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Average Security Guards Salary in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA

Security Guards in the San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA area earn an average annual salary of $51,600, significantly exceeding the national average of $42,450. This elevated compensation is largely driven by the high cost of doing business and the demand for skilled personnel in a major metropolitan hub like the Bay Area.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $51,600 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $62,710.
  • Outlook: With a substantial local workforce of 25,400 Security Guards, the San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont region demonstrates a robust job market for this profession. The Location Quotient of 1.31 indicates a higher concentration of these roles compared to the national average, suggesting consistent demand and employment opportunities within the area.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$51,600

The average Security Guards in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA earns+21.6%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$24.8

Weekly

$992

Monthly

$4,300

Security Guards Salary Distribution in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA

Salary progression for Security Guards in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont typically scales 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 earnings clearly signify the career advancement opportunities available within this field.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Cadet / RecruitAcademy training and probationary period.10% (Entry)$41,720$20.1
OfficerPatrol duties, handling standard calls.25% (Junior)$38,700$18.6
Senior OfficerField training officer, specialized unit.50% (Median)$46,740$22.5
Sergeant / Lt.Shift supervisor, squad leader.75% (Senior)$64,500$31
Captain / ChiefDepartment command and administration.90% (Expert)$62,710$30.1

Detailed Security Guards Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$51,600

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$51,600

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $51,600 for Security Guards in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the nominal salary is higher than the national average, the purchasing power of this income is comparable to the national average due to the local cost of living.

Job Market Context

25,400

Total Jobs

10.56

Per 1K Jobs

1.31

Location Quotient

Above Average

With a location quotient of 1.31, San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Security Guards roles compared to the national norm.

A Location Quotient of 1.31 for Security Guards in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont signifies a market where this profession is more concentrated than the national average. This suggests a healthy demand for security personnel, potentially leading to a competitive job market where employers seek qualified candidates, but also offering ample opportunities for those entering the field.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Security Guards

Comparing salaries near San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA

Hiring Security Guardss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Security Guards make in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA?

The median annual salary for a Security Guards in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA is $51,600. This typically ranges from $41,720 for entry-level positions to $62,710 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA is 21.6% higher than the national median of $42,450.

Is San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA a lucrative place for Security Guards?

Yes, but with caveats.Security Guards in this area earn a higher average salary than the national average. However, the local cost of living is also at the national average, meaning the increased salary's purchasing power is comparable nationally.

Is San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA a good place to live for Security Guards?

The Cost of Living Index in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA?

Some top paying nearby cities include Vallejo, CA ($46,970) and Napa, CA.

What is the average hourly wage for a Security Guard in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA?

Based on an average annual salary of $51,600 and assuming a standard 40-hour work week, the approximate hourly wage for a Security Guard in this region is $24.81.

How does the number of Security Guards per 1,000 workers compare nationally?

With 10.56 Security Guards per 1,000 workers, this region has a slightly higher density of security professionals compared to the national average, indicating a strong presence of the profession.

Are there many job openings for Security Guards in this area?

The Location Quotient of 1.31 suggests a higher concentration of Security Guard jobs relative to the national average, indicating a favorable job market with potentially numerous openings.

Does experience significantly impact a Security Guard's salary in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA?

Yes, experience is a key factor in salary determination. Senior Security Guards with specialized skills or supervisory roles typically earn considerably more than entry-level personnel.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 25,400 employees in the San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA area with a job density of 10.56 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.