Security Guards Salary in West Virginia
The median pay for a security guards in West Virginia is $37,220/year ($17.89/hour), per BLS data. The range runs from $23K at the entry level to $59K for experienced workers.
Statewide average. Salary and cost of living vary significantly across West Virginia. Jump to a metro for precise data:
So what does $37K get you in West Virginia?
About security guards
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Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, West Virginia
Entry-level security guards (10th percentile) start around $23K. Mid-career wages sit at $37K. Top earners bring in $59K or more, a $36K spread from bottom to top.
Security Guards salary by metro in West Virginia
7 metro areas with BLS data, ranked by median pay
| Metro area | Median salary | vs. state | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Charleston | $37K | +0% | 3,160 |
| Morgantown | $36K | -3% | 330 |
| Huntington-Ashland | $35K | -7% | 810 |
| Weirton-Steubenville | $34K | -9% | 170 |
| Parkersburg-Vienna | $31K | -16% | 180 |
| Wheeling | $31K | -16% | 340 |
| Beckley | $24K | -35% | 430 |
Compare to other states
Track security guards salary changes
BLS updates this data quarterly. We'll email you when West Virginia numbers change.
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Frequently asked questions
How much do security guards make in West Virginia?
The median is $37,220 a year, that works out to about $18 an hour. But the range is wide: entry-level workers start around $23,310, and experienced security guards can clear $59,270. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $37K enough to live in West Virginia?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $2,567/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $1,008/month, which eats 39.3% of your paycheck. That's above the 30% rule of thumb, housing will be a stretch at the median salary, though you can manage with roommates or a smaller place.
How far does a security guards salary go in West Virginia?
West Virginia has a Regional Price Parity of 100 (100 is the national average). That's right at the national average. After cost-of-living adjustment, the median security guards salary is worth about $41,806 in national-average purchasing power.
Where do security guards get paid the most?
The table above ranks every state by median pay for this role. Keep in mind that the highest-paying states tend to have the highest costs of living, so the top salary doesn't always mean the most money in your pocket.