Average Security Guards Salary in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA
Security Guards in the Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA area earn an average annual salary of $40,400. This figure is slightly below the national average of $42,450, a common occurrence in regions with a moderate cost of living. Local economic factors and the specific demand within the Waterloo-Cedar Falls metropolitan area contribute to this salary positioning.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $40,400 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 24.7% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $60,140.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 330 Security Guards, the Waterloo-Cedar Falls area demonstrates a stable, albeit not exceptionally concentrated, presence in this sector. The Location Quotient of 0.47 suggests that while Security Guards are present, they are less concentrated than the national average, indicating a potentially moderate demand relative to the overall job market.
Salary Overview
The average Security Guards in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA earns-4.8%below the national average.
$19.4
$777
$3,367
Security Guards Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Security Guard salary growth in Waterloo-Cedar Falls is not provided, it is reasonable to assume a general upward trend over the past four years, mirroring national patterns. Economic shifts and evolving security needs typically drive modest annual salary increases for dedicated professionals in this field.
Security Guards Salary Distribution in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA
Salary progression for Security Guards in Waterloo-Cedar Falls typically correlates with experience and specialized skills. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with supervisory or specialized training can command salaries significantly higher than the average. The gap between the 25th and 75th percentile salaries often signifies these opportunities for career advancement.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cadet / RecruitAcademy training and probationary period. | 10% (Entry) | $30,950 | $14.9 |
| OfficerPatrol duties, handling standard calls. | 25% (Junior) | $30,300 | $14.6 |
| Senior OfficerField training officer, specialized unit. | 50% (Median) | $36,690 | $17.6 |
| Sergeant / Lt.Shift supervisor, squad leader. | 75% (Senior) | $50,500 | $24.3 |
| Captain / ChiefDepartment command and administration. | 90% (Expert) | $60,140 | $28.9 |
Detailed Security Guards Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$40,400
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$40,400
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $40,400 in Waterloo-Cedar Falls aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national benchmark. This means that the purchasing power of a Security Guard's salary in this area is equivalent to the national average, offering a stable financial standing without the premium often associated with higher cost-of-living regions.
Job Market Context
330
Total Jobs
3.81
Per 1K Jobs
0.47
Location Quotient
At 0.47x, Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA has a notably lower concentration of Security Guards jobs than the national average. Opportunities in this area are relatively scarce for this profession.
The Location Quotient of 0.47 for Security Guards in Waterloo-Cedar Falls indicates that this profession is less concentrated locally compared to the national landscape. This suggests that while the role is established, the market may not be saturated, potentially offering steady employment opportunities for qualified individuals without intense competition from a disproportionately large pool of guards.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Security Guards
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Cedar Rapids, IA Security Guards Salary | $39,610↓ 2% | 50 mi |
| Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area Security Guards Salary | $39,260↓ 3% | 55 mi |
| Northwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area Security Guards Salary | $40,170↓ 1% | 55 mi |
| Northeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area Security Guards Salary | $37,060↓ 8% | 55 mi |
| Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area Security Guards Salary | $39,230↓ 3% | 55 mi |
Comparing salaries near Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Security Guards make in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA?
The median annual salary for a Security Guards in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA is $40,400. This typically ranges from $30,950 for entry-level positions to $60,140 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA is 4.8% lower than the national median of $42,450.
Is Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA a lucrative place for Security Guards?
No, but it offers stable compensation.While the average salary of $40,400 is slightly below the national average, the cost of living is on par with the national index. This provides stable purchasing power for Security Guards in the area.
Is Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA a good place to live for Security Guards?
The Cost of Living Index in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Cedar Rapids, IA ($39,610) and Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area.
How does the Waterloo-Cedar Falls Security Guard salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Security Guards in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA is $40,400, which is approximately $2,050 less than the national average of $42,450.
What is the concentration of Security Guards in Waterloo-Cedar Falls compared to the rest of the US?
The Location Quotient for Security Guards in Waterloo-Cedar Falls is 0.47, meaning the profession is less concentrated in this area than the national average.
Does the cost of living in Waterloo-Cedar Falls affect the Security Guard salary?
The cost of living in Waterloo-Cedar Falls is exactly at the national average (100). Therefore, the nominal salary of $40,400 offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average.
How many Security Guards are employed in the Waterloo-Cedar Falls area?
There are approximately 330 Security Guards employed within the Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA 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 330 employees in the Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA area with a job density of 3.81 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 Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA