📖 Read the security guards salary & career guide →
Security Guards Salary in Iowa
Ranked #27 of 51 · IA
Salary Distribution (10th–90th percentile)
About 80% of security guardss in Iowa earn between $30,350 and $59,290. The blue band is the middle 50% (P25–P75); the dot marks the median.
Compared to the U.S.
The mean security guards salary in Iowa is $42,220, about 0.6% below the U.S. average ($42,470). That works out to roughly $20/hr at 2,080 hours per year.
Metro Areas in Iowa
| Metro area | Median | Mean | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Iowa City, IA | $39,540 | $42,680 | 270 |
| Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA | $38,670 | $43,070 | 380 |
| Sioux City, IA-NE-SD | $38,480 | $42,300 | 350 |
| Dubuque, IA | $37,620 | $38,220 | 170 |
| Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA | $37,550 | $44,300 | 2,360 |
| Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area | $37,440 | $39,950 | 570 |
| Ames, IA | $37,430 | $42,590 | 260 |
| Cedar Rapids, IA | $36,940 | $40,350 | 1,070 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do security guards make in Iowa?
The median security guards salary in Iowa is $37,080 per year (mean $42,220), and about 80% earn between $30,350 and $59,290.
How much do security guards make per hour in Iowa?
Roughly $20 per hour, based on a mean annual wage of $42,220 and 2,080 work hours per year.
Is Iowa a high-paying state for security guards?
Iowa ranks #27 of 51 states for security guards pay. Its mean salary of $42,220 is about 0.6% below the U.S. average of $42,470.
Which metro areas in Iowa pay security guards the most?
The highest-paying metro areas in Iowa for security guards are Iowa City, IA ($39,540), Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA ($38,670), Sioux City, IA-NE-SD ($38,480), by median annual wage.