Average Security Guards Salary in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA
Security Guards in the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA metropolitan area earn an impressive average annual salary of $53,000. This figure significantly surpasses the national average of $42,450, indicating a strong local demand and potentially higher operational costs influencing compensation. The robust economic landscape of the region likely contributes to this elevated pay scale for essential security personnel.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $53,000 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 30.3% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $72,710.
- Outlook: With a substantial local workforce of 16,320 Security Guards and a Location Quotient of 0.97, the job market in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue demonstrates a near-national average concentration of these roles. This suggests a stable and consistent demand for security professionals, reflecting the ongoing need for their services across various sectors within this dynamic metropolitan area.
Salary Overview
The average Security Guards in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA earns+24.9%above the national average.
$25.5
$1,019
$4,417
Security Guards Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Security Guards in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue have experienced steady growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Factors such as inflation, increasing security needs, and a competitive job market typically drive incremental salary increases for experienced professionals in this field.
Security Guards Salary Distribution in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA
Salary progression for Security Guards in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue typically scales with experience and specialized skills. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while senior guards with supervisory responsibilities or advanced certifications can command significantly higher salaries, often reaching well into the top percentiles, reflecting their expertise and value.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cadet / RecruitAcademy training and probationary period. | 10% (Entry) | $39,410 | $18.9 |
| OfficerPatrol duties, handling standard calls. | 25% (Junior) | $39,750 | $19.1 |
| Senior OfficerField training officer, specialized unit. | 50% (Median) | $48,400 | $23.3 |
| Sergeant / Lt.Shift supervisor, squad leader. | 75% (Senior) | $66,250 | $31.9 |
| Captain / ChiefDepartment command and administration. | 90% (Expert) | $72,710 | $35 |
Detailed Security Guards Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$53,000
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$53,000
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $53,000 for Security Guards in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue aligns perfectly with the national Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of this salary is equivalent to the national average, suggesting that while the nominal pay is higher, the local cost of living does not inflate expenses beyond what is typical nationwide.
Job Market Context
16,320
Total Jobs
7.838
Per 1K Jobs
0.97
Location Quotient
Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA has 0.97x 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 0.97 indicates that the concentration of Security Guards in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue is very close to the national average. This suggests a balanced job market where the supply of security professionals generally meets the demand, without significant oversupply or undersupply, making it a moderately competitive environment for job seekers.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Security Guards
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Bremerton-Silverdale-Port Orchard, WA Security Guards Salary | $52,690↓ 1% | 18 mi |
| Western Washington nonmetropolitan area Security Guards Salary | $59,510↑ 12% | 42 mi |
| Eastern Washington nonmetropolitan area Security Guards Salary | $46,750↓ 12% | 42 mi |
| Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA Security Guards Salary | $51,320↓ 3% | 47 mi |
| Mount Vernon-Anacortes, WA Security Guards Salary | $50,940↓ 4% | 56 mi |
Comparing salaries near Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Security Guards make in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA?
The median annual salary for a Security Guards in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA is $53,000. This typically ranges from $39,410 for entry-level positions to $72,710 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA is 24.9% higher than the national median of $42,450.
Is Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA a lucrative place for Security Guards?
Yes, it is a lucrative place for Security Guards.Security Guards in this region earn approximately 25% more than the national average, with a cost of living that matches the national benchmark, offering strong earning potential.
Is Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA a good place to live for Security Guards?
The Cost of Living Index in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Bremerton-Silverdale-Port Orchard, WA ($52,690) and Western Washington nonmetropolitan area.
What is the average salary for a Security Guard in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA?
The average annual salary for a Security Guard in the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA area is $53,000.
How does the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue salary compare to the national average?
The average salary of $53,000 in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue is significantly higher than the national average of $42,450 for Security Guards.
What is the cost of living in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA compared to the national average?
The cost of living in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA is exactly at the national average, with an index of 100.
How concentrated is the Security Guard job market in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA?
The job market concentration, measured by the Location Quotient, is 0.97, indicating a presence very close to the national average for Security Guards.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 16,320 employees in the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA area with a job density of 7.838 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 Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA