Average Security Guards Salary in St. Louis, MO-IL
Security Guards in the St. Louis, MO-IL metropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $45,310. This figure slightly surpasses the national average of $42,450, indicating a localized demand that influences compensation. Factors such as the specific economic landscape and the concentration of industries requiring security services in the St. Louis region likely contribute to this elevated pay.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $45,310 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 26.1% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $69,870.
- Outlook: With a substantial local workforce of 9,890 Security Guards, the St. Louis market demonstrates a significant presence in this profession. The Location Quotient of 0.92 suggests that the concentration of Security Guards in St. Louis is nearly on par with the national average, implying a stable and consistent demand for these services within the metropolitan area.
Salary Overview
The average Security Guards in St. Louis, MO-IL earns+6.7%above the national average.
$21.8
$871
$3,776
Security Guards Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is generally observed that salaries for Security Guards across the nation, including in metropolitan areas like St. Louis, have experienced steady growth over the past four years. This trend is typically driven by inflation, increasing demand for security services, and evolving industry standards, suggesting that the $45,310 average is likely a conservative estimate of current earning potential.
Security Guards Salary Distribution in St. Louis, MO-IL
The career trajectory for Security Guards in St. Louis, MO-IL, typically involves a noticeable 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 significantly higher salaries, often reaching into the upper percentiles. These percentile gaps clearly signify opportunities for career progression and increased earning potential.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cadet / RecruitAcademy training and probationary period. | 10% (Entry) | $31,980 | $15.4 |
| OfficerPatrol duties, handling standard calls. | 25% (Junior) | $33,983 | $16.3 |
| Senior OfficerField training officer, specialized unit. | 50% (Median) | $37,910 | $18.2 |
| Sergeant / Lt.Shift supervisor, squad leader. | 75% (Senior) | $56,638 | $27.2 |
| Captain / ChiefDepartment command and administration. | 90% (Expert) | $69,870 | $33.6 |
Detailed Security Guards Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$45,310
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$45,310
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $45,310 for Security Guards in St. Louis, MO-IL aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which represents the national average. This means that the purchasing power of a Security Guard's salary in St. Louis is equivalent to that of a Security Guard earning the national average in a typical U.S. city, offering a balanced financial standing.
Job Market Context
9,890
Total Jobs
7.384
Per 1K Jobs
0.92
Location Quotient
St. Louis, MO-IL has 0.92x 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 0.92 indicates that the St. Louis, MO-IL metropolitan area has a slightly lower concentration of Security Guards compared to the national average. This suggests that while the job market is robust and employs a significant number of professionals, it is not oversaturated, potentially offering a competitive environment for job seekers and stable employment for existing guards.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Security Guards
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Springfield, IL Security Guards Salary | $43,100↓ 5% | 84 mi |
| Cape Girardeau, MO-IL Security Guards Salary | $39,250↓ 13% | 97 mi |
Comparing salaries near St. Louis, MO-IL
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Security Guards make in St. Louis, MO-IL?
The median annual salary for a Security Guards in St. Louis, MO-IL is $45,310. This typically ranges from $31,980 for entry-level positions to $69,870 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in St. Louis, MO-IL is 6.7% higher than the national median of $42,450.
Is St. Louis, MO-IL a lucrative place for Security Guards?
Yes, St. Louis offers competitive compensation for Security Guards.Security Guards in St. Louis earn slightly above the national average salary, and the cost of living is also at the national average, making it a financially stable location for this profession.
Is St. Louis, MO-IL a good place to live for Security Guards?
The Cost of Living Index in St. Louis, MO-IL is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near St. Louis, MO-IL?
Some top paying nearby cities include Springfield, IL ($43,100) and Cape Girardeau, MO-IL.
How does the number of Security Guards in St. Louis compare nationally?
St. Louis has a total local workforce of 9,890 Security Guards, which is a substantial number reflecting consistent demand for these services within the metropolitan area.
What does a Location Quotient of 0.92 mean for Security Guards in St. Louis?
A Location Quotient of 0.92 signifies that the proportion of Security Guards in St. Louis is just below the national average, indicating a healthy job market that is neither overly saturated nor experiencing a significant shortage.
How does the Cost of Living in St. Louis affect a Security Guard's salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the national average, a Security Guard's salary of $45,310 in St. Louis provides purchasing power equivalent to the national average, meaning your earnings will stretch as far as they would in most other U.S. cities.
Are there many job opportunities for Security Guards in St. Louis?
The data shows 7.384 jobs per 1,000 workers in St. Louis for Security Guards, indicating a steady presence and availability of roles within the local job market.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 9,890 employees in the St. Louis, MO-IL area with a job density of 7.384 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 St. Louis, MO-IL