Average Security Guards Salary in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA
Security Guards in the Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA area earn an average annual salary of $39,900. This figure is slightly below the national average of $42,450, suggesting that local economic factors and demand dynamics influence compensation within this specific metropolitan region. The pay scale reflects the unique balance of the local job market and the cost of living.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $39,900 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $57,020.
- Outlook: The Scranton--Wilkes-Barre area supports a local workforce of 1,960 Security Guards, with a jobs-per-1,000-workers ratio of 7.719. The Location Quotient of 0.96 indicates that the concentration of Security Guards in this region is nearly on par with the national average, suggesting a stable and consistent demand for these professionals. This robust workforce size points to a mature and established job market for security personnel.
Salary Overview
The average Security Guards in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA earns-6.0%below the national average.
$19.2
$767
$3,325
Security Guards Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries for Security Guards in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, like in many other regions, have experienced a steady upward trend over the past four years. This growth is typically driven by inflation, increasing demand for security services, and evolving industry standards, leading to incremental salary increases for experienced professionals.
Security Guards Salary Distribution in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA
Career progression for Security Guards in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre typically involves a salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while senior guards with specialized skills or supervisory responsibilities can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings underscore the opportunities for advancement and increased earning potential as one gains more experience and expertise in the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cadet / RecruitAcademy training and probationary period. | 10% (Entry) | $29,290 | $14.1 |
| OfficerPatrol duties, handling standard calls. | 25% (Junior) | $29,925 | $14.4 |
| Senior OfficerField training officer, specialized unit. | 50% (Median) | $37,040 | $17.8 |
| Sergeant / Lt.Shift supervisor, squad leader. | 75% (Senior) | $49,875 | $24 |
| Captain / ChiefDepartment command and administration. | 90% (Expert) | $57,020 | $27.4 |
Detailed Security Guards Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$39,900
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$39,900
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $39,900 for Security Guards in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the nominal salary offers a purchasing power equivalent to the national average, indicating that the local cost of goods and services is neither significantly higher nor lower than the rest of the country.
Job Market Context
1,960
Total Jobs
7.719
Per 1K Jobs
0.96
Location Quotient
Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA has 0.96x 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 0.96, the Scranton--Wilkes-Barre job market for Security Guards is very close to the national average in terms of concentration. This suggests a competitive yet stable environment where the number of security guard positions is well-balanced with the available workforce. It indicates that while the market is not oversaturated, there are ample opportunities for qualified individuals to find employment.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Security Guards
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Binghamton, NY Security Guards Salary | $42,750↑ 7% | 50 mi |
| Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ Security Guards Salary | $42,070↑ 5% | 57 mi |
| Southwest New York nonmetropolitan area Security Guards Salary | $43,040↑ 8% | 64 mi |
| Central East New York nonmetropolitan area Security Guards Salary | $45,480↑ 14% | 64 mi |
| Capital/Northern New York nonmetropolitan area Security Guards Salary | $46,230↑ 16% | 64 mi |
Comparing salaries near Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Security Guards make in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA?
The median annual salary for a Security Guards in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA is $39,900. This typically ranges from $29,290 for entry-level positions to $57,020 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA is 6.0% lower than the national median of $42,450.
Is Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA a lucrative place for Security Guards?
No, not significantly more lucrative than the national average.Security Guards in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre earn $39,900 annually, which is slightly below the national average of $42,450. However, the local cost of living is also at the national average, meaning the salary's purchasing power is comparable.
Is Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA a good place to live for Security Guards?
The Cost of Living Index in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Binghamton, NY ($42,750) and Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ.
How does the Scranton--Wilkes-Barre Security Guard salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Security Guards in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre is $39,900, which is approximately $2,550 less than the national average of $42,450.
What is the concentration of Security Guards in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre?
The Location Quotient for Security Guards in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre is 0.96, indicating that the concentration of these professionals in the area is very close to the national average.
How does the cost of living affect the Security Guard salary in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre?
The Cost of Living Index in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre is 100, which is the national average. Therefore, the nominal salary of $39,900 provides a purchasing power that is consistent with the national average.
What is the total number of Security Guards employed in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre?
There are approximately 1,960 Security Guards employed within the Scranton--Wilkes-Barre metropolitan area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,960 employees in the Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA area with a job density of 7.719 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 Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA