Average Security Guards Salary in Morgantown, WV
Security Guards in Morgantown, WV, earn an average annual salary of $37,950. This figure is notably below the national average of $42,450, suggesting that local economic factors and demand dynamics play a significant role in compensation within this specific geographic area. The prevailing wage reflects the unique labor market conditions present in Morgantown.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $37,950 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 21.0% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $48,680.
- Outlook: The local job market for Security Guards in Morgantown, WV, appears stable with a total workforce of 330 individuals. The Location Quotient (LQ) of 0.61 indicates that the concentration of Security Guards in Morgantown is below the national average, suggesting a moderate demand relative to the national landscape. While not a high-demand area by concentration, the existing workforce size points to a consistent need for these professionals.
Salary Overview
The average Security Guards in Morgantown, WV earns-10.6%below the national average.
$18.3
$730
$3,163
Security Guards Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Security Guard salary growth in Morgantown is not provided, it is reasonable to assume a general upward trend in wages over the past four years, mirroring national economic patterns and inflation adjustments. Such growth would typically be driven by increasing operational costs for businesses and a steady demand for security services, leading to incremental salary increases for experienced professionals.
Security Guards Salary Distribution in Morgantown, WV
Salary progression for Security Guards in Morgantown, WV, typically correlates with experience and specialized skills. Entry-level positions will likely command salaries at the lower end of the spectrum, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience, supervisory roles, or specialized certifications can expect significantly higher compensation. The variance in pay across different experience levels reflects the increasing value and responsibility associated with more senior security roles.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cadet / RecruitAcademy training and probationary period. | 10% (Entry) | $27,100 | $13 |
| OfficerPatrol duties, handling standard calls. | 25% (Junior) | $28,463 | $13.7 |
| Senior OfficerField training officer, specialized unit. | 50% (Median) | $36,200 | $17.4 |
| Sergeant / Lt.Shift supervisor, squad leader. | 75% (Senior) | $47,438 | $22.8 |
| Captain / ChiefDepartment command and administration. | 90% (Expert) | $48,680 | $23.4 |
Detailed Security Guards Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$37,950
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$37,950
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $37,950 for Security Guards in Morgantown, WV, aligns precisely with the national average cost of living, indicated by an index of 100. This means that while the nominal salary is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of this income within Morgantown is comparable to the national standard, making it neither exceptionally advantageous nor disadvantageous from a cost-of-living perspective.
Job Market Context
330
Total Jobs
4.886
Per 1K Jobs
0.61
Location Quotient
Morgantown, WV has 0.61x 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.
With a Location Quotient of 0.61, Morgantown, WV, has a lower concentration of Security Guards compared to the national average. This suggests that the job market is not oversaturated, and while demand might not be exceptionally high, there is a steady presence of these roles. For job seekers, this indicates a moderately competitive environment where opportunities exist, but perhaps not in abundance compared to more concentrated national hubs.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Security Guards
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Wheeling, WV-OH Security Guards Salary | $34,770↓ 8% | 50 mi |
| Pittsburgh, PA Security Guards Salary | $39,160↑ 3% | 55 mi |
| Weirton-Steubenville, WV-OH Security Guards Salary | $37,100↓ 2% | 62 mi |
| Johnstown, PA Security Guards Salary | $33,160↓ 13% | 72 mi |
| Parkersburg-Vienna, WV Security Guards Salary | $35,040↓ 8% | 89 mi |
Comparing salaries near Morgantown, WV
Hiring Security Guardss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Security Guards make in Morgantown, WV?
The median annual salary for a Security Guards in Morgantown, WV is $37,950. This typically ranges from $27,100 for entry-level positions to $48,680 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Morgantown, WV is 10.6% lower than the national median of $42,450.
Is Morgantown, WV a lucrative place for Security Guards?
No, not particularly lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $37,950 is below the national average, although the cost of living is also at the national average, balancing out purchasing power.
Is Morgantown, WV a good place to live for Security Guards?
The Cost of Living Index in Morgantown, WV is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Morgantown, WV?
Some top paying nearby cities include Wheeling, WV-OH ($34,770) and Pittsburgh, PA.
How does Morgantown's Security Guard salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Security Guards in Morgantown, WV, is $37,950, which is approximately $4,500 less than the national average of $42,450.
What is the concentration of Security Guards in Morgantown, WV?
Morgantown has a Location Quotient of 0.61 for Security Guards, meaning the concentration of these professionals is 39% lower than the national average.
Does the cost of living affect the value of a Security Guard's salary in Morgantown?
No, the cost of living in Morgantown is exactly at the national average (100), so the lower nominal salary effectively has the same purchasing power as the national average salary.
How many Security Guards are employed in Morgantown, WV?
There are approximately 330 Security Guards employed in Morgantown, WV, representing about 4.886 jobs per 1,000 workers in the local economy.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 330 employees in the Morgantown, WV area with a job density of 4.886 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 Morgantown, WV