Security Guard Salary in Virginia
Based on 35K+ workers in Virginia
Median Annual Salary (VA)
$43,640
$20.98/hr
vs National Average
$39,375
+10.8% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$31K – $73K
35K employed in Virginia
The median Security Guard salary in Virginia is $43,640 per year, which equates to approximately $21 per hour. This figure is 10.8% higher than the national average for security guards, indicating a strong job market in the state. Virginia employs a substantial workforce of 34,870 security guards.
Several factors can influence the Security Guard salary in Virginia. These include the specific location within the state, the employer's size and industry, and the individual's years of experience and specialized skills or certifications. The salary range in Virginia spans from $30,990 to $73,060 annually.
Salary Distribution — Security Guard in Virginia
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $30,990 |
| 25th percentile | $35,990 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $43,640 |
| 75th percentile | $54,850 |
| 90th percentile | $73,060 |
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 Virginia 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 Virginia vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Virginia) |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $43,640 |
| 2026 (projected) | $44,949 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Virginia Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $43,640 | $39,375 |
| 2026 (projected) | $44,949 | $40,556 |
Security Guard Salary by Experience Level in Virginia
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $35,990 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $43,640 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $54,850 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $73,060 |
Security Guard Salary in Other States
Related Security Guard Salaries in Virginia
How other high-demand occupations in Virginia compare to Security Guard ($43,640 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Security Guard | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Police Officer in VA | $65,870 | +50.9% | $31.67/hr |
| Firefighter in VA | $58,670 | +34.4% | $28.21/hr |
| Construction Laborer in VA | $43,560 | -0.2% | $20.94/hr |
| Nursing Assistant (CNA) in VA | $43,200 | -1.0% | $20.77/hr |
| Customer Service Representative in VA | $42,730 | -2.1% | $20.54/hr |
| Pharmacy Technician in VA | $44,610 | +2.2% | $21.45/hr |
| Medical Assistant in VA | $44,740 | +2.5% | $21.51/hr |
| Waiter and Waitress in VA | $44,760 | +2.6% | $21.52/hr |
| Dental Assistant in VA | $46,670 | +6.9% | $22.44/hr |
| Rehabilitation Counselor in VA | $47,530 | +8.9% | $22.85/hr |
| Administrative Assistant in VA | $47,620 | +9.1% | $22.89/hr |
| Tutor in VA | $49,160 | +12.6% | $23.63/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the typical salary range for a security guard in Virginia?
- In Virginia, the salary for a security guard generally falls between $30,990 and $73,060 per year. The median salary is $43,640 annually, offering a good benchmark for expected earnings.
How does the average security guard pay in Virginia compare to the national average?
- Security guards in Virginia earn approximately 10.8% more than the national average. This means that while the national median might be lower, Virginia offers a more competitive salary, with a median of $43,640 per year.
What are the highest paying locations for security guards in Virginia?
- While specific city data isn't provided, security guards in higher cost-of-living areas or metropolitan regions within Virginia often see salaries at the upper end of the $30,990 to $73,060 range. Experience and specialized roles can also lead to higher pay within these locations.
Is the hourly wage for security guards in Virginia competitive?
- Yes, the hourly wage for security guards in Virginia is competitive, averaging around $21 per hour. This hourly rate aligns with the higher median annual salary of $43,640, which is above the national average.