Average Security Guards Salary in Lexington-Fayette, KY
Security Guards in Lexington-Fayette, KY earn an average annual salary of $36,130, which is below the national average of $42,450. This disparity is often influenced by local economic factors, industry demand within the region, and the overall cost of doing business for employers in the area.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $36,130 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 30.5% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $46,520.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 2,430 Security Guards and a Location Quotient of 1.07, Lexington-Fayette, KY shows a slightly higher concentration of these professionals compared to the national average. This indicates a stable, and perhaps slightly growing, demand for security personnel within the region, suggesting a robust job market for those in this field.
Salary Overview
The average Security Guards in Lexington-Fayette, KY earns-14.9%below the national average.
$17.4
$695
$3,011
Security Guards Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Security Guards in Lexington-Fayette, KY have seen gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Economic shifts and inflation typically drive modest increases in compensation for most professions, including security services.
Security Guards Salary Distribution in Lexington-Fayette, KY
Salary progression for Security Guards in Lexington-Fayette, KY, like elsewhere, is typically tied to experience and specialized skills. Entry-level positions will naturally command lower salaries, while those with extensive experience, supervisory roles, or specialized certifications can expect to earn significantly more, with higher percentiles reflecting advanced career stages.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cadet / RecruitAcademy training and probationary period. | 10% (Entry) | $28,800 | $13.8 |
| OfficerPatrol duties, handling standard calls. | 25% (Junior) | $27,098 | $13 |
| Senior OfficerField training officer, specialized unit. | 50% (Median) | $35,370 | $17 |
| Sergeant / Lt.Shift supervisor, squad leader. | 75% (Senior) | $45,163 | $21.7 |
| Captain / ChiefDepartment command and administration. | 90% (Expert) | $46,520 | $22.4 |
Detailed Security Guards Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$36,130
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$36,130
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $36,130 in Lexington-Fayette, KY aligns precisely with the national average cost of living index of 100. This means that while the nominal salary is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of that salary is comparable to the national standard, making it neither exceptionally advantageous nor disadvantageous from a cost-of-living perspective.
Job Market Context
2,430
Total Jobs
8.586
Per 1K Jobs
1.07
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.07, Lexington-Fayette, KY has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Security Guards roles compared to the national norm.
A Location Quotient of 1.07 signifies that Security Guards are slightly more concentrated in Lexington-Fayette, KY than the national average. This suggests a healthy, competitive market where demand is present and potentially slightly outstripping supply, offering opportunities for skilled individuals.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Security Guards
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area Security Guards Salary | $38,750↑ 7% | 28 mi |
| South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area Security Guards Salary | $33,450↓ 7% | 28 mi |
| West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area Security Guards Salary | $35,390↓ 2% | 28 mi |
| East Kentucky nonmetropolitan area Security Guards Salary | $26,560↓ 26% | 28 mi |
| Louisville/Jefferson County, KY-IN Security Guards Salary | $39,060↑ 8% | 72 mi |
Comparing salaries near Lexington-Fayette, KY
Hiring Security Guardss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Security Guards make in Lexington-Fayette, KY?
The median annual salary for a Security Guards in Lexington-Fayette, KY is $36,130. This typically ranges from $28,800 for entry-level positions to $46,520 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Lexington-Fayette, KY is 14.9% lower than the national median of $42,450.
Is Lexington-Fayette, KY a lucrative place for Security Guards?
No, not exceptionally lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $36,130 is below the national average, although the cost of living is also at the national average, balancing out the earning potential.
Is Lexington-Fayette, KY a good place to live for Security Guards?
The Cost of Living Index in Lexington-Fayette, KY is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Lexington-Fayette, KY?
Some top paying nearby cities include Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area ($38,750) and South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area.
How does the number of Security Guards in Lexington-Fayette, KY compare nationally?
With 8.586 jobs per 1,000 workers, the density of Security Guard roles in Lexington-Fayette, KY is slightly above the national average, indicating a notable presence of this profession.
What is the significance of the Location Quotient for Security Guards in this area?
A Location Quotient of 1.07 means that Security Guards are 7% more concentrated in Lexington-Fayette, KY than the national average, suggesting a slightly higher demand or a more established presence of the profession.
How does the cost of living affect the Security Guard salary in Lexington-Fayette, KY?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the local expenses are on par with the national average. Therefore, the $36,130 salary offers a purchasing power equivalent to the national average, despite being lower in nominal terms.
What factors might contribute to the lower average salary for Security Guards in Lexington-Fayette, KY?
Factors such as regional economic conditions, the prevalence of lower-paying industries, and the specific needs of local businesses for security services can influence the average salary to be below the national benchmark.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 2,430 employees in the Lexington-Fayette, KY area with a job density of 8.586 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
Explore Security Guards Salaries by State
Top Jobs in Lexington-Fayette, KY
- All Occupations Salary in Lexington-Fayette, KY
- Office and Administrative Support Occupations Salary in Lexington-Fayette, KY
- Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in Lexington-Fayette, KY
- Transportation and Material Moving Occupations Salary in Lexington-Fayette, KY
- Production Occupations Salary in Lexington-Fayette, KY
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations Salary in Lexington-Fayette, KY
- Sales and Related Occupations Salary in Lexington-Fayette, KY
- Management Occupations Salary in Lexington-Fayette, KY
- Educational Instruction and Library Occupations Salary in Lexington-Fayette, KY
- Business and Financial Operations Occupations Salary in Lexington-Fayette, KY
- Browse All Jobs in Lexington-Fayette, KY →
Semantic Salary Analysis for Security Guards • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Lexington-Fayette, KY