Average Security Guards Salary in State College, PA
Security Guards in State College, PA, earn an average annual salary of $38,020. This figure is notably below the national average of $42,450, suggesting that local market dynamics, such as demand and the cost of doing business, play a significant role in compensation within this sector.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $38,020 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 41.1% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $52,680.
- Outlook: With a total local workforce of 320 Security Guards, State College presents a modest employment landscape for this profession. The location quotient of 0.57 indicates that the concentration of Security Guards is below the national average, suggesting that while the profession is present, it is not a dominant sector in the local job market.
Salary Overview
The average Security Guards in State College, PA earns-10.4%below the national average.
$18.3
$731
$3,168
Security Guards Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Security Guard salary growth in State College is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries across most professions, including security services, have experienced incremental growth over the past four years, influenced by inflation, evolving security needs, and general economic trends.
Security Guards Salary Distribution in State College, PA
Salary progression for Security Guards in State College typically correlates with experience and specialized skills. Entry-level positions will likely fall at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with supervisory responsibilities or expertise in areas like surveillance technology can command significantly higher salaries, often reflected in the upper percentiles of the pay distribution.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cadet / RecruitAcademy training and probationary period. | 10% (Entry) | $25,320 | $12.2 |
| OfficerPatrol duties, handling standard calls. | 25% (Junior) | $28,515 | $13.7 |
| Senior OfficerField training officer, specialized unit. | 50% (Median) | $38,350 | $18.4 |
| Sergeant / Lt.Shift supervisor, squad leader. | 75% (Senior) | $47,525 | $22.8 |
| Captain / ChiefDepartment command and administration. | 90% (Expert) | $52,680 | $25.3 |
Detailed Security Guards Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$38,020
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$38,020
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $38,020 in State College, PA, aligns perfectly with the national average cost of living, indicated by an index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a Security Guard's salary in State College is comparable to that of a Security Guard earning the national average elsewhere in the country, offering a stable financial baseline.
Job Market Context
320
Total Jobs
4.599
Per 1K Jobs
0.57
Location Quotient
State College, PA has 0.57x 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 0.57 for Security Guards in State College signifies that this profession is less concentrated locally compared to the national average. This suggests a potentially less saturated job market, which could offer opportunities for those entering the field, though it also implies that the demand might not be exceptionally high relative to other occupations.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Security Guards
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Altoona, PA Security Guards Salary | $35,920↓ 6% | 35 mi |
| Northwestern Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area Security Guards Salary | $34,510↓ 9% | 45 mi |
| Central Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area Security Guards Salary | $36,390↓ 4% | 45 mi |
| Southwestern Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area Security Guards Salary | $35,710↓ 6% | 45 mi |
| Northeastern Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area Security Guards Salary | $37,440↓ 2% | 45 mi |
Comparing salaries near State College, PA
Hiring Security Guardss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Security Guards make in State College, PA?
The median annual salary for a Security Guards in State College, PA is $38,020. This typically ranges from $25,320 for entry-level positions to $52,680 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in State College, PA is 10.4% lower than the national median of $42,450.
Is State College, PA a lucrative place for Security Guards?
No, not particularly lucrative compared to the national average.Security Guards in State College earn approximately $4,430 less annually than the national average. However, the local cost of living is on par with the national average, mitigating some of the financial disparity.
Is State College, PA a good place to live for Security Guards?
The Cost of Living Index in State College, PA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near State College, PA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Altoona, PA ($35,920) and Northwestern Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area.
How does the State College Security Guard salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Security Guards in State College, PA, is $38,020, which is $4,430 lower than the national average of $42,450.
What is the concentration of Security Guards in State College, PA?
The concentration of Security Guards in State College, PA, is below the national average, with a location quotient of 0.57, indicating fewer jobs per capita in this role compared to the rest of the country.
How does the cost of living in State College affect the Security Guard salary?
The cost of living in State College is exactly at the national average (index of 100). This means that the $38,020 salary has a purchasing power equivalent to the national average salary for Security Guards.
What does a location quotient of 0.57 mean for Security Guard jobs in State College?
A location quotient of 0.57 suggests that the job market for Security Guards in State College is less dense than the national average. While this might imply less competition, it also points to a potentially smaller overall demand for these services.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 320 employees in the State College, PA area with a job density of 4.599 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
Explore Security Guards Salaries by State
Top Jobs in State College, PA
- All Occupations Salary in State College, PA
- Educational Instruction and Library Occupations Salary in State College, PA
- Office and Administrative Support Occupations Salary in State College, PA
- Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in State College, PA
- Management Occupations Salary in State College, PA
- Sales and Related Occupations Salary in State College, PA
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations Salary in State College, PA
- Transportation and Material Moving Occupations Salary in State College, PA
- Business and Financial Operations Occupations Salary in State College, PA
- Production Occupations Salary in State College, PA
- Browse All Jobs in State College, PA →
Semantic Salary Analysis for Security Guards • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in State College, PA