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Average Security Guards Salary in Knoxville, TN

Security Guards in Knoxville, TN, earn an average annual salary of $40,900. This figure is slightly below the national average of $42,450, reflecting localized economic factors and demand within the Tennessee job market. While the pay is marginally lower than the national benchmark, it's crucial to consider the context of the local cost of living.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $40,900 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 8.3% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $63,210.
  • Outlook: Knoxville supports a local workforce of 2,940 Security Guards, indicating a substantial presence in the job market. The Location Quotient of 0.87 suggests a concentration slightly below the national average, implying a stable but not overly saturated demand for these professionals. With 7.038 jobs per 1,000 workers, the employment landscape for security personnel in Knoxville is moderately robust.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$40,900

The average Security Guards in Knoxville, TN earns-3.7%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$19.7

Weekly

$787

Monthly

$3,408

Security Guards Salary Distribution in Knoxville, TN

The career trajectory for Security Guards in Knoxville typically involves salary growth tied to experience and responsibility. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills or supervisory roles can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in compensation clearly signify opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Cadet / RecruitAcademy training and probationary period.10% (Entry)$29,250$14.1
OfficerPatrol duties, handling standard calls.25% (Junior)$30,675$14.7
Senior OfficerField training officer, specialized unit.50% (Median)$35,960$17.3
Sergeant / Lt.Shift supervisor, squad leader.75% (Senior)$51,125$24.6
Captain / ChiefDepartment command and administration.90% (Expert)$63,210$30.4

Detailed Security Guards Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$40,900

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$40,900

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $40,900 in Knoxville aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a Security Guard's salary in Knoxville is equivalent to that of a Security Guard earning the national average in a typical U.S. city. Therefore, the nominal salary holds its value effectively within the local economic environment.

Job Market Context

2,940

Total Jobs

7.038

Per 1K Jobs

0.87

Location Quotient

Below Average

Knoxville, TN has 0.87x 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 0.87, Knoxville's market for Security Guards is slightly less concentrated than the national average. This indicates that while the profession is well-established, there isn't an overabundance of security guard jobs relative to the national distribution. This equilibrium suggests a competitive but accessible job market for qualified individuals.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Security Guards

CitySalaryDist.
Morristown, TN Security Guards Salary$36,470↓ 11%40 mi
Cleveland, TN Security Guards Salary$35,560↓ 13%75 mi
Asheville, NC Security Guards Salary$40,780↓ 0%83 mi
Kingsport-Bristol, TN-VA Security Guards Salary$39,180↓ 4%87 mi
Johnson City, TN Security Guards Salary$33,220↓ 19%91 mi

Comparing salaries near Knoxville, TN

Hiring Security Guardss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Security Guards make in Knoxville, TN?

The median annual salary for a Security Guards in Knoxville, TN is $40,900. This typically ranges from $29,250 for entry-level positions to $63,210 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Knoxville, TN is 3.7% lower than the national median of $42,450.

Is Knoxville, TN a lucrative place for Security Guards?

Yes, it offers good value.Knoxville's average salary of $40,900 is competitive, especially considering its Cost of Living Index is exactly at the national average, meaning your earnings stretch as far as they would nationally.

Is Knoxville, TN a good place to live for Security Guards?

The Cost of Living Index in Knoxville, TN is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Knoxville, TN?

Some top paying nearby cities include Morristown, TN ($36,470) and Cleveland, TN.

How does Knoxville's Security Guard pay compare to the national average?

Security Guards in Knoxville earn an average of $40,900 annually, which is slightly less than the national average of $42,450.

What is the concentration of Security Guards in Knoxville compared to the rest of the US?

Knoxville has a Location Quotient of 0.87 for Security Guards, indicating a slightly lower concentration than the national average.

How many Security Guard jobs are there per 1,000 workers in Knoxville?

There are approximately 7.038 Security Guard jobs per 1,000 workers in Knoxville, TN.

Does the cost of living in Knoxville affect the value of a Security Guard's salary?

No, the cost of living in Knoxville is exactly at the national average (100), meaning the $40,900 salary has the same purchasing power as the national average salary.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 2,940 employees in the Knoxville, TN area with a job density of 7.038 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 Knoxville, TN