Security Guard in Evansville, IN

As a career analyst with deep roots in the River City, I’ve watched the security industry evolve here. Evansville isn't a bustling metropolis like Chicago or Indianapolis, but its strategic location on the Ohio River and its stable industrial base create a unique, consistent demand for security professionals. If you’re considering a move here, you’re looking at a market with a lower cost of living but also a salary that sits just below the national average. This guide is your blueprint for making that decision, grounded in local data, specific employers, and the realities of living in southwestern Indiana.

The Salary Picture: Where Evansville Stands

Let's cut straight to the numbers. The security field in the Evansville metropolitan area (which includes Vanderburgh, Posey, and Warrick counties) offers a stable, if modest, income. According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and local job market analysis, the median annual salary for a security guard in Evansville is $35,034/year, translating to an hourly rate of $16.84/hour. This is slightly below the national median of $36,140/year, a common reality for many professions in the Midwest compared to coastal hubs.

The job market is small but consistent, with approximately 226 security guard positions currently listed in the metro area. The 10-year job growth projection is 3%, which is stable but not explosive. This means the market isn't flooded with new openings, but turnover creates regular opportunities. Experience is the primary driver of salary in this field.

Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect to earn based on your experience level in the Evansville market:

Experience Level	Annual Salary Range (Est.)	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level	$28,000 - $33,000	Patrolling premises, monitoring CCTV, access control, basic incident reporting.
Mid-Career	$33,000 - $38,000	Supervising posts, training new guards, handling more complex incidents, specialized site knowledge.
Senior/Lead	$38,000 - $44,000	Shift supervisor, coordinating with law enforcement, managing contracts, advanced crisis response.
Expert/Management	$45,000+	Site manager, corporate security director, consultant. Often requires additional certifications.

How does Evansville stack up against other Indiana cities?

• Indianapolis: Salaries are typically 5-10% higher due to a larger corporate and convention footprint, but the cost of living is also significantly higher.
• Fort Wayne: Very comparable to Evansville in both salary ($34,500 median) and cost of living.
• Bloomington: Slightly higher salaries ($36,000 median) driven by Indiana University and state government, but housing costs can be steeper.
• South Bend: Similar to Evansville, with a median around $34,800.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

To understand the true earning power in Evansville, we need to look at the real cost of living. The city's Cost of Living Index is 89.8, meaning it's about 10.2% cheaper than the national average. Housing is the biggest savings factor.

Let's break down the monthly budget for a security guard earning the median salary of $35,034/year. For simplicity, we'll estimate take-home pay after federal, state (Indiana has a flat 3.05% tax), and FICA taxes.

• Monthly Gross Pay: $2,919
• Estimated Monthly Take-Home (after ~22% for taxes): ~$2,277
• Average 1BR Rent in Evansville: $850/month

Monthly Budget Breakdown:

Category	Estimated Cost	Notes
Rent (1BR)	$850	Can vary from $700-$1,000+
Utilities (Electric, Gas, Water, Internet)	$200	Average for a 1BR apartment
Groceries	$350	Based on USDA low-cost plan
Transportation (Gas, Insurance, Maintenance)	$250	Assumes a reliable used car
Health Insurance (if not employer-paid)	$150	Varies widely
Miscellaneous (Phone, Personal, Savings)	$477	This is your buffer for savings, dining, and entertainment
TOTAL	$2,277

Can they afford to buy a home?
Yes, but it's a stretch on this salary alone. The median home price in Vanderburgh County is around $145,000. A standard 30-year mortgage at 6.5% would be roughly $915/month (principal & interest), plus property taxes ($150/month) and insurance ($100/month). That's a $1,165/month housing payment—well above the $850 rent average. A single median-earner would need to be very frugal or have a dual income to comfortably afford a home. A condo or a starter home in a more affordable neighborhood is a more realistic first step.

Where the Jobs Are: Evansville's Major Employers

The security job market here is anchored by several key sectors: healthcare, manufacturing, education, and retail. Most positions are filled through large, national contract security firms that service local clients.

1. Deaconess Health System: As the region's largest employer, Deaconess has a constant need for security officers at its main hospital, Deaconess Midtown, and numerous clinics and specialty centers. Their security team is known for being well-organized and offering benefits. Insider Tip: Positions at the main hospital often require AED/CPR certification, which can be a prerequisite.

2. St. Vincent Evansville: The other major hospital provider, part of CommonSpirit Health. They utilize a mix of in-house security and contract guards. Their security presence is focused on patient safety and asset protection. Hiring tends to be steady, especially for overnight shifts which often pay a shift differential.

3. University of Southern Indiana (USI): The main campus security department is a significant employer. Responsibilities range from campus patrols to event security for basketball and theater performances at the Screaming Eagles Arena. These jobs often come with benefits and tuition remission, making them attractive for career growth.

4. Berry Global: This Fortune 500 company, headquartered in Evansville, has multiple manufacturing plants. Security roles here are critical for protecting intellectual property and managing access to large industrial facilities. They often hire directly for their security force, which can offer more stability than contract work.

5. Target & Meijer Distribution Centers: The Evansville area is a logistics hub. The massive Target distribution center in nearby Princeton, IN, and the Meijer facility in Newburgh are major employers for warehouse security. These roles are often 24/7 and require screening of vehicles and personnel.

6. Contract Security Firms: Companies like Allied Universal and Securitas are the biggest players, servicing clients like the Evansville Regional Airport (EVV), Bosse Field, and downtown corporate offices. Getting your foot in the door with one of these firms is often the easiest path to diverse experience.

Hiring Trends: There is a noticeable demand for guards who are reliable for 2nd (3 PM - 11 PM) and 3rd (11 PM - 7 AM) shifts. Many employers in healthcare and manufacturing operate around the clock, making overnight and weekend availability a significant advantage. A clean driving record is often a non-negotiable requirement for any role involving patrols.

Getting Licensed in IN

Indiana does not require a state-level license to work as a security guard. However, you must complete the required training if you intend to carry a firearm on duty. This is a critical distinction.

• Unarmed Security Guard: No state license is required. However, employers will almost universally require you to complete a 4-8 hour basic security training course (often provided by the employer or a local training center like Indiana Security Services). This covers legal responsibilities, use of force, and report writing. Cost: Typically $50 - $150 if not employer-paid.
• Armed Security Guard: You must obtain a Handgun License from the Indiana State Police (which is also a permit to carry). Furthermore, you are required to complete a 4-hour training course with a certified instructor that covers the laws of armed security work. You must also pass a shooting proficiency test. Total Cost: Roughly $150-$300 for the training course, plus the state handgun license fees.
• Timeline: The process is efficient. You can complete the unarmed guard training in a day. The armed guard process, including obtaining your handgun license, typically takes 4-6 weeks from start to finish.

Pro Tip: Always check with your potential employer about their specific requirements. Many larger hospitals and corporate campuses provide the necessary training at no cost to you upon hire.

Best Neighborhoods for Security Guards

When choosing where to live, consider your shift schedule. A day-shift guard might prioritize a short commute downtown, while a night-shift guard might prefer a quieter suburb to sleep during the day.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Average 1BR Rent	Best For
Downtown / Haynies Corner	Urban, walkable, close to Deaconess Midtown, St. Vincent, and corporate offices. Young professional vibe. Can be noisy on weekends.	$900 - $1,200	Day-shift guards who want a short commute and enjoy city life.
Northside / Lincolnshire	Established, residential, and very safe. Easy access to USI and St. Vincent. Quiet and family-friendly.	$750 - $950	Guards working at USI or St. Vincent, or those with families.
Newburgh	Historic river town, 15 mins from downtown. More scenic and upscale. Home to many distribution centers like Meijer.	$800 - $1,100	Guards working in the Princeton (Target) or Newburgh logistics corridor.
Eastside / Red Bank	Mixed-use area with good shopping (Eastland Mall, Lowe's, Target) and older apartment complexes. Very central for commuting.	$700 - $850	Guards looking for affordability and easy access to multiple job centers.
Westside / Fulton	More industrial, working-class neighborhoods. Affordable rents, but farther from major medical centers. Close to the airport (EVV).	$650 - $800	Budget-conscious guards, especially those looking at airport security or industrial roles.

Insider Tip: If you're working overnight shifts, avoid apartments directly on busy thoroughfares like Morgan Avenue or Burkhardt Road. The noise from traffic can disrupt sleep during the day. Look for complexes set back from main roads.

The Long Game: Career Growth

A security guard position can be a career, not just a job. The path forward in Evansville involves specialization and leadership.

• Specialty Premiums: Adding certifications can increase your value. A CPR/AED certification is often required for hospital work and can add $0.50-$1.00/hour to your rate. Armed status typically commands a $2.00-$3.00/hour premium over unarmed positions. Specializing in alarm response or escorts for high-value shipments (common in manufacturing) can also lead to higher pay.
• Advancement Paths: The most common path is from Guard to Shift Supervisor to Site Manager. For contract guards, this means moving from overseeing a post to managing multiple client sites. Another path is into corporate security, where you might work for a company like Berry Global or Old National Bank in a role focused on internal investigations and risk management.
• 10-Year Outlook: With a 3% growth rate, the market will see gradual expansion, not a boom. The most significant changes will be in technology. Guards who are proficient with digital reporting systems, access control software, and surveillance technology will have an edge. The aging workforce may also create more supervisory openings in the coming decade. While the base pay isn't high, the lower cost of living allows for a stable, middle-class lifestyle with the right career moves.

The Verdict: Is Evansville Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Low Cost of Living: Your paycheck goes further, especially for housing.	Lower Salaries: Pay is below the national median.
Stable Job Market: Consistent demand from healthcare, manufacturing, and education.	Limited High-Paying Specialties: Fewer corporate security director roles compared to larger cities.
Short Commutes: You can get anywhere in the metro area in under 30 minutes.	Conservative Social Scene: Can feel small for young, single professionals.
Strong Sense of Community: People are generally friendly and welcoming.	Dependent on Car: Public transit is limited, so a reliable vehicle is a must.
Gateway to Outdoor Recreation: Easy access to the Ohio River, lakes, and state parks.	3% Job Growth: Market is stable but not expanding rapidly.

Final Recommendation:
Evansville is an excellent choice for security guards who are reliable, adaptable, and value a stable, affordable lifestyle. It’s ideal for those with families or anyone looking to buy a home on a modest income. If you’re seeking the highest possible salary, fast-paced career growth in a cutting-edge field, or a vibrant nightlife, you may find it limiting. However, for the majority of security professionals who want a solid living without the stress and expense of a major metropolis, Evansville offers a pragmatic and rewarding market.

FAQs

1. I'm moving from a state with a mandatory security license. Will my certification transfer?
Indiana does not recognize out-of-state security licenses. However, your prior experience will be highly valued by employers. You will still need to complete any Indiana-specific training (like the armed guard course) if required for the position you're seeking.

2. What's the best way to find a security job in Evansville quickly?
The fastest method is to apply directly with the large contract security firms (Allied Universal, Securitas) who service multiple clients. Also, check the career pages of the major local employers listed above—Deaconess, St. Vincent, USI, and Berry Global often post jobs directly.

3. Are there opportunities for part-time security work?
Yes. Retail locations, special events (like the Ford Center concerts or the Fall Festival), and some hospital posts offer part-time or on-call positions. This can be a good way to get your foot in the door or supplement a full-time income.

4. How important is a clean driving record?
Very important. Even if the role isn't a patrol position, many employers require a valid driver's license and a clean record to operate company vehicles or for liability reasons. A DUI or serious moving violation can be a major barrier.

5. What is the typical schedule?
Security is a 24/7 business. You must be willing to work shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays. The most common schedules are 8-hour or 12-hour shifts. Flexibility in your availability will make you a more attractive candidate.

Sources: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, State of Indiana Security Licensing Information, Evansville Regional Economic Partnership, Zillow Rental Data, BestPlaces Cost of Living Index.