Average Security Guards Salary in Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH
Security Guards in the Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH metropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $46,270. This figure slightly surpasses the national average of $42,450, indicating a localized premium for the role. This elevated compensation is likely influenced by the region's robust economic activity and the specific demands of its diverse industries, which require a consistent security presence.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $46,270 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $57,830.
- Outlook: With a substantial local workforce of 19,650 Security Guards, the Boston-Cambridge-Newton area demonstrates a significant concentration of these professionals. The Location Quotient of 0.9 suggests that the employment of Security Guards is nearly on par with the national average, indicating a stable and consistent demand for these services within the region's economic landscape.
Salary Overview
The average Security Guards in Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH earns+9.0%above the national average.
$22.3
$890
$3,856
Security Guards Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Security Guards in the Boston-Cambridge-Newton area have experienced steady growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. This upward trajectory is typically driven by inflation, increased demand for security services, and the need to attract and retain qualified personnel in a competitive job market.
Security Guards Salary Distribution in Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH
Salary progression for Security Guards in Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH is typically tied to experience and specialization. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with advanced certifications or supervisory roles can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings clearly signify opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential within the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cadet / RecruitAcademy training and probationary period. | 10% (Entry) | $36,340 | $17.5 |
| OfficerPatrol duties, handling standard calls. | 25% (Junior) | $34,703 | $16.7 |
| Senior OfficerField training officer, specialized unit. | 50% (Median) | $45,300 | $21.8 |
| Sergeant / Lt.Shift supervisor, squad leader. | 75% (Senior) | $57,838 | $27.8 |
| Captain / ChiefDepartment command and administration. | 90% (Expert) | $57,830 | $27.8 |
Detailed Security Guards Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$46,270
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$46,270
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $46,270 for Security Guards in Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a Security Guard's salary in this metropolitan area is comparable to the national average, suggesting that while the nominal pay is slightly higher, the cost of living does not significantly diminish its real value.
Job Market Context
19,650
Total Jobs
7.257
Per 1K Jobs
0.9
Location Quotient
Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH has 0.90x 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 0.9 for Security Guards in Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH indicates that the concentration of these professionals is slightly below the national average. This suggests that while the job market is substantial, it may not be overly saturated, potentially offering a balanced environment for job seekers looking for opportunities without extreme competition.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Security Guards
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts nonmetropolitan area Security Guards Salary | $46,180↓ 0% | 24 mi |
| Worcester, MA Security Guards Salary | $43,220↓ 7% | 37 mi |
| Providence-Warwick, RI-MA Security Guards Salary | $40,420↓ 13% | 38 mi |
| Manchester-Nashua, NH Security Guards Salary | $45,790↓ 1% | 50 mi |
| Barnstable Town, MA Security Guards Salary | $47,780↑ 3% | 59 mi |
Comparing salaries near Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH
Hiring Security Guardss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Security Guards make in Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH?
The median annual salary for a Security Guards in Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH is $46,270. This typically ranges from $36,340 for entry-level positions to $57,830 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH is 9.0% higher than the national median of $42,450.
Is Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH a lucrative place for Security Guards?
Yes, with a slight edge over the national average.Security Guards in this area earn approximately $3,820 more annually than the national average. While the cost of living is on par with the national average, this salary premium offers a modest financial advantage.
Is Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH a good place to live for Security Guards?
The Cost of Living Index in Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH?
Some top paying nearby cities include Massachusetts nonmetropolitan area ($46,180) and Worcester, MA.
What is the average hourly wage for a Security Guard in Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH?
Based on an average annual salary of $46,270 and a standard 40-hour work week, the estimated average hourly wage for a Security Guard in this region is approximately $22.25.
How does the number of Security Guard jobs per 1,000 workers compare nationally?
With 7.257 jobs per 1,000 workers, the Boston-Cambridge-Newton area has a slightly lower concentration of Security Guard positions compared to the national average, which is reflected in its Location Quotient of 0.9.
Are there significant salary differences based on experience level for Security Guards in this area?
Yes, entry-level Security Guards will typically earn less than experienced professionals or those in supervisory roles, with salary increases reflecting accumulated skills, certifications, and responsibilities.
Does the cost of living in Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH impact the value of a Security Guard's salary?
The Cost of Living Index is 100, meaning it is exactly average nationally. Therefore, the slightly above-average salary of $46,270 provides a purchasing power that is also 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 19,650 employees in the Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH area with a job density of 7.257 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
Explore Security Guards Salaries by State
Top Jobs in Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH
- All Occupations Salary in Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH
- Office and Administrative Support Occupations Salary in Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH
- Management Occupations Salary in Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH
- Business and Financial Operations Occupations Salary in Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH
- Sales and Related Occupations Salary in Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH
- Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations Salary in Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH
- Educational Instruction and Library Occupations Salary in Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH
- Transportation and Material Moving Occupations Salary in Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH
- Computer and Mathematical Occupations Salary in Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH
- Browse All Jobs in Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH →
Semantic Salary Analysis for Security Guards • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH