Average Security Guards Salary in Bellingham, WA
Security Guards in Bellingham, WA earn an average annual salary of $47,860, which is notably higher than the national average of $42,450. This elevated compensation can be attributed to a combination of local economic factors and the specific demands of the security sector within the region.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $47,860 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 54.8% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $72,520.
- Outlook: Bellingham's security guard job market, with a total local workforce of 390 individuals, presents a moderate concentration as indicated by a Location Quotient of 0.53. While not a heavily concentrated field, the presence of 4.298 jobs per 1,000 workers suggests a steady demand for security professionals within the local economy.
Salary Overview
The average Security Guards in Bellingham, WA earns+12.7%above the national average.
$23
$920
$3,988
Security Guards Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Bellingham'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 growth and inflation typically drive salary increases across most professions, and the security industry is unlikely to be an exception, suggesting potential for continued wage appreciation.
Security Guards Salary Distribution in Bellingham, WA
Salary progression for Security Guards in Bellingham, WA, typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to 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 reflect this career trajectory, rewarding increased expertise and tenure.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cadet / RecruitAcademy training and probationary period. | 10% (Entry) | $35,510 | $17.1 |
| OfficerPatrol duties, handling standard calls. | 25% (Junior) | $35,895 | $17.3 |
| Senior OfficerField training officer, specialized unit. | 50% (Median) | $43,740 | $21 |
| Sergeant / Lt.Shift supervisor, squad leader. | 75% (Senior) | $59,825 | $28.8 |
| Captain / ChiefDepartment command and administration. | 90% (Expert) | $72,520 | $34.9 |
Detailed Security Guards Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$47,860
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$47,860
Adjusted for COL (100)
For individuals considering a move to Bellingham, WA, the average Security Guard salary of $47,860 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 Bellingham is equivalent to the national average, offering a stable financial outlook without the added pressure of a higher cost of living.
Job Market Context
390
Total Jobs
4.298
Per 1K Jobs
0.53
Location Quotient
Bellingham, WA has 0.53x 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.
With a Location Quotient of 0.53, the market for Security Guards in Bellingham, WA, is less concentrated than the national average. This suggests that while the demand exists, the field is not oversaturated, potentially offering good opportunities for qualified individuals. The number of jobs per 1,000 workers (4.298) indicates a consistent, albeit not exceptionally high, level of employment in this sector.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Security Guards
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Mount Vernon-Anacortes, WA Security Guards Salary | $50,940↑ 6% | 24 mi |
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA Security Guards Salary | $53,000↑ 11% | 80 mi |
| Bremerton-Silverdale-Port Orchard, WA Security Guards Salary | $52,690↑ 10% | 84 mi |
Comparing salaries near Bellingham, WA
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Security Guards make in Bellingham, WA?
The median annual salary for a Security Guards in Bellingham, WA is $47,860. This typically ranges from $35,510 for entry-level positions to $72,520 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Bellingham, WA is 12.7% higher than the national median of $42,450.
Is Bellingham, WA a lucrative place for Security Guards?
Yes, moderately so.Security Guards in Bellingham earn above the national average salary, and the cost of living is on par with the national average, indicating good purchasing power.
Is Bellingham, WA a good place to live for Security Guards?
The Cost of Living Index in Bellingham, WA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Bellingham, WA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Mount Vernon-Anacortes, WA ($50,940) and Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA.
How does Bellingham's Security Guard salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Security Guards in Bellingham, WA is $47,860, which is higher than the national average of $42,450.
What is the cost of living in Bellingham, WA?
Bellingham, WA has a Cost of Living Index of 100, which is exactly the national average.
How concentrated is the Security Guard job market in Bellingham?
The Security Guard job market in Bellingham has a Location Quotient of 0.53, indicating it is less concentrated than the national average.
How many Security Guards are employed in Bellingham?
There are approximately 390 Security Guards employed in Bellingham, WA, with about 4.298 jobs per 1,000 workers.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 390 employees in the Bellingham, WA area with a job density of 4.298 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 Bellingham, WA