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Average Security Guards Salary in East Kentucky nonmetropolitan area

Security Guards in the East Kentucky nonmetropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $26,560. This figure falls significantly below the national average of $42,450, indicating a regional disparity in compensation for this vital role. Factors such as local economic conditions and demand within the specific nonmetropolitan labor market likely contribute to this lower average.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $26,560 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 17.9% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $36,090.
  • Outlook: With a local workforce of 620 Security Guards, the East Kentucky nonmetropolitan area exhibits a moderate concentration of these professionals, as reflected by a Location Quotient of 0.83. While not exceeding the national average concentration, this suggests a stable, albeit not exceptionally high, demand for security personnel within the region. The presence of 6.719 jobs per 1,000 workers indicates a consistent need for these services.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$26,560

The average Security Guards in East Kentucky nonmetropolitan area earns-37.4%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$12.8

Weekly

$511

Monthly

$2,213

Security Guards Salary Distribution in East Kentucky nonmetropolitan area

Salary progression for Security Guards in East Kentucky 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. The widening gap between entry-level and senior-level pay often signifies opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential within the field.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Cadet / RecruitAcademy training and probationary period.10% (Entry)$17,060$8.2
OfficerPatrol duties, handling standard calls.25% (Junior)$19,920$9.6
Senior OfficerField training officer, specialized unit.50% (Median)$25,920$12.5
Sergeant / Lt.Shift supervisor, squad leader.75% (Senior)$33,200$16
Captain / ChiefDepartment command and administration.90% (Expert)$36,090$17.4

Detailed Security Guards Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$26,560

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$26,560

Adjusted for COL (100)

The nominal average annual salary of $26,560 in East Kentucky nonmetropolitan area aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the take-home pay is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of that salary is comparable to the national standard, as everyday expenses are not inflated beyond the national norm.

Job Market Context

620

Total Jobs

6.719

Per 1K Jobs

0.83

Location Quotient

Below Average

East Kentucky nonmetropolitan area has 0.83x 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 0.83 for Security Guards in East Kentucky nonmetropolitan area suggests that the concentration of these professionals is slightly below the national average. This indicates that the job market is neither oversaturated nor exceptionally scarce; rather, it represents a balanced demand relative to the national landscape, implying steady employment opportunities without intense competition.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Security Guards

Comparing salaries near East Kentucky nonmetropolitan area

Hiring Security Guardss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Security Guards make in East Kentucky nonmetropolitan area?

The median annual salary for a Security Guards in East Kentucky nonmetropolitan area is $26,560. This typically ranges from $17,060 for entry-level positions to $36,090 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in East Kentucky nonmetropolitan area is 37.4% lower than the national median of $42,450.

Is East Kentucky nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Security Guards?

No, East Kentucky nonmetropolitan area is not a particularly lucrative place for Security Guards based on average salary.The average annual salary of $26,560 is substantially lower than the national average of $42,450. However, the cost of living is at the national average, meaning the lower salary's purchasing power is maintained locally.

Is East Kentucky nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Security Guards?

The Cost of Living Index in East Kentucky nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near East Kentucky nonmetropolitan area?

Some top paying nearby cities include Lexington-Fayette, KY ($36,130) and Elizabethtown, KY.

How does the local workforce size affect Security Guard jobs in East Kentucky?

The local workforce of 620 Security Guards indicates a stable presence of professionals, suggesting consistent demand for security services within the region's specific economic context.

What does a Location Quotient of 0.83 mean for Security Guards in East Kentucky?

A Location Quotient of 0.83 signifies that Security Guards are slightly less concentrated in East Kentucky compared to the national average, implying a balanced job market with steady opportunities.

How does the cost of living impact the Security Guard salary in East Kentucky?

With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the national average, the $26,560 salary in East Kentucky offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average, despite being a lower nominal figure.

What is the job density for Security Guards in this region?

There are approximately 6.719 Security Guard jobs per 1,000 workers in the East Kentucky nonmetropolitan area, reflecting a consistent need for these services.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 620 employees in the East Kentucky nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 6.719 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.