Security Guards Salary in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
The median pay for a security guards in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV is $47,260/year ($22.72/hour), per BLS data. The range runs from $36K at the entry level to $79K for experienced workers. Prices run high here (RPP 108.88), so that salary is closer to $43,406 in real purchasing power. A 2-bedroom apartment runs $2,246/month — about 68.8% of take-home, which is tight.
AffordMap analysis of BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (latest release, May 2024)
So what does $47K get you in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria?
About security guards
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
Entry-level security guards (10th percentile) start around $36K. Mid-career wages sit at $47K.Top earners bring in $79K or more - a $43K 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 Washington-Arlington-Alexandria numbers change.
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Frequently asked questions
How much do security guards make in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV?
The median is $47,260 a year - that works out to about $22.72 an hour. The range is wide: entry-level workers start around $36,450, and experienced security guards can clear $79,020. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $47K enough to live in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $3,188/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $2,246/month (HUD Fair Market Rent), which eats 70.5% 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 Washington-Arlington-Alexandria?
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria has a Regional Price Parity of 108.88 (100 is the national average). Prices are above average here, so your dollar buys less than the same salary would in a cheaper metro. After cost-of-living adjustment, the median security guards salary is worth about $43,406 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.