Virginia ranks 10th of 51 states and D.C. for security guards pay, trailing top-paying District of Columbia ($63,130) by $19,690 — a 45% gap.
The 10th-to-90th percentile range runs from $31,200 to $73,470 — a $42,270 spread, 42% wider than the national $29,780 range.
Virginia employs roughly 2.7% of all security guards in the country (33,440 workers).
Salary Range: 10th to 90th Percentile
Full Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry-level) | $31,200 | $15.00 |
| 25th percentile | $36,450 | $17.52 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $43,440 | $20.89 |
| 75th percentile | $55,710 | $26.79 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $73,470 | $35.32 |
| Mean (average) | $47,650 | $22.91 |
How Virginia Compares
| State | Median Annual | vs. Virginia |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia (current) | $43,440 | n/a |
| District of Columbia | $63,130 | +45% |
| Alaska | $48,620 | +12% |
| Washington | $48,010 | +11% |
| Colorado | $46,080 | +6% |
| Minnesota | $46,020 | +6% |
| Massachusetts | $44,950 | +3% |
| New Hampshire | $44,510 | +2% |
| California | $43,930 | +1% |
Showing top-paying states with available data. View all states →
Related Occupations in Virginia
| Occupation | Median Annual | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Tellers | $43,340 | 7,940 |
| Light Truck Drivers | $43,200 | 24,570 |
| Social and Human Service Assistants | $43,190 | 8,260 |
| Photographers | $43,180 | 1,360 |
| Printing Press Operators | $42,790 | 2,780 |
| Pest Control Workers | $44,180 | 3,050 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Security Guards salary in Virginia?
The mean security guards salary in Virginia is $47,650 per year. The median (middle) salary is $43,440 per year.
What is the starting salary for a Security Guards in Virginia?
Entry-level security guardss (10th percentile) in Virginia typically earn around $31,200 per year. Workers at the 25th percentile earn approximately $36,450 per year.
What is the highest Security Guards salary in Virginia?
Top earners (90th percentile) in this occupation in Virginia make approximately $73,470 per year. Those in the 75th percentile earn around $55,710 per year.
How does the Virginia Security Guards salary compare to the national average?
The median security guards salary in Virginia is $43,440, which is +13% above national average of $38,370.