Average Security Guards Salary in Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL
Security Guards in the Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL area earn an average annual salary of $38,110. This figure is slightly below the national average of $42,450, suggesting localized economic factors and demand dynamics are at play. While the nominal pay is lower, understanding the cost of living is crucial for a complete financial picture.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $38,110 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 10.4% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $49,800.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 11,930 Security Guards, Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater demonstrates a significant presence in this sector. The Location Quotient of 1.03 indicates a concentration of these roles that is marginally higher than the national average, suggesting a stable, if not slightly elevated, demand for security personnel within the region.
Salary Overview
The average Security Guards in Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL earns-10.2%below the national average.
$18.3
$733
$3,176
Security Guards Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for the last four years is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries for Security Guards nationwide and in major metropolitan areas like Tampa have experienced modest growth. This trend is typically driven by inflation, increasing security needs, and evolving industry standards, which would likely reflect in the average local salary over time.
Security Guards Salary Distribution in Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL
Career progression for Security Guards 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 responsibilities can command higher salaries. The percentile gaps in salary distributions signify these opportunities for advancement and increased earning potential.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cadet / RecruitAcademy training and probationary period. | 10% (Entry) | $29,720 | $14.3 |
| OfficerPatrol duties, handling standard calls. | 25% (Junior) | $28,583 | $13.7 |
| Senior OfficerField training officer, specialized unit. | 50% (Median) | $36,000 | $17.3 |
| Sergeant / Lt.Shift supervisor, squad leader. | 75% (Senior) | $47,638 | $22.9 |
| Captain / ChiefDepartment command and administration. | 90% (Expert) | $49,800 | $23.9 |
Detailed Security Guards Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$38,110
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$38,110
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $38,110 in Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater 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 comparable to the national average, indicating that the slightly lower nominal salary is effectively balanced by the cost of everyday expenses.
Job Market Context
11,930
Total Jobs
8.273
Per 1K Jobs
1.03
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.03, Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Security Guards roles compared to the national norm.
The Location Quotient of 1.03 for Security Guards in Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater suggests a job market that is very close to the national average in terms of concentration. This indicates a healthy and competitive environment where the number of security guard positions is proportionate to the overall labor force, offering steady opportunities without extreme saturation or scarcity.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Security Guards
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL Security Guards Salary | $38,000↓ 0% | 32 mi |
| North Florida nonmetropolitan area Security Guards Salary | $39,110↑ 3% | 49 mi |
| South Florida nonmetropolitan area Security Guards Salary | $40,090↑ 5% | 49 mi |
| Homosassa Springs, FL Security Guards Salary | $38,610↑ 1% | 60 mi |
| Wildwood-The Villages, FL Security Guards Salary | $35,660↓ 6% | 63 mi |
Comparing salaries near Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Security Guards make in Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL?
The median annual salary for a Security Guards in Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL is $38,110. This typically ranges from $29,720 for entry-level positions to $49,800 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL is 10.2% lower than the national median of $42,450.
Is Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL a lucrative place for Security Guards?
No, not significantly more lucrative than the national average.The average salary of $38,110 is below the national average, though the cost of living is on par. This suggests comparable purchasing power but not a higher earning potential.
Is Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL a good place to live for Security Guards?
The Cost of Living Index in Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL?
Some top paying nearby cities include Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL ($38,000) and North Florida nonmetropolitan area.
How does the Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater Security Guard salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Security Guards in Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater is $38,110, which is approximately 10% lower than the national average of $42,450.
What is the cost of living in Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL?
The cost of living index for Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater is 100, which is exactly the national average. This means that the cost of goods and services is comparable to the rest of the country.
How concentrated is the Security Guard job market in Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater?
The job market for Security Guards is slightly more concentrated than the national average, with a Location Quotient of 1.03, indicating a marginally higher presence of these roles relative to the overall workforce.
What is the total number of Security Guards in the Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater area?
There are approximately 11,930 Security Guards employed in the Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater metropolitan area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 11,930 employees in the Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL area with a job density of 8.273 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 Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL