Security Guard Salary in District of Columbia
Security Guards in District of Columbia earn an average of $43,438 per year across 1 metro area. This is +17.1% higher than the national average.
Average Salary
$43,438
per year
Hourly Rate
$20.88
per hour
vs National
+17.1%
$37,110 national
Salary Range
$28,903
to $64,686
Cost of Living Adjusted Salary
Nominal Salary
$43,438
Cost of Living Index
153
100 = national average
Adjusted Salary
$28,391
purchasing power equivalent
After adjusting for District of Columbia's cost of living (above average), a Security Guard's salary of $43,438 has the purchasing power of $28,391 in an average-cost area.
Security Guard Salary by City in District of Columbia
| City | Median Salary | Hourly Rate | Entry Level (P10) | Senior (P90) | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Washington, DC | $43,438 | $20.88/hr | $28,903 | $64,686 | 1,702 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS Survey, 2026. Sorted by median salary (highest first).
District of Columbia vs National Average
Security Guard Salary Comparison
Employment in District of Columbia
There are approximately 1,702 Security Guards employed across 1 metro area in District of Columbia.
Key Industries: Federal Government, Legal Services, Professional Services
State Income Tax: 4% - 10.75%
Security Guard Salary Range in District of Columbia
Entry Level (10th Percentile)
$28,903
Starting salary for new Security Guards
Median (50th Percentile)
$43,438
Mid-career Security Guard salary
Senior (90th Percentile)
$64,686
Top earners in the field
Related Occupations in District of Columbia
Security Guard Salary in Neighboring States
Compare Security Guard salaries in District of Columbia with nearby states to find the best opportunities.
More District of Columbia Data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Security Guard salary in District of Columbia?
The average Security Guard salary in District of Columbia is $43,438 per year ($20.88/hour) based on 2026 data across 1 metro areas. This is 17.1% above the national average of $37,110.
What is the highest paying city for Security Guards in District of Columbia?
Washington, DC is the highest paying city for Security Guards in District of Columbia, with a median salary of $43,438 per year.
What is the salary range for Security Guards in District of Columbia?
Security Guard salaries in District of Columbia range from $28,903 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $64,686 (experienced, 90th percentile). The median salary is $43,438 per year.
About This Data
Salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey. State-level averages are calculated from metro area data within District of Columbia. Figures represent 2026 estimates and may not reflect all employers or self-employed workers. Cost of living adjustments use regional indices to provide purchasing power context.