Average Security Guards Salary in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC
Security Guards in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC, earn an average annual salary of $35,980. This figure is notably below the national average of $42,450, suggesting that local market dynamics, such as demand and the cost of doing business, play a significant role in compensation within this region. The specific economic landscape of Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton influences the pay scale for these essential roles.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $35,980 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 11.3% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $63,070.
- Outlook: The local job market for Security Guards in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC, comprises approximately 590 professionals. With a Location Quotient of 0.47, the concentration of these roles is below the national average, indicating a less saturated market relative to other areas. The presence of 3.776 jobs per 1,000 workers further suggests a steady, albeit not exceptionally high, demand for security personnel in the region.
Salary Overview
The average Security Guards in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC earns-15.2%below the national average.
$17.3
$692
$2,998
Security Guards Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton is not provided, it is generally observed that salaries for Security Guards nationwide have seen a modest upward trend over the past four years, driven by increasing security needs and inflation. It is reasonable to assume that roles in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton have also experienced some level of salary growth, reflecting broader economic adjustments and the persistent demand for security services.
Security Guards Salary Distribution in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC
Career progression for Security Guards typically involves a salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions often start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills or supervisory responsibilities can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings within Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton reflect this typical career trajectory, where accumulated expertise and tenure lead to greater earning potential.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cadet / RecruitAcademy training and probationary period. | 10% (Entry) | $23,910 | $11.5 |
| OfficerPatrol duties, handling standard calls. | 25% (Junior) | $26,985 | $13 |
| Senior OfficerField training officer, specialized unit. | 50% (Median) | $32,780 | $15.8 |
| Sergeant / Lt.Shift supervisor, squad leader. | 75% (Senior) | $44,975 | $21.6 |
| Captain / ChiefDepartment command and administration. | 90% (Expert) | $63,070 | $30.3 |
Detailed Security Guards Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$35,980
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$35,980
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary for Security Guards in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC, stands at $35,980. With a Cost of Living Index of 100, which is precisely the national average, this salary offers purchasing power that aligns with the typical American lifestyle. This means that while the salary is below the national average, the cost of essential goods and services in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton is also at the national average, providing a balanced financial outlook for residents.
Job Market Context
590
Total Jobs
3.776
Per 1K Jobs
0.47
Location Quotient
At 0.47x, Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC has a notably lower concentration of Security Guards jobs than the national average. Opportunities in this area are relatively scarce for this profession.
The Location Quotient of 0.47 for Security Guards in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC, signifies that the concentration of these jobs is less than half of the national average. This suggests that the job market is not overly saturated, and while demand exists, it is relatively moderate compared to national trends. Professionals seeking employment in this field may find fewer opportunities than in more concentrated areas, but the lower concentration could also imply less intense competition for available positions.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Security Guards
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC Security Guards Salary | $39,780↑ 11% | 45 mi |
| Spartanburg, SC Security Guards Salary | $41,670↑ 16% | 65 mi |
| Winston-Salem, NC Security Guards Salary | $42,100↑ 17% | 65 mi |
| Asheville, NC Security Guards Salary | $40,780↑ 13% | 70 mi |
| Johnson City, TN Security Guards Salary | $33,220↓ 8% | 72 mi |
Comparing salaries near Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Security Guards make in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC?
The median annual salary for a Security Guards in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC is $35,980. This typically ranges from $23,910 for entry-level positions to $63,070 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC is 15.2% lower than the national median of $42,450.
Is Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC a lucrative place for Security Guards?
No, not particularly lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $35,980 is significantly lower than the national average of $42,450. However, the cost of living is on par with the national average, meaning the lower salary is somewhat offset by local affordability.
Is Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC a good place to live for Security Guards?
The Cost of Living Index in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC?
Some top paying nearby cities include Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC ($39,780) and Spartanburg, SC.
How does the Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Security Guards in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC, is $35,980, which is approximately $6,470 less than the national average of $42,450.
What is the job concentration for Security Guards in this area?
The job concentration, measured by the Location Quotient, is 0.47, indicating that Security Guards are less prevalent in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC, compared to the national average.
How does the cost of living affect the salary in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC?
The Cost of Living Index is 100, meaning it is exactly the same as the national average. Therefore, the $35,980 salary in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC, has the same purchasing power as the national average salary in terms of cost of living.
What is the total number of Security Guards in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC?
There are approximately 590 Security Guards employed in the Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC, metropolitan area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 590 employees in the Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC area with a job density of 3.776 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 Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC