Average Security Guards Salary in Birmingham, AL
Security Guards in Birmingham, AL earn an average annual salary of $33,460, which is notably below the national average of $42,450. This disparity is often influenced by local economic factors, the specific demand within the Birmingham metropolitan area, and the overall cost structure of the region.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $33,460 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $43,820.
- Outlook: Birmingham's security guard job market appears robust, with a total local workforce of 5,520 individuals in this role. The Location Quotient of 1.32 indicates a higher concentration of security guard positions in Birmingham compared to the national average, suggesting a consistent demand for these professionals within the local economy.
Salary Overview
The average Security Guards in Birmingham, AL earns-21.2%below the national average.
$16.1
$643
$2,788
Security Guards Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries for Security Guards in Birmingham, as in many other professions, have experienced gradual growth over the past four years. This trend is typically driven by inflation, increasing demand for security services, and the need for employers to remain competitive in attracting and retaining qualified personnel.
Security Guards Salary Distribution in Birmingham, AL
Career progression for Security Guards in Birmingham 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 reflect these opportunities for advancement and increased earning potential.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cadet / RecruitAcademy training and probationary period. | 10% (Entry) | $23,170 | $11.1 |
| OfficerPatrol duties, handling standard calls. | 25% (Junior) | $25,095 | $12.1 |
| Senior OfficerField training officer, specialized unit. | 50% (Median) | $29,990 | $14.4 |
| Sergeant / Lt.Shift supervisor, squad leader. | 75% (Senior) | $41,825 | $20.1 |
| Captain / ChiefDepartment command and administration. | 90% (Expert) | $43,820 | $21.1 |
Detailed Security Guards Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$33,460
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$33,460
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $33,460 in Birmingham, AL, aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the nominal salary is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of that salary is comparable to the national standard, making it neither exceptionally advantageous nor disadvantageous from a cost-of-living perspective.
Job Market Context
5,520
Total Jobs
10.662
Per 1K Jobs
1.32
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.32, Birmingham, AL has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Security Guards roles compared to the national norm.
With a Location Quotient of 1.32, Birmingham exhibits a higher concentration of Security Guard jobs than the national average. This suggests that the job market for security guards in Birmingham is relatively more abundant or in higher demand compared to other regions, potentially offering more employment opportunities for individuals in this field.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Security Guards
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Tuscaloosa, AL Security Guards Salary | $37,240↑ 11% | 47 mi |
| Northeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area Security Guards Salary | $32,090↓ 4% | 50 mi |
| Southeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area Security Guards Salary | $35,270↑ 5% | 50 mi |
| Northwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area Security Guards Salary | $32,830↓ 2% | 50 mi |
| Southwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area Security Guards Salary | $31,880↓ 5% | 50 mi |
Comparing salaries near Birmingham, AL
Hiring Security Guardss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Security Guards make in Birmingham, AL?
The median annual salary for a Security Guards in Birmingham, AL is $33,460. This typically ranges from $23,170 for entry-level positions to $43,820 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Birmingham, AL is 21.2% lower than the national median of $42,450.
Is Birmingham, AL a lucrative place for Security Guards?
No, not compared to the national average.The average salary of $33,460 is significantly lower than the national average of $42,450. However, the cost of living is average, meaning the lower salary's purchasing power is on par with the national average.
Is Birmingham, AL a good place to live for Security Guards?
The Cost of Living Index in Birmingham, AL is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Birmingham, AL?
Some top paying nearby cities include Tuscaloosa, AL ($37,240) and Northeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area.
How does Birmingham's Security Guard salary compare to the national average?
Security Guards in Birmingham, AL, earn an average of $33,460 annually, which is approximately $9,000 less than the national average salary of $42,450.
What is the concentration of Security Guards in Birmingham, AL?
Birmingham has a higher concentration of Security Guards than the national average, indicated by a Location Quotient of 1.32. This suggests a stronger local demand for these roles.
How does the Cost of Living in Birmingham affect the Security Guard salary?
Birmingham's Cost of Living Index is 100, which is the national average. This means the $33,460 salary has a purchasing power equivalent to the national average, despite being lower in nominal terms.
Are there many Security Guard jobs in Birmingham, AL?
Yes, with 10.662 jobs per 1,000 workers and a total local workforce of 5,520 in this role, Birmingham shows a significant presence and demand 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 5,520 employees in the Birmingham, AL area with a job density of 10.662 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 Birmingham, AL