Average Security Guards Salary in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA
Security Guards in the Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA metropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $48,640. This figure notably surpasses the national average of $42,450, indicating a localized premium for these essential roles. Factors such as regional economic activity and demand within the specific labor market likely contribute to this higher compensation.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $48,640 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 41.3% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $68,230.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 8,260 Security Guards, the Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro area demonstrates a substantial presence in this sector. The Location Quotient of 0.84 suggests that while the concentration is slightly below the national average, the sheer volume of jobs indicates a stable and active market for security professionals.
Salary Overview
The average Security Guards in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA earns+14.6%above the national average.
$23.4
$935
$4,053
Security Guards Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for the last four years is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Security Guards in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro have experienced a gradual upward trend, mirroring broader economic conditions and inflation. This suggests a potentially growing earning potential for experienced professionals in this field over time.
Security Guards Salary Distribution in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA
Salary progression for Security Guards is typically tied to experience and responsibility. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while senior guards with specialized skills or supervisory duties can command significantly higher salaries. The variance in pay across different experience levels highlights clear career advancement opportunities within the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cadet / RecruitAcademy training and probationary period. | 10% (Entry) | $37,900 | $18.2 |
| OfficerPatrol duties, handling standard calls. | 25% (Junior) | $36,480 | $17.5 |
| Senior OfficerField training officer, specialized unit. | 50% (Median) | $44,960 | $21.6 |
| Sergeant / Lt.Shift supervisor, squad leader. | 75% (Senior) | $60,800 | $29.2 |
| Captain / ChiefDepartment command and administration. | 90% (Expert) | $68,230 | $32.8 |
Detailed Security Guards Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$48,640
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$48,640
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $48,640 in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro aligns perfectly with the national average cost of living, as indicated by the index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a Security Guard's salary in this region is comparable to the national average, offering a stable financial outlook without significant cost-of-living pressures.
Job Market Context
8,260
Total Jobs
6.804
Per 1K Jobs
0.84
Location Quotient
Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA has 0.84x 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.
A Location Quotient of 0.84 indicates that the Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro area has a slightly lower concentration of Security Guards compared to the national average. This suggests that while the profession is well-established, there may be opportunities for growth and potentially less intense competition than in areas with a higher concentration.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Security Guards
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Salem, OR Security Guards Salary | $45,070↓ 7% | 44 mi |
| Longview-Kelso, WA Security Guards Salary | $52,060↑ 7% | 46 mi |
| Albany, OR Security Guards Salary | $42,250↓ 13% | 65 mi |
| Corvallis, OR Security Guards Salary | $44,680↓ 8% | 72 mi |
| Coast Oregon nonmetropolitan area Security Guards Salary | $40,270↓ 17% | 72 mi |
Comparing salaries near Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA
Hiring Security Guardss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Security Guards make in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA?
The median annual salary for a Security Guards in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA is $48,640. This typically ranges from $37,900 for entry-level positions to $68,230 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA is 14.6% higher than the national median of $42,450.
Is Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA a lucrative place for Security Guards?
Yes, it offers a competitive salary.Security Guards in this area earn above the national average salary. Coupled with a cost of living that matches the national average, the nominal salary provides good purchasing power.
Is Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA a good place to live for Security Guards?
The Cost of Living Index in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Salem, OR ($45,070) and Longview-Kelso, WA.
How does the Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro Security Guard salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Security Guards in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro is $48,640, which is higher than the national average of $42,450.
What is the total number of Security Guards in the Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro area?
There are approximately 8,260 Security Guards employed within the Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA metropolitan area.
Does the cost of living affect the Security Guard salary in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro?
No, the local cost of living index is 100, which is the national average. Therefore, the salary of $48,640 has a purchasing power equivalent to the national average.
Is the job market for Security Guards concentrated in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro?
The Location Quotient of 0.84 indicates a slightly lower concentration of Security Guards compared to the national average, suggesting a stable but not overly saturated market.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 8,260 employees in the Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA area with a job density of 6.804 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-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA