Security Guard Salary in Iowa
Based on 7K+ workers in Iowa
Median Annual Salary (IA)
$37,080
$17.83/hr
vs National Average
$39,375
-5.8% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$30K – $59K
7K employed in Iowa
The median Security Guard salary in Iowa is $37,080 per year, which translates to approximately $18 per hour. This figure is 5.8% lower than the national average for this profession. Currently, there are 6,890 individuals employed as security guards in the state.
Several factors can influence the Security Guard salary in Iowa. These include the specific employer, the guard's level of experience, any specialized certifications they hold, and the geographic location within Iowa. For instance, guards in metropolitan areas may earn more than those in rural regions, and those with advanced training can command higher wages.
Salary Distribution — Security Guard in Iowa
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $30,350 |
| 25th percentile | $34,480 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $37,080 |
| 75th percentile | $45,590 |
| 90th percentile | $59,290 |
Top-Paying Industries for Security Guard (U.S.)
Which industries pay Security Guards the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Security Guards in Iowa tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Utilities | $66,720 | 5K |
| Finance and Insurance | $57,380 | 4K |
| Information | $47,900 | 3K |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $47,230 | 10K |
| Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $46,450 | 33K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Security Guard in Iowa vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Iowa) |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $37,080 |
| 2026 (projected) | $38,192 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Iowa Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $37,080 | $39,375 |
| 2026 (projected) | $38,192 | $40,556 |
Security Guard Salary by Experience Level in Iowa
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $34,480 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $37,080 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $45,590 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $59,290 |
Security Guard Salary in Other States
Related Security Guard Salaries in Iowa
How other high-demand occupations in Iowa compare to Security Guard ($37,080 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Security Guard | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Police Officer in IA | $74,470 | +100.8% | $35.80/hr |
| Firefighter in IA | $55,810 | +50.5% | $26.83/hr |
| Receptionist in IA | $37,330 | +0.7% | $17.95/hr |
| Stocker and Order Filler in IA | $36,640 | -1.2% | $17.62/hr |
| Home Health and Personal Care Aide in IA | $36,080 | -2.7% | $17.35/hr |
| Tutor in IA | $35,670 | -3.8% | $17.15/hr |
| Restaurant Cook in IA | $35,670 | -3.8% | $17.15/hr |
| Nursing Assistant (CNA) in IA | $39,350 | +6.1% | $18.92/hr |
| Rehabilitation Counselor in IA | $39,630 | +6.9% | $19.05/hr |
| Retail Salesperson in IA | $31,360 | -15.4% | $15.08/hr |
| Pharmacy Technician in IA | $44,860 | +21.0% | $21.57/hr |
| Administrative Assistant in IA | $45,150 | +21.8% | $21.71/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Security Guard make in Iowa on average?
- The median salary for a Security Guard in Iowa is $37,080 annually, or about $18 per hour. This median reflects the midpoint of earnings, with many professionals earning around this figure.
What is the typical salary range for Security Guards in Iowa?
- In Iowa, Security Guards can expect to earn between $30,350 and $59,290 per year. This range indicates the varying compensation based on experience, location, and other factors.
Is the Security Guard salary in Iowa higher or lower than the national average?
- The Security Guard salary in Iowa is 5.8% lower than the national average. The median annual salary of $37,080 is below the national median for this role.
How many Security Guards are employed in Iowa?
- There are approximately 6,890 Security Guards currently employed in Iowa. This indicates a stable demand for these professionals within the state.