Public Service Parkersburg, WV Pop. 29,675

Security Guard Salary in Parkersburg, West Virginia

The median security guard salary in Parkersburg, WV is $27,800 per year, which is 20% below the national median and 4.8% below the West Virginia state average.

City Median
$27,800
vs State Avg
$-1,390
vs National
$-6,950
Cost of Living
80%

Security Guard Pay in Parkersburg: What to Expect (2026)

Parkersburg offers a median security guard salary of $27,800, which is $1,390 below the West Virginia state average of $29,190. Compared to the national median of $34,750, Parkersburg pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Parkersburg's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 80% of the national average. This means the $27,800 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $34,750 in an average-cost city. This makes Parkersburg an attractive option for security guards seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for security guards in Parkersburg spans from $20,000 at the 10th percentile to $41,600 at the 90th percentile — a $21,600 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $20,800, while senior security guards with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $40,000. Parkersburg is a smaller market (pop. 29,675), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Security Guard Salary in Parkersburg by Experience

In Parkersburg, an entry-level security guard earns around $20,800, while experienced professionals earn up to $40,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 80% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$20,800
$-5,200 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$28,800
$-7,200 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$40,000
$-10,000 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Parkersburg, WV

Percentile Parkersburg
10th Percentile $20,000
25th Percentile $23,200
Median (50th) $27,800
75th Percentile $33,600
90th Percentile $41,600

Security Guard Salary in Other West Virginia Cities

Morgantown, WV
$31,275
Pop. 30,955
Charleston, WV
$30,580
Pop. 48,006
Huntington, WV
$28,495
Pop. 46,842
Wheeling, WV
$27,105
Pop. 26,711

How to Become a Security Guard in Parkersburg

Education

Most security guard positions require a high school diploma. Parkersburg and the surrounding West Virginia 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 Parkersburg may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Security Guard Jobs in Parkersburg

Browse open security guard positions in Parkersburg, WV:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Security Guard Salary in Parkersburg

How much does a Security Guard make in Parkersburg, WV? ▼
The median security guard salary in Parkersburg, West Virginia is $27,800 per year, which is 20% below the national median of $34,750. Salaries range from $20,000 (10th percentile) to $41,600 (90th percentile).
How much does a Security Guard make per hour in Parkersburg? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $27,800, a security guard in Parkersburg earns approximately $13 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Parkersburg compare to the West Virginia state average for security guard pay? ▼
Parkersburg's median security guard salary of $27,800 is 4.8% below the West Virginia state average of $29,190. The local cost of living index is 80% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Parkersburg, WV? ▼
Parkersburg has a cost of living index of 80% compared to the national average. This means a security guard salary of $27,800 in Parkersburg has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a security guard in Parkersburg? ▼
Most security guard positions in Parkersburg 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.