Average Security Guards Salary in Charlottesville, VA
Security Guards in Charlottesville, VA, earn an average annual salary of $45,110. This figure is notably higher than the national average of $42,450, suggesting that local economic factors and demand in Charlottesville contribute to a more favorable compensation landscape for these essential professionals.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $45,110 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 48.3% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $70,400.
- Outlook: Charlottesville, VA, hosts a local workforce of 390 Security Guards. With a Location Quotient of 0.43, the concentration of these roles is below the national average, indicating a potentially less saturated market. The presence of 3.492 jobs per 1,000 workers suggests a steady, albeit not exceptionally high, demand for security personnel within the city.
Salary Overview
The average Security Guards in Charlottesville, VA earns+6.3%above the national average.
$21.7
$868
$3,759
Security Guards Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Security Guards in Charlottesville, VA, have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring general economic trends and inflation. This upward trajectory is typical for roles that are fundamental to public safety and property protection.
Security Guards Salary Distribution in Charlottesville, VA
The salary progression for Security Guards in Charlottesville, VA, typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while senior or specialized roles command higher compensation. The percentile gaps in earnings signify clear career progression opportunities, rewarding accumulated expertise and responsibility.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cadet / RecruitAcademy training and probationary period. | 10% (Entry) | $29,780 | $14.3 |
| OfficerPatrol duties, handling standard calls. | 25% (Junior) | $33,833 | $16.3 |
| Senior OfficerField training officer, specialized unit. | 50% (Median) | $42,230 | $20.3 |
| Sergeant / Lt.Shift supervisor, squad leader. | 75% (Senior) | $56,388 | $27.1 |
| Captain / ChiefDepartment command and administration. | 90% (Expert) | $70,400 | $33.8 |
Detailed Security Guards Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$45,110
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$45,110
Adjusted for COL (100)
With an average annual salary of $45,110 and a Cost of Living Index of 100 (matching the national average), the nominal earnings of a Security Guard in Charlottesville, VA, translate directly to purchasing power equivalent to the national standard. This means that the salary offers a comparable lifestyle to what one might expect elsewhere in the country, without significant financial strain due to local living expenses.
Job Market Context
390
Total Jobs
3.492
Per 1K Jobs
0.43
Location Quotient
At 0.43x, Charlottesville, VA has a notably lower concentration of Security Guards jobs than the national average. Opportunities in this area are relatively scarce for this profession.
The Location Quotient of 0.43 for Security Guards in Charlottesville, VA, indicates that the profession is less concentrated than the national average. This suggests that while the demand is present, the market is not oversaturated, potentially offering a more stable employment environment for individuals seeking roles in this field.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Security Guards
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Southside Virginia nonmetropolitan area Security Guards Salary | $41,250↓ 9% | 25 mi |
| Northern West Virginia nonmetropolitan area Security Guards Salary | $33,680↓ 25% | 25 mi |
| Southwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area Security Guards Salary | $41,780↓ 7% | 25 mi |
| Northwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area Security Guards Salary | $53,110↑ 18% | 25 mi |
| Southern West Virginia nonmetropolitan area Security Guards Salary | $33,610↓ 25% | 25 mi |
Comparing salaries near Charlottesville, VA
Hiring Security Guardss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Security Guards make in Charlottesville, VA?
The median annual salary for a Security Guards in Charlottesville, VA is $45,110. This typically ranges from $29,780 for entry-level positions to $70,400 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Charlottesville, VA is 6.3% higher than the national median of $42,450.
Is Charlottesville, VA a lucrative place for Security Guards?
Yes, moderately so.Security Guards in Charlottesville, VA, earn above the national average salary. Coupled with a cost of living that matches the national average, this makes the city a financially stable location for the profession.
Is Charlottesville, VA a good place to live for Security Guards?
The Cost of Living Index in Charlottesville, VA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Charlottesville, VA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Southside Virginia nonmetropolitan area ($41,250) and Northern West Virginia nonmetropolitan area.
What is the average salary for a Security Guard in Charlottesville, VA?
The average annual salary for a Security Guard in Charlottesville, VA, is $45,110.
How does the Charlottesville, VA salary compare to the national average?
The average salary in Charlottesville, VA ($45,110) is higher than the national average ($42,450).
What is the Cost of Living Index in Charlottesville, VA?
The Cost of Living Index in Charlottesville, VA, is 100, which is the same as the national average.
Is there high demand for Security Guards in Charlottesville, VA?
With 3.492 jobs per 1,000 workers and a Location Quotient below the national average, demand is present but not exceptionally high, suggesting a balanced job market.
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 Charlottesville, VA area with a job density of 3.492 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 Charlottesville, VA