Security Guard in Allentown, PA

The Salary Picture: Where Allentown Stands

As a local, I've watched the security industry in the Lehigh Valley evolve from mostly static posts to more integrated, tech-forward roles. Let's cut right to the numbers. The median salary for a security guard in Allentown is $35,966/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $17.29/hour. This is remarkably close to the national average of $36,140/year, putting Allentown squarely in line with the broader market. However, the local job market is tight, with only about 249 security guard positions available across the metro area at any given time. This isn't a massive pool, which means competition can be stiff for the better-paying, more desirable shifts.

Growth is steady but not explosive. The 10-year job growth projection for security guards in the Lehigh Valley is 3%. This is a realistic, sustainable pace driven by the steady expansion of healthcare facilities, logistics hubs, and a growing need for corporate and event security, not a boom in overnight residential posts.

To give you a clearer picture of where you might fall, here’s a breakdown of what you can expect at different experience levels in this market.

Experience Level	Typical Allentown Salary Range	Hourly Equivalent
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$30,000 - $34,000	$14.42 - $16.35
Mid-Level (2-5 years)	$35,000 - $40,000	$16.83 - $19.23
Senior/Supervisor (5+ years)	$40,000 - $48,000	$19.23 - $23.08
Expert/Manager (Specialized)	$48,000+	$23.08+

When you compare Allentown to other Pennsylvania cities, it sits in a middle ground. It pays better than the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre area, where the median is closer to $33,000, but it trails behind the Philadelphia metro, where guards can command a median of $38,500 due to a higher cost of living and a denser concentration of corporate campuses. Pittsburgh is comparable to Allentown, with a median around $35,500. So, Allentown offers a fair wage for the region, but you won't be exceeding national averages here.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's be honest about the math. The median salary of $35,966/year is the gross figure. After federal and Pennsylvania state taxes (including the flat 3.07% state income tax), you're looking at a monthly take-home of approximately $2,200 - $2,300, depending on your withholding and other deductions like health insurance.

The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Allentown is $1,137/month. This is a critical number. It means that a single person earning the median salary is spending roughly 50% of their take-home pay on rent alone—a ratio that financial advisors generally advise against. This doesn't leave much room for utilities, car payments, groceries, or savings.

Here’s a conservative monthly budget breakdown for a security guard earning the median salary:

Expense	Estimated Cost	Notes
Rent (1BR)	$1,137	The biggest hurdle in this budget.
Utilities	$150	Average for electricity, gas, water, and internet.
Car Payment/Insurance	$350	Essential in Allentown; public transit is limited.
Groceries	$300	For one person, cooked at home.
Health Insurance	$200	If not fully covered by employer.
Miscellaneous	$150	Gas, personal care, etc.
Total	$2,287	Leaves nearly nothing for savings or emergencies.

Can you afford to buy a home? On a median salary, it's an extreme challenge. With a typical mortgage payment for a modest home in the area starting at $1,500+/month (including taxes and insurance), plus a down payment, homeownership on a single security guard's income is not feasible without a dual-income household or significant savings. The more realistic path is to pursue promotions, specialize, or share housing costs with a partner or roommate.

Where the Jobs Are: Allentown's Major Employers

The job market for security guards here is defined by a few key sectors. While there are only 249 jobs in the metro, they are concentrated in reliable employers. Don't just look on generic job boards; target these local heavyweights.

1. St. Luke's University Health Network: With multiple campuses in Allentown and Bethlehem, St. Luke's is one of the largest employers in the region. They hire for in-house security teams that handle everything from patient and staff safety to asset protection. Hiring trends show a steady demand, especially for those with healthcare-specific training or a clean background for patient-facing roles.

2. Lehigh Valley Hospital (LVHN): The other major healthcare provider, LVHN's main campus in Allentown is a massive complex requiring a large security force. They often have openings for both uniformed officers and more specialized roles like parking enforcement or mobile patrol. They value reliability and offer good benefits, which can offset a slightly lower base pay.

3. Amazon & Logistics Hubs: The Lehigh Valley's nickname "The Inland Port" is real. Amazon's massive fulfillment center in nearby Breinigsville is constantly hiring third-party security contractors (like G4S or Securitas) and, at times, in-house security. The work is often fast-paced, involving gate control, internal patrols, and logistics security. Demand here is directly tied to peak seasons (like holiday rushes), meaning there are opportunities for overtime.

4. Lehigh University & Cedar Crest College: These institutions hire for campus safety and security. The work is generally less confrontational than retail or corporate security and focuses on student safety, dorm monitoring, and event security. University jobs often come with good benefits and a tuition discount, which is a huge perk if you're looking to advance your education.

5. The Allentown SteelStacks & ArtsQuest Complex: This cultural hub in the Southside requires security for concerts, festivals, and daily operations. It's not a year-round 9-to-5, but it's excellent for supplemental income and networking. The work is event-based, often on weekends and evenings, and requires strong crowd management skills.

6. PGW & PPL (Utilities): Pennsylvania Gas Works and PPL Electric Utilities have significant operations in the Lehigh Valley. They employ security for their corporate offices, substations, and facilities. These are often more stable, day-shift roles with a focus on access control and protecting critical infrastructure.

Insider Tip: The most direct path to these employers is through contract security firms like Allied Universal and Securitas, which manage a vast portfolio of sites across the Valley. Getting your foot in the door with a contract company can be a stepping stone to a coveted in-house position at a St. Luke's or LVHN.

Getting Licensed in PA

Pennsylvania has clear, state-mandated requirements to work as a security guard. It's not overly complicated, but you cannot skip steps.

• State Mandate: You must obtain a "Act 235" certification (Lethal and Non-Lethal Weapons Training). This is required if your duties involve detaining, arresting, or protecting individuals or property. This includes most security roles.
• Process & Cost:
  1. Background Check: You must complete a fingerprint-based background check through the Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) and the FBI. This costs approximately $45-55.
  2. Training: You must complete a state-approved training course from a licensed facility. The course covers firearm safety (if you'll be armed), defensive tactics, and legal aspects. For an armed guard, the cost is around $300-$500. For non-lethal certification, it's closer to $150-$300.
  3. Application: Submit your training certificate and background results to the Pennsylvania State Police Licensing Division. The application fee is $50.
• Timeline: From start to finish, you're looking at 4-8 weeks. The background check can take a few weeks, and training schedules vary. Many employers will hire you contingent on you completing the certification within a set period (e.g., 60 days).
• Note: Allentown is in Lehigh County. There are no additional county-level licenses required, but always check with the local police department for any specific city ordinances.

Best Neighborhoods for Security Guards

Where you live affects your commute and your quality of life. Here are neighborhoods that balance affordability and access to major employers.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Avg. 1BR Rent
West End	Residential, family-oriented. Easy access to I-476 for commuting to Allentown Hospital or the airport. Quieter, but fewer amenities.	$975 - $1,100
Southside	Urban, walkable, home to St. Luke's and SteelStacks. Great if you work at either. Can be noisy, and parking is a challenge.	$1,050 - $1,250
Center City (Downtown)	The central business district. Close to corporate offices and the PPL arena. Best for public transit users. Can be pricey.	$1,200 - $1,400
Allentown's West Side	Affordable, mixed-use. Close to the airport and logistics hubs like Amazon. More car-dependent.	$900 - $1,050

Insider Tip: If you're working at the St. Luke's campus on 12th Street, the Southside is unbeatable for a short commute. If you're working at the Amazon fulfillment center, look for apartments in the West Side or even into Lehigh County (like Schnecksville) for lower rent and a manageable drive.

The Long Game: Career Growth

The 3% job growth isn't about more entry-level posts; it's about specialization. To increase your earning potential above the median, you need to niche down.

• Specialty Premiums:
  • Armed Security: This is the biggest pay bump. Armed guards in Allentown can earn $18-$25/hour, especially at banks, pharmaceutical companies, or for high-value transport. This requires the Act 235 armed certification and ongoing training.
  • Corporate Security Officer: Working in a corporate environment (like at a PPL or Lehigh University office) often comes with a higher salary ($20-$22/hour) and a more professional setting. It requires strong communication skills and sometimes IT system knowledge.
  • Fire Inspector/Alarm Technician: Some security roles overlap with fire safety. Getting certified as a fire inspector or alarm technician can open doors to specialized roles with a significant pay increase.
• Advancement Paths:
  • Path 1: Security Guard → Shift Supervisor → Site Manager. You'll need leadership skills and often a degree. A Site Manager at a large contract site can earn $50,000+.
  • Path 2: Security Guard → Specialized Certifications (Armed, Fire, CPR/First Aid) → Higher-Paying Niche. This path focuses on technical skills over management.
  • Path 3: Security Guard → Law Enforcement. Many local police departments (Allentown, Bethlehem, State Police) value security experience. It's a stepping stone to becoming a police officer.
• 10-Year Outlook: The security field is slowly integrating more technology—CCTV monitoring, access control software, and incident reporting apps. Guards who are tech-savvy will have an edge. The demand for guards who can handle the growing logistics and healthcare sectors will remain steady. The 3% growth will likely be in these specialized, higher-value roles rather than in traditional warm-body posts.

The Verdict: Is Allentown Right for You?

Allentown is a solid, if not spectacular, market for security guards. It offers stability and a pathway to a career, but it demands financial savvy.

Pros	Cons
Stable employers in healthcare and logistics.	Low job volume (249 jobs) means competition.
Cost of living is slightly below the US average (Index 98.4).	Median salary ($35,966**) is tight** given rent ($1,137/month).
Clear, achievable licensing process (Act 235).	Homeownership is difficult on a single guard's income.
Good location for regional travel (Philly, NYC).	Growth is slow (3%), not a boomtown.
Diverse sectors (healthcare, education, events, logistics).	Can require a second job or roommate to live comfortably.

Final Recommendation: Allentown is a good choice for someone starting a security career who is willing to specialize and advance. It's not a place to get rich quickly as an entry-level guard, but with the right certifications (armed, corporate) and a strategic job search, you can build a stable, middle-class life. If you're looking for rapid salary growth or a low-cost housing market, you may want to look elsewhere. If you want a realistic, steady career in a manageable city, Allentown is worth serious consideration.

FAQs

1. Do I need my own car to be a security guard in Allentown?
Yes, overwhelmingly so. While there are some bus routes, the Lehigh Valley is not a transit-friendly region for shift work. Most posts are at hospitals, industrial parks, or corporate campuses not easily served by public transit. A reliable car is a non-negotiable tool of the trade.

2. Are there many armed security jobs here?
There are a respectable number, but they are competitive. Banks, some pharmaceutical companies, and high-value transport companies offer armed positions. The pay is better ($18-$25/hour), but you'll need to invest in the armed Act 235 certification and maintain it with ongoing training. It's a smart investment for long-term earnings.

3. Can I work as a security guard while I'm in school?
Absolutely. Many security jobs offer flexible shifts (evenings, weekends), which is perfect for students at Lehigh University, Cedar Crest College, or LCCC. In fact, working security on campus is one of the best opportunities for students, as it’s often convenient and comes with potential tuition benefits.

4. What's the biggest mistake people make when moving here for a security job?
Underestimating the cost of living relative to the salary. They see the median salary of $35,966 and think it's fine, but don't factor in the $1,137/month rent and car expenses. The first year can be a financial strain. The key is to share housing initially or find a roommate to lower that biggest cost.

5. How do I stand out in the application process?
Get your Act 235 certification before you apply, even if it's a non-lethal certification. List any relevant experience clearly (even from other fields). Show up to interviews professionally and on time—punctuality is the #1 trait employers look for. Mentioning you have a clean driving record and no criminal history (verified by the A235 check) is also a huge plus.