LocalSalaryHub Salary Report
Security Guards in Des Moines, IA · Generated June 4, 2026
Security Guards Salary in Des Moines, IA $37,550/yr
$37,550
Mean: $44,300
~$29,289 est. take-home
$18.05
Based on 2,080 hrs/yr
100
100 = national avg
Salary Distribution
Where the median falls between the 25th and 75th percentile.
25th %
$34,340
Median
$37,550
75th %
$46,740
Median is in the 26th percentile of the typical range
Security Guards in other IA cities
Compare the same occupation across cities in IA.
About Security Guards salaries in Des Moines, IA
Security Guards in Des Moines, IA earn a median of $37,550 per year, based on BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics data. The mean salary is $44,300, which tends to skew higher because a small number of high earners pull the average up.
Most security guards in this area earn between $34,340 and $46,740. Where you land depends on experience, employer type, and whether you have in-demand specializations.
That works out to roughly $18.05 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year. Actual hourly pay may differ for part-time or contract roles.
Career Outlook
5% growth. Steady demand from office buildings, hospitals, schools, and event venues. Some roles are evolving to include monitoring digital security systems alongside traditional patrols.
Worth knowing: Armed security certifications and state guard cards open up better-paying positions. Corporate and hospital security roles pay noticeably more than residential or retail assignments.
Security Guards Jobs in Des Moines, IA
Median: $37,550/yr — browse openings that fit.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for a security guards in Des Moines?▾
The median — where half earn more and half earn less — is $37,550. The average (mean) is $44,300, which is higher because top earners pull it up.
How much does a security guards make per hour in Des Moines?▾
About $18.05/hour, based on a standard 2,080-hour work year. Part-time or overtime hours will change the actual rate.
What is the salary range for security guards in Des Moines?▾
The middle 50% earn between $34,340 and $46,740. Below $34,340 is typically entry-level; above $46,740 usually means significant experience or specialized skills.
Salary Conversion Table
How does $37,550 per year break down across different time periods?
| Period | Gross | Est. Take-Home |
|---|---|---|
| Yearly | $37,550 | $29,289 |
| Monthly | $3,129 | $2,441 |
| Biweekly | $1,444 | $1,127 |
| Weekly | $722 | $563 |
| Hourly (40h/wk) | $18.05 | $14.08 |
| Hourly (35h/wk) | $20.63 | $16.09 |
| Hourly (30h/wk) | $24.07 | $18.77 |
| Daily (8h) | $144 | $113 |
Take-home estimates use an effective tax rate of 22%. Actual amounts vary by filing status, deductions, and state tax.
Security Guards: Highest-Paying Cities in the U.S.
Top 10 cities nationwide for security guards, based on BLS median salary data.
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