Security Guard Salary in Virginia
Security Guards in Virginia earn an average of $36,179 per year across 1 metro area. This is +2.5% lower than the national average.
Average Salary
$36,179
per year
Hourly Rate
$17.39
per hour
vs National
-2.5%
$37,110 national
Salary Range
$23,031
to $53,916
Cost of Living Adjusted Salary
Nominal Salary
$36,179
Cost of Living Index
103
100 = national average
Adjusted Salary
$35,125
purchasing power equivalent
After adjusting for Virginia's cost of living (above average), a Security Guard's salary of $36,179 has the purchasing power of $35,125 in an average-cost area.
Security Guard Salary by City in Virginia
| City | Median Salary | Hourly Rate | Entry Level (P10) | Senior (P90) | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Richmond, VA | $36,179 | $17.39/hr | $23,031 | $53,916 | 997 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS Survey, 2026. Sorted by median salary (highest first).
Virginia vs National Average
Security Guard Salary Comparison
Employment in Virginia
There are approximately 997 Security Guards employed across 1 metro area in Virginia.
Key Industries: Federal Government, Defense & Military, Technology
State Income Tax: 2% - 5.75%
Security Guard Salary Range in Virginia
Entry Level (10th Percentile)
$23,031
Starting salary for new Security Guards
Median (50th Percentile)
$36,179
Mid-career Security Guard salary
Senior (90th Percentile)
$53,916
Top earners in the field
Related Occupations in Virginia
Security Guard Salary in Neighboring States
Compare Security Guard salaries in Virginia with nearby states to find the best opportunities.
More Virginia Data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Security Guard salary in Virginia?
The average Security Guard salary in Virginia is $36,179 per year ($17.39/hour) based on 2026 data across 1 metro areas. This is 2.5% below the national average of $37,110.
What is the highest paying city for Security Guards in Virginia?
Richmond, VA is the highest paying city for Security Guards in Virginia, with a median salary of $36,179 per year.
What is the salary range for Security Guards in Virginia?
Security Guard salaries in Virginia range from $23,031 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $53,916 (experienced, 90th percentile). The median salary is $36,179 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 Virginia. 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.