Average Security Guards Salary in Altoona, PA
Security Guards in Altoona, PA, can expect an average annual salary of $35,920. This figure is notably below the national average of $42,450, suggesting that local economic factors and demand dynamics play a significant role in compensation within this specific region. Understanding these local nuances is crucial for anyone considering a career in security services here.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $35,920 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 36.1% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $43,930.
- Outlook: With a total local workforce of 250 Security Guards, Altoona, PA, presents a modest but stable job market. The Location Quotient of 0.54 indicates that the concentration of these roles is below the national average, implying a potentially less saturated but also less robust demand compared to larger metropolitan areas. The presence of 4.312 jobs per 1,000 workers suggests a consistent, albeit not rapidly expanding, need for security professionals.
Salary Overview
The average Security Guards in Altoona, PA earns-15.4%below the national average.
$17.3
$691
$2,993
Security Guards Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Altoona, PA's Security Guard salaries over the past four years is not provided, it's reasonable to assume a general upward trend mirroring national patterns. Economic shifts and inflation typically drive salary increases across most professions, and Security Guards are likely no exception, with annual increments reflecting cost of living adjustments and evolving market demands.
Security Guards Salary Distribution in Altoona, PA
Career progression for Security Guards in Altoona, PA, typically involves a salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions may start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills or supervisory responsibilities can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings between junior and senior roles signify clear opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential within the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cadet / RecruitAcademy training and probationary period. | 10% (Entry) | $28,540 | $13.7 |
| OfficerPatrol duties, handling standard calls. | 25% (Junior) | $26,940 | $13 |
| Senior OfficerField training officer, specialized unit. | 50% (Median) | $35,350 | $17 |
| Sergeant / Lt.Shift supervisor, squad leader. | 75% (Senior) | $44,900 | $21.6 |
| Captain / ChiefDepartment command and administration. | 90% (Expert) | $43,930 | $21.1 |
Detailed Security Guards Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$35,920
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$35,920
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary for Security Guards in Altoona, PA, stands at $35,920, aligning precisely with the national Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the nominal income earned by a Security Guard in Altoona has purchasing power equivalent to the national average, indicating a balanced financial landscape where the salary effectively meets the standard cost of living expenses.
Job Market Context
250
Total Jobs
4.312
Per 1K Jobs
0.54
Location Quotient
Altoona, PA has 0.54x 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.
Altoona, PA's Location Quotient of 0.54 for Security Guards signifies that the profession is less concentrated here than the national average. This suggests that while there may not be an overwhelming abundance of security guard positions compared to other areas, the market is not oversaturated either, potentially offering a stable environment for those seeking employment in this sector without intense competition.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Security Guards
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Johnstown, PA Security Guards Salary | $33,160↓ 8% | 30 mi |
| State College, PA Security Guards Salary | $38,020↑ 6% | 35 mi |
| Chambersburg, PA Security Guards Salary | $44,130↑ 23% | 56 mi |
| Hagerstown-Martinsburg, MD-WV Security Guards Salary | $38,690↑ 8% | 70 mi |
| Gettysburg, PA Security Guards Salary | $37,510↑ 4% | 77 mi |
Comparing salaries near Altoona, PA
Hiring Security Guardss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Security Guards make in Altoona, PA?
The median annual salary for a Security Guards in Altoona, PA is $35,920. This typically ranges from $28,540 for entry-level positions to $43,930 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Altoona, PA is 15.4% lower than the national median of $42,450.
Is Altoona, PA a lucrative place for Security Guards?
No, Altoona, PA is not a particularly lucrative place for Security Guards.The average salary of $35,920 is significantly lower than the national average, although the cost of living is on par with the national average.
Is Altoona, PA a good place to live for Security Guards?
The Cost of Living Index in Altoona, PA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Altoona, PA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Johnstown, PA ($33,160) and State College, PA.
How does Altoona's Security Guard salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Security Guards in Altoona, PA, is $35,920, which is approximately $6,530 less than the national average of $42,450.
What is the concentration of Security Guards in Altoona, PA?
The Location Quotient for Security Guards in Altoona, PA, is 0.54, indicating that the profession is less concentrated in this area compared to the national average.
Does the cost of living affect the Security Guard salary in Altoona, PA?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, Altoona, PA, matches the national average. This means the $35,920 salary provides purchasing power equivalent to the national average, making the lower nominal salary more manageable.
What is the total number of Security Guards employed in Altoona, PA?
There are approximately 250 Security Guards employed in Altoona, PA, representing a localized workforce for this profession.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 250 employees in the Altoona, PA area with a job density of 4.312 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 Altoona, PA