Security Guard in Davenport, IA

The Salary Picture: Where Davenport Stands

As a local, I can tell you straight up: Davenport isn't a place you get rich as a security guard, but it’s a stable, affordable market with a low barrier to entry. The numbers confirm this. The median salary for a Security Guard in Davenport is $34,979/year. To put that in perspective, the national average for the role sits at $36,140/year, meaning Davenport pays you about 3% less than the typical U.S. guard. Your hourly rate will likely start around $16.82/hour.

The job market here is modest but consistent. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data for the Davenport-Moline-Rock Island metro area shows roughly 200 jobs for Security Guards. Over the next decade, the 10-year job growth is projected at 3%, which is slow and steady—reflecting a stable demand rather than a boom. This isn't a high-turnover market; guards who find a good post often stay for years.

Here’s how your pay scales with experience in this region:

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary	Typical Hourly Rate	Notes
Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)	$28,000 - $31,000	$13.50 - $15.00	Often starts at manufacturing plants or retail.
Mid-Level (2-5 yrs)	$32,000 - $36,000	$15.50 - $17.50	Hospital posts, corporate offices, and municipal roles.
Senior (5-10 yrs)	$36,000 - $40,000	$17.50 - $19.50	Lead officer, training, or high-security sites (e.g., federal).
Expert/Supervisor (10+)	$41,000+	$20.00+	Supervisory roles, security management, or specialty contracts.

Comparison to Other Iowa Cities:

• Cedar Rapids: Slightly higher market; median pay is closer to $36,500, with more manufacturing and healthcare posts.
• Iowa City: Higher cost of living; median pay around $35,500, but rent is 20% higher than Davenport.
• Des Moines: The state’s highest-paying market for security; median pay can hit $38,000+, driven by state government and financial sector contracts.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s do the math. A single person earning the median salary of $34,979 will see roughly 75-78% of that after federal, state (3.9%), and FICA taxes. That leaves a net take-home of about $26,200-$27,000 per year, or $2,180-$2,250 per month.

Monthly Budget Breakdown (Single Adult, No Dependents):

• Net Monthly Income: $2,200 (approx.)
• Rent (Average 1BR): -$773
• Utilities (Avg.): -$150
• Groceries: -$300
• Car Payment/Insurance: -$350 (Assuming a used car, a necessity in Davenport)
• Health Insurance (Marketplace avg.): -$200 (subsidized)
• Misc. (Phone, Gas, Personal): -$300
• Total Expenses: -$2,073
• Monthly Savings: $127

Can they afford to buy a home?
It's challenging but not impossible. The median home price in the Davenport metro is around $160,000. With a $127 monthly savings rate, a 3.5% down payment ($5,600) would take over 4 years of saving without interest. Most guards in this income bracket pair up with a partner or seek additional income. However, Davenport’s cost of living is a major advantage. With a Cost of Living Index of 89.3 (where the US average is 100), your dollar stretches further here than in most places.

Where the Jobs Are: Davenport's Major Employers

The job market for security guards in Davenport is anchored by a few key sectors. Here’s a local’s guide to who’s hiring:

1. Genesis Health System: Davenport’s largest employer. They hire security officers for multiple locations, including Genesis Medical Center (East 14th St. campus) and various clinics. Jobs are hospital-based, requiring CPR/AED and de-escalation training. Hiring is steady due to turnover and expansion.
2. Deere & Company (John Deere): While the main factories are in nearby Moline, John Deere has a significant presence in the Quad Cities. Security posts at their parts distribution centers and administrative buildings in the Davenport area are highly sought-after, often paying above the median. They use a mix of direct hires and contract firms like Securitas or Allied Universal.
3. Davenport Police Department (Support Services): The city hires civilian security officers for municipal buildings, the public safety complex, and special events. These are city jobs with good benefits but require a strict background check and a civil service exam. Check the City of Davenport’s official job board.
4. Bettendorf School District: Located just across the river, Bettendorf is a major employer of security officers for school campuses. The work is daytime, school-year based, with summers off (unpaid unless you find temporary work). It’s popular among parents and those seeking a predictable schedule.
5. Hy-Vee Grocery Stores: Davenport has multiple Hy-Vee locations (e.g., on Locust Street, Harrison Street). They hire in-house security/loss prevention officers. It’s an entry-level role that can lead to management opportunities within the retail chain.
6. Allied Universal & Securitas (Contract Firms): These national giants hold contracts for dozens of Davenport sites, from manufacturing to corporate offices. They are the largest employers of entry-level guards. Insider Tip: Getting your foot in the door with a contract firm is the easiest way to gain experience and see different posts.
7. Quad Cities International Airport (MLI): Located in nearby Moline, the airport hires Transportation Security Officers (TSA) and contract security. While not in Davenport proper, it’s a major regional employer for security personnel and is a 25-30 minute commute.

Hiring Trends: Demand is strongest in healthcare and manufacturing. Post-pandemic, there’s a slight uptick in corporate security and municipal contracts. The slow 3% growth means you need to be proactive—networking on LinkedIn and applying directly to employers is more effective than waiting for listings.

Getting Licensed in IA

Iowa keeps it simple. You do not need a state-issued security guard license to work as a general security officer. This is a huge plus for job seekers.

• State Requirement: Iowa Code 80F regulates private security. The key rule is that you must be 18 or older and cannot have a felony conviction (or certain serious misdemeanors). Your employer will conduct a background check.
• Firearm Permit: To carry a firearm on duty, you must obtain a Permit to Carry Weapons (PCW) from the county sheriff’s office. This requires a background check, a training course (typically 4 hours), and a fee (~$50). The course can be found through local shooting ranges or private instructors in Davenport.
• Timeline & Cost: You can be job-ready in 1-2 weeks.
  • Week 1: Apply for jobs, complete any employer-required training (often paid).
  • Week 2: If hired and required to carry, apply for your PCW and complete the training course.
  • Total Cost: $0-$50 (for the firearm permit course). Most employers cover the cost of initial training and CPR certification.

Best Neighborhoods for Security Guards

Commuting in the Quad Cities is easy, but choosing the right neighborhood affects your lifestyle and budget. Here are four smart options:

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	1BR Rent Estimate	Best For
The East End (East Davenport)	Historic, walkable, close to Genesis Medical Center. Commute to downtown jobs is 5-10 mins. Higher rent.	$850 - $1,000	Guards working at Genesis or loving a historic, walkable neighborhood.
Northwest Davenport	Affordable, quiet residential. Commutes to John Deere or manufacturing areas are easy via Locust Street.	$650 - $800	Budget-conscious guards looking for a quiet home base.
The Villages of Davenport (Newer development)	Modern apartments, easy highway access (I-80, I-74). Commutes to any major employer are 15 mins or less.	$750 - $900	Guards with a car who value modern amenities and a quick commute.
Bettendorf (IA)	Suburban, very safe, slightly higher cost. Commute to Davenport jobs is 10-15 mins via I-80.	$800 - $1,000	Guards with families or those prioritizing safety and top-rated schools.

Insider Tip: The best-value rentals often pop up in the QCA (Quad Cities Area) Facebook groups. Davenport uses a mix of managed properties and individual landlords, so be ready to move quickly on good listings.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Growth in this field isn’t about climbing a corporate ladder; it’s about gaining specialized skills and shifting to better-paying posts.

• Specialty Premiums: In Davenport, certain postings pay more.
  • Armed Guard: Can add $2-$4/hour to your base rate, pushing you toward the $40,000+ mark.
  • Hospital Security: Requires de-escalation and CPR. Pay is often $2-$3/hour above standard retail posts.
  • TSA (at MLI airport): Federal pay scale starts higher ($40,000+), but the hiring process is lengthy.
• Advancement Paths: The typical path is:
  1. Entry-Level (Allied/Securitas, Retail): Learn the ropes.
  2. Mid-Level (Hospital/Corporate): Gain specialized training.
  3. Senior/Supervisor: Move into a lead officer role at a site or with a contract firm.
  4. Management: Oversee multiple sites for a contract firm or become a Security Director for a local company (e.g., a college or large manufacturer). This can reach $55,000-$65,000.
• 10-Year Outlook: With the 3% growth, competition for the best posts will remain steady. Guards who obtain certifications (CPR, de-escalation, armed) and build a reputation for reliability will have the most options. The rise of electronic security (cameras, access control) means learning basic tech troubleshooting is a valuable future skill.

The Verdict: Is Davenport Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Low Cost of Living: Your $34,979 salary goes much further here.	Lower Ceiling: Median pay is below the national average.
Stable, Simple Job Market: Easy to get a job, especially with contract firms.	Limited High-End Roles: Few high-security/government roles compared to big cities.
Minimal Licensing Barriers: No state license needed to start.	Slower Job Growth: 3% means advancement requires hustle.
Central Location: Easy to commute to Bettendorf, Moline, or Rock Island.	Car Dependency: Public transport is limited; you need a reliable vehicle.
“Living Wage” Feasibility: A single person can live on this salary with careful budgeting.	Weather: Winters are cold, snow can affect commute and work.

Final Recommendation:
Davenport is an excellent choice for a security guard who values stability, affordability, and a low-stress entry into the field. It’s ideal for a practical, no-nonsense individual looking to build experience without the pressure of a high-cost city. If you’re seeking rapid career growth or a six-figure salary, look elsewhere. But if you want a job that pays the bills, allows you to save a bit, and lets you live in a friendly, manageable city, Davenport is a solid bet. Start by applying to Allied Universal or Genesis Health System to get your foot in the door.

FAQs

Q: Do I need my own car to be a security guard in Davenport?
A: Yes. Public transportation (CART) is limited and doesn’t run early/late enough for most security shifts. A reliable car is non-negotiable for commuting to industrial parks or hospitals. Budget $350/month for a used car and insurance.

Q: What’s the best way to find a job in Davenport?
A: Don’t rely solely on Indeed. Go directly to the career pages of Genesis Health System, Deere & Company, and Allied Universal/Securitas. Also, check the City of Davenport job board for municipal positions. Networking in local Facebook groups (e.g., “Quad Cities Jobs”) can uncover unlisted opportunities.

Q: Is there a strong union presence for security guards here?
A: Not significantly. Some larger employers like Genesis may have unionized facilities, but most security jobs in Davenport are non-union. Union contracts are more common in the public sector (like the Police Department’s civilian roles).

Q: What’s the worst part of working security in Davenport?
A: The pay ceiling. After you reach the mid-to-senior level (around $36,000), significant raises are hard to come by without moving into management or taking a federal job at the airport. You’ll need to be strategic about gaining certifications to justify higher pay.

Q: Can I work security and live comfortably in Davenport?
A: Yes, if you manage your budget. The key is securing a rent under $800/month (which is very doable) and having a cheap, reliable car. With the Cost of Living Index at 89.3, your $34,979 salary provides a modest but manageable lifestyle. Many guards live with a partner or roommate to increase disposable income and savings.