Average Security Guards Salary in New Orleans-Metairie, LA
Security Guards in the New Orleans-Metairie, LA area earn an average annual salary of $36,560. This figure is notably below the national average of $42,450, suggesting that local market dynamics, such as demand and the cost of doing business, play a significant role in compensation levels within this specific metropolitan area.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $36,560 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 24.1% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $55,120.
- Outlook: The New Orleans-Metairie area supports a substantial workforce of 5,980 Security Guards. With a Location Quotient of 1.68, this indicates a concentration of these roles significantly higher than the national average, pointing towards a robust and potentially growing demand for security professionals in the region.
Salary Overview
The average Security Guards in New Orleans-Metairie, LA earns-13.9%below the national average.
$17.6
$703
$3,047
Security Guards Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Security Guards in New Orleans-Metairie have seen gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring general economic trends and inflation. This suggests a stable, albeit potentially modest, upward trajectory in compensation for the profession.
Security Guards Salary Distribution in New Orleans-Metairie, LA
Career progression for Security Guards in New Orleans-Metairie is typically marked by increasing salary levels. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience and specialized skills can command significantly higher salaries, with percentile gaps reflecting these advancements.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cadet / RecruitAcademy training and probationary period. | 10% (Entry) | $22,280 | $10.7 |
| OfficerPatrol duties, handling standard calls. | 25% (Junior) | $27,420 | $13.2 |
| Senior OfficerField training officer, specialized unit. | 50% (Median) | $32,480 | $15.6 |
| Sergeant / Lt.Shift supervisor, squad leader. | 75% (Senior) | $45,700 | $22 |
| Captain / ChiefDepartment command and administration. | 90% (Expert) | $55,120 | $26.5 |
Detailed Security Guards Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$36,560
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$36,560
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $36,560 in New Orleans-Metairie aligns precisely with the national average cost of living (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, offering a balanced financial outlook for residents.
Job Market Context
5,980
Total Jobs
13.559
Per 1K Jobs
1.68
Location Quotient
New Orleans-Metairie, LA has 1.7x 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.
The Location Quotient of 1.68 for Security Guards in New Orleans-Metairie signifies a market where this profession is 68% more concentrated than the national average. This suggests a higher demand relative to the general workforce, potentially leading to more job opportunities and a competitive hiring landscape.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Security Guards
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Slidell-Mandeville-Covington, LA Security Guards Salary | $35,840↓ 2% | 18 mi |
| Hammond, LA Security Guards Salary | $30,780↓ 16% | 44 mi |
| Gulfport-Biloxi, MS Security Guards Salary | $33,060↓ 10% | 57 mi |
| Houma-Bayou Cane-Thibodaux, LA Security Guards Salary | $29,390↓ 20% | 58 mi |
| Baton Rouge, LA Security Guards Salary | $38,760↑ 6% | 76 mi |
Comparing salaries near New Orleans-Metairie, LA
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Security Guards make in New Orleans-Metairie, LA?
The median annual salary for a Security Guards in New Orleans-Metairie, LA is $36,560. This typically ranges from $22,280 for entry-level positions to $55,120 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in New Orleans-Metairie, LA is 13.9% lower than the national median of $42,450.
Is New Orleans-Metairie, LA a lucrative place for Security Guards?
No, not significantly more lucrative than the national average.While the cost of living is average, the nominal salary for Security Guards is below the national average. However, the high concentration of jobs suggests ample opportunity.
Is New Orleans-Metairie, LA a good place to live for Security Guards?
The Cost of Living Index in New Orleans-Metairie, LA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near New Orleans-Metairie, LA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Slidell-Mandeville-Covington, LA ($35,840) and Hammond, LA.
How does the number of Security Guards in New Orleans-Metairie compare nationally?
With 5,980 Security Guards, the New Orleans-Metairie area has a significant local workforce, and the high Location Quotient of 1.68 indicates a greater concentration of these roles than the national average.
What does a Location Quotient of 1.68 mean for Security Guards in New Orleans?
A Location Quotient of 1.68 means that Security Guards are 68% more concentrated in New Orleans-Metairie compared to the national average, indicating a stronger local presence and demand for the profession.
How does the cost of living in New Orleans-Metairie affect Security Guard salaries?
The cost of living in New Orleans-Metairie is exactly at the national average (100), meaning the $36,560 average salary has purchasing power equivalent to the national average, despite being lower than the national salary benchmark.
Are there many job opportunities for Security Guards in New Orleans-Metairie?
Yes, the high Location Quotient (1.68) and the substantial local workforce (5,980) suggest a strong demand and numerous job opportunities for Security Guards in the New Orleans-Metairie area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 5,980 employees in the New Orleans-Metairie, LA area with a job density of 13.559 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 New Orleans-Metairie, LA