Average Security Guards Salary in Northwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area
Security Guards in the Northwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $40,170. This figure is slightly below the national average of $42,450, a common trend in nonmetropolitan regions where the cost of labor and operational expenses may be lower. Local economic factors and the specific demand within this region contribute to this salary benchmark.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $40,170 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 26.0% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $57,670.
- Outlook: With a total local workforce of 200 Security Guards, the job market in Northwest Iowa appears stable but not rapidly expanding. The low Location Quotient of 0.17 suggests that Security Guard roles are less concentrated here compared to national averages, indicating a niche presence rather than a high-demand sector. While the absolute number of jobs is modest, the consistent presence of 1.392 jobs per 1,000 workers points to a steady, albeit small, employment base.
Salary Overview
The average Security Guards in Northwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area earns-5.4%below the national average.
$19.3
$773
$3,348
Security Guards Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this exact region and role is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that Security Guard salaries in Northwest Iowa have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Economic recovery, inflation, and evolving security needs typically drive modest increases in compensation for essential roles like security personnel.
Security Guards Salary Distribution in Northwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area
Salary progression for Security Guards in Northwest Iowa, as in most areas, is typically tied to experience and specialization. Entry-level positions will likely fall at the lower end of the pay scale, while senior guards with extensive experience, specialized training (e.g., in surveillance technology or crisis management), or supervisory responsibilities can command significantly higher salaries. The gap between the 25th and 75th percentile salaries would illustrate this career growth potential.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cadet / RecruitAcademy training and probationary period. | 10% (Entry) | $29,950 | $14.4 |
| OfficerPatrol duties, handling standard calls. | 25% (Junior) | $30,128 | $14.5 |
| Senior OfficerField training officer, specialized unit. | 50% (Median) | $36,200 | $17.4 |
| Sergeant / Lt.Shift supervisor, squad leader. | 75% (Senior) | $50,213 | $24.1 |
| Captain / ChiefDepartment command and administration. | 90% (Expert) | $57,670 | $27.7 |
Detailed Security Guards Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$40,170
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$40,170
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $40,170 in Northwest Iowa aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a Security Guard's salary in this region is equivalent to the national average. While the salary is slightly lower than the national average, the equivalent cost of living suggests that the take-home pay offers comparable living standards to many other parts of the country.
Job Market Context
200
Total Jobs
1.392
Per 1K Jobs
0.17
Location Quotient
At 0.17x, Northwest Iowa 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.
A Location Quotient of 0.17 for Security Guards in Northwest Iowa indicates a significantly lower concentration of these roles compared to the national average. This suggests that the job market is not saturated, and while demand may be present, it is not a primary industry hub for security professionals. For job seekers, this could mean fewer opportunities but potentially less competition for available positions.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Security Guards
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Ames, IA Security Guards Salary | $39,220↓ 2% | 21 mi |
| Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA Security Guards Salary | $41,260↑ 3% | 37 mi |
| Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA Security Guards Salary | $40,400↑ 1% | 55 mi |
| Cedar Rapids, IA Security Guards Salary | $39,610↓ 1% | 79 mi |
| Iowa City, IA Security Guards Salary | $41,140↑ 2% | 90 mi |
Comparing salaries near Northwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area
Hiring Security Guardss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Security Guards make in Northwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Security Guards in Northwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area is $40,170. This typically ranges from $29,950 for entry-level positions to $57,670 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Northwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area is 5.4% lower than the national median of $42,450.
Is Northwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Security Guards?
No, it is not particularly lucrative.The average salary of $40,170 is below the national average, and the low location quotient suggests a niche market with fewer opportunities compared to national standards.
Is Northwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Security Guards?
The Cost of Living Index in Northwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Northwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Ames, IA ($39,220) and Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA.
How does the cost of living in Northwest Iowa compare to the national average?
The Cost of Living Index in Northwest Iowa is 100, which is exactly the national average. This means that the general cost of goods and services is comparable to the rest of the country.
Are there many Security Guard jobs in Northwest Iowa?
While there are 200 Security Guards employed locally, the low location quotient of 0.17 suggests that this role is less concentrated in Northwest Iowa compared to the national average, indicating a smaller, more specialized job market.
What is the national average salary for a Security Guard?
The national average annual salary for a Security Guard is $42,450, which is slightly higher than the average salary of $40,170 reported for Northwest Iowa.
How does the number of Security Guards per 1,000 workers compare nationally?
Northwest Iowa has 1.392 Security Guard jobs per 1,000 workers, which is a specific metric for local employment density within the workforce.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 200 employees in the Northwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 1.392 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 Northwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area