SalaryNode

Average Security Guards Salary in Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA

Security Guards in the Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA area earn an average annual salary of $43,640. This figure slightly surpasses the national average of $42,450, indicating a modest premium for security professionals in this region. Local economic factors and demand dynamics likely contribute to this slightly elevated compensation.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $43,640 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 30.6% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $61,040.
  • Outlook: The Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA area supports a local workforce of 390 Security Guards. While the Location Quotient of 0.66 suggests a concentration below the national average, the presence of 5.278 jobs per 1,000 workers indicates a steady, albeit not overwhelmingly dense, demand for these essential services within the local economy.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$43,640

The average Security Guards in Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA earns+2.8%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$21

Weekly

$839

Monthly

$3,637

Security Guards Salary Distribution in Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA

Salary progression for Security Guards typically correlates with experience and responsibility. Entry-level positions will likely fall below the $43,640 average, while senior guards with specialized skills or supervisory roles can command significantly higher compensation. The percentile gaps in salary distribution signify clear career advancement pathways within the profession.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Cadet / RecruitAcademy training and probationary period.10% (Entry)$29,750$14.3
OfficerPatrol duties, handling standard calls.25% (Junior)$32,730$15.7
Senior OfficerField training officer, specialized unit.50% (Median)$37,140$17.9
Sergeant / Lt.Shift supervisor, squad leader.75% (Senior)$54,550$26.2
Captain / ChiefDepartment command and administration.90% (Expert)$61,040$29.3

Detailed Security Guards Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$43,640

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$43,640

Adjusted for COL (100)

With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA area is perfectly aligned with the national average. This means the nominal salary of $43,640 for Security Guards holds its purchasing power directly against the national standard, offering no significant advantage or disadvantage in terms of real income for those considering relocation.

Job Market Context

390

Total Jobs

5.278

Per 1K Jobs

0.66

Location Quotient

Below Average

Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA has 0.66x 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.

The Location Quotient of 0.66 for Security Guards in Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA indicates that the profession is less concentrated here compared to the national average. This suggests that while there is a consistent need for security personnel, the market may not be saturated, potentially offering stable employment opportunities for qualified individuals.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Security Guards

Comparing salaries near Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA

Hiring Security Guardss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Security Guards make in Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA?

The median annual salary for a Security Guards in Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA is $43,640. This typically ranges from $29,750 for entry-level positions to $61,040 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA is 2.8% higher than the national median of $42,450.

Is Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA a lucrative place for Security Guards?

Moderately. The average salary is slightly above the national average, and the cost of living is on par.Security Guards in this area earn $43,640 annually, which is higher than the national average. However, with a Cost of Living Index of 100, the purchasing power of this salary is equivalent to the national average.

Is Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA a good place to live for Security Guards?

The Cost of Living Index in Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA?

Some top paying nearby cities include Roanoke, VA ($42,120) and Beckley, WV.

How does the Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA salary compare to the national average?

The average annual salary for Security Guards in Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA is $43,640, which is slightly higher than the national average of $42,450.

What is the Cost of Living in Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA?

The Cost of Living Index for Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA is 100, which is exactly the national average.

How concentrated is the Security Guard job market in this area?

The Location Quotient is 0.66, meaning the concentration of Security Guards is lower than the national average.

How many Security Guard jobs are there per 1,000 workers in Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA?

There are approximately 5.278 Security Guard jobs per 1,000 workers in the Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA area.

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 Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA area with a job density of 5.278 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.