CDCareer Decision

Security Guards Salary in IA

In the 2025 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS dataset, Security Guards in IA have a median annual salary of $37,080, with 6,890 recorded jobs in this area. Recorded earnings range from $30,350 at the 10th percentile to $59,290 at the 90th percentile.

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS · Data year: 2025 · Last updated: 2026-09-22

Salary overview

Median annual salary

$37,080

Data year: 2025

Hourly median

$17.83

Employment

6,890

Source

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS

Salary distribution

$30,350
10th
$34,480
25th
$37,080
Median
$45,590
75th
$59,290
90th

Local compared with national

IA

$37,080

Median annual · 2025

United States

$38,020

Median annual · 2025

The IA median is 2.5% below the national median in the available dataset (a difference of $940).

Top skills

  1. 1.Active ListeningImportance 3.8
  2. 2.MonitoringImportance 3.4
  3. 3.SpeakingImportance 3.3
  4. 4.Critical ThinkingImportance 3.1
  5. 5.CoordinationImportance 3.1
  6. 6.Reading ComprehensionImportance 3.0
  7. 7.Social PerceptivenessImportance 3.0
  8. 8.Judgment and Decision MakingImportance 3.0
  9. 9.Active LearningImportance 2.9
  10. 10.PersuasionImportance 2.9
  11. 11.Service OrientationImportance 2.9
  12. 12.WritingImportance 2.8

Career information

Education and experience

Typical education
High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)
Experience
None
Job zone
2

Technology used

  • Corel WordPerfect Office Suite
  • FaceTime
  • IBM Lotus 1-2-3
  • McAfee
  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Office software
  • Microsoft Outlook
  • Microsoft SharePoint
  • Microsoft Word
  • NortonLifeLock cybersecurity software
  • Wireshark

Common tasks

  • Lock doors and gates of entrances and exits to secure buildings.
  • Patrol industrial or commercial premises to prevent and detect signs of intrusion and ensure security of doors, windows, and gates.
  • Respond to medical emergencies by administering basic first aid or by obtaining assistance from paramedics.
  • Answer alarms and investigate disturbances.
  • Circulate among visitors, patrons, or employees to preserve order and protect property.
  • Monitor and authorize entrance and departure of employees, visitors, and other persons to guard against theft and maintain security of premises.
  • Write reports of daily activities and irregularities, such as equipment or property damage, theft, presence of unauthorized persons, or unusual occurrences.
  • Warn persons of rule infractions or violations, and apprehend or evict violators from premises, using force when necessary.
  • Answer telephone calls to take messages, answer questions, and provide information during non-business hours or when switchboard is closed.
  • Call police or fire departments in cases of emergency, such as fire or presence of unauthorized persons.

Related careers

Occupations recorded as related in the dataset. A relationship does not imply a guaranteed transition.

Security Guards salary in other locations

Other occupations in IA