Average Security Guards Salary in Southwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area
Security Guards in the Southwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $41,780. This figure is slightly below the national average of $42,450, a difference often attributed to regional economic factors and the specific demand dynamics within nonmetropolitan settings. The cost of living in this region aligns perfectly with the national average, suggesting that the nominal salary offers a comparable purchasing power.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $41,780 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 38.6% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $72,800.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 640 Security Guards, the Southwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area exhibits a moderate concentration of this profession, indicated by a Location Quotient of 0.67. This suggests that while the profession is present, it is less concentrated than the national average. The rate of 5.4 jobs per 1,000 workers further underscores a stable, albeit not exceptionally high, demand for security personnel in this locale.
Salary Overview
The average Security Guards in Southwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area earns-1.6%below the national average.
$20.1
$803
$3,482
Security Guards Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for the last four years is not provided, it is reasonable to assume a general trend of salary growth for Security Guards across nonmetropolitan areas, mirroring national patterns. Economic shifts, inflation, and evolving security needs typically contribute to incremental increases in compensation over time, ensuring that wages adapt to the prevailing economic conditions.
Security Guards Salary Distribution in Southwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area
The salary progression for Security Guards in Southwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area 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 career progression opportunities, rewarding dedication and accumulated expertise.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cadet / RecruitAcademy training and probationary period. | 10% (Entry) | $27,250 | $13.1 |
| OfficerPatrol duties, handling standard calls. | 25% (Junior) | $31,335 | $15.1 |
| Senior OfficerField training officer, specialized unit. | 50% (Median) | $36,850 | $17.7 |
| Sergeant / Lt.Shift supervisor, squad leader. | 75% (Senior) | $52,225 | $25.1 |
| Captain / ChiefDepartment command and administration. | 90% (Expert) | $72,800 | $35 |
Detailed Security Guards Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$41,780
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$41,780
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $41,780 in Southwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area is directly comparable to the national average cost of living index of 100. This means that the nominal income earned by a Security Guard in this region provides a purchasing power that is on par with the national standard. Consequently, relocating to this area for a Security Guard position does not present an immediate disadvantage in terms of cost of living relative to income.
Job Market Context
640
Total Jobs
5.4
Per 1K Jobs
0.67
Location Quotient
Southwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area has 0.67x 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 0.67 indicates that Security Guard positions are less concentrated in the Southwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area compared to the national average. This suggests that the job market for Security Guards is not saturated, and while demand exists, it is not as robust as in more densely populated or industrially diverse regions. This lower concentration could imply a more competitive landscape for job seekers relative to the number of available positions.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Security Guards
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Charlottesville, VA Security Guards Salary | $45,110↑ 8% | 25 mi |
| Richmond, VA Security Guards Salary | $45,100↑ 8% | 41 mi |
| Staunton-Stuarts Draft, VA Security Guards Salary | $42,170↑ 1% | 56 mi |
| Harrisonburg, VA Security Guards Salary | $39,760↓ 5% | 60 mi |
| Lynchburg, VA Security Guards Salary | $49,220↑ 18% | 61 mi |
Comparing salaries near Southwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Security Guards make in Southwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Security Guards in Southwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area is $41,780. This typically ranges from $27,250 for entry-level positions to $72,800 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Southwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area is 1.6% lower than the national median of $42,450.
Is Southwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Security Guards?
No, not exceptionally lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $41,780 is slightly below the national average, although the cost of living is on par. The lower concentration of jobs (LQ of 0.67) suggests less intense demand compared to national benchmarks.
Is Southwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Security Guards?
The Cost of Living Index in Southwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Southwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Charlottesville, VA ($45,110) and Richmond, VA.
How does the cost of living in Southwest Virginia affect Security Guard salaries?
The cost of living in Southwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area is at the national average (100). This means the $41,780 average salary offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average, making it neither significantly advantageous nor disadvantageous from a cost-of-living perspective.
What is the concentration of Security Guards in Southwest Virginia compared to the nation?
The concentration of Security Guards in Southwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area is lower than the national average, as indicated by a Location Quotient of 0.67. This suggests fewer Security Guard jobs per capita relative to the rest of the country.
How many Security Guards are employed in the Southwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area?
There are approximately 640 Security Guards employed in the Southwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area, representing a specific segment of the local workforce.
What does a Location Quotient of 0.67 mean for Security Guard jobs?
A Location Quotient of 0.67 signifies that the Southwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area has fewer Security Guards relative to its total workforce compared to the national average. This implies a less concentrated market for these roles.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 640 employees in the Southwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 5.4 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 Southwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area