Average Security Guards Salary in Albuquerque, NM
Security Guards in Albuquerque, NM, earn an average annual salary of $45,170, which is notably higher than the national average of $42,450. This elevated compensation is often a reflection of localized demand and the specific economic conditions within the Albuquerque metropolitan area. The concentration of security roles and the cost of living also play a significant part in shaping these local pay scales.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $45,170 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 54.7% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $61,160.
- Outlook: Albuquerque's security guard job market appears robust, evidenced by a substantial local workforce of 4,580 professionals. The Location Quotient of 1.42 indicates a higher concentration of these roles compared to the national average, suggesting a strong and potentially growing demand for security personnel within the region.
Salary Overview
The average Security Guards in Albuquerque, NM earns+6.4%above the national average.
$21.7
$869
$3,764
Security Guards Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Albuquerque's security guard salaries over the past four years is not provided, it is reasonable to assume a general upward trend mirroring national patterns. Economic factors and evolving security needs typically drive incremental salary growth for essential roles like security guards, suggesting a positive trajectory for compensation in this field.
Security Guards Salary Distribution in Albuquerque, NM
Salary progression for Security Guards in Albuquerque typically correlates with experience and specialized skills. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with supervisory responsibilities or advanced certifications can command significantly higher salaries, often reaching into the upper percentiles of the $45,170 average.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cadet / RecruitAcademy training and probationary period. | 10% (Entry) | $30,360 | $14.6 |
| OfficerPatrol duties, handling standard calls. | 25% (Junior) | $33,878 | $16.3 |
| Senior OfficerField training officer, specialized unit. | 50% (Median) | $38,620 | $18.6 |
| Sergeant / Lt.Shift supervisor, squad leader. | 75% (Senior) | $56,463 | $27.1 |
| Captain / ChiefDepartment command and administration. | 90% (Expert) | $61,160 | $29.4 |
Detailed Security Guards Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$45,170
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$45,170
Adjusted for COL (100)
With an average annual salary of $45,170 and a Cost of Living Index of 100 (matching the national average), Security Guards in Albuquerque experience a salary that directly aligns with the typical cost of living nationwide. This means that the nominal salary offers a purchasing power equivalent to the national average, providing a stable financial foundation within the city.
Job Market Context
4,580
Total Jobs
11.424
Per 1K Jobs
1.42
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.42, Albuquerque, NM has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Security Guards roles compared to the national norm.
The Location Quotient of 1.42 for Security Guards in Albuquerque signifies a market where these professionals are more concentrated than the national average. This suggests a higher demand relative to the general workforce, potentially leading to more job opportunities and competitive compensation as employers seek to attract and retain qualified personnel in this active sector.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Security Guards
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Eastern New Mexico nonmetropolitan area Security Guards Salary | $43,530↓ 4% | 29 mi |
| Northern New Mexico nonmetropolitan area Security Guards Salary | $53,840↑ 19% | 29 mi |
| Santa Fe, NM Security Guards Salary | $42,370↓ 6% | 54 mi |
Comparing salaries near Albuquerque, NM
Hiring Security Guardss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Security Guards make in Albuquerque, NM?
The median annual salary for a Security Guards in Albuquerque, NM is $45,170. This typically ranges from $30,360 for entry-level positions to $61,160 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Albuquerque, NM is 6.4% higher than the national median of $42,450.
Is Albuquerque, NM a lucrative place for Security Guards?
Yes, Albuquerque offers a lucrative environment for Security Guards.Security Guards in Albuquerque earn above the national average salary, and the local cost of living is on par with the national average, indicating strong purchasing power.
Is Albuquerque, NM a good place to live for Security Guards?
The Cost of Living Index in Albuquerque, NM is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Albuquerque, NM?
Some top paying nearby cities include Eastern New Mexico nonmetropolitan area ($43,530) and Northern New Mexico nonmetropolitan area.
How does Albuquerque's Security Guard salary compare to the national average?
Security Guards in Albuquerque earn an average of $45,170 annually, which is higher than the national average of $42,450.
What is the significance of Albuquerque's Location Quotient for Security Guards?
A Location Quotient of 1.42 indicates that Security Guard jobs are more concentrated in Albuquerque than the national average, suggesting higher demand and potentially more opportunities.
Does the cost of living affect the value of a Security Guard's salary in Albuquerque?
No, the cost of living in Albuquerque is exactly at the national average (100), meaning the $45,170 salary provides average national purchasing power.
How many Security Guards are employed in Albuquerque?
There are approximately 4,580 Security Guards employed in the Albuquerque area, representing a significant portion of the local workforce.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 4,580 employees in the Albuquerque, NM area with a job density of 11.424 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Security Guards • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Albuquerque, NM