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Average Security Guards Salary in Merced, CA

Security Guards in Merced, California, earn an average annual salary of $41,580. This figure is slightly below the national average of $42,450, suggesting that local market dynamics and potentially regional demand influence compensation. While the pay is close to the national benchmark, understanding the local economic landscape is key to interpreting this salary.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $41,580 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 31.5% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $55,060.
  • Outlook: Merced, CA, supports a local workforce of 420 Security Guards. With a Location Quotient of 0.67, the concentration of these roles is lower than the national average, indicating a less saturated market relative to other professions. The presence of 5.368 jobs per 1,000 workers suggests a steady, albeit not exceptionally high, demand for security personnel within the region.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$41,580

The average Security Guards in Merced, CA earns-2.0%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$20

Weekly

$800

Monthly

$3,465

Security Guards Salary Distribution in Merced, CA

Salary progression for Security Guards in Merced, CA, typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills or supervisory responsibilities can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings highlight the career advancement opportunities available through dedication and skill development.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Cadet / RecruitAcademy training and probationary period.10% (Entry)$33,380$16
OfficerPatrol duties, handling standard calls.25% (Junior)$31,185$15
Senior OfficerField training officer, specialized unit.50% (Median)$37,580$18.1
Sergeant / Lt.Shift supervisor, squad leader.75% (Senior)$51,975$25
Captain / ChiefDepartment command and administration.90% (Expert)$55,060$26.5

Detailed Security Guards Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$41,580

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$41,580

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $41,580 in Merced, CA, aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a Security Guard's salary in Merced is comparable to that of a Security Guard earning the national average in a typical U.S. city, offering a stable financial footing.

Job Market Context

420

Total Jobs

5.368

Per 1K Jobs

0.67

Location Quotient

Below Average

Merced, CA has 0.67x 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.

A Location Quotient of 0.67 for Security Guards in Merced, CA, indicates that this profession is less concentrated locally compared to the national average. This suggests that while there is a stable presence of Security Guards, the market is not oversaturated, potentially offering opportunities for skilled individuals without intense competition from a disproportionately large number of peers.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Security Guards

CitySalaryDist.
Modesto, CA Security Guards Salary$44,220↑ 6%37 mi
Fresno, CA Security Guards Salary$39,610↓ 5%52 mi
Stockton-Lodi, CA Security Guards Salary$42,730↑ 3%65 mi
Salinas, CA Security Guards Salary$44,970↑ 8%77 mi
San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA Security Guards Salary$51,590↑ 24%77 mi

Comparing salaries near Merced, CA

Hiring Security Guardss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Security Guards make in Merced, CA?

The median annual salary for a Security Guards in Merced, CA is $41,580. This typically ranges from $33,380 for entry-level positions to $55,060 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Merced, CA is 2.0% lower than the national median of $42,450.

Is Merced, CA a lucrative place for Security Guards?

No, but it offers stable compensation.Merced, CA, offers an average salary of $41,580, which is slightly below the national average. However, with a Cost of Living Index of 100, the salary's purchasing power is equivalent to the national average, providing stable financial stability.

Is Merced, CA a good place to live for Security Guards?

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

Where are the highest paying cities near Merced, CA?

Some top paying nearby cities include Modesto, CA ($44,220) and Fresno, CA.

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

The average annual salary for Security Guards in Merced, CA, is $41,580, which is slightly lower than the national average of $42,450.

What is the Cost of Living in Merced, CA?

Merced, CA, has a Cost of Living Index of 100, which is exactly the national average, meaning the cost of goods and services is comparable to the rest of the country.

How concentrated is the Security Guard job market in Merced, CA?

The Security Guard job market in Merced, CA, is less concentrated than the national average, with a Location Quotient of 0.67, suggesting a moderate level of demand relative to the national distribution.

What is the total workforce of Security Guards in Merced, CA?

There are approximately 420 Security Guards employed in Merced, CA, contributing to the local employment landscape.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 420 employees in the Merced, CA area with a job density of 5.368 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.

Semantic Salary Analysis for Security Guards • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Merced, CA