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Average Security Guards Salary in Lafayette, LA

Security Guards in Lafayette, LA, earn an average annual salary of $31,810. This figure is notably below the national average of $42,450, suggesting that local economic factors and demand dynamics play a significant role in compensation within this region. The specific pay rates are often influenced by the concentration of the workforce and the overall economic landscape of Lafayette.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $31,810 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 31.5% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $47,050.
  • Outlook: With a total local workforce of 910 Security Guards, Lafayette presents a moderate employment base for this profession. The Location Quotient of 0.65 indicates that this role is less concentrated in Lafayette compared to the national average, suggesting a potentially stable but not exceptionally high demand. The number of jobs per 1,000 workers, at 5.199, further supports the assessment of a steady, albeit not rapidly expanding, job market for security professionals in the area.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$31,810

The average Security Guards in Lafayette, LA earns-25.1%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$15.3

Weekly

$612

Monthly

$2,651

Security Guards Salary Distribution in Lafayette, LA

Salary progression for Security Guards in Lafayette, LA, typically correlates with experience and responsibility. Entry-level positions will likely fall at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills or supervisory roles can command higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings signify clear career progression pathways, rewarding dedication and accumulated expertise within the security field.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Cadet / RecruitAcademy training and probationary period.10% (Entry)$20,980$10.1
OfficerPatrol duties, handling standard calls.25% (Junior)$23,858$11.5
Senior OfficerField training officer, specialized unit.50% (Median)$29,020$14
Sergeant / Lt.Shift supervisor, squad leader.75% (Senior)$39,763$19.1
Captain / ChiefDepartment command and administration.90% (Expert)$47,050$22.6

Detailed Security Guards Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$31,810

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$31,810

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $31,810 for Security Guards in Lafayette, LA, aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that while the nominal salary is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of that income within Lafayette is equivalent to the national standard. Therefore, the lower salary is offset by a comparable cost of living, making the financial standing relatively stable for residents.

Job Market Context

910

Total Jobs

5.199

Per 1K Jobs

0.65

Location Quotient

Below Average

Lafayette, LA has 0.65x 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.

Lafayette, LA, has a Location Quotient of 0.65 for Security Guards, indicating that the profession is less concentrated here than the national average. This suggests that while there is a presence of Security Guards, the job market is not saturated. This could translate to a competitive environment for job seekers, but also potentially more opportunities for those looking to enter the field without facing extreme competition.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Security Guards

Comparing salaries near Lafayette, LA

Hiring Security Guardss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Security Guards make in Lafayette, LA?

The median annual salary for a Security Guards in Lafayette, LA is $31,810. This typically ranges from $20,980 for entry-level positions to $47,050 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Lafayette, LA is 25.1% lower than the national median of $42,450.

Is Lafayette, LA a lucrative place for Security Guards?

No, Lafayette, LA is not a particularly lucrative place for Security Guards based on average earnings.The average annual salary of $31,810 is significantly lower than the national average of $42,450. However, this is balanced by a cost of living that matches the national average.

Is Lafayette, LA a good place to live for Security Guards?

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

Where are the highest paying cities near Lafayette, LA?

Some top paying nearby cities include Baton Rouge, LA ($38,760) and Southwest Louisiana nonmetropolitan area.

How does Lafayette's Security Guard salary compare to the national average?

Security Guards in Lafayette, LA, earn an average of $31,810 annually, which is approximately 25% less than the national average salary of $42,450.

What is the concentration of Security Guards in Lafayette, LA?

The concentration of Security Guards in Lafayette, LA, is below the national average, with a Location Quotient of 0.65, indicating fewer jobs per capita compared to the rest of the country.

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

No, the cost of living in Lafayette, LA, is exactly at the national average (index of 100), meaning the lower nominal salary of $31,810 has equivalent purchasing power to a higher salary in a more expensive area.

How many Security Guards are employed in Lafayette, LA?

There are approximately 910 Security Guards employed in Lafayette, LA, representing about 5.199 jobs per 1,000 workers in the local workforce.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 910 employees in the Lafayette, LA area with a job density of 5.199 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.