Average Security Guards Salary in Columbus, IN
Security Guards in Columbus, Indiana earn an average annual salary of $40,120. This figure is slightly below the national average of $42,450, indicating that local economic factors and demand dynamics play a significant role in compensation within this specific region. The pay scale reflects the unique labor market conditions present in Columbus.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $40,120 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 77.5% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $59,960.
- Outlook: The security guard job market in Columbus, IN, is characterized by a local workforce of 230 professionals. With a Location Quotient of 0.56, the concentration of security guards is below the national average, suggesting a potentially less saturated but also less robust demand compared to national trends. The presence of 4.505 jobs per 1,000 workers indicates a steady, albeit not exceptionally high, level of employment opportunities in this sector.
Salary Overview
The average Security Guards in Columbus, IN earns-5.5%below the national average.
$19.3
$772
$3,343
Security Guards Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Columbus, IN is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries for Security Guards, like many professions, have experienced modest growth over the past four years. This trend is typically driven by inflation, increasing demand for security services, and the need for employers to remain competitive in attracting and retaining qualified personnel.
Security Guards Salary Distribution in Columbus, IN
Salary progression for Security Guards in Columbus, IN, typically correlates with experience and specialization. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with advanced certifications or supervisory roles can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings highlight the potential for career advancement and increased earning capacity as one gains expertise and takes on greater responsibilities.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cadet / RecruitAcademy training and probationary period. | 10% (Entry) | $30,370 | $14.6 |
| OfficerPatrol duties, handling standard calls. | 25% (Junior) | $30,090 | $14.5 |
| Senior OfficerField training officer, specialized unit. | 50% (Median) | $36,100 | $17.4 |
| Sergeant / Lt.Shift supervisor, squad leader. | 75% (Senior) | $50,150 | $24.1 |
| Captain / ChiefDepartment command and administration. | 90% (Expert) | $59,960 | $28.8 |
Detailed Security Guards Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$40,120
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$40,120
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $40,120 in Columbus, IN, aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the purchasing power of a Security Guard's salary in Columbus is equivalent to the national average, offering a stable financial standing relative to the cost of goods and services in the area.
Job Market Context
230
Total Jobs
4.505
Per 1K Jobs
0.56
Location Quotient
Columbus, IN has 0.56x 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 0.56 for Security Guards in Columbus, IN, signifies that this profession is less concentrated in the area compared to the national average. This suggests that while there is a stable presence of security guard roles, the market may not be as competitive or as saturated as in other regions, potentially offering a balanced environment for job seekers.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Security Guards
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Bloomington, IN Security Guards Salary | $40,840↑ 2% | 33 mi |
| Indianapolis-Carmel-Greenwood, IN Security Guards Salary | $44,040↑ 10% | 41 mi |
| Northern Indiana nonmetropolitan area Security Guards Salary | $38,480↓ 4% | 48 mi |
| Southern Indiana nonmetropolitan area Security Guards Salary | $41,100↑ 2% | 48 mi |
| Central Indiana nonmetropolitan area Security Guards Salary | $39,980↓ 0% | 48 mi |
Comparing salaries near Columbus, IN
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Security Guards make in Columbus, IN?
The median annual salary for a Security Guards in Columbus, IN is $40,120. This typically ranges from $30,370 for entry-level positions to $59,960 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Columbus, IN is 5.5% lower than the national median of $42,450.
Is Columbus, IN a lucrative place for Security Guards?
No, but it offers stable compensation.The average salary of $40,120 is below the national average, and the concentration of jobs is also lower. However, the salary perfectly matches the national average cost of living, providing stable purchasing power.
Is Columbus, IN a good place to live for Security Guards?
The Cost of Living Index in Columbus, IN is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Columbus, IN?
Some top paying nearby cities include Bloomington, IN ($40,840) and Indianapolis-Carmel-Greenwood, IN.
How does the Columbus, IN Security Guard salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Security Guards in Columbus, IN is $40,120, which is slightly lower than the national average of $42,450.
What is the Cost of Living in Columbus, IN for Security Guards?
The Cost of Living Index in Columbus, IN is 100, which is exactly the national average, meaning your salary has average purchasing power.
How concentrated are Security Guard jobs in Columbus, IN?
The concentration of Security Guard jobs, indicated by a Location Quotient of 0.56, is below the national average, suggesting fewer jobs relative to the national proportion.
What is the total number of Security Guards employed in Columbus, IN?
There are approximately 230 Security Guards employed in Columbus, IN.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 230 employees in the Columbus, IN area with a job density of 4.505 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 Columbus, IN