Average Security Guards Salary in Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD
Security Guards in the Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD metropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $43,040. This figure slightly surpasses the national average of $42,450, indicating a favorable compensation landscape for these essential professionals. Local economic factors and demand within the region likely contribute to this competitive pay.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $43,040 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 24.9% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $56,760.
- Outlook: With a substantial local workforce of 15,310 Security Guards, the Baltimore-Columbia-Towson area demonstrates a significant concentration of these roles. The Location Quotient of 1.42 suggests that this profession is more prevalent here than the national average, pointing towards a robust and potentially growing job market for security personnel.
Salary Overview
The average Security Guards in Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD earns+1.4%above the national average.
$20.7
$828
$3,587
Security Guards Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Security Guards in Baltimore-Columbia-Towson have seen consistent growth over the past four years, mirroring general economic trends and inflation. This upward trajectory in compensation is typical for roles experiencing steady demand and a stable workforce.
Security Guards Salary Distribution in Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD
Salary progression for Security Guards in Baltimore-Columbia-Towson is closely tied to experience and specialization. Entry-level positions typically start at the lower end of the pay scale, while senior guards with extensive experience, specialized certifications, or supervisory responsibilities can command significantly higher salaries, often reaching into the upper percentiles.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cadet / RecruitAcademy training and probationary period. | 10% (Entry) | $32,850 | $15.8 |
| OfficerPatrol duties, handling standard calls. | 25% (Junior) | $32,280 | $15.5 |
| Senior OfficerField training officer, specialized unit. | 50% (Median) | $37,440 | $18 |
| Sergeant / Lt.Shift supervisor, squad leader. | 75% (Senior) | $53,800 | $25.9 |
| Captain / ChiefDepartment command and administration. | 90% (Expert) | $56,760 | $27.3 |
Detailed Security Guards Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$43,040
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$43,040
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $43,040 in Baltimore-Columbia-Towson 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 area is equivalent to the national average, offering a stable financial foundation without the added pressure of higher living expenses.
Job Market Context
15,310
Total Jobs
11.418
Per 1K Jobs
1.42
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.42, Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD 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 Baltimore-Columbia-Towson signifies a notable concentration of these jobs compared to the national benchmark. This suggests a higher demand relative to the national average, potentially leading to more opportunities and a competitive job market for skilled security professionals in the area.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Security Guards
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Maryland nonmetropolitan area Security Guards Salary | $41,590↓ 3% | 19 mi |
| Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV Security Guards Salary | $55,040↑ 28% | 35 mi |
| York-Hanover, PA Security Guards Salary | $37,880↓ 12% | 47 mi |
| Gettysburg, PA Security Guards Salary | $37,510↓ 13% | 50 mi |
| Lancaster, PA Security Guards Salary | $39,070↓ 9% | 55 mi |
Comparing salaries near Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD
Hiring Security Guardss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Security Guards make in Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD?
The median annual salary for a Security Guards in Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD is $43,040. This typically ranges from $32,850 for entry-level positions to $56,760 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD is 1.4% higher than the national median of $42,450.
Is Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD a lucrative place for Security Guards?
Yes, it offers competitive compensation.Security Guards in this area earn slightly above the national average salary, and the cost of living is on par with the national average, making it a financially stable location.
Is Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD a good place to live for Security Guards?
The Cost of Living Index in Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD?
Some top paying nearby cities include Maryland nonmetropolitan area ($41,590) and Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV.
How does the number of Security Guards in Baltimore compare to the national average?
Baltimore-Columbia-Towson has 11.418 Security Guards per 1,000 workers, which is significantly higher than the national average, indicating a strong local presence of this profession.
What is the significance of the Location Quotient (LQ) for Security Guards in this area?
An LQ of 1.42 means that Security Guard jobs are 42% more concentrated in Baltimore-Columbia-Towson than the national average, suggesting higher demand and potentially more job availability.
Does experience significantly impact a Security Guard's salary in Baltimore?
Yes, experience is a key factor; entry-level positions offer lower pay, while senior or specialized roles command higher salaries, reflecting career advancement within the field.
How does the cost of living affect the real value of a Security Guard's salary in Baltimore?
With a cost of living index of 100, the $43,040 average salary has the same purchasing power as the national average, meaning your earnings stretch as far as they would nationally.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 15,310 employees in the Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD area with a job density of 11.418 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 Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD