Public Service Virginia Beach, VA Pop. 449,974

Security Guard Salary in Virginia Beach, Virginia

The median security guard salary in Virginia Beach, VA is $35,445 per year, which is 2.0% above the national median and 1.9% below the Virginia state average.

City Median
$35,445
vs State Avg
$-695
vs National
+$695
Cost of Living
102%

Security Guard Pay in Virginia Beach: What to Expect (2026)

Virginia Beach offers a median security guard salary of $35,445, which is $695 below the Virginia state average of $36,140. Compared to the national median of $34,750, Virginia Beach pays above average for this role.

Virginia Beach's cost of living is 102% 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 Virginia Beach spans from $25,500 at the 10th percentile to $53,040 at the 90th percentile — a $27,540 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $26,520, while senior security guards with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $51,000. With a population of 449,974, Virginia Beach is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Security Guard Salary in Virginia Beach by Experience

In Virginia Beach, an entry-level security guard earns around $26,520, while experienced professionals earn up to $51,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 102% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$26,520
+$520 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$36,720
+$720 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$51,000
+$1,000 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Virginia Beach, VA

Percentile Virginia Beach
10th Percentile $25,500
25th Percentile $29,580
Median (50th) $35,445
75th Percentile $42,840
90th Percentile $53,040

Security Guard Salary in Other Virginia Cities

Arlington, VA
$45,870
Pop. 238,643
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 Virginia Beach

Education

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

Find Security Guard Jobs in Virginia Beach

Browse open security guard positions in Virginia Beach, VA:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Security Guard Salary in Virginia Beach

How much does a Security Guard make in Virginia Beach, VA? ▼
The median security guard salary in Virginia Beach, Virginia is $35,445 per year, which is 2.0% above the national median of $34,750. Salaries range from $25,500 (10th percentile) to $53,040 (90th percentile).
How much does a Security Guard make per hour in Virginia Beach? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $35,445, a security guard in Virginia Beach earns approximately $17 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Virginia Beach compare to the Virginia state average for security guard pay? ▼
Virginia Beach's median security guard salary of $35,445 is 1.9% below the Virginia state average of $36,140. The local cost of living index is 102% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Virginia Beach, VA? ▼
Virginia Beach has a cost of living index of 102% compared to the national average. This means a security guard salary of $35,445 in Virginia Beach has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a security guard in Virginia Beach? ▼
Most security guard positions in Virginia Beach 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.