Public Service Wheeling, WV Pop. 26,711

Security Guard Salary in Wheeling, West Virginia

The median security guard salary in Wheeling, WV is $27,105 per year, which is 22% below the national median and 7.1% below the West Virginia state average.

City Median
$27,105
vs State Avg
$-2,085
vs National
$-7,645
Cost of Living
78%

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

Wheeling offers a median security guard salary of $27,105, which is $2,085 below the West Virginia state average of $29,190. Compared to the national median of $34,750, Wheeling pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Wheeling's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 78% of the national average. This means the $27,105 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $34,750 in an average-cost city. This makes Wheeling an attractive option for security guards seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for security guards in Wheeling spans from $19,500 at the 10th percentile to $40,560 at the 90th percentile — a $21,060 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $20,280, while senior security guards with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $39,000. Wheeling is a smaller market (pop. 26,711), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Security Guard Salary in Wheeling by Experience

In Wheeling, an entry-level security guard earns around $20,280, while experienced professionals earn up to $39,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 78% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$20,280
$-5,720 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$28,080
$-7,920 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$39,000
$-11,000 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Wheeling, WV

Percentile Wheeling
10th Percentile $19,500
25th Percentile $22,620
Median (50th) $27,105
75th Percentile $32,760
90th Percentile $40,560

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
Parkersburg, WV
$27,800
Pop. 29,675

How to Become a Security Guard in Wheeling

Education

Most security guard positions require a high school diploma. Wheeling 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 Wheeling may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Security Guard Jobs in Wheeling

Browse open security guard positions in Wheeling, WV:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Security Guard Salary in Wheeling

How much does a Security Guard make in Wheeling, WV? ▼
The median security guard salary in Wheeling, West Virginia is $27,105 per year, which is 22% below the national median of $34,750. Salaries range from $19,500 (10th percentile) to $40,560 (90th percentile).
How much does a Security Guard make per hour in Wheeling? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $27,105, a security guard in Wheeling earns approximately $13 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Wheeling compare to the West Virginia state average for security guard pay? ▼
Wheeling's median security guard salary of $27,105 is 7.1% below the West Virginia state average of $29,190. The local cost of living index is 78% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Wheeling, WV? ▼
Wheeling has a cost of living index of 78% compared to the national average. This means a security guard salary of $27,105 in Wheeling has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a security guard in Wheeling? ▼
Most security guard positions in Wheeling 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.