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Average Security Guards Salary in Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY

Security Guards in the Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY area earn an average annual salary of $44,570, which is notably higher than the national average of $42,450. This localized premium is often influenced by regional economic factors, demand for protective services, and the specific operational needs within the state capital region.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $44,570 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 19.6% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $59,070.
  • Outlook: With a local workforce of 2,270 Security Guards, the Albany-Schenectady-Troy area demonstrates a stable employment base for this profession. The Location Quotient of 0.64 suggests that while the concentration of Security Guards is slightly below the national average, the absolute number indicates a consistent demand for these essential services within the region.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$44,570

The average Security Guards in Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY earns+5.0%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$21.4

Weekly

$857

Monthly

$3,714

Security Guards Salary Distribution in Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY

Career progression for Security Guards typically involves a salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills or supervisory roles can command significantly higher salaries, potentially reaching the upper percentiles. The salary distribution reflects these experience-based advancements.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Cadet / RecruitAcademy training and probationary period.10% (Entry)$34,380$16.5
OfficerPatrol duties, handling standard calls.25% (Junior)$33,428$16.1
Senior OfficerField training officer, specialized unit.50% (Median)$43,040$20.7
Sergeant / Lt.Shift supervisor, squad leader.75% (Senior)$55,713$26.8
Captain / ChiefDepartment command and administration.90% (Expert)$59,070$28.4

Detailed Security Guards Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$44,570

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$44,570

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $44,570 in Albany-Schenectady-Troy aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a Security Guard's salary in this region is equivalent to the national average, offering a stable financial standing without significant gains or losses in real terms.

Job Market Context

2,270

Total Jobs

5.123

Per 1K Jobs

0.64

Location Quotient

Below Average

Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY has 0.64x the national average concentration of Security Guards jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.

A Location Quotient of 0.64 indicates that Security Guards are less concentrated in the Albany-Schenectady-Troy area compared to the national average. This suggests that while the profession is present, it is not a dominant industry, potentially leading to a moderately competitive job market where demand is steady but not overwhelmingly high.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Security Guards

Comparing salaries near Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY

Hiring Security Guardss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Security Guards make in Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY?

The median annual salary for a Security Guards in Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY is $44,570. This typically ranges from $34,380 for entry-level positions to $59,070 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY is 5.0% higher than the national median of $42,450.

Is Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY a lucrative place for Security Guards?

Yes, slightly more lucrative than the national average.Security Guards in this region earn $44,570 annually, exceeding the national average of $42,450. The cost of living is also at the national average, making the salary's purchasing power equivalent.

Is Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY a good place to live for Security Guards?

The Cost of Living Index in Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY?

Some top paying nearby cities include Pittsfield, MA ($48,120) and Glens Falls, NY.

How does the number of Security Guards in Albany compare nationally?

Albany-Schenectady-Troy has 2,270 Security Guards, with 5.123 jobs per 1,000 workers, which is below the national concentration indicated by a Location Quotient of 0.64.

What is the cost of living impact on Security Guard salaries in Albany?

The Cost of Living Index is 100, meaning it matches the national average. Therefore, the $44,570 salary has the same purchasing power as the national average salary.

Are there many job opportunities for Security Guards in Albany?

The market shows a stable workforce of 2,270, suggesting consistent demand, though the lower Location Quotient indicates it's not a primary hub for the profession.

Does experience significantly affect a Security Guard's salary in this area?

Yes, as with most professions, experience typically leads to higher salaries, with senior or specialized roles commanding pay in the upper percentiles compared to entry-level positions.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 2,270 employees in the Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY area with a job density of 5.123 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.