Average Security Guards Salary in Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA
Security Guards in the Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA area earn an average annual salary of $39,170. This figure is slightly below the national average of $42,450, suggesting localized economic factors and demand influence compensation within this specific metropolitan region. The pay reflects the unique balance of local industry needs and the available labor pool.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $39,170 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 19.7% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $47,420.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 2,380 Security Guards, Harrisburg-Carlisle presents a stable, albeit not exceptionally concentrated, job market for these professionals. The Location Quotient of 0.89 indicates a presence that is close to the national average, suggesting a steady demand that aligns with broader national trends without significant oversupply or undersupply.
Salary Overview
The average Security Guards in Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA earns-7.7%below the national average.
$18.8
$753
$3,264
Security Guards Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Harrisburg-Carlisle Security Guard salaries over the past four years is not provided, it is reasonable to assume a general upward trend in line with national wage growth. Factors such as inflation, increased demand for security services, and evolving industry standards likely contribute to incremental salary increases for experienced professionals in this field.
Security Guards Salary Distribution in Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA
Salary progression for Security Guards in Harrisburg-Carlisle typically scales with experience and specialized skills. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while senior guards with extensive training, supervisory responsibilities, or specialized certifications can command significantly higher salaries, reflecting the value of their expertise and tenure.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cadet / RecruitAcademy training and probationary period. | 10% (Entry) | $30,990 | $14.9 |
| OfficerPatrol duties, handling standard calls. | 25% (Junior) | $29,378 | $14.1 |
| Senior OfficerField training officer, specialized unit. | 50% (Median) | $38,380 | $18.5 |
| Sergeant / Lt.Shift supervisor, squad leader. | 75% (Senior) | $48,963 | $23.5 |
| Captain / ChiefDepartment command and administration. | 90% (Expert) | $47,420 | $22.8 |
Detailed Security Guards Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$39,170
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$39,170
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average salary of $39,170 in Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA, aligns precisely 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 comparable to the national average, offering no significant advantage or disadvantage in terms of affordability compared to other regions.
Job Market Context
2,380
Total Jobs
7.207
Per 1K Jobs
0.89
Location Quotient
Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA has 0.89x 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.
The Location Quotient of 0.89 for Security Guards in Harrisburg-Carlisle suggests that the concentration of these jobs is slightly below the national average. This indicates a market that is neither saturated nor experiencing a severe shortage, implying a balanced competitive landscape for job seekers and employers alike.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Security Guards
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| York-Hanover, PA Security Guards Salary | $37,880↓ 3% | 23 mi |
| Lebanon, PA Security Guards Salary | $39,340↑ 0% | 25 mi |
| Lancaster, PA Security Guards Salary | $39,070↓ 0% | 35 mi |
| Gettysburg, PA Security Guards Salary | $37,510↓ 4% | 36 mi |
| Chambersburg, PA Security Guards Salary | $44,130↑ 13% | 47 mi |
Comparing salaries near Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA
Hiring Security Guardss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Security Guards make in Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA?
The median annual salary for a Security Guards in Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA is $39,170. This typically ranges from $30,990 for entry-level positions to $47,420 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA is 7.7% lower than the national median of $42,450.
Is Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA a lucrative place for Security Guards?
No, it is not significantly more lucrative than the national average.The average salary of $39,170 is below the national average, and the cost of living is exactly at the national average, offering no enhanced purchasing power.
Is Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA a good place to live for Security Guards?
The Cost of Living Index in Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA?
Some top paying nearby cities include York-Hanover, PA ($37,880) and Lebanon, PA.
How does the Harrisburg-Carlisle Security Guard salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Security Guards in Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA is $39,170, which is approximately 7.8% lower than the national average of $42,450.
What is the Cost of Living in Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA?
The Cost of Living Index for Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA is 100, which is exactly the national average, meaning it is neither more nor less expensive to live there than the typical U.S. location.
How many Security Guards are employed in Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA?
There are approximately 2,380 Security Guards employed within the Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA metropolitan area.
Is the job market for Security Guards in Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA highly concentrated?
No, the Location Quotient of 0.89 indicates that the concentration of Security Guards is slightly below the national average, suggesting a balanced job market.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 2,380 employees in the Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA area with a job density of 7.207 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 Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA