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Average Security Guards Salary in Pittsburgh, PA

Security Guards in Pittsburgh, PA earn an average annual salary of $39,160. This figure is slightly below the national average of $42,450, suggesting localized economic factors and demand dynamics influence compensation within the city. While the pay may differ from the national trend, understanding these local nuances is key for professionals in the field.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $39,160 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 30.3% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $47,920.
  • Outlook: Pittsburgh's security guard market is substantial, with a local workforce of 8,760 individuals. The Location Quotient of 0.98 indicates a concentration of security guard jobs that is nearly on par with the national average, suggesting a stable and consistent demand for these services within the metropolitan area. With 7.898 jobs per 1,000 workers, the employment landscape for security guards in Pittsburgh remains robust.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$39,160

The average Security Guards in Pittsburgh, PA earns-7.8%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$18.8

Weekly

$753

Monthly

$3,263

Security Guards Salary Distribution in Pittsburgh, PA

Salary progression for Security Guards in Pittsburgh typically correlates with experience and specialization. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with advanced certifications or supervisory roles can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in compensation clearly signify opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential within the field.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Cadet / RecruitAcademy training and probationary period.10% (Entry)$29,230$14.1
OfficerPatrol duties, handling standard calls.25% (Junior)$29,370$14.1
Senior OfficerField training officer, specialized unit.50% (Median)$36,210$17.4
Sergeant / Lt.Shift supervisor, squad leader.75% (Senior)$48,950$23.5
Captain / ChiefDepartment command and administration.90% (Expert)$47,920$23

Detailed Security Guards Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$39,160

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$39,160

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $39,160 for Security Guards in Pittsburgh aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the purchasing power of a Security Guard's salary in Pittsburgh is equivalent to the national average, offering a stable financial standing relative to the cost of essential goods and services.

Job Market Context

8,760

Total Jobs

7.898

Per 1K Jobs

0.98

Location Quotient

Below Average

Pittsburgh, PA has 0.98x 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.

With a Location Quotient of 0.98, Pittsburgh's job market for Security Guards is very close to the national average in terms of concentration. This suggests that the demand for security professionals is neither exceptionally high nor particularly low compared to other regions. The market is competitive but offers steady opportunities for qualified individuals.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Security Guards

CitySalaryDist.
Weirton-Steubenville, WV-OH Security Guards Salary$37,100↓ 5%30 mi
Wheeling, WV-OH Security Guards Salary$34,770↓ 11%45 mi
Morgantown, WV Security Guards Salary$37,950↓ 3%55 mi
Youngstown-Warren, OH Security Guards Salary$36,540↓ 7%57 mi
Johnstown, PA Security Guards Salary$33,160↓ 15%57 mi

Comparing salaries near Pittsburgh, PA

Hiring Security Guardss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Security Guards make in Pittsburgh, PA?

The median annual salary for a Security Guards in Pittsburgh, PA is $39,160. This typically ranges from $29,230 for entry-level positions to $47,920 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Pittsburgh, PA is 7.8% lower than the national median of $42,450.

Is Pittsburgh, PA a lucrative place for Security Guards?

No, not exceptionally lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $39,160 is below the national average of $42,450, although the cost of living is on par with the national average.

Is Pittsburgh, PA a good place to live for Security Guards?

The Cost of Living Index in Pittsburgh, PA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Pittsburgh, PA?

Some top paying nearby cities include Weirton-Steubenville, WV-OH ($37,100) and Wheeling, WV-OH.

How does Pittsburgh's Security Guard job market compare nationally?

Pittsburgh's Security Guard job market is nearly on par with the national average, indicated by a Location Quotient of 0.98, suggesting a stable and consistent demand for these roles.

What is the average salary for a Security Guard in Pittsburgh?

The average annual salary for a Security Guard in Pittsburgh, PA is $39,160.

Does the cost of living in Pittsburgh affect Security Guard salaries?

The cost of living in Pittsburgh is at the national average (100), meaning the $39,160 salary offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average.

How many Security Guards are employed in Pittsburgh?

There are approximately 8,760 Security Guards employed in Pittsburgh, PA, representing 7.898 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 8,760 employees in the Pittsburgh, PA area with a job density of 7.898 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 Pittsburgh, PA