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Average Security Guards Salary in New York

Security Guards in New York earn an average annual salary of $45,920, which is notably higher than the national average of $42,450. This elevated compensation is largely driven by New York's robust economy and the higher operational costs associated with employing personnel in a major metropolitan state.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $45,920 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 17.4% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $60,150.
  • Outlook: New York boasts a substantial workforce of 132,140 Security Guards, significantly exceeding the national concentration with a Location Quotient of 1.72. This indicates a strong and consistent demand for security professionals across the state, suggesting a stable and potentially growing job market for those in this field.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$45,920

The average Security Guards in New York earns+8.2%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$22.1

Weekly

$883

Monthly

$3,827

Security Guards Salary Distribution in New York

The salary spectrum for Security Guards in New York typically widens with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills or supervisory roles can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings clearly signify career progression opportunities and the value placed on experience.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Cadet / RecruitAcademy training and probationary period.10% (Entry)$35,630$17.1
OfficerPatrol duties, handling standard calls.25% (Junior)$34,440$16.6
Senior OfficerField training officer, specialized unit.50% (Median)$42,680$20.5
Sergeant / Lt.Shift supervisor, squad leader.75% (Senior)$57,400$27.6
Captain / ChiefDepartment command and administration.90% (Expert)$60,150$28.9

Detailed Security Guards Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$45,920

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$36,707

Adjusted for COL (125.1)

While the average salary of $45,920 appears attractive, New York's Cost of Living Index stands at 125.1, meaning expenses are about 25% higher than the national average. Therefore, the purchasing power of a Security Guard's salary in New York is somewhat diminished compared to states with a lower cost of living, requiring careful financial management.

Job Market Context

132,140

Total Jobs

13.849

Per 1K Jobs

1.72

Location Quotient

Major Hub

New York 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.

With a Location Quotient of 1.72, New York's job market for Security Guards is more than 70% more concentrated than the national average. This suggests a highly competitive environment but also signifies a robust demand, as the sheer number of available positions relative to the national average indicates significant employment opportunities.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Security Guards

CitySalaryDist.
Binghamton, NY Security Guards Salary$42,750↓ 7%49 mi
Kingston, NY Security Guards Salary$47,070↑ 3%51 mi
Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA Security Guards Salary$39,900↓ 13%64 mi
Utica-Rome, NY Security Guards Salary$46,800↑ 2%66 mi
Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY Security Guards Salary$44,570↓ 3%68 mi

Comparing salaries near New York

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Security Guards make in New York?

The median annual salary for a Security Guards in New York is $45,920. This typically ranges from $35,630 for entry-level positions to $60,150 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in New York is 8.2% higher than the national median of $42,450.

Is New York a lucrative place for Security Guards?

Yes, with caveats.New York offers a higher average salary for Security Guards than the national average, but this is offset by a significantly higher cost of living.

Is New York a good place to live for Security Guards?

The Cost of Living Index in New York is 125.1. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near New York?

Some top paying nearby cities include Binghamton, NY ($42,750) and Kingston, NY.

How does experience affect a Security Guard's salary in New York?

Experience is a key factor; entry-level guards earn less, while those with years of service, specialized training, or supervisory roles can expect substantially higher compensation.

What is the job outlook for Security Guards in New York?

The outlook is strong, evidenced by a high concentration of jobs (LQ of 1.72) and a large existing workforce, indicating consistent demand.

Is the salary enough to live comfortably in New York?

The average salary of $45,920, while above the national average, needs to be considered against New York's high cost of living (125.1 index), which may impact comfort levels.

How does New York's Security Guard employment compare nationally?

New York has a significantly higher concentration of Security Guard jobs per capita than the national average, with 13.85 jobs per 1,000 workers.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 132,140 employees in the New York area with a job density of 13.849 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 New York