Average Security Guards Salary in Pennsylvania
Security Guards in Pennsylvania earn an average annual salary of $40,770, which is slightly below the national average of $42,450. This difference can be attributed to a variety of local economic factors, including regional demand, the cost of living, and the overall density of security-related industries within the state. Understanding these nuances is key to evaluating compensation in this role.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $40,770 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 29.5% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $51,810.
- Outlook: With a substantial local workforce of 43,710 Security Guards, Pennsylvania demonstrates a significant presence in this sector. The location quotient of 0.9 suggests that the concentration of Security Guards in Pennsylvania is very close to the national average, indicating a stable and consistent demand for these professionals across the state. This robust workforce size points to a mature and well-established job market for security personnel.
Salary Overview
The average Security Guards in Pennsylvania earns-4.0%below the national average.
$19.6
$784
$3,398
Security Guards Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Security Guard salary growth in Pennsylvania over the past four years is not provided, it is reasonable to assume a general upward trend mirroring national patterns. Economic shifts, inflation, and evolving security needs typically drive incremental salary increases for essential roles like Security Guards, ensuring their compensation remains competitive over time.
Security Guards Salary Distribution in Pennsylvania
Salary progression for Security Guards in Pennsylvania typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start at 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 compensation clearly signify career progression, rewarding dedication, acquired expertise, and leadership potential within the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cadet / RecruitAcademy training and probationary period. | 10% (Entry) | $29,860 | $14.4 |
| OfficerPatrol duties, handling standard calls. | 25% (Junior) | $30,578 | $14.7 |
| Senior OfficerField training officer, specialized unit. | 50% (Median) | $37,680 | $18.1 |
| Sergeant / Lt.Shift supervisor, squad leader. | 75% (Senior) | $50,963 | $24.5 |
| Captain / ChiefDepartment command and administration. | 90% (Expert) | $51,810 | $24.9 |
Detailed Security Guards Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$40,770
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$41,182
Adjusted for COL (99)
The nominal average annual salary for Security Guards in Pennsylvania is $40,770. With a Cost of Living Index of 99, which is precisely at the national average, this salary offers purchasing power that aligns closely with the national standard. This means that the earnings of a Security Guard in Pennsylvania will generally cover living expenses comparably to what they would in an average U.S. location.
Job Market Context
43,710
Total Jobs
7.268
Per 1K Jobs
0.9
Location Quotient
Pennsylvania has 0.90x the national average concentration of Security Guards jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
Pennsylvania's Location Quotient (LQ) of 0.9 for Security Guards indicates that the concentration of these professionals in the state is slightly below the national average. This suggests that while the job market is substantial, it is not disproportionately saturated compared to other regions. This equilibrium implies a healthy demand-supply dynamic, where opportunities are likely available without extreme competition.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Security Guards
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Williamsport, PA Security Guards Salary | $42,330↑ 4% | 9 mi |
| State College, PA Security Guards Salary | $38,020↓ 7% | 45 mi |
| Elmira, NY Security Guards Salary | $47,070↑ 15% | 65 mi |
| Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA Security Guards Salary | $39,170↓ 4% | 66 mi |
| Lebanon, PA Security Guards Salary | $39,340↓ 4% | 72 mi |
Comparing salaries near Pennsylvania
Hiring Security Guardss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Security Guards make in Pennsylvania?
The median annual salary for a Security Guards in Pennsylvania is $40,770. This typically ranges from $29,860 for entry-level positions to $51,810 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Pennsylvania is 4.0% lower than the national median of $42,450.
Is Pennsylvania a lucrative place for Security Guards?
No, Pennsylvania is not significantly more lucrative for Security Guards than the national average.The average salary of $40,770 is slightly below the national average of $42,450, and the cost of living is right at the national average (99). This indicates comparable earning potential and purchasing power.
Is Pennsylvania a good place to live for Security Guards?
With a Cost of Living Index of 99 (lower than the national average of 100), your salary goes further here.
Where are the highest paying cities near Pennsylvania?
Some top paying nearby cities include Williamsport, PA ($42,330) and State College, PA.
How does the number of Security Guards in Pennsylvania compare nationally?
Pennsylvania has a significant workforce of 43,710 Security Guards, indicating a substantial presence in the sector.
What does a Location Quotient of 0.9 mean for Security Guards in PA?
A Location Quotient of 0.9 means that the concentration of Security Guards in Pennsylvania is slightly lower than the national average, suggesting a balanced job market.
How does the cost of living in Pennsylvania affect a Security Guard's salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 99, the salary of $40,770 in Pennsylvania offers purchasing power that is very close to the national average, making it neither exceptionally high nor low in real terms.
Are there many job opportunities for Security Guards in Pennsylvania?
The presence of 43,710 Security Guards and a location quotient near 1.0 suggests a stable and consistent demand for these roles across the state.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 43,710 employees in the Pennsylvania area with a job density of 7.268 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
Explore Security Guards Salaries by State
Top Jobs in Pennsylvania
- All Occupations Salary in Pennsylvania
- Office and Administrative Support Occupations Salary in Pennsylvania
- Transportation and Material Moving Occupations Salary in Pennsylvania
- Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in Pennsylvania
- Sales and Related Occupations Salary in Pennsylvania
- Management Occupations Salary in Pennsylvania
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations Salary in Pennsylvania
- Healthcare Support Occupations Salary in Pennsylvania
- Production Occupations Salary in Pennsylvania
- Business and Financial Operations Occupations Salary in Pennsylvania
- Browse All Jobs in Pennsylvania →
Semantic Salary Analysis for Security Guards • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Pennsylvania