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Average Protective Service Occupations Salary in San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA

In the San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA metropolitan area, professionals in Protective Service Occupations earn an impressive average annual salary of $70,340. This figure significantly surpasses the national average of $43,820, indicating a strong local demand and potentially higher cost of living considerations that drive compensation for these vital roles.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $70,340 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $122,140.
  • Outlook: The San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA area supports a substantial workforce of approximately 36,000 individuals in Protective Service Occupations. With a Location Quotient of 0.99, the concentration of these jobs is nearly on par with the national average, suggesting a stable and established market rather than rapid expansion, but the sheer size of the workforce points to consistent employment opportunities.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$70,340

The average Protective Service Occupations in San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA earns+60.5%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$33.8

Weekly

$1,353

Monthly

$5,862

Protective Service Occupations Salary Distribution in San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA

Career progression within Protective Service Occupations in San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA, typically sees a significant salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills and leadership responsibilities can command salaries well above the average, with percentile gaps clearly illustrating the financial rewards of advancing through the ranks.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Cadet / RecruitAcademy training and probationary period.10% (Entry)$37,120$17.8
OfficerPatrol duties, handling standard calls.25% (Junior)$52,755$25.4
Senior OfficerField training officer, specialized unit.50% (Median)$55,580$26.7
Sergeant / Lt.Shift supervisor, squad leader.75% (Senior)$87,925$42.3
Captain / ChiefDepartment command and administration.90% (Expert)$122,140$58.7

Detailed Protective Service Occupations Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$70,340

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$70,340

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $70,340 in San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA, aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that while the nominal salary is considerably higher than the national average for the occupation, the purchasing power of that salary is effectively equivalent to the national average, suggesting that the higher pay is balanced by the local cost of living.

Job Market Context

36,000

Total Jobs

23.481

Per 1K Jobs

0.99

Location Quotient

Below Average

San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA has 0.99x the national average concentration of Protective Service Occupations jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.

With a Location Quotient of 0.99, the San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA market for Protective Service Occupations is very close to the national average in terms of job concentration. This indicates a balanced job market where demand and supply are relatively stable, meaning professionals will find a competitive but accessible landscape for employment opportunities within this sector.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Protective Service Occupations

Comparing salaries near San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA

Hiring Protective Service Occupationss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Protective Service Occupations make in San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA?

The median annual salary for a Protective Service Occupations in San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA is $70,340. This typically ranges from $37,120 for entry-level positions to $122,140 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA is 60.5% higher than the national median of $43,820.

Is San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA a lucrative place for Protective Service Occupationss?

Yes, with a caveat regarding cost of living.The average salary of $70,340 is significantly higher than the national average, making it appear lucrative. However, the local cost of living is also at the national average, meaning the increased salary is offset by local expenses.

Is San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA a good place to live for Protective Service Occupations?

The Cost of Living Index in San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA?

Some top paying nearby cities include Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA ($67,190) and El Centro, CA.

How does the San Diego salary compare to the national average for Protective Service Occupations?

The average annual salary in San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA, is $70,340, which is substantially higher than the national average of $43,820.

What is the size of the Protective Service Occupations workforce in San Diego?

The San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA metropolitan area employs approximately 36,000 individuals in Protective Service Occupations.

How does the concentration of Protective Service jobs in San Diego compare to the rest of the country?

The Location Quotient of 0.99 indicates that the concentration of Protective Service Occupations in San Diego is nearly identical to the national average, suggesting a balanced market.

Does the cost of living in San Diego affect the value of the Protective Service salary?

The Cost of Living Index in San Diego is 100, matching the national average. Therefore, the higher nominal salary of $70,340 offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 36,000 employees in the San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA area with a job density of 23.481 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.