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Average Security Guards Salary in Iowa City, IA

Security Guards in Iowa City, IA earn an average annual salary of $41,140. This figure is slightly below the national average of $42,450, indicating a localized pay scale influenced by regional economic factors and the specific demand within the Iowa City area. The cost of living in Iowa City being at the national average suggests this salary offers a comparable purchasing power to other regions.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $41,140 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 28.5% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $52,090.
  • Outlook: With a total local workforce of 270 Security Guards, Iowa City presents a moderately sized job market for this profession. The concentration, measured by a Location Quotient of 0.36, suggests that Security Guards are less prevalent in Iowa City compared to the national average. This could imply a stable, albeit not rapidly expanding, demand for these essential services within the community.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$41,140

The average Security Guards in Iowa City, IA earns-3.1%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$19.8

Weekly

$791

Monthly

$3,428

Security Guards Salary Distribution in Iowa City, IA

The salary progression for Security Guards in Iowa City typically scales 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 gap between entry-level and senior roles, often reflected in percentile data, signifies clear opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Cadet / RecruitAcademy training and probationary period.10% (Entry)$33,770$16.2
OfficerPatrol duties, handling standard calls.25% (Junior)$30,855$14.8
Senior OfficerField training officer, specialized unit.50% (Median)$39,600$19
Sergeant / Lt.Shift supervisor, squad leader.75% (Senior)$51,425$24.7
Captain / ChiefDepartment command and administration.90% (Expert)$52,090$25

Detailed Security Guards Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$41,140

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$41,140

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $41,140 in Iowa City aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national benchmark. This means that the nominal salary offers a purchasing power equivalent to the national average, suggesting that residents can maintain a similar standard of living as individuals in other areas with a national average cost of living.

Job Market Context

270

Total Jobs

2.906

Per 1K Jobs

0.36

Location Quotient

Low Concentration

At 0.36x, Iowa City, IA 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 0.36 for Security Guards in Iowa City indicates a lower concentration of these professionals compared to the national average. This suggests that the job market is not oversaturated, and while demand may be moderate, there is less intense competition for available positions relative to other areas across the country.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Security Guards

CitySalaryDist.
Cedar Rapids, IA Security Guards Salary$39,610↓ 4%23 mi
Davenport-Moline-Rock Island, IA-IL Security Guards Salary$41,140- 0%48 mi
Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA Security Guards Salary$40,400↓ 2%72 mi
Dubuque, IA Security Guards Salary$40,780↓ 1%72 mi
Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area Security Guards Salary$39,260↓ 5%90 mi

Comparing salaries near Iowa City, IA

Hiring Security Guardss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Security Guards make in Iowa City, IA?

The median annual salary for a Security Guards in Iowa City, IA is $41,140. This typically ranges from $33,770 for entry-level positions to $52,090 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Iowa City, IA is 3.1% lower than the national median of $42,450.

Is Iowa City, IA a lucrative place for Security Guards?

No, not exceptionally lucrative.The average salary of $41,140 is slightly below the national average, and the concentration of Security Guards is lower than the national average, suggesting moderate demand and compensation.

Is Iowa City, IA a good place to live for Security Guards?

The Cost of Living Index in Iowa City, IA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Iowa City, IA?

Some top paying nearby cities include Cedar Rapids, IA ($39,610) and Davenport-Moline-Rock Island, IA-IL.

How does the Iowa City Security Guard salary compare to the national average?

The average annual salary for Security Guards in Iowa City, IA is $41,140, which is slightly lower than the national average of $42,450.

What is the Cost of Living in Iowa City, IA?

Iowa City, IA has a Cost of Living Index of 100, which is exactly the national average, meaning the cost of goods and services is comparable to the rest of the country.

How concentrated are Security Guard jobs in Iowa City?

The concentration of Security Guard jobs in Iowa City is relatively low, with a Location Quotient of 0.36, indicating fewer Security Guards per worker compared to the national average.

What is the total number of Security Guards in Iowa City?

There are approximately 270 Security Guards employed in Iowa City, IA, representing the local workforce for this occupation.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 270 employees in the Iowa City, IA area with a job density of 2.906 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.

Semantic Salary Analysis for Security Guards • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Iowa City, IA