Average Security Guards Salary in New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ
Security Guards in the New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ metropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $45,680. This figure significantly surpasses the national average of $42,450, reflecting the region's higher demand and the specialized security needs inherent to a major urban hub. The robust economic activity and dense population necessitate a larger and potentially more highly compensated security workforce.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $45,680 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $60,580.
- Outlook: The job market for Security Guards in New York-Newark-Jersey City is notably robust, evidenced by a substantial local workforce of 138,940 individuals. With a Location Quotient of 1.84, the concentration of these roles is nearly double the national average, indicating strong and sustained demand for security professionals in this region.
Salary Overview
The average Security Guards in New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ earns+7.6%above the national average.
$22
$878
$3,807
Security Guards Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Security Guards in the New York-Newark-Jersey City area have experienced steady growth over the past four years. This trend is typically driven by inflation, increasing security needs in urban environments, and the general upward pressure on wages in high-cost-of-living areas.
Security Guards Salary Distribution in New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ
Salary progression for Security Guards in New York-Newark-Jersey City 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 clearly signify career advancement opportunities and the value placed on accumulated expertise.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cadet / RecruitAcademy training and probationary period. | 10% (Entry) | $35,380 | $17 |
| OfficerPatrol duties, handling standard calls. | 25% (Junior) | $34,260 | $16.5 |
| Senior OfficerField training officer, specialized unit. | 50% (Median) | $42,030 | $20.2 |
| Sergeant / Lt.Shift supervisor, squad leader. | 75% (Senior) | $57,100 | $27.5 |
| Captain / ChiefDepartment command and administration. | 90% (Expert) | $60,580 | $29.1 |
Detailed Security Guards Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$45,680
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$45,680
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $45,680 for Security Guards in New York-Newark-Jersey City aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the nominal salary is higher than the national average, the purchasing power of that salary is comparable to the national average due to the equivalent cost of living in the area.
Job Market Context
138,940
Total Jobs
14.839
Per 1K Jobs
1.84
Location Quotient
New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ has 1.8x 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.
A Location Quotient of 1.84 strongly suggests that the New York-Newark-Jersey City metropolitan area has a significantly higher concentration of Security Guard jobs relative to the national average. This indicates a highly competitive and abundant job market for security professionals, with employers actively seeking to fill these essential roles.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Security Guards
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Kiryas Joel-Poughkeepsie-Newburgh, NY Security Guards Salary | $43,470↓ 5% | 44 mi |
| Trenton-Princeton, NJ Security Guards Salary | $40,270↓ 12% | 52 mi |
| Bridgeport-Stamford-Danbury, CT Security Guards Salary | $44,390↓ 3% | 54 mi |
| New Haven, CT Security Guards Salary | $44,820↓ 2% | 70 mi |
| Waterbury-Shelton, CT Security Guards Salary | $41,630↓ 9% | 77 mi |
Comparing salaries near New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Security Guards make in New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ?
The median annual salary for a Security Guards in New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ is $45,680. This typically ranges from $35,380 for entry-level positions to $60,580 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ is 7.6% higher than the national median of $42,450.
Is New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ a lucrative place for Security Guards?
Yes, it is a lucrative place for Security Guards.Security Guards in this region earn approximately 7.5% more than the national average, and the high concentration of jobs (LQ of 1.84) indicates strong demand that supports competitive compensation.
Is New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ a good place to live for Security Guards?
The Cost of Living Index in New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ?
Some top paying nearby cities include Kiryas Joel-Poughkeepsie-Newburgh, NY ($43,470) and Trenton-Princeton, NJ.
How does the number of Security Guards in NY-NJ compare to the national average?
With 14.839 Security Guards per 1,000 workers, the New York-Newark-Jersey City area has a significantly higher concentration than the national average, as indicated by its Location Quotient of 1.84.
What is the total number of Security Guards employed in the NY-NJ area?
The New York-Newark-Jersey City metropolitan area employs a substantial workforce of 138,940 Security Guards.
Does experience impact a Security Guard's salary in NY-NJ?
Absolutely. Entry-level positions will offer lower pay, while senior roles and those with specialized skills or supervisory duties command higher salaries, reflecting increased responsibility and expertise.
How does the cost of living affect the Security Guard salary in NY-NJ?
The Cost of Living Index is 100, meaning it's the national average. Therefore, the higher nominal salary of $45,680 provides purchasing power equivalent to the national average, despite the higher wage.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 138,940 employees in the New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ area with a job density of 14.839 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 York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ