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Average Security Guards Salary in Reading, PA

Security Guards in Reading, PA, can expect an average annual salary of $39,210. This figure is slightly below the national average of $42,450, a common trend in areas with a cost of living that aligns precisely with the national benchmark. Local economic factors and demand within the Reading area contribute to this specific compensation level.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $39,210 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 41.1% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $48,650.
  • Outlook: The job market for Security Guards in Reading, PA, appears stable, with a total local workforce of 940 individuals in this role. The Location Quotient of 0.68 suggests that while Security Guards are present, the concentration is somewhat lower than the national average, indicating a potentially balanced demand and supply dynamic rather than an oversaturated market.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$39,210

The average Security Guards in Reading, PA earns-7.6%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$18.9

Weekly

$754

Monthly

$3,268

Security Guards Salary Distribution in Reading, PA

Career progression for Security Guards in Reading, PA, typically involves moving from entry-level positions to more senior or specialized roles. As experience accumulates, individuals can expect their salaries to increase, with significant percentile gaps often reflecting the transition from junior to seasoned professionals, potentially leading to supervisory or specialized security functions.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Cadet / RecruitAcademy training and probationary period.10% (Entry)$29,970$14.4
OfficerPatrol duties, handling standard calls.25% (Junior)$29,408$14.1
Senior OfficerField training officer, specialized unit.50% (Median)$38,790$18.6
Sergeant / Lt.Shift supervisor, squad leader.75% (Senior)$49,013$23.6
Captain / ChiefDepartment command and administration.90% (Expert)$48,650$23.4

Detailed Security Guards Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$39,210

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$39,210

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $39,210 in Reading, PA, is directly comparable to the national average cost of living, which is indexed at 100. This means that the nominal salary offers purchasing power that is consistent with the national median, suggesting that the cost of essential goods and services in Reading is neither significantly higher nor lower than the typical American city.

Job Market Context

940

Total Jobs

5.501

Per 1K Jobs

0.68

Location Quotient

Below Average

Reading, PA has 0.68x 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 0.68, Reading, PA, has a lower concentration of Security Guards compared to the national average. This suggests that the profession is not as dominant a feature of the local employment landscape as it is nationwide. While this could imply less competition for available roles, it also points to a potentially smaller overall job market for security professionals in the area.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Security Guards

CitySalaryDist.
Lebanon, PA Security Guards Salary$39,340↑ 0%26 mi
Lancaster, PA Security Guards Salary$39,070↓ 0%29 mi
Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ Security Guards Salary$42,070↑ 7%30 mi
Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD Security Guards Salary$43,440↑ 11%48 mi
York-Hanover, PA Security Guards Salary$37,880↓ 3%50 mi

Comparing salaries near Reading, PA

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Frequently Asked Questions

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

The median annual salary for a Security Guards in Reading, PA is $39,210. This typically ranges from $29,970 for entry-level positions to $48,650 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Reading, PA is 7.6% lower than the national median of $42,450.

Is Reading, PA a lucrative place for Security Guards?

No, not particularly lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $39,210 is below the national average, although the cost of living is on par with the national average. This indicates that while expenses are standard, earning potential is somewhat diminished.

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

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

Where are the highest paying cities near Reading, PA?

Some top paying nearby cities include Lebanon, PA ($39,340) and Lancaster, PA.

How does the Reading, PA Security Guard salary compare to the national average?

The average annual salary for Security Guards in Reading, PA, is $39,210, which is approximately $3,240 less than the national average of $42,450.

What is the concentration of Security Guards in Reading, PA?

The concentration, measured by the Location Quotient, is 0.68, meaning there are fewer Security Guards per worker in Reading compared to the national average.

How does the cost of living in Reading, PA affect salary expectations?

Reading, PA, has a Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means the $39,210 salary provides purchasing power equivalent to the national median, without the added strain of higher living costs.

What is the total number of Security Guards employed in Reading, PA?

There are approximately 940 Security Guards employed within the Reading, PA area.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 940 employees in the Reading, PA area with a job density of 5.501 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 Reading, PA