Wage Benchmark Overview
Median Annual Salary
$38,700$18.61 per hour · $3,225 monthlyRun the numbers on your own pay
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Take-Home Pay Explorer
Security Guards Wage Percentiles in Des Moines-West Des Moines, 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 | $15.24/hr | $2,642 | $31,700 | $27,098 |
| 25th Percentile | $17.31/hr | $3,000 | $36,000 | $30,390 |
| Median (50th Percentile)Metro Benchmark | $18.61/hr | $3,225 | $38,700 | $32,457 |
| 75th Percentile | $22.88/hr | $3,967 | $47,600 | $39,270 |
| 90th Percentile | $29.81/hr | $5,167 | $62,000 | $50,293 |
Cost of Living & Purchasing Power in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA
A dollar does not buy the same basket of goods everywhere. Compare how $$38,700 measures up against local economic conditions:
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Compare security guards salaries statewide and examine overall earnings in Iowa:
Frequently Asked Questions About Security Guards Pay in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA
What is the median salary for security guards in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA?
The official BLS median annual wage for security guards in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA is $38,700, which equates to approximately $3,225 per month or $18.61 per hour for a 2,080-hour work year.
What is the hourly pay for security guards in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA?
The median hourly wage for security guards in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA is $18.61 per hour based on the BLS survey. One in ten earned less than $15.24/hour and one in ten earned more than $29.81/hour.
What is the pay range for security guards in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA?
BLS wage estimates for security guards in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA span from $31,700 at the 10th percentile to $36,000 at the 25th, $47,600 at the 75th, and $62,000 at the 90th. These are wage distribution points, not experience levels.
How much do security guards take home after taxes in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA?
On a median gross salary of $38,700, an estimated $32,457 lands in net take-home pay per year ($1,248 biweekly) for a single filer claiming the standard deduction in Iowa in 2026. Total tax withholding equals $6,243 (an effective rate of 16.1%).
How much do security guards make per month in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA?
On the median annual salary of $38,700, gross monthly income is $3,225. After federal, FICA, and Iowa state income taxes, estimated net take-home pay is $2,705 per month (or $1,248 every two weeks).
Is $38,700 a good salary in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA?
At $38,700, the median salary for security guards is 45.1% of the Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA median household income ($85,890). According to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA), the metropolitan price parity index is 91.7, making regional consumer goods and services 8.3% cheaper than the U.S. average.