Average Security Guards Salary in Athens-Clarke County, GA
Security Guards in Athens-Clarke County, GA, can expect an average annual salary of $45,410, which is notably higher than the national average of $42,450. This elevated compensation is often a reflection of the specific economic conditions and demand dynamics within the county, influencing the pay scale for essential roles like security personnel.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $45,410 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 40.3% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $95,520.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 850 Security Guards and a Location Quotient of 1.1, Athens-Clarke County demonstrates a concentration of these roles slightly above the national average. This suggests a stable, and potentially growing, demand for security professionals within the region, indicating a robust job market for those in this field.
Salary Overview
The average Security Guards in Athens-Clarke County, GA earns+7.0%above the national average.
$21.8
$873
$3,784
Security Guards Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Security Guards in Athens-Clarke County have experienced steady growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Economic development and an increasing need for security services typically drive incremental salary increases, ensuring compensation remains competitive.
Security Guards Salary Distribution in Athens-Clarke County, GA
The salary trajectory for Security Guards in Athens-Clarke County typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower percentiles, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills or supervisory responsibilities can command salaries in the higher percentiles. These percentile gaps clearly signify opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cadet / RecruitAcademy training and probationary period. | 10% (Entry) | $26,290 | $12.6 |
| OfficerPatrol duties, handling standard calls. | 25% (Junior) | $34,058 | $16.4 |
| Senior OfficerField training officer, specialized unit. | 50% (Median) | $32,240 | $15.5 |
| Sergeant / Lt.Shift supervisor, squad leader. | 75% (Senior) | $56,763 | $27.3 |
| Captain / ChiefDepartment command and administration. | 90% (Expert) | $95,520 | $45.9 |
Detailed Security Guards Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$45,410
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$45,410
Adjusted for COL (100)
An average annual salary of $45,410 in Athens-Clarke County 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 location is equivalent to the national standard, offering a stable financial footing without significant cost-of-living pressures.
Job Market Context
850
Total Jobs
8.896
Per 1K Jobs
1.1
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.10, Athens-Clarke County, GA has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Security Guards roles compared to the national norm.
The Location Quotient of 1.1 for Security Guards in Athens-Clarke County indicates a slightly higher concentration of these professionals compared to the national average. This suggests a competitive, yet well-established, job market where demand is consistent with the supply of qualified individuals.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Security Guards
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Gainesville, GA Security Guards Salary | $38,960↓ 14% | 35 mi |
| Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA Security Guards Salary | $40,850↓ 10% | 60 mi |
| South Georgia nonmetropolitan area Security Guards Salary | $39,470↓ 13% | 65 mi |
| North Georgia nonmetropolitan area Security Guards Salary | $38,550↓ 15% | 65 mi |
| Middle Georgia nonmetropolitan area Security Guards Salary | $33,880↓ 25% | 65 mi |
Comparing salaries near Athens-Clarke County, GA
Hiring Security Guardss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Security Guards make in Athens-Clarke County, GA?
The median annual salary for a Security Guards in Athens-Clarke County, GA is $45,410. This typically ranges from $26,290 for entry-level positions to $95,520 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Athens-Clarke County, GA is 7.0% higher than the national median of $42,450.
Is Athens-Clarke County, GA a lucrative place for Security Guards?
Yes, it offers competitive compensation.Security Guards in Athens-Clarke County earn approximately $2,960 more annually than the national average. Coupled with a cost of living that matches the national average, this makes the location financially favorable for the profession.
Is Athens-Clarke County, GA a good place to live for Security Guards?
The Cost of Living Index in Athens-Clarke County, GA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Athens-Clarke County, GA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Gainesville, GA ($38,960) and Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA.
What is the average salary for a Security Guard in Athens-Clarke County, GA?
The average annual salary for a Security Guard in Athens-Clarke County, GA is $45,410.
How does the Athens-Clarke County salary compare to the national average?
The average salary in Athens-Clarke County is $45,410, which is $2,960 higher than the national average of $42,450.
What is the Cost of Living Index in Athens-Clarke County, GA?
The Cost of Living Index in Athens-Clarke County, GA is 100, which is the same as the national average.
How concentrated is the Security Guard job market in Athens-Clarke County, GA?
The job market for Security Guards is slightly more concentrated in Athens-Clarke County, GA, with a Location Quotient of 1.1, indicating a presence slightly above 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 850 employees in the Athens-Clarke County, GA area with a job density of 8.896 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 Athens-Clarke County, GA