Security Guard in Roanoke, VA

The Salary Picture: Where Roanoke Stands

As a local who's watched Roanoke's job market for years, I can tell you straight up: security work here is stable but not a goldmine. You're looking at a median salary of $36,855/year, which breaks down to $17.72/hour. That's slightly above the national average of $36,140/year—a small win, but don't get too excited. The cost of living here is about 6.6% higher than the national average, so that edge gets eaten up quickly.

Here's how experience breaks down in the Roanoke metro, based on local job postings and BLS data:

Experience Level	Typical Salary Range	Common Employers
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$32,000 - $35,000/year	Retail complexes, small hospitals
Mid-Level (2-5 years)	$36,000 - $40,000/year	Carilion Clinic, larger retail, universities
Senior (5-10 years)	$40,000 - $45,000/year	Supervisory roles, specialized facilities
Expert (10+ years)	$45,000 - $55,000/year	Corporate security, management, government contracts

Compared to other Virginia cities, Roanoke sits in the middle. Richmond and Northern Virginia (NOVA) pay significantly more—often 15-25% higher—but the cost of living in those areas is brutal. In NOVA, a security guard might make $45,000/year, but average rent for a 1BR is over $1,800. Roanoke offers a better balance for those who prioritize a lower cost of living over maximum earning potential.

Insider Tip: The 10-year job growth is only 3% for the metro area, which is slower than the national average. This isn't a field with explosive growth, so you need to be strategic about specialty skills to move up.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's get real about your budget. On a median salary of $36,855/year, you're looking at roughly $2,300/month before taxes (after federal, FICA, and state taxes, expect about $2,350-$2,400 take-home). The average 1BR rent in Roanoke is $894/month, which is a relief compared to larger cities.

Here's a conservative monthly budget breakdown for a single guard earning the median:

Category	Monthly Cost	Notes
Rent (1BR)	$894	City average. Can be as low as $700 in certain areas.
Utilities	$150	Includes internet, electric, water.
Car Payment/Insurance	$400	Essential in Roanoke. Public transit is limited.
Groceries	$300	Moderate budget.
Health Insurance	$250	If not provided by employer (common with small contractors).
Miscellaneous	$300	Gas, personal care, emergencies.
Total Expenses	$2,294	Leaves a razor-thin margin.

Can you afford to buy a home? On this salary, it's a stretch. The median home price in Roanoke is around $220,000. With a 10% down payment ($22,000), you'd need a mortgage of $198,000. At current interest rates, monthly payments (including taxes and insurance) would exceed $1,500—over 50% of your take-home pay. Not advisable. Your best bet is to rent, perhaps with a roommate to free up cash for savings or training.

Where the Jobs Are: Roanoke's Major Employers

Roanoke's security job market is dominated by healthcare, retail, and education. Jobs in the metro area number around 194, which sounds like a lot until you realize many are filled by the same large employers. Here are the key players:

1. Carilion Clinic: The single largest employer in the region. They have hundreds of security positions across their main campus (1301 Jefferson St.), Roanoke Memorial Hospital, and numerous clinics. Hiring is steady, especially for overnight shifts. They offer better benefits than many contractors, including health insurance and retirement plans. Insider Tip: Positions at the main hospital are posted on their website directly; avoid third-party recruiters for these roles.

2. American Security & Investigations (ASI): A major national contractor with a strong local presence. They service many of the big retail sites like Valley View Mall and the Tanglewood Mall area. ASI hires frequently for contract posts, but turnover is high. Pay is usually right at the median, with limited benefits.

3. Roanoke City Public Schools & Virginia Western Community College: School security is a growing sector. These are often day-shift positions with summers off (though some are year-round). Requirements can be stricter, sometimes needing an educator's license. Pay is competitive with the median, but the schedule is a major perk for parents.

4. Berglund Center & Downtown Venues: The Berglund Center (the city's main arena/convention center), the Jefferson Center, and various downtown event venues contract security for concerts, hockey games (Roanoke Rail Yard Dawgs), and conventions. These are gig-based, not full-time, but they're great supplemental income and networking opportunities.

5. Local Government & Federal Sites: The City of Roanoke, the Federal Courthouse, and Social Security Administration office hire direct security staff. These positions are highly sought after for their stability and benefits. They often require a clean background and may involve a longer hiring process.

6. Crosby Arby's & Industrial Parks: Don't overlook niche employers. Crosby St. Arby's, the industrial plants along the I-581 corridor, and data centers in the area need security for facilities and assets. These jobs often pay slightly above median for specialized knowledge (e.g., basic electronics).

Hiring Trend: The market is stable but competitive. Most new hires come through networking or by starting with a contractor and then moving to a direct-hire role. Insider Tip: The best time to look is late summer/early fall, as employers staff up for the holiday retail season and winter event schedules.

Getting Licensed in VA

Virginia makes it relatively straightforward to get your security guard license. You must be 18, a U.S. citizen or legal resident, and have no felony convictions or certain misdemeanors. The process is managed by the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS).

Steps and Costs:

1. Complete Training: You must complete a state-approved 18-hour Basic Unarmed Security Guard course. This includes legal studies (use of force, trespassing), patrol procedures, and report writing. Cost: $100 - $200.
2. Submit Application: File online with DCJS. You'll need your course completion certificate, fingerprints (done at a local police precinct or approved vendor), and a photo. Application fee: $50.
3. Background Check: DCJS and the FBI will conduct a check. This can take 4-8 weeks.
4. Receive License: Once approved, you'll get a physical ID card. It's valid for 2 years and must be renewed with continuing education.

Timeline: From start to finish, expect 6-10 weeks. You can start working as a trainee under a licensed supervisor while your application is pending (with employer permission).

Advanced Licenses:

• Armed Guard: Requires an additional 16-hour course, a shooting proficiency test, and a more extensive background check. Cost: $250 - $400 total. This can boost your pay by $3-$5/hour.
• Private Investigator (PI): Requires 2 years of experience, an exam, and a bond. This is the path to the highest earnings in the security field.

Best Neighborhoods for Security Guards

Choosing where to live in Roanoke depends on your commute and lifestyle. The city is compact, so most jobs (especially the big ones) are within a 20-minute drive.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Avg. 1BR Rent	Security Job Proximity
Southwest Roanoke	Quiet, residential. Close to I-581 for easy access to hospitals & downtown. 10-15 min drive to most jobs.	$750-$950	Excellent for Carilion Clinic or downtown offices.
Grandin Village	Walkable, trendy. Near retail and restaurants. A bit pricier, but great for work-life balance. 15-20 min commute.	$900-$1,100	Good for retail posts at Tanglewood Mall and events.
Northeast Roanoke	More affordable, diverse. Close to the airport and industrial parks. Gentrifying quickly. 10-20 min commute.	$700-$850	Ideal for airport, industrial, and some school posts.
Hollins (Just Outside City)	Quieter, suburban feel. Lower rents, but you're further from the core. 20-30 min commute to downtown.	$650-$800	Best for those working at the industrial parks or in the suburbs.
Downtown/Market St.	Urban, walkable. Higher cost, but you could walk to many downtown venues and government jobs.	$1,000-$1,400	Direct access to Berglund Center, Courthouse, City Hall.

Insider Tip: If you work overnight shifts, prioritize a neighborhood with good natural light for your sleep schedule (southwest Roanoke) and minimal noise. Avoid the 10th & Orange area if you value peaceful sleep during the day.

The Long Game: Career Growth

With a 3% 10-year growth, you can't just coast. You need a plan.

• Specialty Premiums: The biggest pay bumps come from specialization. Armed guards can earn $19-$22/hour at the right posts. Firearms instructors or tactical trainers with experience can move into consulting. Corporate security roles (risk management, executive protection) at companies like Norfolk Southern (a major local employer) can push salaries to $60,000+.
• Advancement Paths: The classic path is: Guard → Senior Guard → Field Supervisor → Account Manager (for contractors) or Security Director (for direct employers). Another path is to use your experience to move into loss prevention at large retailers, which often pays better and has more advancement.
• 10-Year Outlook: The field will see more demand for tech-savvy guards who can handle surveillance systems, access control, and cybersecurity basics. Drones and AI monitoring are coming, but slowly. Insider Tip: The real growth isn't in more guards; it's in fewer, more skilled guards who can handle complex systems. Get certified in basic CCTV operation—it's a cheap and valuable skill.

The Verdict: Is Roanoke Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Low Cost of Living relative to pay. You can live alone on a guard's salary.	Limited High-Paying Jobs. Top-tier salaries are rare unless you move into management or a specialty.
Stable Job Market with large, permanent employers (Carilion, schools, government).	Slower Growth (3%). Career advancement requires proactive upskilling, not just tenure.
Manageable Commutes. Most jobs are within a 20-minute drive of affordable housing.	High Competition for the best direct-hire positions.
Good Work-Life Balance possible with shift work and lower stress than major metros.	Limited Nightlife/Industry. If you're looking for a vibrant, 24/7 city, Roanoke can feel quiet.

Final Recommendation: Roanoke is an excellent place for a security guard who values stability and a lower cost of living over maximum earnings. It's ideal for those starting out, families, or anyone who doesn't want the pressures of a massive city. If your goal is to become a high-earning specialist or manager, you can do it here, but you'll need to be deliberate about training and networking. For a straightforward, decent-paying job where you can afford a home (over time) and a peaceful life, Roanoke is a solid choice.

FAQs

1. Can I make a living as a Security Guard in Roanoke?
Yes, but it's tight. The median salary of $36,855 and average rent of $894 mean you can cover basics, but you'll need a budget. Roommates, a side gig (like event security), or a spouse's income make a huge difference.

2. Is it worth getting an armed guard license in Roanoke?
Absolutely, if you can handle the responsibility. Armed posts are in higher demand at banks, government buildings, and some Carilion facilities. The pay increase can be $3-$5/hour, which adds up to $7,000+ per year. Just know that the risk and liability are higher.

3. What's the best way to get hired?
Apply directly to Carilion Clinic and the City of Roanoke for the most stable jobs. For contract work, check with ASI and other local contractors. Networking is key—many jobs are filled through referrals. Attend a local security training class; your classmates and instructors are your first network.

4. Are there opportunities for women in security here?
Yes. Roanoke's large healthcare and education sectors often prefer or hire female guards, especially for hospital and school posts. The field is more balanced than you might think, and companies are actively seeking diversity.

5. How do I handle the cost of living increase if I'm moving from a cheaper area?
Focus on housing. Choosing a neighborhood like Northeast Roanoke or Hollins can save you $200-$300/month in rent. Also, budget for a car—public transit isn't reliable for shift work. The key is to lock in your housing cost before the rent increases, as Roanoke's rental market has been getting tighter.

Salary data sourced from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2023. Local cost of living and rent data from U.S. Census Bureau and local real estate reports. Licensing information from the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS).