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Average Security Guards Salary in Northern West Virginia nonmetropolitan area

Security Guards in the Northern West Virginia nonmetropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $33,680. This figure falls notably below the national average of $42,450, reflecting regional economic factors and a lower concentration of security-related industries. The localized demand and specific economic landscape of this nonmetropolitan region directly influence compensation levels for these essential roles.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $33,680 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 3.7% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $45,550.
  • Outlook: The job market for Security Guards in Northern West Virginia appears stable, albeit with a lower concentration compared to national averages. A total local workforce of 420 individuals, coupled with a Location Quotient of 0.36, indicates a specialized but not overwhelmingly saturated market. The rate of 2.921 jobs per 1,000 workers suggests a consistent, albeit modest, demand for security personnel within the region.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$33,680

The average Security Guards in Northern West Virginia nonmetropolitan area earns-20.7%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$16.2

Weekly

$648

Monthly

$2,807

Security Guards Salary Distribution in Northern West Virginia nonmetropolitan area

Experience plays a significant role in the earning potential of Security Guards. Entry-level positions typically start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills or supervisory responsibilities can command higher salaries. The percentile gaps in salary distribution, though not detailed here, generally signify substantial career progression opportunities for dedicated individuals within the field.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Cadet / RecruitAcademy training and probationary period.10% (Entry)$22,960$11
OfficerPatrol duties, handling standard calls.25% (Junior)$25,260$12.1
Senior OfficerField training officer, specialized unit.50% (Median)$31,050$14.9
Sergeant / Lt.Shift supervisor, squad leader.75% (Senior)$42,100$20.2
Captain / ChiefDepartment command and administration.90% (Expert)$45,550$21.9

Detailed Security Guards Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$33,680

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$33,680

Adjusted for COL (100)

The nominal average salary of $33,680 in Northern West Virginia aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the take-home pay is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of that salary within the region is equivalent to the national average, suggesting a balanced economic environment for residents.

Job Market Context

420

Total Jobs

2.921

Per 1K Jobs

0.36

Location Quotient

Low Concentration

At 0.36x, Northern West Virginia nonmetropolitan area has a notably lower concentration of Security Guards jobs than the national average. Opportunities in this area are relatively scarce for this profession.

With a Location Quotient of 0.36, the market for Security Guards in Northern West Virginia is less concentrated than the national average. This suggests that while the demand exists, the number of available positions relative to the overall workforce is lower. This could imply a less competitive job market for employers seeking candidates, but potentially fewer opportunities for job seekers compared to more concentrated areas.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Security Guards

Comparing salaries near Northern West Virginia nonmetropolitan area

Hiring Security Guardss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Security Guards make in Northern West Virginia nonmetropolitan area?

The median annual salary for a Security Guards in Northern West Virginia nonmetropolitan area is $33,680. This typically ranges from $22,960 for entry-level positions to $45,550 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Northern West Virginia nonmetropolitan area is 20.7% lower than the national median of $42,450.

Is Northern West Virginia nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Security Guards?

No, it is not considered a lucrative area for Security Guards.The average salary of $33,680 is significantly lower than the national average, indicating less lucrative compensation. However, the cost of living is on par with the national average, which somewhat mitigates the lower nominal wage.

Is Northern West Virginia nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Security Guards?

The Cost of Living Index in Northern West Virginia nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Northern West Virginia nonmetropolitan area?

Some top paying nearby cities include Charlottesville, VA ($45,110) and Richmond, VA.

How does the local salary compare to the national average?

The average annual salary for Security Guards in Northern West Virginia is $33,680, which is considerably lower than the national average of $42,450.

What is the concentration of Security Guard jobs in this area?

The concentration of Security Guard jobs, indicated by a Location Quotient of 0.36, is below the national average, suggesting fewer jobs relative to the national distribution.

How does the cost of living affect the salary?

The Cost of Living Index is 100, matching the national average. This means that despite the lower salary, the purchasing power of $33,680 in Northern West Virginia is equivalent to the national average.

What is the total number of Security Guards in the area?

There are approximately 420 Security Guards employed in the Northern West Virginia nonmetropolitan area.

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 Northern West Virginia nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 2.921 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.