Average Security Guards Salary in Southern West Virginia nonmetropolitan area
Security Guards in the Southern West Virginia nonmetropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $33,610. This figure is notably below the national average of $42,450, reflecting the economic landscape and specific industry demands of this region. Localized economic factors and a smaller concentration of security-focused industries likely contribute to this pay differential.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $33,610 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 33.8% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $46,390.
- Outlook: With a total local workforce of 420 individuals in this role, the Security Guard market in Southern West Virginia is relatively modest. The Location Quotient of 0.71 indicates a slightly lower concentration of these jobs compared to the national average, suggesting a stable but not rapidly expanding demand for security personnel within the nonmetropolitan context.
Salary Overview
The average Security Guards in Southern West Virginia nonmetropolitan area earns-20.8%below the national average.
$16.2
$646
$2,801
Security Guards Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Security Guards in Southern West Virginia have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring general economic trends and inflation adjustments. This steady, albeit potentially modest, upward movement is typical for established roles within nonmetropolitan economies.
Security Guards Salary Distribution in Southern West Virginia nonmetropolitan area
Career progression for Security Guards in Southern West Virginia typically involves moving from entry-level positions to more senior or specialized roles, which naturally commands higher compensation. While specific percentile salary gaps are not detailed, the progression from lower to higher earnings signifies increased responsibility, experience, and potentially specialized training, reflecting a clear career ladder.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cadet / RecruitAcademy training and probationary period. | 10% (Entry) | $22,800 | $11 |
| OfficerPatrol duties, handling standard calls. | 25% (Junior) | $25,208 | $12.1 |
| Senior OfficerField training officer, specialized unit. | 50% (Median) | $29,280 | $14.1 |
| Sergeant / Lt.Shift supervisor, squad leader. | 75% (Senior) | $42,013 | $20.2 |
| Captain / ChiefDepartment command and administration. | 90% (Expert) | $46,390 | $22.3 |
Detailed Security Guards Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$33,610
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$33,610
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $33,610 in Southern West Virginia aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a Security Guard's salary in this region is equivalent to the national average, offering a stable financial standing relative to the cost of goods and services.
Job Market Context
420
Total Jobs
5.695
Per 1K Jobs
0.71
Location Quotient
Southern West Virginia 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 Southern West Virginia suggests that the job market here is less concentrated than the national average. This indicates that while the role is present, it is not a dominant sector, implying a moderate level of competition and availability for qualified individuals seeking employment in this field.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Security Guards
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Charlottesville, VA Security Guards Salary | $45,110↑ 34% | 25 mi |
| Richmond, VA Security Guards Salary | $45,100↑ 34% | 41 mi |
| Staunton-Stuarts Draft, VA Security Guards Salary | $42,170↑ 25% | 56 mi |
| Harrisonburg, VA Security Guards Salary | $39,760↑ 18% | 60 mi |
| Lynchburg, VA Security Guards Salary | $49,220↑ 46% | 61 mi |
Comparing salaries near Southern West Virginia nonmetropolitan area
Hiring Security Guardss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Security Guards make in Southern West Virginia nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Security Guards in Southern West Virginia nonmetropolitan area is $33,610. This typically ranges from $22,800 for entry-level positions to $46,390 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Southern West Virginia nonmetropolitan area is 20.8% lower than the national median of $42,450.
Is Southern West Virginia nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Security Guards?
No, it is not a particularly lucrative place for Security Guards.The average salary of $33,610 is significantly lower than the national average, and the job market, while stable, is less concentrated than in other regions.
Is Southern West Virginia nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Security Guards?
The Cost of Living Index in Southern West Virginia nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Southern West Virginia nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Charlottesville, VA ($45,110) and Richmond, VA.
How does the local salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Security Guards in Southern West Virginia is $33,610, which is substantially lower than the national average of $42,450.
What is the concentration of Security Guard jobs in this area?
The Location Quotient of 0.71 indicates that Security Guard jobs are less concentrated in Southern West Virginia compared to the national average.
How does the cost of living affect the salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the local salary of $33,610 has the same purchasing power as the national average, meaning it is neither exceptionally high nor low relative to expenses.
What is the total number of Security Guards in the region?
There are approximately 420 Security Guards employed in the Southern West Virginia nonmetropolitan area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 420 employees in the Southern West Virginia nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 5.695 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 Southern West Virginia nonmetropolitan area