Security Guard Salary in Washington, DC
Updated
The median security guard in the Washington area earns $46,830 a year ($22.51 an hour), 23% above the U.S. median ($38,020). Half of the 40,950 security guards there earn between $38,660 and $71,030.
Median $46,830
10th: $36,53090th: $78,790
| Annual pay | Washington area | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $36,530 | $30,210 |
| 25th percentile | $38,660 | $35,210 |
| Median | $46,830 | $38,020 |
| 75th percentile | $71,030 | $46,200 |
| 90th percentile | $78,790 | $58,840 |
| Average | $54,430 | $42,470 |
| Jobs | 40,950 | 1,283,470 |
Washington, DC ranks 2nd of the 50 largest U.S. metro areas for security guard pay. Highest: Seattle, WA ($47,490).
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Check my paySecurity guard pay in other cities
- Seattle, WA: $47,490
- Portland, OR: $46,820
- San Jose, CA: $46,250
- San Francisco, CA: $45,730
- Denver, CO: $45,420
- Boston, MA: $44,990
- New York, NY: $43,980
- Minneapolis, MN: $43,430
- All cities
Similar jobs in Washington, DC
- Police Officer: $84,000
- Correctional Officer: $70,570
- Firefighter: $66,980
- All jobs in Washington, DC
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025, published May 15, 2026
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025, www.bls.gov/oes. BLS.gov cannot vouch for the data or analyses derived from these data after the data have been retrieved from BLS.gov.