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Average Security Guards Salary in Chattanooga, TN-GA

Security Guards in Chattanooga, TN-GA earn an average annual salary of $38,940, which is slightly below the national average of $42,450. This localized pay rate is influenced by a combination of regional economic factors and the specific demand for security services within the Chattanooga metropolitan area.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $38,940 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 11.0% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $60,200.
  • Outlook: With a local workforce of 1,870 Security Guards and a Location Quotient of 0.86, the job market in Chattanooga indicates a stable, though not exceptionally concentrated, demand for these professionals. The presence of nearly 7 Security Guards per 1,000 workers suggests a consistent need for security personnel within the region's economic landscape.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$38,940

The average Security Guards in Chattanooga, TN-GA earns-8.3%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$18.7

Weekly

$749

Monthly

$3,245

Security Guards Salary Distribution in Chattanooga, TN-GA

Career progression for Security Guards in Chattanooga typically involves moving from entry-level positions to more senior or specialized roles. As individuals gain experience and acquire advanced certifications, their earning potential increases significantly, with higher percentiles reflecting greater responsibility and expertise.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Cadet / RecruitAcademy training and probationary period.10% (Entry)$25,530$12.3
OfficerPatrol duties, handling standard calls.25% (Junior)$29,205$14
Senior OfficerField training officer, specialized unit.50% (Median)$35,550$17.1
Sergeant / Lt.Shift supervisor, squad leader.75% (Senior)$48,675$23.4
Captain / ChiefDepartment command and administration.90% (Expert)$60,200$28.9

Detailed Security Guards Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$38,940

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$38,940

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $38,940 in Chattanooga 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 Chattanooga is comparable to the national average, offering a stable financial footing for residents.

Job Market Context

1,870

Total Jobs

6.933

Per 1K Jobs

0.86

Location Quotient

Below Average

Chattanooga, TN-GA has 0.86x 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 0.86 suggests that the concentration of Security Guards in Chattanooga is slightly lower than the national average. This indicates a moderately competitive job market where demand is present but not overwhelmingly high, offering steady opportunities for qualified individuals.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Security Guards

CitySalaryDist.
Cleveland, TN Security Guards Salary$35,560↓ 9%23 mi
Dalton, GA Security Guards Salary$37,490↓ 4%26 mi
Rome, GA Security Guards Salary$39,570↑ 2%55 mi
Huntsville, AL Security Guards Salary$39,600↑ 2%83 mi
Gadsden, AL Security Guards Salary$31,040↓ 20%85 mi

Comparing salaries near Chattanooga, TN-GA

Hiring Security Guardss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Security Guards make in Chattanooga, TN-GA?

The median annual salary for a Security Guards in Chattanooga, TN-GA is $38,940. This typically ranges from $25,530 for entry-level positions to $60,200 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Chattanooga, TN-GA is 8.3% lower than the national median of $42,450.

Is Chattanooga, TN-GA a lucrative place for Security Guards?

No, not exceptionally lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $38,940 is below the national average, and the cost of living is on par with the national average, offering standard purchasing power.

Is Chattanooga, TN-GA a good place to live for Security Guards?

The Cost of Living Index in Chattanooga, TN-GA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Chattanooga, TN-GA?

Some top paying nearby cities include Cleveland, TN ($35,560) and Dalton, GA.

How does Chattanooga's Security Guard salary compare to the national average?

Security Guards in Chattanooga earn approximately $3,510 less annually than the national average, with an average salary of $38,940 compared to $42,450.

What is the concentration of Security Guards in Chattanooga?

Chattanooga has a Location Quotient of 0.86 for Security Guards, indicating a slightly lower concentration of these professionals compared to the national average.

Does the cost of living affect the value of a Security Guard's salary in Chattanooga?

No, the cost of living in Chattanooga is exactly at the national average (100), meaning the $38,940 salary has standard purchasing power relative to the rest of the country.

How many Security Guards are employed in Chattanooga?

There are approximately 1,870 Security Guards employed within the Chattanooga, TN-GA metropolitan area.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,870 employees in the Chattanooga, TN-GA area with a job density of 6.933 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 Chattanooga, TN-GA