Security Guard in Scranton, PA

The Salary Picture: Where Scranton Stands

As a local, I can tell you straight up: Scranton isn't a boomtown for security salaries, but it's a place where the cost of living works in your favor. The median salary for a Security Guard in Scranton is $35,381/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $17.01/hour. That's just shy of the national average for the role, which sits at $36,140/year. The job market here is small but stable, with approximately 151 security guard positions in the metro area. The 10-year job growth is projected at a modest 3%, which is lower than the national average for many professions but reflects the stable, service-based economy of Northeastern Pennsylvania.

Here’s how that breaks down by experience level. Note that these are local estimates based on the median and typical progression in our market.

Experience Level	Estimated Hourly Rate	Estimated Annual Salary (Full-Time)
Entry-Level	$15.50 - $16.50	$32,240 - $34,320
Mid-Level (3-5 yrs)	$16.50 - $18.00	$34,320 - $37,440
Senior/Supervisor	$18.00 - $20.00	$37,440 - $41,600
Expert/Specialist	$20.00+	$41,600+

Compared to other Pennsylvania cities, Scranton sits in the middle. You'll earn less than in Philadelphia or Pittsburgh, where the cost of living is significantly higher. However, you'll likely earn more than in smaller rural towns in the state. The key is the cost of living index of 93.0 (US average = 100). That $35,381 in Scranton goes further than the same money in Harrisburg (index ~98) or Allentown (index ~101).

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get real about the budget. For a single person earning the median salary of $35,381, the take-home pay after federal, state (3.07% flat), and local taxes is roughly $2,000 - $2,100 per month. The average 1-bedroom apartment rent in Scranton is $854/month. Let’s break down a realistic monthly budget for a Security Guard living here.

Monthly Budget Breakdown (Single Person, $35,381 Salary)

• Net Monthly Income: ~$2,050
• Rent (1BR Avg): -$854
• Utilities (Electric, Gas, Internet): -$150
• Groceries: -$300
• Car Payment/Insurance/Gas: -$300 (Assumes reliable used car, a necessity here)
• Health Insurance (if not employer-provided): -$200
• Phone Bill: -$60
• Miscellaneous (Clothing, Leisure, Incidentals): -$150
• Remaining (Savings/Debt): +$36

The margin is tight. This budget leaves little room for error or substantial savings, especially if you have a car loan or student debt. Insider Tip: Many local employers, like Geisinger or the University of Scranton, offer benefits that can significantly reduce your insurance costs. Prioritize jobs that include health insurance.

Can they afford to buy a home?
It's challenging but not impossible. The median home price in Lackawanna County hovers around $200,000. With a $35,381 salary, you'd likely need a significant down payment and a co-signer to get a mortgage approved under current interest rates. Most Security Guards starting out here are renters. However, if you partner with another income earner or advance to a supervisory role ($37,440+), homeownership in Scranton's cheaper neighborhoods (see below) becomes a much more realistic goal within 5-7 years.

Where the Jobs Are: Scranton's Major Employers

Scranton’s security job market is anchored by a few key sectors: healthcare, education, and retail. Here are the major local players you should have on your radar:

1. Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine & Geisinger Health System: A massive employer in the region. They hire for internal security, hospital security, and front desk security at their numerous facilities, including Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center just west of Scranton. Hiring is steady due to 24/7 operations.
2. The University of Scranton: A Jesuit university with a sprawling campus in the Hill Section. They need security for dorms, campus patrols, and events. Employment often comes with tuition benefits—a huge perk if you’re looking to advance your education.
3. Lackawanna County Government: The county courthouse, administration building, and county jail require security personnel. These are often stable, unionized positions with good benefits but may have a more competitive hiring process.
4. Scranton School District: Security for schools and administrative buildings. This is a seasonal rhythm job—busier during the school year, quieter in summer. A good entry point for those with a clean background check.
5. Major Retail Centers (Viewmont Mall, Marketplace at Steamtown): Contract security firms like Securitas or local companies service these locations. Hours can be irregular, but they're a common starting point for newcomers.
6. Scranton (AVP) / Wilkes-Barre (AVP) Area: The Mohegan Sun Arena at Casey Plaza (20 mins away) and the Mohegan Sun Pocono (30 mins away) hire for event security. Pay can be higher for special events, often on a contractual basis.
7. Local Industrial Parks (e.g., Scranton Enterprise Center): Warehouses and distribution centers (like those for Amazon or regional logistics) often use third-party security for gatehouse and perimeter patrol.

Hiring Trends: There's a consistent need for licensed guards, especially for healthcare and educational institutions. Shift flexibility (nights/weekends) significantly increases your marketability. Many jobs are filled through direct applications to the employer or through local staffing agencies like TalentSphere or Spherion.

Getting Licensed in PA

Pennsylvania has clear, mandatory requirements to become a licensed security guard. It's not optional, and employers will ask for proof.

• State Requirements: You must be at least 18, have no felony convictions, and be a U.S. citizen or legal resident. You must complete 8 hours of pre-assignment training from a PA-licensed training school. This covers legal authority, use of force, emergency procedures, and ethics.
• Cost: Training typically costs between $75 and $150. The state license application fee is $55. You may also need to pay for your own background check (fingerprinting), which is around $25-$30. Total startup cost: ~$155 - $235.
• Timeline: From enrolling in a class to receiving your license, it can take 4-6 weeks. The process is: 1) Complete training, 2) Submit application with proof of training and fingerprints to the PA Department of State, 3) Wait for processing and your license card in the mail.
• Insider Tip: Many employers, like Geisinger, will reimburse your training costs if you commit to a certain tenure. Always ask about this during the interview. The training is offered locally by companies like Northeast Security Training Institute and others in the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre area.

Best Neighborhoods for Security Guards

Choosing where to live in Scranton affects your commute, lifestyle, and budget. Here’s a breakdown of neighborhoods suitable for a security guard earning around the median.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Avg. 1BR Rent	Best For...
West Side	Residential, family-oriented, easy access to Geisinger & I-81. A 10-15 minute drive to downtown.	$750 - $900	Stability, good value, easy commute to major employers.
Downtown Scranton	Walkable, urban, near restaurants, arts, and the University. Can be noisy. Parking is a challenge.	$800 - $1,000	Young professionals, those who want to be in the action.
Hill Section	Historic, academic (near University of Scranton), steep hills, charming architecture.	$850 - $1,100	If you work at the University or enjoy a classic, walkable neighborhood.
Green Ridge	Quiet, residential, very suburban feel. Slightly further from downtown.	$700 - $850	Those seeking peace, quiet, and lower rent. A longer commute to downtown.
South Scranton	More affordable, mix of residential and commercial. Close to the Casey Highway for access to industrial parks.	$650 - $800	Budget-conscious individuals, those working in southern industrial areas.

Insider Tip: The "Hill Section" and "Downtown" have higher rents but may reduce your transportation costs if you can walk or take a short bus ride to work. The West Side and Green Ridge offer the best car-centric value.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Growth in this field in Scranton is about specialization and promotion, not just jumping companies.

• Specialty Premiums: Gaining additional certifications can bump your pay by $1-$3/hour. Top premiums are for:
  • Firearm Certification: For armored car or high-risk site work (Pay can jump to $20-$25/hour).
  • CPR/AED & First Aid: Often required, but having it makes you valuable.
  • Electronic Surveillance & Access Control: Knowledge of systems like Lenel or Genetec is sought after for corporate security gigs.
• Advancement Paths: The most common path is:
  1. Security Officer -> Field Supervisor (overseeing a team, managing schedules) -> Account Manager (managing client contracts for a security firm) or Corporate Security Manager (for a single large employer like Geisinger).
  2. Another path is into Loss Prevention for retail chains, which focuses more on internal theft and investigations.
• 10-Year Outlook: With the projected 3% job growth, competition for the best-paying, most stable jobs (at hospitals, universities, government) will remain steady. The key to advancement isn't just time served, but pursuing training and taking on shift-lead responsibilities. The median salary may creep up with inflation, but the real financial gain comes from moving into those supervisory or specialist roles that pay $40,000+.

The Verdict: Is Scranton Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Very Low Cost of Living: Your paycheck stretches further here than in most cities.	Low Salary Ceiling: The $35,381 median is a reality; six-figure security jobs are rare.
Stable Job Market in Key Sectors: Healthcare and education provide steady demand.	Limited Specialization Options: Fewer high-risk/high-pay security niches compared to major metros.
Easy Commutes: Traffic is minimal. You can live affordably and still be 15 minutes from work.	Car Dependency: Public transport is limited; a reliable car is a near-requirement.
Strong Sense of Community: It's a "big small town"—you'll know your neighbors and coworkers.	Weather: Harsh, snowy winters can affect commutes and job assignments (e.g., outdoor patrols).
Path to Homeownership: Possible with a partner or promotion, unlike in coastal cities.	Slower Pace: If you crave constant hustle and new industries, Scranton can feel stagnant.

Final Recommendation: Scranton is an excellent choice for Security Guards who value stability, affordability, and community over high income. It's ideal for those starting their careers, seeking a work-life balance, or planning to raise a family on a single income. If you're a self-starter who can leverage the local employers for training and advancement, you can build a solid, comfortable life here. It's not the place to get rich fast in security, but it's a place to build a stable foundation.

FAQs

1. Do I need a car to work as a Security Guard in Scranton?
Yes, almost certainly. While downtown jobs might be walkable, most major employers (Geisinger, industrial parks, retail centers) are spread out. Public buses run, but they are not reliable for all shifts, especially early morning or late night. A reliable vehicle is a practical necessity.

2. Are there union jobs for Security Guards here?
Yes. Some positions with Lackawanna County and occasionally with large contractors servicing government buildings may be unionized (like Teamsters or SEIU). These jobs offer better pay and benefits but can be harder to get into. Check with specific employers during your search.

3. What's the job search process like?
Start with the major employers listed above. Check their career pages directly. Also, register with local staffing agencies that specialize in security. Networking is key—talk to people at the Scranton Chamber of Commerce or local security training schools. A clean background and reliable transportation are your biggest assets.

4. Is the 8-hour training enough to get a job?
The 8-hour training is the minimum legal requirement to hold a license. It's a starting point. Most employers will provide additional, site-specific training. Having the license in hand before you apply makes you a much stronger candidate.

5. How do I handle Scranton's winter weather on the job?
Dress in layers. Invest in high-quality, insulated boots with good grip. For outdoor posts (like campus patrols or gate houses), employers should provide a heated shack or allow for periodic warming breaks. Always communicate with your supervisor about safety in extreme cold or snow.