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Average Security Guards Salary in Charleston, WV

Security Guards in Charleston, WV, earn an average annual salary of $43,630, slightly surpassing the national average of $42,450. This favorable compensation is influenced by the specific demand and economic factors present within the Charleston metropolitan area, contributing to a robust local job market for these essential professionals.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $43,630 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 61.1% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $59,270.
  • Outlook: Charleston, WV, boasts a significant concentration of Security Guards, with a Location Quotient of 3.68, indicating a demand nearly four times the national average. The presence of 3,160 professionals in this role, translating to 29.62 jobs per 1,000 workers, underscores a strong and stable job market for security personnel in the region.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$43,630

The average Security Guards in Charleston, WV earns+2.8%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$21

Weekly

$839

Monthly

$3,636

Security Guards Salary Distribution in Charleston, WV

Career progression for Security Guards in Charleston, WV, typically sees a significant salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while senior guards with specialized skills or supervisory roles can command salaries well above the average, reflected in the widening percentile gaps as one advances.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Cadet / RecruitAcademy training and probationary period.10% (Entry)$28,990$13.9
OfficerPatrol duties, handling standard calls.25% (Junior)$32,723$15.7
Senior OfficerField training officer, specialized unit.50% (Median)$37,220$17.9
Sergeant / Lt.Shift supervisor, squad leader.75% (Senior)$54,538$26.2
Captain / ChiefDepartment command and administration.90% (Expert)$59,270$28.5

Detailed Security Guards Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$43,630

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$43,630

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $43,630 in Charleston, WV, aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a Security Guard's salary in Charleston is equivalent to the national average, offering a stable financial standing without the added pressure of higher living expenses.

Job Market Context

3,160

Total Jobs

29.62

Per 1K Jobs

3.68

Location Quotient

Major Hub

Charleston, WV has 3.7x the national concentration of Security Guards jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.

With a Location Quotient of 3.68, Charleston, WV, presents a highly concentrated market for Security Guards, suggesting a robust demand relative to the national landscape. This elevated quotient indicates that the job market is not only competitive but also offers abundant opportunities for skilled individuals in this field.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Security Guards

CitySalaryDist.
Huntington-Ashland, WV-KY-OH Security Guards Salary$34,940↓ 20%44 mi
Beckley, WV Security Guards Salary$25,470↓ 42%46 mi
Parkersburg-Vienna, WV Security Guards Salary$35,040↓ 20%63 mi

Comparing salaries near Charleston, WV

Hiring Security Guardss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Security Guards make in Charleston, WV?

The median annual salary for a Security Guards in Charleston, WV is $43,630. This typically ranges from $28,990 for entry-level positions to $59,270 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Charleston, WV is 2.8% higher than the national median of $42,450.

Is Charleston, WV a lucrative place for Security Guards?

Yes, Charleston, WV, offers a slightly more lucrative environment for Security Guards compared to the national average.The average salary of $43,630 exceeds the national average, and the strong concentration of jobs (LQ of 3.68) suggests consistent demand and competitive compensation.

Is Charleston, WV a good place to live for Security Guards?

The Cost of Living Index in Charleston, WV is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Charleston, WV?

Some top paying nearby cities include Huntington-Ashland, WV-KY-OH ($34,940) and Beckley, WV.

How does the Charleston, WV Security Guard salary compare to the national average?

Security Guards in Charleston, WV, earn an average of $43,630 annually, which is slightly higher than the national average of $42,450.

What is the job market like for Security Guards in Charleston, WV?

The job market is robust, with a high concentration of Security Guards (Location Quotient of 3.68) and 29.62 jobs per 1,000 workers, indicating strong local demand.

Does the cost of living affect the Security Guard salary in Charleston, WV?

No, the cost of living in Charleston, WV, is at the national average (100), meaning the $43,630 salary offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average.

How many Security Guards are employed in Charleston, WV?

There are approximately 3,160 Security Guards employed in the Charleston, WV area.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 3,160 employees in the Charleston, WV area with a job density of 29.62 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.

Semantic Salary Analysis for Security Guards • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Charleston, WV