Average Security Guards Salary in Portland-South Portland, ME
Security Guards in Portland-South Portland, ME earn an average annual salary of $43,890. This figure slightly surpasses the national average of $42,450, indicating a modest premium for this role within the local market. Factors such as regional demand and the specific economic landscape of Maine likely contribute to this compensation.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $43,890 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 29.9% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $57,650.
- Outlook: The Portland-South Portland area supports a local workforce of 720 Security Guards. With a Location Quotient of 0.31, the concentration of these roles is below the national average, suggesting that while the absolute number of positions is substantial, the profession is not disproportionately represented compared to other areas. This indicates a stable, albeit not hyper-concentrated, job market for security professionals.
Salary Overview
The average Security Guards in Portland-South Portland, ME earns+3.4%above the national average.
$21.1
$844
$3,658
Security Guards Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Security Guard salary trends in Portland-South Portland is not provided, it is reasonable to assume a general upward trend in compensation over the past four years, mirroring national patterns. Economic growth, inflation, and evolving security needs typically drive incremental salary increases for roles like Security Guards.
Security Guards Salary Distribution in Portland-South Portland, ME
Salary progression for Security Guards in Portland-South Portland typically correlates 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 salary distribution reflect this career ladder, rewarding increased expertise and tenure.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cadet / RecruitAcademy training and probationary period. | 10% (Entry) | $34,570 | $16.6 |
| OfficerPatrol duties, handling standard calls. | 25% (Junior) | $32,918 | $15.8 |
| Senior OfficerField training officer, specialized unit. | 50% (Median) | $44,100 | $21.2 |
| Sergeant / Lt.Shift supervisor, squad leader. | 75% (Senior) | $54,863 | $26.4 |
| Captain / ChiefDepartment command and administration. | 90% (Expert) | $57,650 | $27.7 |
Detailed Security Guards Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$43,890
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$43,890
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $43,890 in Portland-South Portland 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 location is equivalent to the national average, offering neither a significant financial advantage nor disadvantage from a cost-of-living perspective.
Job Market Context
720
Total Jobs
2.522
Per 1K Jobs
0.31
Location Quotient
At 0.31x, Portland-South Portland, ME 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 0.31 signifies that Security Guards are less concentrated in Portland-South Portland compared to the national average. This suggests that the job market may be less competitive in terms of the sheer number of professionals vying for positions relative to the overall workforce, potentially offering more opportunities for qualified candidates.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Security Guards
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Lewiston-Auburn, ME Security Guards Salary | $41,790↓ 5% | 29 mi |
| Central New Hampshire nonmetropolitan area Security Guards Salary | $47,440↑ 8% | 67 mi |
| Northern New Hampshire nonmetropolitan area Security Guards Salary | $47,170↑ 7% | 67 mi |
| Southwestern New Hampshire nonmetropolitan area Security Guards Salary | $42,340↓ 4% | 67 mi |
| Manchester-Nashua, NH Security Guards Salary | $45,790↑ 4% | 76 mi |
Comparing salaries near Portland-South Portland, ME
Hiring Security Guardss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Security Guards make in Portland-South Portland, ME?
The median annual salary for a Security Guards in Portland-South Portland, ME is $43,890. This typically ranges from $34,570 for entry-level positions to $57,650 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Portland-South Portland, ME is 3.4% higher than the national median of $42,450.
Is Portland-South Portland, ME a lucrative place for Security Guards?
Moderately. The salary is slightly above the national average, but the cost of living is also at the national average.Security Guards in Portland-South Portland earn $43,890 annually, which is higher than the national average. However, with a Cost of Living Index of 100, the purchasing power remains comparable to the national average.
Is Portland-South Portland, ME a good place to live for Security Guards?
The Cost of Living Index in Portland-South Portland, ME is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Portland-South Portland, ME?
Some top paying nearby cities include Lewiston-Auburn, ME ($41,790) and Central New Hampshire nonmetropolitan area.
How does the Portland-South Portland Security Guard salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Security Guards in Portland-South Portland, ME is $43,890, which is slightly higher than the national average of $42,450.
What is the concentration of Security Guards in Portland-South Portland, ME?
The concentration, measured by the Location Quotient, is 0.31, which is below the national average of 1.0, indicating fewer Security Guards per capita compared to the rest of the country.
Does the Cost of Living affect the Security Guard salary in Portland-South Portland, ME?
No, the Cost of Living Index is 100, which is the national average. This means the salary of $43,890 has purchasing power equivalent to the national average.
How many Security Guards are employed in Portland-South Portland, ME?
There are approximately 720 Security Guards employed in the Portland-South Portland, ME area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 720 employees in the Portland-South Portland, ME area with a job density of 2.522 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 Portland-South Portland, ME