Security Guard Salary in District of Columbia
Based on 16K+ workers in District of Columbia
Median Annual Salary (DC)
$64,210
$30.87/hr
vs National Average
$39,375
+63.1% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$37K – $79K
16K employed in District of Columbia
The median Security Guard salary in District of Columbia is $64,210 per year, which translates to approximately $31 per hour. This figure is significantly higher than the national average, indicating a robust demand and compensation for security professionals in the nation's capital. The average Security Guard in D.C. earns 63.1% more than their counterparts across the United States.
Several factors influence the Security Guard salary in District of Columbia. Experience level, specific employer, and the responsibilities of the role all play a role in determining pay. While the typical range falls between $36,600 and $78,910 annually, more specialized or senior positions can command higher salaries.
Salary Distribution — Security Guard in District of Columbia
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $36,600 |
| 25th percentile | $45,510 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $64,210 |
| 75th percentile | $74,200 |
| 90th percentile | $78,910 |
Top-Paying Industries for Security Guard (U.S.)
Which industries pay Security Guards the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Security Guards in District of Columbia tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Utilities | $66,720 | 5K |
| Finance and Insurance | $57,380 | 4K |
| Information | $47,900 | 3K |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $47,230 | 10K |
| Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $46,450 | 33K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Security Guard in District of Columbia vs National
| Year | Median Salary (District of Columbia) |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $64,210 |
| 2026 (projected) | $66,136 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | District of Columbia Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $64,210 | $39,375 |
| 2026 (projected) | $66,136 | $40,556 |
Security Guard Salary by Experience Level in District of Columbia
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $45,510 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $64,210 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $74,200 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $78,910 |
Security Guard Salary in Other States
Related Security Guard Salaries in District of Columbia
How other high-demand occupations in District of Columbia compare to Security Guard ($64,210 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Security Guard | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Police Officer in DC | $88,650 | +38.1% | $42.62/hr |
| Firefighter in DC | $75,870 | +18.2% | $36.48/hr |
| Truck Driver in DC | $64,170 | -0.1% | $30.85/hr |
| Bookkeeper in DC | $65,180 | +1.5% | $31.34/hr |
| Tutor in DC | $66,430 | +3.5% | $31.94/hr |
| Dental Assistant in DC | $60,580 | -5.7% | $29.13/hr |
| Mental Health Counselor in DC | $60,450 | -5.9% | $29.06/hr |
| Maintenance and Repair Worker in DC | $60,310 | -6.1% | $29.00/hr |
| Administrative Assistant in DC | $59,910 | -6.7% | $28.80/hr |
| Automotive Service Technician in DC | $68,660 | +6.9% | $33.01/hr |
| Securities Sales Agent in DC | $72,010 | +12.1% | $34.62/hr |
| Social Worker in DC | $73,310 | +14.2% | $35.25/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average hourly pay for a Security Guard in Washington D.C.?
- The average hourly pay for a Security Guard in Washington D.C. is around $31. This is derived from the median annual salary of $64,210. This hourly rate is considerably higher than the national average for the profession.
What is the salary range for Security Guards in the District of Columbia?
- The salary for a Security Guard in the District of Columbia typically ranges from $36,600 to $78,910 per year. This broad range reflects differences in experience, employer, and specific job duties within the city.
How does the salary for Security Guards in D.C. compare to the national average?
- Security Guards in the District of Columbia earn significantly more than the national average. Their median salary of $64,210 is 63.1% higher than the national average, highlighting the strong earning potential in the D.C. area.
How many Security Guards are employed in the District of Columbia?
- There are approximately 15,880 Security Guards employed in the District of Columbia. This substantial number indicates a high demand for security services within the city.