Average Security Guards Salary in Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN
Security Guards in Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN earn an average annual salary of $44,410, which is notably higher than the national average of $42,450. This localized premium is often influenced by a combination of regional economic factors and the specific demand dynamics within the Lafayette-West Lafayette area.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $44,410 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 42.7% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $76,940.
- Outlook: With a total local workforce of 520 Security Guards, Lafayette-West Lafayette presents a stable, albeit not overwhelmingly concentrated, job market for this profession. The Location Quotient of 0.63 suggests that while the profession is present, it is less concentrated than the national average, indicating a steady demand rather than a saturated market.
Salary Overview
The average Security Guards in Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN earns+4.6%above the national average.
$21.4
$854
$3,701
Security Guards Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries for Security Guards in Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN, like in many other regions, have experienced a gradual upward trend over the past four years. This growth is typically driven by inflation, increasing operational costs for businesses, and a sustained need for security services.
Security Guards Salary Distribution in Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN
Salary progression for Security Guards in Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN, is strongly tied to experience and specialization. Entry-level positions typically start at the lower end of the pay scale, while senior guards with extensive experience, specialized certifications, or supervisory roles can command significantly higher salaries, often reflected in the upper percentiles of the salary distribution.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cadet / RecruitAcademy training and probationary period. | 10% (Entry) | $30,040 | $14.4 |
| OfficerPatrol duties, handling standard calls. | 25% (Junior) | $33,308 | $16 |
| Senior OfficerField training officer, specialized unit. | 50% (Median) | $36,880 | $17.7 |
| Sergeant / Lt.Shift supervisor, squad leader. | 75% (Senior) | $55,513 | $26.7 |
| Captain / ChiefDepartment command and administration. | 90% (Expert) | $76,940 | $37 |
Detailed Security Guards Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$44,410
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$44,410
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $44,410 in Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN, aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the purchasing power of a Security Guard's salary in this area is equivalent to the national average, offering a balanced lifestyle without significant financial strain related to living expenses.
Job Market Context
520
Total Jobs
5.088
Per 1K Jobs
0.63
Location Quotient
Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN has 0.63x 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 0.63 indicates that Security Guard jobs are less concentrated in Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN, compared to the national average. This suggests that while there is a consistent need for security personnel, the market is not oversaturated, potentially offering good opportunities for qualified individuals without intense competition from a disproportionately large local workforce.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Security Guards
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Kokomo, IN Security Guards Salary | $48,380↑ 9% | 39 mi |
| Northern Indiana nonmetropolitan area Security Guards Salary | $38,480↓ 13% | 50 mi |
| Southern Indiana nonmetropolitan area Security Guards Salary | $41,100↓ 7% | 50 mi |
| Central Indiana nonmetropolitan area Security Guards Salary | $39,980↓ 10% | 50 mi |
| Indianapolis-Carmel-Greenwood, IN Security Guards Salary | $44,040↓ 1% | 57 mi |
Comparing salaries near Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN
Hiring Security Guardss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Security Guards make in Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN?
The median annual salary for a Security Guards in Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN is $44,410. This typically ranges from $30,040 for entry-level positions to $76,940 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN is 4.6% higher than the national median of $42,450.
Is Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN a lucrative place for Security Guards?
Yes, it offers a slightly above-average earning potential.Security Guards in Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN, earn more than the national average, and the cost of living is on par with the national average, making it a financially stable location.
Is Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN a good place to live for Security Guards?
The Cost of Living Index in Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN?
Some top paying nearby cities include Kokomo, IN ($48,380) and Northern Indiana nonmetropolitan area.
How does the local salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Security Guards in Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN is $44,410, which is $1,960 higher than the national average of $42,450.
What is the concentration of Security Guards in Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN?
The Location Quotient is 0.63, meaning Security Guards are less concentrated in this area compared to the national average.
How does the Cost of Living affect the salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the local salary of $44,410 has the same purchasing power as the national average salary.
What does the number of jobs per 1,000 workers indicate?
There are approximately 5.09 Security Guard jobs per 1,000 workers in Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN, indicating a moderate level of employment for this role.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 520 employees in the Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN area with a job density of 5.088 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Security Guards • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN