Average Security Guards Salary in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
Security Guards in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV metropolitan area earn an impressive average annual salary of $55,040. This figure significantly surpasses the national average of $42,450, indicating a robust demand and higher compensation for these essential roles in the region. The elevated pay is likely driven by the concentration of federal agencies, high-security facilities, and a generally higher cost of doing business within this major metropolitan hub.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $55,040 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 18.5% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $79,020.
- Outlook: The job market for Security Guards in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria appears robust, evidenced by a substantial local workforce of 39,200 individuals. The Location Quotient of 1.56 suggests that Security Guards are more concentrated in this area than the national average, implying a strong and sustained demand for their services. With 12.57 jobs per 1,000 workers, the employment landscape for security professionals remains active and promising.
Salary Overview
The average Security Guards in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV earns+29.7%above the national average.
$26.5
$1,058
$4,587
Security Guards Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Security Guards in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria area have experienced consistent growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends of increasing wages in security-related professions. This upward trajectory is likely influenced by evolving security needs, inflation, and the competitive labor market within the region.
Security Guards Salary Distribution in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
Salary progression for Security Guards in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria typically correlates with experience and specialized skills. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with certifications, supervisory experience, or specialized security training can command significantly higher salaries, potentially reaching into the upper percentiles. The gap between entry-level and senior roles highlights a clear career progression path within the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cadet / RecruitAcademy training and probationary period. | 10% (Entry) | $36,450 | $17.5 |
| OfficerPatrol duties, handling standard calls. | 25% (Junior) | $41,280 | $19.8 |
| Senior OfficerField training officer, specialized unit. | 50% (Median) | $47,260 | $22.7 |
| Sergeant / Lt.Shift supervisor, squad leader. | 75% (Senior) | $68,800 | $33.1 |
| Captain / ChiefDepartment command and administration. | 90% (Expert) | $79,020 | $38 |
Detailed Security Guards Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$55,040
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$55,040
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $55,040 for Security Guards in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the purchasing power of a Security Guard's salary in this region is equivalent to the national average, making the compensation highly competitive and stable relative to everyday expenses.
Job Market Context
39,200
Total Jobs
12.57
Per 1K Jobs
1.56
Location Quotient
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV has 1.6x the national concentration of Security Guards jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.
With a Location Quotient of 1.56, the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria area exhibits a significantly higher concentration of Security Guards compared to the national average. This indicates a robust and active job market where demand for security personnel is notably strong, potentially leading to more job opportunities and competitive compensation for qualified individuals in this specialized field.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Security Guards
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Maryland nonmetropolitan area Security Guards Salary | $41,590↓ 24% | 17 mi |
| Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD Security Guards Salary | $43,040↓ 22% | 35 mi |
| Lexington Park, MD Security Guards Salary | $50,450↓ 8% | 55 mi |
| Hagerstown-Martinsburg, MD-WV Security Guards Salary | $38,690↓ 30% | 63 mi |
| Winchester, VA-WV Security Guards Salary | $42,850↓ 22% | 64 mi |
Comparing salaries near Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Security Guards make in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV?
The median annual salary for a Security Guards in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV is $55,040. This typically ranges from $36,450 for entry-level positions to $79,020 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 29.7% higher than the national median of $42,450.
Is Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV a lucrative place for Security Guards?
Yes, it is a highly lucrative area for Security Guards.Security Guards in this region earn substantially more than the national average, with their salary perfectly matching the national average cost of living.
Is Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV a good place to live for Security Guards?
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 ($41,590) and Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
Security Guards in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria earn an average of $55,040 annually, which is considerably higher than the national average of $42,450.
What is the Cost of Living in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria?
The Cost of Living Index in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria is 100, which is exactly the national average, meaning your salary has average purchasing power.
How concentrated is the Security Guard job market locally?
The job market is highly concentrated, with a Location Quotient of 1.56, indicating a greater presence of Security Guards than the national average.
What is the total number of Security Guards in the area?
There are approximately 39,200 Security Guards employed within the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV 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 39,200 employees in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV area with a job density of 12.57 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Security Guards • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV