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Average Security Guards Salary in Richmond, VA

Security Guards in Richmond, VA, earn an average annual salary of $45,100, which is notably higher than the national average of $42,450. This elevated compensation is often influenced by local economic factors and the specific demand within the Richmond metropolitan area for security services.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $45,100 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 58.2% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $70,100.
  • Outlook: With a substantial local workforce of 4,410 Security Guards, Richmond presents a significant employment landscape for this profession. The location quotient of 0.84 suggests a slightly lower concentration of these roles compared to the national average, indicating a stable, albeit not exceptionally concentrated, demand for security personnel within the region.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$45,100

The average Security Guards in Richmond, VA earns+6.2%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$21.7

Weekly

$867

Monthly

$3,758

Security Guards Salary Distribution in Richmond, VA

Career progression for Security Guards in Richmond, VA, typically involves a salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills or supervisory roles can command significantly higher salaries, with percentile gaps reflecting these advancements.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Cadet / RecruitAcademy training and probationary period.10% (Entry)$31,380$15.1
OfficerPatrol duties, handling standard calls.25% (Junior)$33,825$16.3
Senior OfficerField training officer, specialized unit.50% (Median)$37,960$18.3
Sergeant / Lt.Shift supervisor, squad leader.75% (Senior)$56,375$27.1
Captain / ChiefDepartment command and administration.90% (Expert)$70,100$33.7

Detailed Security Guards Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$45,100

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$45,100

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $45,100 in Richmond, VA, aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national benchmark. This means that the purchasing power of a Security Guard's salary in Richmond is equivalent to the national average, offering a stable financial standing relative to everyday expenses.

Job Market Context

4,410

Total Jobs

6.76

Per 1K Jobs

0.84

Location Quotient

Below Average

Richmond, VA has 0.84x the national average concentration of Security Guards jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.

A location quotient of 0.84 indicates that Security Guard roles are slightly less concentrated in Richmond, VA, compared to the national average. This suggests that while the profession is well-established, the market is not oversaturated, potentially offering a balanced environment for job seekers and employers alike.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Security Guards

CitySalaryDist.
Southside Virginia nonmetropolitan area Security Guards Salary$41,250↓ 9%41 mi
Northern West Virginia nonmetropolitan area Security Guards Salary$33,680↓ 25%41 mi
Southwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area Security Guards Salary$41,780↓ 7%41 mi
Northwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area Security Guards Salary$53,110↑ 18%41 mi
Southern West Virginia nonmetropolitan area Security Guards Salary$33,610↓ 25%41 mi

Comparing salaries near Richmond, VA

Hiring Security Guardss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Security Guards make in Richmond, VA?

The median annual salary for a Security Guards in Richmond, VA is $45,100. This typically ranges from $31,380 for entry-level positions to $70,100 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Richmond, VA is 6.2% higher than the national median of $42,450.

Is Richmond, VA a lucrative place for Security Guards?

Yes, Richmond, VA offers competitive compensation for Security Guards.Security Guards in Richmond earn above the national average salary, and their earnings maintain parity with the national cost of living, making it a financially stable location for the profession.

Is Richmond, VA a good place to live for Security Guards?

The Cost of Living Index in Richmond, VA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Richmond, VA?

Some top paying nearby cities include Southside Virginia nonmetropolitan area ($41,250) and Northern West Virginia nonmetropolitan area.

How does the Richmond Security Guard salary compare to the national average?

The average annual salary for Security Guards in Richmond, VA is $45,100, which is $2,650 higher than the national average of $42,450.

What is the concentration of Security Guards in Richmond, VA?

The concentration, measured by the location quotient, is 0.84, meaning there are slightly fewer Security Guards per capita in Richmond compared to the national average.

How does the cost of living in Richmond affect a Security Guard's salary?

Richmond's cost of living is exactly at the national average (100), so the $45,100 salary provides purchasing power equivalent to the national average.

What is the total number of Security Guards employed in Richmond, VA?

There are approximately 4,410 Security Guards employed within the Richmond, VA area.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 4,410 employees in the Richmond, VA area with a job density of 6.76 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.

Semantic Salary Analysis for Security Guards • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Richmond, VA