Average Protective Service Occupations Salary in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
Protective Service Occupations in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV area command an impressive average annual salary of $72,460. This figure significantly surpasses the national average of $43,820, indicating a strong demand and higher compensation for these vital roles within the region. The concentration of government agencies, critical infrastructure, and a high-profile population likely drives this elevated pay scale.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $72,460 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 14.4% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $120,120.
- Outlook: The protective services sector in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria is robust, employing a substantial local workforce of 92,760 individuals. With a Location Quotient of 1.25, this region demonstrates a higher concentration of these jobs than the national average, suggesting a consistent and potentially growing demand for professionals in this field. The sheer size of the local workforce underscores the sector's importance and stability within the area's economy.
Salary Overview
The average Protective Service Occupations in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV earns+65.4%above the national average.
$34.8
$1,393
$6,038
Protective Service Occupations Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Protective Service Occupations in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria area have experienced steady growth over the past four years. Factors such as inflation, increased demand for security, and evolving industry standards typically contribute to an upward trend in compensation for these essential roles.
Protective Service Occupations Salary Distribution in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
Career progression within Protective Service Occupations is typically marked by increasing salary levels. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills and extensive experience can command significantly higher salaries, potentially reaching into the upper percentiles. The widening gap between entry-level and senior roles reflects the value placed on expertise and responsibility within the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cadet / RecruitAcademy training and probationary period. | 10% (Entry) | $36,800 | $17.7 |
| OfficerPatrol duties, handling standard calls. | 25% (Junior) | $54,345 | $26.1 |
| Senior OfficerField training officer, specialized unit. | 50% (Median) | $65,850 | $31.7 |
| Sergeant / Lt.Shift supervisor, squad leader. | 75% (Senior) | $90,575 | $43.5 |
| Captain / ChiefDepartment command and administration. | 90% (Expert) | $120,120 | $57.8 |
Detailed Protective Service Occupations Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$72,460
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$72,460
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $72,460 in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the nominal salary earned in this region offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average, making it neither significantly more nor less expensive to live comfortably based solely on this metric.
Job Market Context
92,760
Total Jobs
29.744
Per 1K Jobs
1.25
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.25, Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Protective Service Occupations roles compared to the national norm.
A Location Quotient of 1.25 signifies that Protective Service Occupations are 25% more concentrated in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria area compared to the national average. This suggests a healthy and active job market with a greater availability of opportunities relative to the overall workforce, indicating a competitive yet potentially abundant landscape for job seekers.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Protective Service Occupations
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Maryland nonmetropolitan area Protective Service Occupations Salary | $60,370↓ 17% | 17 mi |
| Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD Protective Service Occupations Salary | $64,570↓ 11% | 35 mi |
| Lexington Park, MD Protective Service Occupations Salary | $69,420↓ 4% | 55 mi |
| Hagerstown-Martinsburg, MD-WV Protective Service Occupations Salary | $58,120↓ 20% | 63 mi |
| Winchester, VA-WV Protective Service Occupations Salary | $50,720↓ 30% | 64 mi |
Comparing salaries near Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
Hiring Protective Service Occupationss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Protective Service Occupations make in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV?
The median annual salary for a Protective Service Occupations in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV is $72,460. This typically ranges from $36,800 for entry-level positions to $120,120 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV is 65.4% higher than the national median of $43,820.
Is Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV a lucrative place for Protective Service Occupationss?
Yes, it is a highly lucrative place for Protective Service Occupations.The average salary of $72,460 is substantially higher than the national average, and the cost of living is on par with the national average, indicating strong earning potential.
Is Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV a good place to live for Protective Service Occupations?
The Cost of Living Index in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV?
Some top paying nearby cities include Maryland nonmetropolitan area ($60,370) and Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Protective Service Occupations in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria is $72,460, which is considerably higher than the national average of $43,820.
What is the concentration of Protective Service Occupations in this area?
The concentration, measured by the Location Quotient, is 1.25, meaning there are 25% more Protective Service Occupations jobs in this region compared to the national average.
How does the Cost of Living affect the salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the local cost of living is exactly at the national average, meaning the higher salary translates directly to strong purchasing power.
What is the total number of Protective Service workers in the area?
There are 92,760 individuals employed in Protective Service Occupations within the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria metropolitan area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 92,760 employees in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV area with a job density of 29.744 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
Explore Protective Service Occupations Salaries by State
Top Jobs in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
- All Occupations Salary in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
- Business and Financial Operations Occupations Salary in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
- Management Occupations Salary in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
- Office and Administrative Support Occupations Salary in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
- Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
- Computer and Mathematical Occupations Salary in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
- Sales and Related Occupations Salary in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
- Educational Instruction and Library Occupations Salary in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
- Transportation and Material Moving Occupations Salary in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations Salary in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
- Browse All Jobs in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV →
Semantic Salary Analysis for Protective Service Occupations • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV