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Average Security Guards Salary in Erie, PA

Security Guards in Erie, PA, earn an average annual salary of $37,870. This figure is approximately 10.7% lower than the national average of $42,450. Local economic factors, including industry demand and the cost of labor within the region, typically dictate these salary variations.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $37,870 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 29.6% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $49,800.
  • Outlook: Erie, PA supports a local workforce of 810 Security Guards, with a Location Quotient of 0.84, indicating a slightly lower concentration compared to the national average. The presence of 6.786 jobs per 1,000 workers suggests a stable, albeit not exceptionally high, demand for these professionals within the local job market.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$37,870

The average Security Guards in Erie, PA earns-10.8%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$18.2

Weekly

$728

Monthly

$3,156

Security Guards Salary Distribution in Erie, PA

Salary progression for Security Guards in Erie, PA, typically correlates with experience and specialized skills. Entry-level positions may start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with certifications or supervisory responsibilities can command significantly higher salaries, reflecting the increasing value of their expertise and the percentile gaps in compensation.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Cadet / RecruitAcademy training and probationary period.10% (Entry)$28,870$13.9
OfficerPatrol duties, handling standard calls.25% (Junior)$28,403$13.7
Senior OfficerField training officer, specialized unit.50% (Median)$35,700$17.2
Sergeant / Lt.Shift supervisor, squad leader.75% (Senior)$47,338$22.8
Captain / ChiefDepartment command and administration.90% (Expert)$49,800$23.9

Detailed Security Guards Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$37,870

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$37,870

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $37,870 in Erie, PA, aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the nominal salary is below the national average, the purchasing power of this income is comparable to the national standard, suggesting that the lower salary is offset by the local cost of living.

Job Market Context

810

Total Jobs

6.786

Per 1K Jobs

0.84

Location Quotient

Below Average

Erie, PA has 0.84x 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.

With a Location Quotient of 0.84, the Security Guard job market in Erie, PA, is slightly less concentrated than the national average. This suggests that while the profession is present and necessary, it is not a dominant industry in the region, potentially offering a balanced competitive landscape for job seekers.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Security Guards

Comparing salaries near Erie, PA

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Security Guards make in Erie, PA?

The median annual salary for a Security Guards in Erie, PA is $37,870. This typically ranges from $28,870 for entry-level positions to $49,800 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Erie, PA is 10.8% lower than the national median of $42,450.

Is Erie, PA a lucrative place for Security Guards?

No, not exceptionally lucrative compared to the national average.Security Guards in Erie, PA earn an average of $37,870, which is below the national average. However, the local cost of living is also at the national average, making the salary's purchasing power comparable.

Is Erie, PA a good place to live for Security Guards?

The Cost of Living Index in Erie, PA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Erie, PA?

Some top paying nearby cities include Youngstown-Warren, OH ($36,540) and Buffalo-Cheektowaga, NY.

How does the Erie, PA Security Guard salary compare to the national average?

The average annual salary for Security Guards in Erie, PA is $37,870, which is approximately 10.7% lower than the national average of $42,450.

What is the concentration of Security Guards in Erie, PA?

The Location Quotient for Security Guards in Erie, PA is 0.84, indicating that the profession is slightly less concentrated in this area compared to the national average.

Does the cost of living in Erie, PA affect the Security Guard salary?

Yes, the Cost of Living Index in Erie, PA is 100 (the national average). This means that despite the lower nominal salary, the purchasing power of $37,870 is equivalent to the national average, effectively balancing the lower pay.

How many Security Guards are there in Erie, PA?

Erie, PA has a total local workforce of 810 Security Guards, with approximately 6.786 jobs per 1,000 workers in the general labor force.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 810 employees in the Erie, PA area with a job density of 6.786 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.