Public Service Arlington, VA Pop. 238,643

Security Guard Salary in Arlington, Virginia

The median security guard salary in Arlington, VA is $45,870 per year, which is 32.0% above the national median and 26.9% above the Virginia state average.

City Median
$45,870
vs State Avg
+$9,730
vs National
+$11,120
Cost of Living
132%

Security Guard Pay in Arlington: What to Expect (2026)

Arlington offers a median security guard salary of $45,870, which is $9,730 above the Virginia state average of $36,140. Compared to the national median of $34,750, Arlington pays above average for this role.

However, Arlington's cost of living index is 132%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $45,870 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $34,750. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Arlington should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for security guards in Arlington spans from $33,000 at the 10th percentile to $68,640 at the 90th percentile — a $35,640 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $34,320, while senior security guards with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $66,000. With a population of 238,643, Arlington is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Security Guard Salary in Arlington by Experience

In Arlington, an entry-level security guard earns around $34,320, while experienced professionals earn up to $66,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 132% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$34,320
+$8,320 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$47,520
+$11,520 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$66,000
+$16,000 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Arlington, VA

Percentile Arlington
10th Percentile $33,000
25th Percentile $38,280
Median (50th) $45,870
75th Percentile $55,440
90th Percentile $68,640

Security Guard Salary in Other Virginia Cities

Virginia Beach, VA
$35,445
Pop. 449,974
Richmond, VA
$34,750
Pop. 226,610
Chesapeake, VA
$34,055
Pop. 249,422
Norfolk, VA
$33,360
Pop. 238,005

How to Become a Security Guard in Arlington

Education

Most security guard positions require a high school diploma. Arlington and the surrounding Virginia area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

SurveillanceAccess ControlReport WritingCommunicationObservationCPR/First Aid

Job Outlook

Nationally, security guard employment is projected to grow 3% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Arlington may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Security Guard Jobs in Arlington

Browse open security guard positions in Arlington, VA:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Security Guard Salary in Arlington

How much does a Security Guard make in Arlington, VA? ▼
The median security guard salary in Arlington, Virginia is $45,870 per year, which is 32.0% above the national median of $34,750. Salaries range from $33,000 (10th percentile) to $68,640 (90th percentile).
How much does a Security Guard make per hour in Arlington? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $45,870, a security guard in Arlington earns approximately $22 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Arlington compare to the Virginia state average for security guard pay? ▼
Arlington's median security guard salary of $45,870 is 26.9% above the Virginia state average of $36,140. The local cost of living index is 132% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Arlington, VA? ▼
Arlington has a cost of living index of 132% compared to the national average. This means a security guard salary of $45,870 in Arlington has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a security guard in Arlington? ▼
Most security guard positions in Arlington require a high school diploma. Key skills include Surveillance, Access Control, Report Writing, Communication. The job market is projected to grow 3% nationally over the next decade.