Average Security Guards Salary in Lancaster, PA
Security Guards in Lancaster, PA, earn an average annual salary of $39,070. This figure is slightly below the national average of $42,450, reflecting localized economic factors and demand within the region. While the nominal pay may differ, the cost of living in Lancaster aligns precisely with the national average, suggesting a balanced purchasing power for these essential professionals.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $39,070 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 22.3% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $49,100.
- Outlook: With a total local workforce of 860 Security Guards, Lancaster, PA, presents a moderately sized employment landscape for this profession. The Location Quotient of 0.43 indicates that Security Guards are less concentrated in Lancaster compared to the national average, suggesting potential opportunities for those entering the field or seeking employment. The presence of 3.432 jobs per 1,000 workers further contextualizes the demand within this specific labor market.
Salary Overview
The average Security Guards in Lancaster, PA earns-8.0%below the national average.
$18.8
$751
$3,256
Security Guards Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Security Guard salary growth in Lancaster, PA, is not provided, it is reasonable to assume a general upward trend in compensation over the past four years, mirroring national economic patterns. Inflationary pressures and evolving security needs typically drive modest annual salary increases across most professions, including those in security services. This suggests that the current average salary may see incremental growth in the coming years.
Security Guards Salary Distribution in Lancaster, PA
Salary progression for Security Guards in Lancaster, PA, is typically tied to experience and specialization. Entry-level positions will likely fall at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with advanced certifications or supervisory roles can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps between entry-level, mid-career, and senior Security Guards highlight the potential for substantial career advancement and increased earning potential within the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cadet / RecruitAcademy training and probationary period. | 10% (Entry) | $29,770 | $14.3 |
| OfficerPatrol duties, handling standard calls. | 25% (Junior) | $29,303 | $14.1 |
| Senior OfficerField training officer, specialized unit. | 50% (Median) | $37,360 | $18 |
| Sergeant / Lt.Shift supervisor, squad leader. | 75% (Senior) | $48,838 | $23.5 |
| Captain / ChiefDepartment command and administration. | 90% (Expert) | $49,100 | $23.6 |
Detailed Security Guards Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$39,070
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$39,070
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average salary of $39,070 for Security Guards in Lancaster, PA, is directly comparable to the national average when considering the local Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a Security Guard's salary in Lancaster is effectively on par with the national standard. Therefore, relocating to Lancaster for this role would not present a significant financial advantage or disadvantage solely based on the cost of living relative to the average salary.
Job Market Context
860
Total Jobs
3.432
Per 1K Jobs
0.43
Location Quotient
At 0.43x, Lancaster, PA 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 0.43 for Security Guards in Lancaster, PA, signifies that this profession is less concentrated locally than the national average. This suggests that the job market for Security Guards in Lancaster may be less saturated, potentially offering more opportunities for qualified individuals compared to regions with higher concentration. While not an indicator of high demand, it implies a stable or growing need for these services relative to the national employment distribution.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Security Guards
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Lebanon, PA Security Guards Salary | $39,340↑ 1% | 22 mi |
| York-Hanover, PA Security Guards Salary | $37,880↓ 3% | 23 mi |
| Reading, PA Security Guards Salary | $39,210↑ 0% | 29 mi |
| Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA Security Guards Salary | $39,170↑ 0% | 35 mi |
| Gettysburg, PA Security Guards Salary | $37,510↓ 4% | 52 mi |
Comparing salaries near Lancaster, PA
Hiring Security Guardss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Security Guards make in Lancaster, PA?
The median annual salary for a Security Guards in Lancaster, PA is $39,070. This typically ranges from $29,770 for entry-level positions to $49,100 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Lancaster, PA is 8.0% lower than the national median of $42,450.
Is Lancaster, PA a lucrative place for Security Guards?
No, not significantly more lucrative than the national average.The average salary of $39,070 is below the national average, although the cost of living is also at the national average, making the purchasing power comparable.
Is Lancaster, PA a good place to live for Security Guards?
The Cost of Living Index in Lancaster, PA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Lancaster, PA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Lebanon, PA ($39,340) and York-Hanover, PA.
How does experience affect a Security Guard's salary in Lancaster, PA?
Experience is a key driver of salary increases for Security Guards. Entry-level positions offer lower pay, while senior roles with specialized skills or supervisory responsibilities command higher compensation, reflecting increased value and expertise.
What is the job outlook for Security Guards in Lancaster, PA?
The job outlook appears stable, with a moderate workforce size and a Location Quotient below the national average, suggesting consistent demand without extreme saturation.
Is the cost of living high in Lancaster, PA for Security Guards?
No, the cost of living in Lancaster, PA, is exactly at the national average (100), meaning your salary has standard purchasing power compared to other areas.
How does Lancaster's Security Guard concentration compare nationally?
Lancaster, PA, has a lower concentration of Security Guards compared to the national average, indicated by a Location Quotient of 0.43.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 860 employees in the Lancaster, PA area with a job density of 3.432 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 Lancaster, PA