Wage Benchmark Overview
Median Annual Salary
$37,500$18.03 per hour · $3,125 monthlyRun the numbers on your own pay
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Take-Home Pay Explorer
Security Guards Wage Percentiles in Ames, IA
Official survey estimates from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Full-time calculations assume standard 2,080 annual working hours.
| Earning Tier | Hourly Wage | Monthly Gross | Annual Gross | Est. Annual Net (IA) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $14.76/hr | $2,558 | $30,700 | $26,333 |
| 25th Percentile | $16.78/hr | $2,908 | $34,900 | $29,548 |
| Median (50th Percentile)Metro Benchmark | $18.03/hr | $3,125 | $37,500 | $31,538 |
| 75th Percentile | $22.16/hr | $3,842 | $46,100 | $38,121 |
| 90th Percentile | $28.85/hr | $5,000 | $60,000 | $48,762 |
Cost of Living & Purchasing Power in Ames, IA
A dollar does not buy the same basket of goods everywhere. Compare how $$37,500 measures up against local economic conditions:
Explore Related Salary & Regional Profiles
Compare security guards salaries statewide and examine overall earnings in Iowa:
Frequently Asked Questions About Security Guards Pay in Ames, IA
What is the median salary for security guards in Ames, IA?
The official BLS median annual wage for security guards in Ames, IA is $37,500, which equates to approximately $3,125 per month or $18.03 per hour for a 2,080-hour work year.
What is the hourly pay for security guards in Ames, IA?
The median hourly wage for security guards in Ames, IA is $18.03 per hour based on the BLS survey. One in ten earned less than $14.76/hour and one in ten earned more than $28.85/hour.
What is the pay range for security guards in Ames, IA?
BLS wage estimates for security guards in Ames, IA span from $30,700 at the 10th percentile to $34,900 at the 25th, $46,100 at the 75th, and $60,000 at the 90th. These are wage distribution points, not experience levels.
How much do security guards take home after taxes in Ames, IA?
On a median gross salary of $37,500, an estimated $31,538 lands in net take-home pay per year ($1,213 biweekly) for a single filer claiming the standard deduction in Iowa in 2026. Total tax withholding equals $5,962 (an effective rate of 15.9%).
How much do security guards make per month in Ames, IA?
On the median annual salary of $37,500, gross monthly income is $3,125. After federal, FICA, and Iowa state income taxes, estimated net take-home pay is $2,628 per month (or $1,213 every two weeks).
Is $37,500 a good salary in Ames, IA?
At $37,500, the median salary for security guards is 51.3% of the Ames, IA median household income ($73,127). According to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA), the metropolitan price parity index is 88.8, making regional consumer goods and services 11.2% cheaper than the U.S. average.