Security Guards Salary in District of Columbia
The median pay for a security guards in District of Columbia is $63,130/year ($30.35/hour), per BLS data. The range runs from $37K at the entry level to $79K for experienced workers.
AffordMap analysis of BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (latest release, May 2024)
So what does $63K get you in District of Columbia?
About security guards
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, District of Columbia
Entry-level security guards (10th percentile) start around $37K. Mid-career wages sit at $63K.Top earners bring in $79K or more - a $42K spread from bottom to top.
Security Guards pay across states
Median income ranked highest to lowest, compared to the national figure
| State | Median salary | vs. national | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| District of Columbia | $63K | +65% | 16,160 |
| Alaska | $49K | +27% | 2,050 |
| Washington | $48K | +25% | 24,820 |
| Minnesota | $46K | +20% | 14,030 |
| Massachusetts | $45K | +17% | 24,100 |
| New Hampshire | $45K | +16% | 2,630 |
| California | $44K | +14% | 185,510 |
| Oregon | $44K | +14% | 11,550 |
| Virginia | $43K | +13% | 33,440 |
| Vermont | $43K | +12% | 830 |
| New York | $43K | +11% | 132,140 |
| Utah | $42K | +11% | 7,000 |
| Hawaii | $42K | +9% | 9,790 |
| Maine | $41K | +8% | 1,760 |
| Missouri | $41K | +6% | 19,180 |
Track security guards salary changes
BLS updates this data quarterly. We'll email you when District of Columbia numbers change.
Related careers in Public Safety
Frequently asked questions
How much do security guards make in District of Columbia?
The median is $63,130 a year - that works out to about $30.35 an hour. The range is wide: entry-level workers start around $36,840, and experienced security guards can clear $79,020. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $63K enough to live in District of Columbia?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $4,168/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom in this state rents for about $2,246/month (median of metro areas), which eats 53.9% of your paycheck. That's above the 30% rule of thumb - housing will be a stretch at the median salary, though you can manage with roommates or a smaller place.
How far does a security guards salary go in District of Columbia?
District of Columbia has a Regional Price Parity of 100 (100 is the national average). That's right at the national average. After cost-of-living adjustment, the median security guards salary is worth about $63,130 in national-average purchasing power.
Where do security guards get paid the most?
The table above ranks every state by median pay for this role. Keep in mind that the highest-paying states tend to have the highest costs of living, so the top salary doesn't always mean the most money in your pocket.