Public Service Iowa City, IA Pop. 74,828

Security Guard Salary in Iowa City, Iowa

The median security guard salary in Iowa City, IA is $33,013 per year, which is 5% below the national median and 6.7% above the Iowa state average.

City Median
$33,013
vs State Avg
+$2,085
vs National
$-1,737
Cost of Living
95%

Security Guard Pay in Iowa City: What to Expect (2026)

Iowa City offers a median security guard salary of $33,013, which is $2,085 above the Iowa state average of $30,928. Compared to the national median of $34,750, Iowa City pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Iowa City's cost of living is 95% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for security guards in Iowa City spans from $23,750 at the 10th percentile to $49,400 at the 90th percentile — a $25,650 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $24,700, while senior security guards with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $47,500. Iowa City is a smaller market (pop. 74,828), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Security Guard Salary in Iowa City by Experience

In Iowa City, an entry-level security guard earns around $24,700, while experienced professionals earn up to $47,500 per year. The local cost of living index is 95% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$24,700
$-1,300 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$34,200
$-1,800 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$47,500
$-2,500 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Iowa City, IA

Percentile Iowa City
10th Percentile $23,750
25th Percentile $27,550
Median (50th) $33,013
75th Percentile $39,900
90th Percentile $49,400

Security Guard Salary in Other Iowa Cities

Des Moines, IA
$31,970
Pop. 214,133
Cedar Rapids, IA
$30,580
Pop. 137,710
Davenport, IA
$29,885
Pop. 101,724
Sioux City, IA
$29,190
Pop. 85,797

How to Become a Security Guard in Iowa City

Education

Most security guard positions require a high school diploma. Iowa City and the surrounding Iowa area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

SurveillanceAccess ControlReport WritingCommunicationObservationCPR/First Aid

Job Outlook

Nationally, security guard employment is projected to grow 3% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Iowa City may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Security Guard Jobs in Iowa City

Browse open security guard positions in Iowa City, IA:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Security Guard Salary in Iowa City

How much does a Security Guard make in Iowa City, IA? ▼
The median security guard salary in Iowa City, Iowa is $33,013 per year, which is 5% below the national median of $34,750. Salaries range from $23,750 (10th percentile) to $49,400 (90th percentile).
How much does a Security Guard make per hour in Iowa City? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $33,013, a security guard in Iowa City earns approximately $16 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Iowa City compare to the Iowa state average for security guard pay? ▼
Iowa City's median security guard salary of $33,013 is 6.7% above the Iowa state average of $30,928. The local cost of living index is 95% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Iowa City, IA? ▼
Iowa City has a cost of living index of 95% compared to the national average. This means a security guard salary of $33,013 in Iowa City has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a security guard in Iowa City? ▼
Most security guard positions in Iowa City require a high school diploma. Key skills include Surveillance, Access Control, Report Writing, Communication. The job market is projected to grow 3% nationally over the next decade.