Security Guard in Sioux City, IA

The Salary Picture: Where Sioux City Stands

As a local who’s watched the job market here for years, I can tell you straight up: Security is a steady gig in Sioux City, but it’s not a path to riches. The compensation reflects our lower cost of living and the nature of the work. Let’s break down the numbers with data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) for the Sioux City metro area (IA-NE-SD).

The median salary for a Security Guard in Sioux City is $34,849/year, which translates to an hourly rate of $16.75/hour. To put that in perspective, the national average for the role sits at $36,140/year. You’re earning slightly less than the U.S. average, but remember, our cost of living is significantly lower. There are approximately 170 security guard jobs in the metro area, a number that has held relatively steady. Over the past decade, the 10-year job growth is projected at 3%, which is modest but stable—this isn’t a boomtown for security, but the demand is consistent due to our healthcare, manufacturing, and retail sectors.

Experience matters, as it does everywhere. Here’s a realistic breakdown of what you can expect at different career stages in the Siouxland area:

Experience Level	Typical Annual Salary (Sioux City)	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level	$30,000 - $33,000	Patrolling, access control, incident reports, basic surveillance. Often starts in retail or small commercial sites.
Mid-Level (2-5 yrs)	$34,000 - $38,000	Supervising a post, handling complex situations, training new guards, operating more advanced surveillance systems.
Senior (5-10 yrs)	$38,000 - $42,000	Site supervisor, shift lead at a major facility, investigating incidents, liaising with client management.
Expert/Management	$42,000+	Account manager for a security company, director of security for a large facility (hospital, plant), or running your own small firm.

Compared to other Iowa cities, Sioux City is on the lower end for security guard pay. Des Moines, with its higher concentration of corporate and government facilities, sees a median closer to $37,000. Cedar Rapids, with its industrial base, is similar to Sioux City, while Iowa City (driven by the university and healthcare) can be slightly higher. You’re trading a bit on salary for a more affordable, less hectic lifestyle.

Insider Tip: The $16.75/hour starting rate is your benchmark. If a company offers you less for a non-specialized post, you should negotiate or look elsewhere. The larger employers tend to start at or above this median.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get real about your budget. Sioux City’s affordability is its biggest draw. With a cost of living index of 88.1 (U.S. average = 100), your money stretches further. The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is $780/month.

Here’s a monthly budget breakdown for a Security Guard earning the median salary of $34,849/year. We’ll assume a standard tax filing (single, no dependents) for a rough estimate.

Category	Monthly Amount (Estimated)	Notes
Gross Monthly Pay	$2,904	($34,849 / 12)
Taxes (Federal, FICA, State)	-$580	Approx. 20% effective rate for this income bracket.
Net Take-Home Pay	$2,324	This is your starting point.
Rent (1BR Average)	-$780	Leaves you with $1,544 for everything else.
Utilities (Electric, Gas, Internet)	-$150	Varies by season; winter heating can spike costs.
Groceries	-$300	Cooking at home is essential.
Car Payment/Insurance/Gas	-$350	Essential in Sioux City; public transit is limited.
Health Insurance (if not employer)	-$100	Varies widely; employer plans are cheaper.
Miscellaneous (Savings, Phone, Fun)	-$350	This is where you have flexibility.
Monthly Balance	~$264	A tight but manageable margin.

Can they afford to buy a home? On this salary, it’s a challenge but not impossible, especially with discipline. The median home price in the Sioux City metro is around $160,000 - $180,000. A 20% down payment is $32,000 - $36,000. Saving for that on a $2,324 net monthly income would take years without aggressive saving. Your best bet is to build credit, save diligently, and consider a starter home or a duplex. The low rent-to-income ratio is your biggest advantage here; if you can keep housing under $800, you free up more for savings. Many locals use FHA loans with a lower down payment, but you’ll have PMI. It’s doable, but you’ll need to budget tightly for the first few years.

Where the Jobs Are: Sioux City's Major Employers

The security job market here isn’t dominated by one giant but by a mix of healthcare, manufacturing, and retail. Here are the key players you should know:

1. MercyOne Siouxland Medical Center: The largest hospital complex. They employ in-house security for 24/7 coverage, dealing with patient safety, visitor management, and emergency response. Hiring is steady due to turnover and expansions. They often offer better benefits than contract companies.

2. St. Luke’s (CHI Health): The other major hospital system. Similar needs to MercyOne. In-house security teams are tight-knit, and knowing someone on the inside can help. They pay at or slightly above the local median.

3. Tyson Foods & Local Meatpacking Plants: The industrial sector is huge. Tyson’s Sioux City plant, along with others like Hormel, require extensive security for access control, asset protection, and safety compliance. These jobs can be gritty, often night shifts, but they are plentiful and often unionized with solid benefits.

4. Sioux City Community School District: Schools need security for building access during the day and patrols after hours. With a large district, there are multiple posts. It’s a dayshift-heavy role with summers off, which is a big perk for some.

5. Hy-Vee Distribution Center: The regional distribution hub requires security for its massive warehouse. This is less about confrontation and more about monitoring trucks, checking loads, and managing gate access. A stable, climate-controlled environment.

6. Private Security Firms (Allied Universal, Securitas): These national companies contract for many local businesses, from retail (like the Southern Hills Mall) to corporate offices. They hire frequently, but turnover can be high. Use them as a foot in the door, but know that pay often starts at the lower end of the scale.

Hiring Trend Insight: There’s a slow but steady move toward more qualified, professional guards, especially in healthcare. Having a clean record, CPR/AED certification, and de-escalation training will put you ahead of the pack. The rise in retail theft has also led to more "loss prevention" roles, which often pay a premium.

Getting Licensed in IA

Iowa makes it relatively straightforward to become a security guard, with clear state oversight. You cannot legally work as an armed guard without extensive additional licensing, which we’ll cover.

For Unarmed Security Guards:

• Requirement: You must be at least 18, have no disqualifying felonies or certain misdemeanors (violence, theft, drugs), and be able to pass a background check.
• Process: The employer (security company or facility) is responsible for submitting a Security Agent Registration application to the Iowa Department of Public Safety (DPS), Division of Criminal Investigation. You will need to provide fingerprints and pass a criminal history check.
• Cost: The application fee is $100 (paid by the employer, but sometimes deducted from your first paycheck if you leave early). Fingerprinting costs ~$40-$60 at local providers like IdentoGO.
• Timeline: From application to approval, it typically takes 2-4 weeks. You cannot start working until you are officially registered.
• Insider Tip: Start your job search first. Most reputable employers will walk you through the process and cover the fees. Never pay a company to get you a license; that’s a red flag.

For Armed Security Guards:
This is a much higher bar. You must first be registered as an unarmed guard and then complete a state-approved armed guard training course (80 hours minimum, including firearms, legal, and defensive tactics). The course costs $500-$800, and you must pass a range qualification. Armed positions are rare in Sioux City, mostly for armored car services or high-value transport, and they pay $20-$25+/hour.

Best Neighborhoods for Security Guards

Where you live affects your commute, budget, and lifestyle. Security work often involves odd hours, so a safe, convenient location is key. Here’s a local’s guide:

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Avg. 1BR Rent	Best For...
Morningside	Quiet, residential, family-oriented. Easy access to MercyOne and the west side businesses. A 10-15 minute commute to most jobs.	$750 - $850	Guards with families or those who want a classic, stable neighborhood.
Northside / Leeds	Working-class, industrial heart. Close to the meatpacking plants and the stockyards. Very affordable, but some areas are rougher.	$600 - $750	Budget-focused guards working industrial posts. A car is non-negotiable.
Downtown Sioux City	Urban, with a growing nightlife and arts scene. Close to restaurants and bars. Commute to hospitals and retail is easy. Rent can vary widely.	$800 - $1,000+	Younger guards who want walkability and city energy. Parking can be a hassle.
South Sioux City (NE)	Just across the river. Often has slightly newer housing stock. Good access to I-29 and the mall area. Note: You live in Nebraska but work in Iowa (tax implications).	$700 - $850	Those looking for a bit more space or newer amenities without breaking the bank.
Sunnyside	East side, near the river and parks. Mix of older homes and some apartments. A bit longer commute to the west side, but quieter.	$650 - $800	Guards who want a balance of affordability and a quieter setting.

Insider Tip: If you work nights, prioritize a place in a well-lit area with secure parking. Avoid the immediate downtown core if you need to park a personal vehicle for a 12-hour shift. Morningside and the eastern parts of Sunnyside are generally safe bets.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Security in Sioux City isn’t a dead-end job, but you have to be proactive. The 3% 10-year growth means you won’t see a flood of new openings, so advancement comes from specialization and networking.

• Specialty Premiums: The biggest pay bumps come from adding skills. A CPR/AED/First Aid certification is almost mandatory and can add $0.50-$1.00/hour. A CDL (Commercial Driver’s License) for armored car work can push you to $20+/hour. Mastering a specific security software (like Genetec or Curran) used at a major site can make you invaluable.
• Advancement Paths: The ladder is: Guard → Shift Lead → Site Supervisor → Account Manager (for a security company) or Facility Security Director (for a large employer like a hospital). To move up, you need leadership experience and often a two-year degree in criminal justice or business management. Many local community colleges offer online courses.
• 10-Year Outlook: The core drivers—healthcare, food processing, and retail—will remain. The need for security isn’t going away. However, technology (cameras, access control systems) is changing the role. Guards who can manage and interpret tech, not just patrol, will have the best prospects. Consider a future in corporate security or risk management, which may require moving to a larger city like Des Moines for the highest salaries.

The Verdict: Is Sioux City Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Extremely Low Cost of Living. Your $34,849 salary goes much further here than in most places.	Lower Salary Ceiling. You’ll cap out at a lower rate than in major metros.
Stable, Diverse Job Market. Healthcare, manufacturing, and retail offer consistent openings.	Limited Nightlife & Culture. It’s a quiet city; if you crave big-city energy, you’ll be bored.
Short, Predictable Commutes. You can live affordably and be at work in 15-20 minutes.	Weather Winters. Cold, windy, and snowy winters can make patrolling tough.
Tight-Knit Community. It’s easier to build a network and know people in the industry.	Modest Growth. Not a place for rapid career jumping; you have to be patient.
Manageable Workload. Less chaotic than larger cities, but can have its own challenges.	Transportation is Car-Dependent. You need a reliable vehicle.

Final Recommendation: Sioux City is an excellent fit for security guards who are value-conscious, pragmatic, and seeking stability over high-flying career growth. It’s ideal for those who want to build a life, maybe own a home eventually, and don’t need constant excitement. If you’re a young professional looking to climb the corporate ladder quickly or a person who thrives in a bustling metropolis, you may find it limiting. But if you want a steady job where your paycheck covers your needs with room to breathe, Sioux City is a solid, sensible choice.

FAQs

Q: Is it easy to find a security job in Sioux City as a newcomer?
A: Yes, especially if you have a clean record and are willing to start with a contract company like Allied or a retail post. The key is to apply to multiple places and be flexible with shifts. Start your license process as soon as you get a job offer.

Q: What’s the biggest challenge for security guards here?
A: Winters. Patrolling a parking lot or a factory exterior at -10°F with wind chill is no joke. Employers provide gear, but you’ll need your own quality thermal layers and boots. Also, dealing with substance abuse issues is common at certain posts, so de-escalation training is crucial.

Q: Can I make a living wage as a single person?
A: Yes, but it requires careful budgeting. At $16.75/hour, you can afford a 1BR apartment ($780) and live comfortably, but saving for big goals (a house, a new car) will take time. Dual-income households or having a side hustle is common.

Q: Are there union jobs for security guards here?
A: Yes, primarily at the meatpacking plants (Tyson, Hormel) and sometimes in the school district. Union jobs often come with better benefits, regular raises, and job security. Check with local union halls like the United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) for opportunities.

Q: What soft skills are most valued by local employers?
A: Reliability (showing up on time for every shift), clear communication (writing good incident reports), and a calm demeanor under pressure. Sioux City employers value professionalism and a strong work ethic over flashy resumes. A personal reference from someone in the community goes a long way.