Average Security Guards Salary in Dover, DE
Security Guards in Dover, Delaware, earn an average annual salary of $40,140. This figure is slightly below the national average of $42,450, suggesting that local market dynamics and potentially a lower concentration of security-focused industries influence compensation in this region. Factors such as the specific demand within Dover and the surrounding areas play a crucial role in setting these pay rates.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $40,140 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 22.8% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $51,960.
- Outlook: The security guard job market in Dover, DE, is characterized by a local workforce of 230 professionals. With a Location Quotient of 0.41, the concentration of security guards is below the national average, indicating a less saturated market relative to other professions nationally. The rate of 3.318 jobs per 1,000 workers suggests a steady, albeit not exceptionally high, demand for these services within the local economy.
Salary Overview
The average Security Guards in Dover, DE earns-5.4%below the national average.
$19.3
$772
$3,345
Security Guards Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Dover, DE's security guard salaries over the past four years is not provided, it is generally expected that compensation in this field has seen incremental growth. This trend is often driven by inflation, increasing demand for security services, and the need for specialized skills, leading to modest annual increases in average salaries across the nation and likely within localized markets like Dover.
Security Guards Salary Distribution in Dover, DE
Salary progression for Security Guards in Dover, DE, typically correlates with experience and acquired skills. Entry-level positions will naturally fall at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with specialized certifications or supervisory responsibilities can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps between entry-level, mid-career, and senior roles reflect the opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential within the profession.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cadet / RecruitAcademy training and probationary period. | 10% (Entry) | $32,990 | $15.9 |
| OfficerPatrol duties, handling standard calls. | 25% (Junior) | $30,105 | $14.5 |
| Senior OfficerField training officer, specialized unit. | 50% (Median) | $35,790 | $17.2 |
| Sergeant / Lt.Shift supervisor, squad leader. | 75% (Senior) | $50,175 | $24.1 |
| Captain / ChiefDepartment command and administration. | 90% (Expert) | $51,960 | $25 |
Detailed Security Guards Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$40,140
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$40,140
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary for Security Guards in Dover, DE, stands at $40,140. This nominal income aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100, meaning that the purchasing power of a Dover-based security guard's salary is comparable to that of a security guard earning the national average in a typical U.S. location.
Job Market Context
230
Total Jobs
3.318
Per 1K Jobs
0.41
Location Quotient
At 0.41x, Dover, DE has a notably lower concentration of Security Guards jobs than the national average. Opportunities in this area are relatively scarce for this profession.
With a Location Quotient of 0.41, Dover, DE, has a lower concentration of Security Guards compared to the national average. This suggests that the job market for security guards in Dover is less competitive than in areas with a higher concentration of these professionals. While demand exists, the lower quotient indicates that employers may have a slightly easier time finding qualified candidates relative to national benchmarks.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Security Guards
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Sussex Delaware nonmetropolitan area Security Guards Salary | $40,820↑ 2% | 11 mi |
| Vineland, NJ Security Guards Salary | $41,670↑ 4% | 35 mi |
| Salisbury, MD Security Guards Salary | $45,100↑ 12% | 54 mi |
| Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD Security Guards Salary | $43,440↑ 8% | 58 mi |
| Atlantic City-Hammonton, NJ Security Guards Salary | $40,010↓ 0% | 59 mi |
Comparing salaries near Dover, DE
Hiring Security Guardss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Security Guards make in Dover, DE?
The median annual salary for a Security Guards in Dover, DE is $40,140. This typically ranges from $32,990 for entry-level positions to $51,960 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Dover, DE is 5.4% lower than the national median of $42,450.
Is Dover, DE a lucrative place for Security Guards?
No, not exceptionally lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $40,140 is below the national average, although the cost of living is also at the national average, making the purchasing power comparable.
Is Dover, DE a good place to live for Security Guards?
The Cost of Living Index in Dover, DE is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Dover, DE?
Some top paying nearby cities include Sussex Delaware nonmetropolitan area ($40,820) and Vineland, NJ.
How does Dover, DE's security guard salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Security Guards in Dover, DE, is $40,140, which is approximately 5.4% lower than the national average of $42,450.
What is the concentration of Security Guards in Dover, DE?
Dover, DE has a Location Quotient of 0.41 for Security Guards, indicating that the profession is less concentrated locally compared to the national average.
Does the cost of living in Dover, DE affect the salary?
The cost of living in Dover, DE, is at the national average (100). This means the $40,140 salary offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average, despite being below the national salary average.
How many Security Guards are there in Dover, DE?
There are approximately 230 Security Guards employed in Dover, DE, representing 3.318 jobs per 1,000 workers in the local economy.
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 Dover, DE area with a job density of 3.318 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
Explore Security Guards Salaries by State
Top Jobs in Dover, DE
- All Occupations Salary in Dover, DE
- Office and Administrative Support Occupations Salary in Dover, DE
- Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in Dover, DE
- Sales and Related Occupations Salary in Dover, DE
- Transportation and Material Moving Occupations Salary in Dover, DE
- Educational Instruction and Library Occupations Salary in Dover, DE
- Business and Financial Operations Occupations Salary in Dover, DE
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations Salary in Dover, DE
- Healthcare Support Occupations Salary in Dover, DE
- Production Occupations Salary in Dover, DE
- Browse All Jobs in Dover, DE →
Semantic Salary Analysis for Security Guards • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Dover, DE