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Security Guards Salary in Iowa

Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:

How much do Security Guards make in Iowa?

Last updated: 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics

$37,080
Median Annual Salary
▼ -0.8% vs 2024
$42,220
Mean Salary
$37,080
Median Salary
$17.83
Hourly Rate
6,890 people work as Security Guards in Iowa

Security Guards salary by percentile in Iowa

BLS-reported salary distribution — from entry-level (10th percentile) to top earners (90th percentile).

Security Guards salary in Iowa — 2025 BLS percentilesHorizontal bars showing 10th, 25th, 50th, 75th and 90th percentile annual salaries for Security Guards in Iowa.10thBottom 10% earn less than $30,350$30,35025th25% earn less than $34,480$34,480MedianHalf earn more than $37,080$37,08075th75% earn less than $45,590$45,59090thTop 10% earn more than $59,290$59,290

Security Guards in Iowa earn a median salary of $37,080 per year ($3,090/month). This is 5.8% below the national average of $39,375. Iowa ranks #31 out of 51 states for Security Guards pay. Approximately 6,890 people work in this occupation across Iowa. Salaries decreased by 0.8% compared to 2024.

About This Job: Security Guards

Guard, patrol, or monitor premises to prevent theft, violence, or infractions of rules. May operate x-ray and metal detector equipment.

Top Skills

Active Listening
3.75
Monitoring
3.38
Speaking
3.25
Critical Thinking
3.12
Coordination
3.12

Key Knowledge Areas

Public Safety and Security
4.74
Customer and Personal Service
4.54
English Language
4.32
Computers and Electronics
4.09
Administration and Management
3.99
Typical Education: High School Diploma or Equivalent (79.3% of workers)

Source: O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor

Salary Range: Security Guards in Iowa

Salaries for Security Guards in Iowa range from $30,350 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $59,290 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $34,480 and $45,590.

Median $37,080
P10: $30,350 P25: $34,480 P75: $45,590 P90: $59,290
10th
$30,350
25th
$34,480
Median
$37,080
75th
$45,590
90th
$59,290
Percentile Annual Salary Hourly Rate Monthly
10th Percentile (Entry Level) $30,350 $14.59 $2,529
25th Percentile $34,480 $16.58 $2,873
Median (50th) $37,080 $17.83 $3,090
75th Percentile $45,590 $21.92 $3,799
90th Percentile (Experienced) $59,290 $28.50 $4,940

Note: The mean (average) salary of $42,220 differs from the median because salary distributions are typically skewed by high earners.

📊 How Does This Compare?

#31
Iowa ranks #31 of 51 states
$39,375
National avg. for Security Guards
-5.8%
vs. national average
Below Average

Similar Jobs That Pay More in Iowa:

What does this salary really buy? See Security Guards salary in Iowa adjusted for cost of living →

How much do you actually take home? See Security Guards take-home pay in Iowa after taxes →

Explore Security Guards Data in Iowa

Security Guards Salary by State

Compare Security Guards pay across states — sorted by highest median salary.

View all 50 states →

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do Security Guards make in Iowa?
The median annual salary for Security Guards in Iowa is $37,080 as of 2025. The average (mean) salary is $42,220.
What is the salary range for a Security Guards in Iowa?
Salaries for Security Guards in Iowa range from $30,350 at the 10th percentile to $59,290 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50% earn between $34,480 and $45,590.
What is the starting salary for a Security Guards in Iowa?
Entry-level Security Guards positions in Iowa typically start around $30,350 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $34,480 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Security Guards in Iowa?
According to 2025 BLS data, approximately 6,890 people are employed as Security Guards in Iowa.
What is the hourly rate for a Security Guards in Iowa?
Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, the median hourly rate for a Security Guards in Iowa is approximately $17.83 per hour.

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Data Source & Methodology

Salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, 2025 estimates. The OEWS survey covers approximately 1.1 million establishments nationwide.

Annual salaries are calculated based on a standard 2,080-hour work year. Actual compensation may vary based on experience, education, employer, and local market conditions. Figures do not include benefits, bonuses, or overtime pay.

Our Methodology · Data Sources · Source: BLS OEWS

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