Average Security Guards Salary in Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ
Security Guards in the Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ area earn an average annual salary of $42,070. This figure is slightly below the national average of $42,450, indicating a localized compensation structure influenced by regional economic factors and demand within the metropolitan area. The specific pay rates reflect the unique labor market dynamics of this bi-state region.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $42,070 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 43.1% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $48,070.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 2,750 Security Guards, the Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton area demonstrates a stable employment base for this profession. The Location Quotient of 0.92 suggests that the concentration of Security Guards is nearly on par with the national average, implying a steady but not exceptionally high demand relative to other occupations in the region. This indicates a consistent job market for skilled security professionals.
Salary Overview
The average Security Guards in Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ earns-0.9%below the national average.
$20.2
$809
$3,506
Security Guards Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Security Guards in Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. This growth is typically driven by inflation, increased demand for security services, and the need to attract and retain qualified personnel in a competitive labor market.
Security Guards Salary Distribution in Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ
Salary progression for Security Guards in Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ typically correlates with experience and specialization. Entry-level positions may start at the lower end of the pay scale, while senior guards with extensive experience, supervisory responsibilities, or specialized certifications can command significantly higher salaries, often reaching into the upper percentiles of the pay distribution.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cadet / RecruitAcademy training and probationary period. | 10% (Entry) | $30,820 | $14.8 |
| OfficerPatrol duties, handling standard calls. | 25% (Junior) | $31,553 | $15.2 |
| Senior OfficerField training officer, specialized unit. | 50% (Median) | $36,210 | $17.4 |
| Sergeant / Lt.Shift supervisor, squad leader. | 75% (Senior) | $52,588 | $25.3 |
| Captain / ChiefDepartment command and administration. | 90% (Expert) | $48,070 | $23.1 |
Detailed Security Guards Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$42,070
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$42,070
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $42,070 in Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the purchasing power of a Security Guard's salary in this region is equivalent to the national standard, suggesting that the nominal wage accurately reflects the local cost of goods and services.
Job Market Context
2,750
Total Jobs
7.427
Per 1K Jobs
0.92
Location Quotient
Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ has 0.92x 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 0.92 for Security Guards in Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ indicates that the job market is slightly less concentrated than the national average. This suggests that while the profession is well-represented, there isn't an overabundance of Security Guards compared to other job roles within the region, potentially offering a balanced competitive landscape for job seekers.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Security Guards
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Reading, PA Security Guards Salary | $39,210↓ 7% | 30 mi |
| Trenton-Princeton, NJ Security Guards Salary | $40,270↓ 4% | 45 mi |
| Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD Security Guards Salary | $43,440↑ 3% | 47 mi |
| Lebanon, PA Security Guards Salary | $39,340↓ 6% | 53 mi |
| Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA Security Guards Salary | $39,900↓ 5% | 57 mi |
Comparing salaries near Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Security Guards make in Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ?
The median annual salary for a Security Guards in Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ is $42,070. This typically ranges from $30,820 for entry-level positions to $48,070 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ is 0.9% lower than the national median of $42,450.
Is Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ a lucrative place for Security Guards?
No, it is not significantly more lucrative than the national average.The average salary is slightly below the national average, and the cost of living is exactly at the national average, offering no distinct financial advantage.
Is Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ a good place to live for Security Guards?
The Cost of Living Index in Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ?
Some top paying nearby cities include Reading, PA ($39,210) and Trenton-Princeton, NJ.
How does the local job market compare to the national average for Security Guards?
The local market has a concentration of Security Guards (Location Quotient of 0.92) that is very close to the national average, indicating a similar level of job availability relative to the overall workforce.
What is the total number of Security Guards employed in Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ?
There are approximately 2,750 Security Guards employed within the Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ metropolitan area.
Does the cost of living affect the Security Guard salary in this area?
The cost of living in Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ is at the national average (100), meaning the $42,070 salary provides purchasing power equivalent to the national median.
How many Security Guard jobs are there per 1,000 workers in this region?
For every 1,000 workers in the Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ area, there are approximately 7.427 jobs for Security Guards.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 2,750 employees in the Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ area with a job density of 7.427 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 Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ