship. Several major religious organizations, including the Conference of Catholic Bishops and the Union for Reform Judaism, announced support for higher security guard compensation in statements released between January and March 2026.

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