Average Security Guards Salary in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA
Security Guards in the Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA area earn an average annual salary of $41,260. This figure is slightly below the national average of $42,450, indicating localized market dynamics at play. Factors such as the regional demand for security services and the overall economic landscape of Iowa contribute to this specific compensation level.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $41,260 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 18.0% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $51,730.
- Outlook: The Des Moines-West Des Moines area supports a workforce of 2,320 Security Guards, with 5.72 jobs per 1,000 workers. The Location Quotient of 0.71 suggests that the concentration of Security Guards is slightly lower than the national average, implying a stable but not exceptionally high demand relative to other professions in the region.
Salary Overview
The average Security Guards in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA earns-2.8%below the national average.
$19.8
$793
$3,438
Security Guards Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Security Guard salary growth in Des Moines-West Des Moines is not provided, it's reasonable to assume a general upward trend in compensation over the past four years, mirroring national patterns. Economic shifts and evolving security needs typically drive modest annual salary increases for professionals in this field.
Security Guards Salary Distribution in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA
The career path for Security Guards in Des Moines-West Des Moines typically involves salary progression based on experience. Entry-level positions may start at the lower end of the pay scale, while senior guards with extensive experience and specialized skills can command significantly higher salaries, reflecting the increasing value and responsibility associated with advanced roles.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cadet / RecruitAcademy training and probationary period. | 10% (Entry) | $30,760 | $14.8 |
| OfficerPatrol duties, handling standard calls. | 25% (Junior) | $30,945 | $14.9 |
| Senior OfficerField training officer, specialized unit. | 50% (Median) | $37,410 | $18 |
| Sergeant / Lt.Shift supervisor, squad leader. | 75% (Senior) | $51,575 | $24.8 |
| Captain / ChiefDepartment command and administration. | 90% (Expert) | $51,730 | $24.9 |
Detailed Security Guards Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$41,260
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$41,260
Adjusted for COL (100)
With an average annual salary of $41,260 and a Cost of Living Index of 100 (matching the national average), the purchasing power for Security Guards in Des Moines-West Des Moines is aligned with the national standard. This means that the nominal salary translates directly to the average cost of living, offering no significant advantage or disadvantage in terms of real income.
Job Market Context
2,320
Total Jobs
5.72
Per 1K Jobs
0.71
Location Quotient
Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA has 0.71x 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.
The Location Quotient of 0.71 for Security Guards in Des Moines-West Des Moines indicates that this profession is slightly less concentrated compared to the national average. This suggests a moderately competitive job market where the supply of Security Guards is in reasonable balance with the demand, without an overabundance of professionals.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Security Guards
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Ames, IA Security Guards Salary | $39,220↓ 5% | 31 mi |
| Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area Security Guards Salary | $39,260↓ 5% | 37 mi |
| Northwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area Security Guards Salary | $40,170↓ 3% | 37 mi |
| Northeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area Security Guards Salary | $37,060↓ 10% | 37 mi |
| Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area Security Guards Salary | $39,230↓ 5% | 37 mi |
Comparing salaries near Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Security Guards make in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA?
The median annual salary for a Security Guards in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA is $41,260. This typically ranges from $30,760 for entry-level positions to $51,730 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA is 2.8% lower than the national median of $42,450.
Is Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA a lucrative place for Security Guards?
No, not significantly more lucrative than the national average.Security Guards in Des Moines-West Des Moines earn slightly less than the national average, and the cost of living is also at the national average. This results in compensation that is on par with, rather than exceeding, national benchmarks.
Is Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA a good place to live for Security Guards?
The Cost of Living Index in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Ames, IA ($39,220) and Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area.
How does the Des Moines-West Des Moines Security Guard salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Security Guards in Des Moines-West Des Moines is $41,260, which is slightly lower than the national average of $42,450.
What is the concentration of Security Guards in Des Moines-West Des Moines?
The Location Quotient for Security Guards in Des Moines-West Des Moines is 0.71, indicating a slightly lower concentration compared to the national average.
Does the cost of living affect the value of a Security Guard's salary in Des Moines-West Des Moines?
No, the Cost of Living Index in Des Moines-West Des Moines is 100, which is the national average. Therefore, the $41,260 salary has a purchasing power equivalent to the national average.
How many Security Guards are employed in the Des Moines-West Des Moines area?
There are approximately 2,320 Security Guards employed in the Des Moines-West Des Moines 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 2,320 employees in the Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA area with a job density of 5.72 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 Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA