Security Guards Salary in Virginia
Official Bureau of Labor Statistics Data - May 2024 - VA
Median Annual Salary in Virginia
$36,562
$17.58 / hour
▲ 7.0% above national avg
National Median
$34,170
$16.43 / hour nationally
COL-Adjusted Purchasing Power
$33,698
Missouri equivalent (COL: 108.5)
Security Guards Salary in Virginia
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th (Entry Level) | $19,378 |
| 25th Percentile | $26,325 |
| 50th (Median) | $36,562 |
| 75th Percentile | $50,456 |
| 90th (Top Earners) | $62,887 |
| Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS, May 2024 | |
Free: Top 50 Highest Paying Jobs by State
Printable guide - see which jobs pay the most in your state
Check your email! Your free resource is on its way. (Check spam if you don't see it.)
Cost of Living Adjusted Salary
The Virginia median salary of $36,562 for Security Guards has the purchasing power of approximately $33,698 in Missouri (the COL baseline state with index 100).
Virginia's higher cost of living (COL index: 108.5) reduces the real purchasing power of wages compared to lower-cost states.
COL data: MERIC 2024 State Cost of Living Index. Missouri = 100 baseline.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do Security Guards make in Virginia?
Security Guards in Virginia earn a median annual salary of $36,562 per year ($17.58/hr) according to BLS OEWS data (May 2024). This is above the national median of $34,170.
Is Virginia a good state for Security Guards?
Virginia pays above the national average for security guards, making it a competitive market for this occupation. Cost of living in Virginia is higher average (COL index: 108.5).
What is the cost-of-living adjusted salary for Security Guards in Virginia?
After adjusting for cost of living (COL index: 108.5 vs. Missouri baseline of 100), the $36,562 salary in Virginia has the purchasing power of approximately $33,698 in Missouri. Higher living costs in Virginia reduce real purchasing power.
How does Virginia compare to neighboring states for Security Guards salaries?
For detailed comparison across all states, see the full Security Guards salary page at the national level, which includes a complete 50-state salary table.
Top Paying Jobs in Virginia
| # | Job Title | Median Annual |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Anesthesiologists | $355,454 |
| 2 | Radiologists | $331,614 |
| 3 | Orthopedic Surgeons, Except Pediatric | $327,655 |
| 4 | Neurologists | $316,292 |
| 5 | Surgeons, All Other | $315,136 |
| 6 | Ophthalmologists, Except Pediatric | $290,912 |
| 7 | Psychiatrists | $267,284 |
| 8 | Physicians, Pathologists | $260,994 |
| Source: BLS OEWS May 2024 | ||
About Security Guards in Virginia
Security Guards work in their specialized field applying expertise and skills to deliver value in their organization. This occupation is part of the protective service sector of the U.S. economy.
Education Required: High school diploma