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Average Security Guards Salary in Cedar Rapids, IA

Security Guards in Cedar Rapids, IA, earn an average annual salary of $39,610. This figure is slightly below the national average of $42,450, suggesting localized economic factors and demand play a role in compensation within the region. The specific economic landscape and the concentration of security-related industries in Cedar Rapids influence these pay rates.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $39,610 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 8.0% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $48,020.
  • Outlook: With a local workforce of 990 Security Guards, Cedar Rapids presents a stable, albeit not exceptionally concentrated, job market for this profession. The Location Quotient of 0.89 indicates that the employment of Security Guards is slightly less prevalent than the national average, suggesting a moderate level of demand and opportunity within the city's employment ecosystem.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$39,610

The average Security Guards in Cedar Rapids, IA earns-6.7%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$19

Weekly

$762

Monthly

$3,301

Security Guards Salary Distribution in Cedar Rapids, IA

Salary progression for Security Guards in Cedar Rapids typically correlates with experience and specialized skills. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with certifications or supervisory roles can command significantly higher salaries, reflecting the increasing value and responsibility they bring to their employers.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Cadet / RecruitAcademy training and probationary period.10% (Entry)$31,080$14.9
OfficerPatrol duties, handling standard calls.25% (Junior)$29,708$14.3
Senior OfficerField training officer, specialized unit.50% (Median)$37,380$18
Sergeant / Lt.Shift supervisor, squad leader.75% (Senior)$49,513$23.8
Captain / ChiefDepartment command and administration.90% (Expert)$48,020$23.1

Detailed Security Guards Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$39,610

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$39,610

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $39,610 in Cedar Rapids 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 Cedar Rapids is comparable to the national average, offering a balanced financial standing relative to the cost of everyday expenses.

Job Market Context

990

Total Jobs

7.129

Per 1K Jobs

0.89

Location Quotient

Below Average

Cedar Rapids, IA has 0.89x 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.

A Location Quotient of 0.89 for Security Guards in Cedar Rapids suggests that the profession is slightly underrepresented compared to the national average. This indicates a potentially less saturated market, which could offer stable employment opportunities, though perhaps with less intense competition than in areas with higher concentration.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Security Guards

Comparing salaries near Cedar Rapids, IA

Hiring Security Guardss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Security Guards make in Cedar Rapids, IA?

The median annual salary for a Security Guards in Cedar Rapids, IA is $39,610. This typically ranges from $31,080 for entry-level positions to $48,020 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Cedar Rapids, IA is 6.7% lower than the national median of $42,450.

Is Cedar Rapids, IA a lucrative place for Security Guards?

No, not particularly lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $39,610 is below the national average of $42,450, and the job market concentration is slightly lower than the national benchmark.

Is Cedar Rapids, IA a good place to live for Security Guards?

The Cost of Living Index in Cedar Rapids, IA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Cedar Rapids, IA?

Some top paying nearby cities include Iowa City, IA ($41,140) and Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA.

How does Cedar Rapids' cost of living affect Security Guard salaries?

Cedar Rapids has a Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means the $39,610 salary offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average, making it neither exceptionally high nor low in terms of affordability.

What is the job market like for Security Guards in Cedar Rapids?

The market is moderately sized with 990 Security Guards. The Location Quotient of 0.89 suggests it's slightly less concentrated than the national average, indicating stable but not booming demand.

Can experience significantly increase a Security Guard's salary in Cedar Rapids?

Yes, experience and specialized skills are key drivers for salary increases. Senior guards or those with advanced training can expect to earn more than entry-level personnel.

How does Cedar Rapids compare to the national average for Security Guard pay?

Security Guards in Cedar Rapids earn approximately $2,840 less annually than the national average, with the average salary being $39,610 compared to $42,450.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 990 employees in the Cedar Rapids, IA area with a job density of 7.129 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.