Average Security Guards Salary in Fort Smith, AR-OK
Security Guards in Fort Smith, AR-OK earn an average annual salary of $38,800, which is below the national average of $42,450. This disparity is often influenced by regional economic factors, local demand for security services, and the overall cost of doing business within the Fort Smith metropolitan area.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $38,800 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 35.8% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $56,780.
- Outlook: With a total local workforce of 440 Security Guards, the Fort Smith, AR-OK market presents a moderate employment landscape. The Location Quotient of 0.57 indicates that Security Guard roles are less concentrated here compared to the national average, suggesting a stable but not rapidly expanding demand for these professionals.
Salary Overview
The average Security Guards in Fort Smith, AR-OK earns-8.6%below the national average.
$18.7
$746
$3,233
Security Guards Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Fort Smith is not provided, it's reasonable to assume that salaries for Security Guards, like most professions, have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, driven by inflation and evolving security needs. This trend likely reflects an increasing demand for skilled security personnel across various sectors.
Security Guards Salary Distribution in Fort Smith, AR-OK
Career progression for Security Guards in Fort Smith, AR-OK typically involves moving from entry-level positions to more senior roles, which often come with increased responsibilities and higher compensation. Salary data typically shows a significant increase from the bottom 25th percentile to the top 75th percentile, reflecting the value of experience and specialized skills.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cadet / RecruitAcademy training and probationary period. | 10% (Entry) | $28,850 | $13.9 |
| OfficerPatrol duties, handling standard calls. | 25% (Junior) | $29,100 | $14 |
| Senior OfficerField training officer, specialized unit. | 50% (Median) | $36,690 | $17.6 |
| Sergeant / Lt.Shift supervisor, squad leader. | 75% (Senior) | $48,500 | $23.3 |
| Captain / ChiefDepartment command and administration. | 90% (Expert) | $56,780 | $27.3 |
Detailed Security Guards Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$38,800
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$38,800
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average salary of $38,800 in Fort Smith, AR-OK aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the salary is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of that income is comparable to the national standard, making the cost of living a neutral factor in this salary comparison.
Job Market Context
440
Total Jobs
4.559
Per 1K Jobs
0.57
Location Quotient
Fort Smith, AR-OK has 0.57x 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 0.57 for Security Guards in Fort Smith, AR-OK signifies that this profession is less prevalent in the local job market compared to the national average. This suggests that while there are opportunities, the market is not oversaturated, potentially offering a competitive environment for skilled individuals seeking employment.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Security Guards
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers, AR Security Guards Salary | $39,610↑ 2% | 51 mi |
| Hot Springs, AR Security Guards Salary | $35,520↓ 8% | 96 mi |
Comparing salaries near Fort Smith, AR-OK
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Security Guards make in Fort Smith, AR-OK?
The median annual salary for a Security Guards in Fort Smith, AR-OK is $38,800. This typically ranges from $28,850 for entry-level positions to $56,780 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Fort Smith, AR-OK is 8.6% lower than the national median of $42,450.
Is Fort Smith, AR-OK a lucrative place for Security Guards?
No, not particularly lucrative compared to national averages.Security Guards in Fort Smith earn below the national average salary, although the cost of living is also at the national average, balancing purchasing power.
Is Fort Smith, AR-OK a good place to live for Security Guards?
The Cost of Living Index in Fort Smith, AR-OK is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Fort Smith, AR-OK?
Some top paying nearby cities include Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers, AR ($39,610) and Hot Springs, AR.
How does experience affect a Security Guard's salary in Fort Smith?
Experience significantly impacts salary, with senior guards commanding higher pay than entry-level positions. The percentile gaps in salary data illustrate this career growth potential.
What is the concentration of Security Guards in Fort Smith compared to the nation?
The Location Quotient of 0.57 indicates that Security Guards are less concentrated in Fort Smith than the national average, suggesting a less saturated job market.
Does the cost of living in Fort Smith impact the value of a Security Guard's salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the local cost of living is average. Therefore, the $38,800 salary has a purchasing power equivalent to the national average.
What is the overall job market like for Security Guards in Fort Smith?
The market is stable with a workforce of 440, and the lower concentration suggests steady demand without excessive competition for available roles.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 440 employees in the Fort Smith, AR-OK area with a job density of 4.559 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 Fort Smith, AR-OK