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Average Security Guards Salary in Salem, OR

Security Guards in Salem, Oregon, can expect an average annual salary of $45,070. This figure is slightly above the national average of $42,450, suggesting that local economic factors and demand contribute to a competitive compensation landscape for these essential professionals in the region.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $45,070 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 32.9% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $59,810.
  • Outlook: With a local workforce of 1,010 Security Guards, Salem, OR, presents a stable employment environment for this profession. The Location Quotient of 0.68 indicates a slightly lower concentration of these roles compared to the national average, suggesting a steady but not overly saturated market, which can be favorable for job seekers.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$45,070

The average Security Guards in Salem, OR earns+6.2%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$21.7

Weekly

$867

Monthly

$3,756

Security Guards Salary Distribution in Salem, OR

The salary range for Security Guards in Salem, OR, typically expands significantly with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower percentiles, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills or supervisory roles can command salaries in the upper percentiles, reflecting a clear career progression path and increased earning potential.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Cadet / RecruitAcademy training and probationary period.10% (Entry)$35,720$17.2
OfficerPatrol duties, handling standard calls.25% (Junior)$33,803$16.3
Senior OfficerField training officer, specialized unit.50% (Median)$42,990$20.7
Sergeant / Lt.Shift supervisor, squad leader.75% (Senior)$56,338$27.1
Captain / ChiefDepartment command and administration.90% (Expert)$59,810$28.8

Detailed Security Guards Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$45,070

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$45,070

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $45,070 in Salem, OR, 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 Salem is comparable to the national standard, offering a balanced financial outlook for residents.

Job Market Context

1,010

Total Jobs

5.438

Per 1K Jobs

0.68

Location Quotient

Below Average

Salem, OR 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.

A Location Quotient of 0.68 for Security Guards in Salem, OR, signifies that the employment of these professionals is less concentrated than the national average. This suggests that while the profession is present and necessary, the job market may offer fewer opportunities relative to the overall workforce compared to national benchmarks, requiring a focused job search.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Security Guards

CitySalaryDist.
Albany, OR Security Guards Salary$42,250↓ 6%21 mi
Corvallis, OR Security Guards Salary$44,680↓ 1%27 mi
Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA Security Guards Salary$48,640↑ 8%44 mi
Coast Oregon nonmetropolitan area Security Guards Salary$40,270↓ 11%53 mi
Eastern Oregon nonmetropolitan area Security Guards Salary$42,830↓ 5%53 mi

Comparing salaries near Salem, OR

Hiring Security Guardss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Security Guards make in Salem, OR?

The median annual salary for a Security Guards in Salem, OR is $45,070. This typically ranges from $35,720 for entry-level positions to $59,810 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Salem, OR is 6.2% higher than the national median of $42,450.

Is Salem, OR a lucrative place for Security Guards?

Yes, it offers competitive pay relative to the cost of living.Security Guards in Salem, OR, earn an average of $45,070, which is above the national average. This salary is well-aligned with the local cost of living, making it a financially stable location for the profession.

Is Salem, OR a good place to live for Security Guards?

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

Where are the highest paying cities near Salem, OR?

Some top paying nearby cities include Albany, OR ($42,250) and Corvallis, OR.

How does Salem's Security Guard salary compare to the national average?

The average annual salary for Security Guards in Salem, OR, is $45,070, which is higher than the national average of $42,450.

What is the concentration of Security Guards in Salem, OR?

Salem, OR, has a Location Quotient of 0.68 for Security Guards, indicating a slightly lower concentration of these roles compared to the national average.

How does the cost of living in Salem affect a Security Guard's salary?

Salem's Cost of Living Index is 100, matching the national average. This means the $45,070 average salary for Security Guards provides purchasing power equivalent to the national standard.

What is the total number of Security Guards employed in Salem, OR?

There are approximately 1,010 Security Guards employed in Salem, OR.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,010 employees in the Salem, OR area with a job density of 5.438 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 Salem, OR