Public Service Norfolk, VA Pop. 238,005

Security Guard Salary in Norfolk, Virginia

The median security guard salary in Norfolk, VA is $33,360 per year, which is 4% below the national median and 7.7% below the Virginia state average.

City Median
$33,360
vs State Avg
$-2,780
vs National
$-1,390
Cost of Living
96%

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

Norfolk offers a median security guard salary of $33,360, which is $2,780 below the Virginia state average of $36,140. Compared to the national median of $34,750, Norfolk pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Norfolk's cost of living is 96% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for security guards in Norfolk spans from $24,000 at the 10th percentile to $49,920 at the 90th percentile — a $25,920 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $24,960, while senior security guards with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $48,000. With a population of 238,005, Norfolk is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Security Guard Salary in Norfolk by Experience

In Norfolk, an entry-level security guard earns around $24,960, while experienced professionals earn up to $48,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 96% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$24,960
$-1,040 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$34,560
$-1,440 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$48,000
$-2,000 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Norfolk, VA

Percentile Norfolk
10th Percentile $24,000
25th Percentile $27,840
Median (50th) $33,360
75th Percentile $40,320
90th Percentile $49,920

Security Guard Salary in Other Virginia Cities

How to Become a Security Guard in Norfolk

Education

Most security guard positions require a high school diploma. Norfolk 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 Norfolk may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Security Guard Jobs in Norfolk

Browse open security guard positions in Norfolk, VA:

Frequently Asked Questions: Security Guard Salary in Norfolk

How much does a Security Guard make in Norfolk, VA? ▼
The median security guard salary in Norfolk, Virginia is $33,360 per year, which is 4% below the national median of $34,750. Salaries range from $24,000 (10th percentile) to $49,920 (90th percentile).
How much does a Security Guard make per hour in Norfolk? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $33,360, a security guard in Norfolk earns approximately $16 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Norfolk compare to the Virginia state average for security guard pay? ▼
Norfolk's median security guard salary of $33,360 is 7.7% below the Virginia state average of $36,140. The local cost of living index is 96% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Norfolk, VA? ▼
Norfolk has a cost of living index of 96% compared to the national average. This means a security guard salary of $33,360 in Norfolk has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a security guard in Norfolk? ▼
Most security guard positions in Norfolk 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.