SalaryNode

Average Security Guards Salary in Columbus, GA-AL

Security Guards in Columbus, GA-AL earn an average annual salary of $39,820, 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 Columbus metropolitan area. The cost of living in Columbus is precisely at the national average, making this salary a direct reflection of local market conditions.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $39,820 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 5.8% ↘ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $56,550.
  • Outlook: The Columbus, GA-AL area supports a robust workforce of 1,280 Security Guards, indicating a significant presence in the local job market. With a Location Quotient of 1.37, the concentration of these roles is notably higher than the national average, suggesting a strong and potentially growing demand for security professionals in this region. The presence of over 11 Security Guards per 1,000 workers further underscores the active employment landscape for this profession.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$39,820

The average Security Guards in Columbus, GA-AL earns-6.2%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$19.1

Weekly

$766

Monthly

$3,318

Security Guards Salary Distribution in Columbus, GA-AL

The salary trajectory for Security Guards in Columbus, GA-AL typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills or supervisory responsibilities can command significantly higher compensation. The percentile gaps in earnings clearly signify opportunities for career progression and increased earning potential as one advances in the field.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Cadet / RecruitAcademy training and probationary period.10% (Entry)$27,080$13
OfficerPatrol duties, handling standard calls.25% (Junior)$29,865$14.4
Senior OfficerField training officer, specialized unit.50% (Median)$36,730$17.7
Sergeant / Lt.Shift supervisor, squad leader.75% (Senior)$49,775$23.9
Captain / ChiefDepartment command and administration.90% (Expert)$56,550$27.2

Detailed Security Guards Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$39,820

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$39,820

Adjusted for COL (100)

With an average annual salary of $39,820 and a Cost of Living Index of 100, the nominal income for Security Guards in Columbus, GA-AL aligns perfectly with the national average cost of living. This means that the purchasing power of the salary is equivalent to the national average, offering a stable financial standing relative to national benchmarks.

Job Market Context

1,280

Total Jobs

11.038

Per 1K Jobs

1.37

Location Quotient

Above Average

With a location quotient of 1.37, Columbus, GA-AL has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Security Guards roles compared to the national norm.

The Location Quotient of 1.37 for Security Guards in Columbus, GA-AL signifies a market where this profession is more concentrated than the national average. This suggests a higher relative demand or a more established presence of security guard roles within the local economy, potentially leading to more job opportunities and a competitive hiring environment.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Security Guards

CitySalaryDist.
Auburn-Opelika, AL Security Guards Salary$32,190↓ 19%36 mi
Warner Robins, GA Security Guards Salary$38,130↓ 4%72 mi
Macon-Bibb County, GA Security Guards Salary$36,500↓ 8%72 mi
Albany, GA Security Guards Salary$30,830↓ 23%76 mi
South Georgia nonmetropolitan area Security Guards Salary$39,470↓ 1%81 mi

Comparing salaries near Columbus, GA-AL

Hiring Security Guardss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Security Guards make in Columbus, GA-AL?

The median annual salary for a Security Guards in Columbus, GA-AL is $39,820. This typically ranges from $27,080 for entry-level positions to $56,550 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Columbus, GA-AL is 6.2% lower than the national median of $42,450.

Is Columbus, GA-AL a lucrative place for Security Guards?

No, not significantly more lucrative than the national average.While the cost of living is average, the average salary for Security Guards is slightly below the national average. The higher concentration of jobs indicates demand, but not necessarily higher pay.

Is Columbus, GA-AL a good place to live for Security Guards?

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

Where are the highest paying cities near Columbus, GA-AL?

Some top paying nearby cities include Auburn-Opelika, AL ($32,190) and Warner Robins, GA.

What is the average salary for a Security Guard in Columbus, GA-AL?

The average annual salary for a Security Guard in Columbus, GA-AL is $39,820.

How does the Columbus, GA-AL salary compare to the national average?

The average salary in Columbus, GA-AL ($39,820) is slightly lower than the national average ($42,450).

What is the Cost of Living in Columbus, GA-AL?

The Cost of Living Index in Columbus, GA-AL is 100, which is exactly the national average.

Is there high demand for Security Guards in Columbus, GA-AL?

Yes, the Location Quotient of 1.37 and 11.038 jobs per 1,000 workers suggest a higher concentration and demand for Security Guards compared to 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 1,280 employees in the Columbus, GA-AL area with a job density of 11.038 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 Columbus, GA-AL