Average Security Guards Salary in Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA
Security Guards in the Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA metropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $45,250. This figure notably surpasses the national average of $42,450, indicating a premium for security professionals in this dynamic region. The higher compensation is likely driven by the area's robust economy, significant population density, and the specialized demands of protecting diverse assets within a major urban center.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $45,250 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 31.8% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $58,540.
- Outlook: The Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA area presents a robust job market for Security Guards, evidenced by a substantial local workforce of 77,910 individuals. The Location Quotient of 1.56 signifies that this region employs a significantly higher concentration of Security Guards compared to the national average, suggesting strong and consistent demand for these essential services.
Salary Overview
The average Security Guards in Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA earns+6.6%above the national average.
$21.8
$870
$3,771
Security Guards Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Security Guards in Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA have experienced steady growth over the past four years, mirroring general economic trends and inflation. This upward trajectory is often influenced by increasing security needs, evolving industry standards, and a competitive labor market that rewards skilled professionals.
Security Guards Salary Distribution in Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA
Salary progression for Security Guards in Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA typically correlates with experience and specialized skills. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with supervisory experience, specialized certifications, or expertise in high-risk environments can command significantly higher salaries, reflected in the upper percentiles.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cadet / RecruitAcademy training and probationary period. | 10% (Entry) | $36,340 | $17.5 |
| OfficerPatrol duties, handling standard calls. | 25% (Junior) | $33,938 | $16.3 |
| Senior OfficerField training officer, specialized unit. | 50% (Median) | $42,940 | $20.6 |
| Sergeant / Lt.Shift supervisor, squad leader. | 75% (Senior) | $56,563 | $27.2 |
| Captain / ChiefDepartment command and administration. | 90% (Expert) | $58,540 | $28.1 |
Detailed Security Guards Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$45,250
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$45,250
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $45,250 for Security Guards in Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the gross pay is higher than the national average, the purchasing power of this salary is comparable to the national standard, with no significant advantage or disadvantage in terms of affordability.
Job Market Context
77,910
Total Jobs
12.567
Per 1K Jobs
1.56
Location Quotient
Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA has 1.6x the national concentration of Security Guards jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.
With a Location Quotient of 1.56, the Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA market demonstrates a clear abundance and concentration of Security Guard roles relative to the national landscape. This indicates a mature and active job market where employers actively seek security personnel, offering ample opportunities for both new entrants and experienced professionals.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Security Guards
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA Security Guards Salary | $42,390↓ 6% | 49 mi |
| Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura, CA Security Guards Salary | $44,680↓ 1% | 55 mi |
Comparing salaries near Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA
Hiring Security Guardss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Security Guards make in Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA?
The median annual salary for a Security Guards in Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA is $45,250. This typically ranges from $36,340 for entry-level positions to $58,540 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA is 6.6% higher than the national median of $42,450.
Is Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA a lucrative place for Security Guards?
Yes, it offers above-average compensation.Security Guards in this area earn approximately $2,800 more annually than the national average. Coupled with a cost of living that matches the national average, this makes the nominal salary translate effectively to purchasing power.
Is Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA a good place to live for Security Guards?
The Cost of Living Index in Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA ($42,390) and Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura, CA.
What is the average salary for a Security Guard in Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA?
The average annual salary for a Security Guard in Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA is $45,250.
How does the Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA salary compare to the national average?
The average salary in Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA ($45,250) is higher than the national average ($42,450).
Is the job market for Security Guards strong in Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA?
Yes, the market is strong, with a Location Quotient of 1.56 indicating a higher concentration of Security Guards than the national average.
What is the cost of living in Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA compared to the national average?
The cost of living in Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA is at the national average, with an index of 100.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 77,910 employees in the Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA area with a job density of 12.567 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 Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA