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Average Security Guards Salary in Kalamazoo-Portage, MI

Security Guards in the Kalamazoo-Portage, MI area earn an average annual salary of $39,730. 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 levels for this profession within the region.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $39,730 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 35.0% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $55,320.
  • Outlook: With a local workforce of 490 Security Guards and a Location Quotient of 0.5, the Kalamazoo-Portage area exhibits a concentration of these roles that is half the national average. This indicates a less saturated market compared to national trends, potentially offering stability for existing professionals but suggesting moderate demand for new entrants.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$39,730

The average Security Guards in Kalamazoo-Portage, MI earns-6.4%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$19.1

Weekly

$764

Monthly

$3,311

Security Guards Salary Distribution in Kalamazoo-Portage, MI

Salary progression for Security Guards in Kalamazoo-Portage typically correlates with experience and specialized skills. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while senior guards with extensive experience, supervisory responsibilities, or specialized certifications can command significantly higher salaries, reflecting the percentile gaps in compensation.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Cadet / RecruitAcademy training and probationary period.10% (Entry)$29,600$14.2
OfficerPatrol duties, handling standard calls.25% (Junior)$29,798$14.3
Senior OfficerField training officer, specialized unit.50% (Median)$35,510$17.1
Sergeant / Lt.Shift supervisor, squad leader.75% (Senior)$49,663$23.9
Captain / ChiefDepartment command and administration.90% (Expert)$55,320$26.6

Detailed Security Guards Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$39,730

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$39,730

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $39,730 in Kalamazoo-Portage 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 region is equivalent to the national average, indicating that the lower nominal wage is balanced by a comparable cost of living.

Job Market Context

490

Total Jobs

4.049

Per 1K Jobs

0.5

Location Quotient

Below Average

Kalamazoo-Portage, MI has 0.50x 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 0.5 for Security Guards in Kalamazoo-Portage signifies that the concentration of these jobs is half that of the national average. This suggests that while the profession is present, it is not a dominant sector within the local job market, implying a potentially competitive environment for job seekers relative to the number of available positions.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Security Guards

Comparing salaries near Kalamazoo-Portage, MI

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Security Guards make in Kalamazoo-Portage, MI?

The median annual salary for a Security Guards in Kalamazoo-Portage, MI is $39,730. This typically ranges from $29,600 for entry-level positions to $55,320 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Kalamazoo-Portage, MI is 6.4% lower than the national median of $42,450.

Is Kalamazoo-Portage, MI a lucrative place for Security Guards?

No, not particularly lucrative compared to the national average.Security Guards in Kalamazoo-Portage earn approximately 6.4% less than the national average, and the local cost of living is on par with the national average.

Is Kalamazoo-Portage, MI a good place to live for Security Guards?

The Cost of Living Index in Kalamazoo-Portage, MI is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Kalamazoo-Portage, MI?

Some top paying nearby cities include Battle Creek, MI ($39,780) and Elkhart-Goshen, IN.

How does the Kalamazoo-Portage Security Guard salary compare to the national average?

The average annual salary for Security Guards in Kalamazoo-Portage, MI is $39,730, which is below the national average of $42,450.

What is the Cost of Living in Kalamazoo-Portage, MI?

The Cost of Living Index in Kalamazoo-Portage, MI is 100, which is exactly the national average.

How concentrated is the Security Guard job market in Kalamazoo-Portage, MI?

The job market for Security Guards in Kalamazoo-Portage, MI has a Location Quotient of 0.5, indicating it is half as concentrated as the national average.

How many Security Guards are there in Kalamazoo-Portage, MI?

There are approximately 490 Security Guards employed in the Kalamazoo-Portage, MI area.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 490 employees in the Kalamazoo-Portage, MI area with a job density of 4.049 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.