Security Guards pay in Des Moines-West Des Moines
In Des Moines-West Des Moines (IA), the median pay for security guards is $18.05 an hour ($37,550 a year). About 2,360 people work in this job there.
That is about the same as the U.S. median ($38,020). It is about the same as the Iowa median ($37,080).
Pay range for security guards in Des Moines-West Des Moines (IA)
| Earns more than | Hourly | Yearly |
|---|---|---|
| 10% of workers | $14.60 | $30,380 |
| 25% of workers | $16.51 | $34,340 |
| Half of workers (median) | $18.05 | $37,550 |
| 75% of workers | $22.47 | $46,740 |
| 90% of workers | $35.45 | $73,730 |
Security Guards pay in Iowa metro areas
| Metro area | Median yearly pay | People in this job |
|---|---|---|
| Iowa City | $39,540 | 270 |
| Waterloo-Cedar Falls | $38,670 | 380 |
| Sioux City | $38,480 | 350 |
| Dubuque | $37,620 | 170 |
| Des Moines-West Des Moines (this page) | $37,550 | 2,360 |
| Ames | $37,430 | 260 |
| Cedar Rapids | $36,940 | 1,070 |
| Davenport-Moline-Rock Island | $36,800 | 1,040 |
Iowa unemployment rate: 3.2% (August 2026), U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Education, experience and outlook for security guards
- Typical education to start: High school diploma or equivalent (BLS)
- Related work experience most have: 1 to 3 months (O*NET)
- Training on the job: Short-term on-the-job training (BLS)
- Job outlook: +0.9% over ten years, little or no change · about 156,000 openings a year (BLS)
Related jobs in Des Moines-West Des Moines (IA)
| Job | Median yearly pay |
|---|---|
| Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers | $81,810 |
Other job titles for this job
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Post a job freeFind jobsCheck pay for any jobSource: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025 estimates. Figures are for wage and salary workers and do not include the self-employed. The median is the middle wage: half earn more, half earn less. Other job titles: O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license; O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. JAI Bot has modified this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.