Security Guard in Norfolk, VA

The Salary Picture: Where Norfolk Stands

If you're a security guard looking to relocate, the first question is about the money. Let's cut right to it: the median salary for a security guard in the Norfolk-Virginia Beach-Newport News, VA metro area is $35,858/year, which translates to an hourly rate of $17.24/hour. This puts you slightly below the national average of $36,140/year, but the difference is marginal. In a region with a cost of living index of 97.4 (meaning it's 2.6% cheaper than the national average), your paycheck will stretch a bit further here than in many other parts of the country.

However, salary isn't static. It's heavily influenced by your experience, the type of site you secure, and the company you work for. Here’s a realistic breakdown of what you can expect to earn at different stages of your career in the Norfolk area:

Experience Level	Annual Salary Range (Norfolk Area)	Typical Work Environments
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$28,000 - $33,000	Retail patrol, basic office building posts, event security. Often starting at or just above minimum wage.
Mid-Level (3-7 years)	$34,000 - $40,000	Hospital security, corporate campuses, manufacturing facilities. Pay increases with reliability and added duties.
Senior (8-15 years)	$41,000 - $48,000	Critical infrastructure sites (power plants, data centers), supervisory roles, specialized training positions.
Expert/Specialist (15+ years)	$48,000 - $55,000+	Federal contract work (with clearances), hazardous materials sites, security management, consulting.

Compared to other Virginia cities, Norfolk sits in the middle. Northern Virginia (Arlington, Alexandria) has a higher cost of living and higher salaries, often for more specialized or government-adjacent roles, but the entry bar is also much higher. Richmond and Hampton Roads (which includes Norfolk) have very similar salary profiles for security work. The key differentiator in Norfolk is the volume and type of opportunities tied to the military and maritime sectors, which we'll explore later.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's get real about your monthly budget. With a take-home pay of roughly $2,300/month (after an estimated 25% for taxes and benefits on a $35,858 salary), and the average 1-bedroom apartment rent at $1,287/month, your housing costs alone consume about 56% of your income. This is high; a healthy budget would keep housing under 35%.

Here’s a sample monthly budget for a single security guard earning the median salary:

Category	Estimated Cost (Monthly)	Notes
Net Income	$2,300	After taxes & benefits
Rent (1BR Avg)	$1,287	A major expense
Utilities (Electric/Water)	$120	Norfolk's climate means AC/heating costs.
Groceries	$300
Car Payment/Insurance	$350	Essential; public transit is limited.
Gas	$150	Commuting costs add up.
Phone/Internet	$100
Healthcare/Incidentals	$150	Co-pays, medications, basic necessities.
Remaining Discretionary	-$157	This shows a deficit.

Can they afford to buy a home? On the median salary alone, it's a significant challenge. The median home price in the Norfolk metro is around $300,000. A standard 20% down payment is $60,000. With a monthly take-home of $2,300, a mortgage payment, taxes, and insurance on a $300,000 home would likely exceed $1,800/month, pushing housing costs to over 78% of take-home pay—unsustainable for most. Homeownership on a single $35,858 salary is not feasible without substantial additional income, very frugal living, or a dual-income household.

Where the Jobs Are: Norfolk's Major Employers

Norfolk's job market for security guards is anchored by three major sectors: the military, healthcare, and maritime logistics. The metro area has 461 security guard jobs, a number that has seen modest but steady demand.

1. Sentara Healthcare: Operating Sentara Norfolk General Hospital (a Level I trauma center) and Sentara Leigh Hospital, Sentara is one of the region's largest employers. They hire in-house security officers and also contract with firms like G4S and Allied Universal. Their guards need to handle a high-pressure, unpredictable environment. Hiring Trend: Steady. They value de-escalation training and experience in medical settings.

2. Old Dominion University (ODU): With a student population of over 24,000, ODU's campus police and security department is a consistent employer. Responsibilities include campus patrols, event security for football games at S.B. Ballard Stadium, and monitoring residence halls. Hiring Trend: Seasonal spikes at the start of semesters and for major events.

3. Naval Station Norfolk: The world's largest naval base is a massive employer, though direct civilian hiring is often through federal contractors. Companies like Axon Enterprise (provides tech and support services to public safety) and KBR (engineering and construction services on base) often subcontract security roles. These positions frequently require a DoD security clearance, which can boost pay significantly. Hiring Trend: Constant, but highly competitive and requires patience with the clearance process.

4. Port of Virginia (Norfolk International Terminals): The port is a critical economic engine. Security here involves access control, cargo inspection, and perimeter patrols. Companies like Hapag-Lloyd or port contractors hire for these roles. Experience in logistics or warehousing is a plus. Hiring Trend: Growing with port expansion; more jobs in the coming years.

5. Major Retail & Hospitality: Downtown Norfolk and MacArthur Center see consistent hiring for retail loss prevention. Hotels like The Main (Hilton), Marriott, and Sheraton in the Ghent district need overnight and event security. These roles often have lower entry barriers but may offer less stable hours.

6. Contracted Security Firms: National firms like Allied Universal, Securitas, and G4S have a strong presence in Norfolk. They service multiple accounts across the city. Working for them offers variety but can mean inconsistent schedules. Hiring Trend: High volume, high turnover; good for getting a foot in the door.

Getting Licensed in VA

Virginia has clear, state-mandated requirements for security guards, overseen by the Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS).

1. Requirement: You must complete a DCJS-approved 18-hour Basic Security Guard Training course. This covers legal aspects, emergency procedures, and report writing. The course is offered by several local schools and training centers (e.g., Tidewater Community College's Workforce Development, private security training companies).
2. Cost: The course typically costs between $150 and $250. Some large employers may sponsor the training for new hires.
3. Background Check: You must pass a criminal history background check through the Virginia State Police. The fee is currently $50.
4. Application: You submit a completed application, proof of training, and the background check fee to DCJS. Processing can take 4-6 weeks.
5. Timeline: From start to finish, you can expect the process to take 2-3 months. Insider Tip: Start the training and application process before you move. You can complete the 18-hour course in a weekend session at a location near your prospective new home. Having your license in hand makes you a much more attractive candidate to Norfolk employers.

Best Neighborhoods for Security Guards

Choosing where to live in Norfolk is a balance of commute, cost, and safety. Here are four areas that work well for security professionals.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Avg. 1BR Rent	Why It's a Good Fit
Ghent	Historic, walkable, trendy. Central to everything.	$1,400 - $1,600	Pro: Short commute to downtown, ODU, and hospitals. Con: High rent. Best for mid/senior guards with roommates.
Norfolk West (near Military Circle)	Affordable, pragmatic, diverse.	$1,100 - $1,300	Pro: Central location, easier commutes to Naval Station and major employers. Con: Can feel less "polished." Insider Tip: Look for apartments off Military Highway for good value.
Colonial Place/Riverview	Quiet, residential, with some historic charm.	$1,200 - $1,400	Pro: Relatively safe, good value, easy access to I-264 for commutes. Con: Fewer amenities. Great for those who prefer a quieter home life.
Park Place	Up-and-coming, close to the trendy NEON district.	$1,250 - $1,500	Pro: Close to ODU and downtown, good rental stock. Con: Some blocks can be inconsistent. Do your research on specific streets.

The Long Game: Career Growth

The 10-year job growth for security guards is projected at 3% in the Norfolk area, which is about average. Standing out requires specialization and advancement.

• Specialty Premiums: Obtaining additional certifications can add $2-$4/hour to your base pay. Key ones include:

  • Armed Guard Certification: Requires additional training (cost: ~$300+) and a permit. Essential for federal contracts or high-risk sites.
  • First Aid/CPR/AED: Often required for hospital security.
  • TwIC (Transportation Worker Identification Credential): Mandatory for access to secure areas of the port. A must-have for port-related security jobs.
  • DoD Security Clearance: The single biggest pay booster. A Secret clearance can add $5-$10/hour to your wage on base contracts.

• Advancement Paths:

  1. Field Officer to Supervisor: After 3-5 years, you can move into a shift supervisor role, managing a small team. Pay increases to the $40,000 - $45,000 range.
  2. Supervisor to Site Manager: Overseeing an entire account (e.g., a hospital or corporate campus). Requires strong organizational skills. Pay can reach $50,000 - $60,000.
  3. Specialist to Corporate: Some guards move into corporate security roles for large companies, focusing on risk assessment and policy rather than field work.

• 10-Year Outlook: The core need for guards at military and healthcare sites will remain stable. Growth will come from the port's expansion and the continued development of downtown Norfolk's commercial and hospitality sectors. The biggest threat is automation (e.g., more advanced surveillance systems), but the human element remains critical for immediate response and deterrence.

The Verdict: Is Norfolk Right for You?

Norfolk offers a viable career path for security guards, but it requires careful financial planning and a strategic approach to career growth.

Pros	Cons
Stable employer base (military, healthcare, port).	High rent-to-income ratio; difficult on a single median salary.
Lower cost of living than major coastal cities.	Job growth is modest (3%); competition for higher-paying jobs is fierce.
Clear path to higher pay with certifications and clearances.	Car-dependent city; transportation costs add up.
Diverse work environments (from quiet offices to busy ports).	Some neighborhoods require careful research for safety and commute.

Final Recommendation: Norfolk is a good choice for a security guard who is not hoping to buy a home immediately on a single median salary. It's best for:

• Career-starters willing to undergo training and certifications to boost earnings.
• Those with a partner or roommate to share housing costs.
• Individuals seeking federal contractor work who are willing to navigate the clearance process for long-term, stable, and higher-paying roles.

If you're financially prepared for a tight budget in the first couple of years and are strategic about specialization, Norfolk can be a solid base for building a long-term career in security.

FAQs

Q: Is it hard to find a security job in Norfolk?
A: Not if you're proactive. The market has 461 jobs, but many are filled through contractors. Apply directly to major employers like Sentara and ODU, and also register with national firms like Allied Universal. Having your VA license already is a huge advantage.

Q: Do I need a car to work as a security guard in Norfolk?
A: Yes, absolutely. Public transit (Hampton Roads Transit) is limited and often unreliable for shift work, especially overnight. Most posts are not walkable from a bus stop, and you may be assigned to different sites across the city.

Q: What's the best way to get a DoD clearance?
A: You need to be hired for a job that requires it. The employer (often a federal contractor like KBR) will sponsor your clearance application. You cannot apply for one on your own. Be prepared for a lengthy process (6-18 months) and a thorough background check.

Q: Are there opportunities for part-time security work?
A: Yes, especially in retail, events, and hospitality. Many guards start with a part-time post (e.g., weekends at a shopping mall) while working another job. However, to make a living wage, you'll likely need a full-time position or multiple part-time gigs.

Q: How does the military presence affect the job market?
A: It creates a stable, non-cyclical demand for security. However, it also means a large portion of the higher-paying jobs require a security clearance, which can be a barrier for those new to the area or with certain backgrounds. It also brings a lot of competition from veterans and former military personnel, who are highly valued by employers.