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Average Security Guards Salary in Huntington-Ashland, WV-KY-OH

Security Guards in the Huntington-Ashland, WV-KY-OH region earn an average annual salary of $34,940. This figure falls below the national average of $42,450, a common trend in areas with a lower concentration of specialized roles. Local economic factors and demand dynamics typically influence these regional pay scales.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $34,940 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 40.9% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $46,250.
  • Outlook: The Huntington-Ashland area supports a local workforce of 810 Security Guards, with a Location Quotient of 0.72, indicating a slightly lower concentration compared to the national average. While not a major hub for this profession, the presence of nearly 6 Security Guards per 1,000 workers suggests a stable, albeit not rapidly expanding, job market for these essential roles.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$34,940

The average Security Guards in Huntington-Ashland, WV-KY-OH earns-17.7%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$16.8

Weekly

$672

Monthly

$2,912

Security Guards Salary Distribution in Huntington-Ashland, WV-KY-OH

Salary progression for Security Guards in Huntington-Ashland, as elsewhere, is closely tied to experience and skill development. Entry-level positions will naturally command lower salaries, while seasoned professionals with specialized certifications or supervisory responsibilities can expect significantly higher earnings. The variance in pay across different experience levels reflects the career ladder available within the security field.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Cadet / RecruitAcademy training and probationary period.10% (Entry)$24,220$11.6
OfficerPatrol duties, handling standard calls.25% (Junior)$26,205$12.6
Senior OfficerField training officer, specialized unit.50% (Median)$34,590$16.6
Sergeant / Lt.Shift supervisor, squad leader.75% (Senior)$43,675$21
Captain / ChiefDepartment command and administration.90% (Expert)$46,250$22.2

Detailed Security Guards Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$34,940

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$34,940

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $34,940 for Security Guards in Huntington-Ashland aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the nominal income earned by a Security Guard in this region has purchasing power equivalent to the national average, suggesting that while the salary is below the national average, it is balanced by the local cost of living.

Job Market Context

810

Total Jobs

5.796

Per 1K Jobs

0.72

Location Quotient

Below Average

Huntington-Ashland, WV-KY-OH has 0.72x 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 0.72, the Huntington-Ashland region has a slightly lower concentration of Security Guards than the national average. This suggests that while the profession is present and necessary, it is not a dominant sector within the local job market. The market is neither oversaturated nor exceptionally scarce, presenting a moderate level of competition for available positions.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Security Guards

Comparing salaries near Huntington-Ashland, WV-KY-OH

Hiring Security Guardss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Security Guards make in Huntington-Ashland, WV-KY-OH?

The median annual salary for a Security Guards in Huntington-Ashland, WV-KY-OH is $34,940. This typically ranges from $24,220 for entry-level positions to $46,250 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Huntington-Ashland, WV-KY-OH is 17.7% lower than the national median of $42,450.

Is Huntington-Ashland, WV-KY-OH a lucrative place for Security Guards?

No, not particularly lucrative compared to national averages.The average salary of $34,940 is significantly lower than the national average of $42,450. However, the cost of living is also at the national average, meaning the purchasing power is comparable.

Is Huntington-Ashland, WV-KY-OH a good place to live for Security Guards?

The Cost of Living Index in Huntington-Ashland, WV-KY-OH is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Huntington-Ashland, WV-KY-OH?

Some top paying nearby cities include Charleston, WV ($43,630) and Parkersburg-Vienna, WV.

How does the number of Security Guards per 1,000 workers compare nationally?

The Huntington-Ashland region has 5.796 Security Guards per 1,000 workers, which is slightly below the national average, indicating a moderate presence of the profession in the local labor force.

What is the significance of a Location Quotient of 0.72 for Security Guards?

A Location Quotient of 0.72 means that Security Guards are 28% less concentrated in Huntington-Ashland compared to the national average. This suggests fewer job opportunities relative to the size of the workforce compared to the nation.

Does experience significantly impact Security Guard salaries in this area?

Yes, like most professions, experience plays a crucial role. Entry-level Security Guards will earn less, while those with extensive experience, specialized skills, or supervisory roles can command higher salaries, reflecting career progression.

How does the total local workforce size affect job prospects?

A total local workforce of 810 Security Guards indicates a stable, established presence of the profession. While not a massive market, it suggests consistent demand for security services within the region.

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 Huntington-Ashland, WV-KY-OH area with a job density of 5.796 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.