Average Security Guards Salary in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC
Security Guards in the Durham-Chapel Hill, NC area earn an average annual salary of $44,510, which is notably higher than the national average of $42,450. This localized premium is often driven by the specific economic conditions and demand within the Research Triangle region, influencing compensation for essential roles like security.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $44,510 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 14.2% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $84,210.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 1,840 Security Guards, the Durham-Chapel Hill area demonstrates a stable presence in this profession. The Location Quotient of 0.67 suggests a slightly lower concentration of these roles compared to the national average, indicating a potentially balanced job market where demand is met by the available workforce.
Salary Overview
The average Security Guards in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC earns+4.9%above the national average.
$21.4
$856
$3,709
Security Guards Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries for Security Guards in Durham-Chapel Hill, like in many other regions, have experienced steady growth over the past four years. This upward trend is typically influenced by inflation, increasing operational costs for businesses, and a consistent need for security services.
Security Guards Salary Distribution in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC
Salary progression for Security Guards in Durham-Chapel Hill 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 responsibilities can command significantly higher salaries, often reflected in the upper percentiles of the salary distribution.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cadet / RecruitAcademy training and probationary period. | 10% (Entry) | $29,800 | $14.3 |
| OfficerPatrol duties, handling standard calls. | 25% (Junior) | $33,383 | $16 |
| Senior OfficerField training officer, specialized unit. | 50% (Median) | $39,070 | $18.8 |
| Sergeant / Lt.Shift supervisor, squad leader. | 75% (Senior) | $55,638 | $26.7 |
| Captain / ChiefDepartment command and administration. | 90% (Expert) | $84,210 | $40.5 |
Detailed Security Guards Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$44,510
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$44,510
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $44,510 in Durham-Chapel Hill aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a Security Guard's salary in this area is equivalent to the national average, offering stability without the added financial pressure of a higher cost of living.
Job Market Context
1,840
Total Jobs
5.384
Per 1K Jobs
0.67
Location Quotient
Durham-Chapel Hill, NC has 0.67x 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 0.67 indicates that Security Guard roles are somewhat less concentrated in Durham-Chapel Hill compared to the national landscape. This suggests that while the profession is present, it may not be as saturated as in other major metropolitan areas, potentially offering a more accessible entry point for new professionals or those looking to relocate.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Security Guards
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Raleigh-Cary, NC Security Guards Salary | $41,630↓ 6% | 18 mi |
| Burlington, NC Security Guards Salary | $40,130↓ 10% | 32 mi |
| Greensboro-High Point, NC Security Guards Salary | $37,050↓ 17% | 52 mi |
| Eastern North Carolina nonmetropolitan area Security Guards Salary | $40,190↓ 10% | 56 mi |
| Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area Security Guards Salary | $42,440↓ 5% | 56 mi |
Comparing salaries near Durham-Chapel Hill, NC
Hiring Security Guardss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Security Guards make in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC?
The median annual salary for a Security Guards in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC is $44,510. This typically ranges from $29,800 for entry-level positions to $84,210 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC is 4.9% higher than the national median of $42,450.
Is Durham-Chapel Hill, NC a lucrative place for Security Guards?
Yes, it offers a slight advantage.Security Guards in Durham-Chapel Hill earn above the national average salary. Coupled with a cost of living at the national average, this presents a favorable financial standing.
Is Durham-Chapel Hill, NC a good place to live for Security Guards?
The Cost of Living Index in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Durham-Chapel Hill, NC?
Some top paying nearby cities include Raleigh-Cary, NC ($41,630) and Burlington, NC.
How does the number of Security Guards in Durham-Chapel Hill compare nationally?
With 5.384 jobs per 1,000 workers, the density of Security Guards in Durham-Chapel Hill is slightly below the national average, suggesting a balanced labor market.
What is the significance of the Location Quotient for Security Guards in this area?
A Location Quotient of 0.67 means that Security Guard jobs are less concentrated here than the national average, implying a potentially less competitive job market for these roles.
Does the cost of living impact the Security Guard salary in Durham-Chapel Hill?
No, the cost of living in Durham-Chapel Hill is exactly at the national average (100), meaning the $44,510 salary has standard purchasing power.
What is the total number of Security Guards employed in Durham-Chapel Hill?
There are approximately 1,840 Security Guards employed within the Durham-Chapel Hill, NC area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,840 employees in the Durham-Chapel Hill, NC area with a job density of 5.384 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 Durham-Chapel Hill, NC