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Average Security Guards Salary in South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area

Security Guards in the South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $33,450. This figure falls below the national average of $42,450, reflecting regional economic factors and potentially lower demand compared to more urbanized areas. The specific economic landscape and industry concentration within this region directly influence compensation levels for security professionals.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $33,450 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 35.6% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $45,520.
  • Outlook: With a local workforce of 990 Security Guards, the job market in South Central Kentucky presents a moderate presence. The Location Quotient of 0.71 indicates that this profession is slightly less concentrated here than the national average, suggesting a stable but not rapidly expanding demand. The number of jobs per 1,000 workers, at 5.748, further supports the notion of a consistent, albeit not exceptionally high, need for security personnel in the area.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$33,450

The average Security Guards in South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area earns-21.2%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$16.1

Weekly

$643

Monthly

$2,788

Security Guards Salary Distribution in South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area

Career progression for Security Guards in South Central Kentucky typically involves a salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills or supervisory roles can command higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings signify clear opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential as one gains experience and takes on more responsibility.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Cadet / RecruitAcademy training and probationary period.10% (Entry)$21,560$10.4
OfficerPatrol duties, handling standard calls.25% (Junior)$25,088$12.1
Senior OfficerField training officer, specialized unit.50% (Median)$31,330$15.1
Sergeant / Lt.Shift supervisor, squad leader.75% (Senior)$41,813$20.1
Captain / ChiefDepartment command and administration.90% (Expert)$45,520$21.9

Detailed Security Guards Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$33,450

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$33,450

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $33,450 in South Central Kentucky aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the nominal salary is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of that income is equivalent to the national standard. Therefore, relocating to this area as a Security Guard would not result in a significant change in lifestyle based purely on cost of living adjustments.

Job Market Context

990

Total Jobs

5.748

Per 1K Jobs

0.71

Location Quotient

Below Average

South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area has 0.71x 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.

The Location Quotient of 0.71 for Security Guards in South Central Kentucky suggests that the profession is somewhat underrepresented compared to the national average. This could imply a less competitive job market, potentially offering more opportunities for individuals seeking employment in this field. However, it also indicates that the demand might not be as robust as in areas with a higher concentration of security roles.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Security Guards

Comparing salaries near South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area

Hiring Security Guardss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Security Guards make in South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area?

The median annual salary for a Security Guards in South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area is $33,450. This typically ranges from $21,560 for entry-level positions to $45,520 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area is 21.2% lower than the national median of $42,450.

Is South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Security Guards?

No, it is not considered a highly lucrative area for Security Guards.The average salary of $33,450 is significantly below the national average, and while the cost of living is average, the lower pay scale indicates less financial advantage compared to other regions.

Is South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Security Guards?

The Cost of Living Index in South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area?

Some top paying nearby cities include Lexington-Fayette, KY ($36,130) and Elizabethtown, KY.

What is the average salary for a Security Guard in South Central Kentucky?

The average annual salary for a Security Guard in South Central Kentucky is $33,450.

How does the South Central Kentucky salary compare to the national average?

The average salary in South Central Kentucky ($33,450) is lower than the national average for Security Guards ($42,450).

What is the Cost of Living Index in South Central Kentucky?

The Cost of Living Index in South Central Kentucky is 100, which is the same as the national average.

Is there high demand for Security Guards in this region?

The Location Quotient of 0.71 suggests that Security Guards are slightly less concentrated in this region compared to the national average, indicating stable but not exceptionally high demand.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 990 employees in the South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 5.748 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.