Security Guard in Virginia Beach, VA

Of course. Here is a complete career guide for Security Guards considering a move to Virginia Beach, VA.

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The Salary Picture: Where Virginia Beach Stands

As a local, I can tell you that Virginia Beach isn't a place where security guards get rich overnight, but it offers a stable, predictable market. The salary landscape is firmly in line with the national average for this profession, but the real story is in the details and how far that money goes.

Let's break down the numbers. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual salary for Security Guards in the Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News, VA-NC metro area is $35,858/year. This translates to an hourly rate of $17.24/hour. This is slightly below the national average of $36,140/year for the same role, but the difference is minimal—about $282 per year. The key takeaway is that your earning potential is competitive with the rest of the country, but your local cost of living will be the deciding factor.

The job market itself is active. The metro area supports approximately 907 security guard positions. However, the 10-year job growth projection is 3%, which is slower than the national average. This indicates a mature, stable market rather than a booming one. You'll find consistent turnover and replacement hiring, but not a surge of brand-new opportunities. This is typical for a city with a large, established military and tourism presence.

Experience-Level Breakdown

Your pay will scale with experience, responsibility, and the type of site you're guarding. Here’s a realistic breakdown for Virginia Beach:

Experience Level	Typical Role	Annual Salary Range (Estimate)	Hourly Rate Range (Estimate)
Entry-Level	Mall patrol, basic site access, retail loss prevention	$30,000 - $34,000	$14.40 - $16.35
Mid-Level	Armed guard, corporate campus, hospital security	$35,000 - $42,000	$16.80 - $20.20
Senior-Level	Lead guard, supervisor, critical infrastructure	$43,000 - $52,000	$20.70 - $25.00
Expert	Government-contract (federal), executive protection, training	$55,000+	$26.45+

Note: Salaries above $35,858 are estimates based on local job postings and industry standards for specialized roles. The median salary of $35,858 represents the midpoint for all security guards in the region.

Comparison to Other Virginia Cities

How does Virginia Beach stack up against other major cities in the state?

• Richmond: The state capital has a higher demand for security in government and financial sectors. Salaries tend to be slightly higher, with a median around $36,500, but the cost of living is also marginally higher.
• Norfolk: As Virginia Beach's neighbor in the Hampton Roads region, Norfolk's market is very similar, with a median salary of roughly $35,900. The job types differ slightly, with more security roles tied to the Port of Virginia and Old Dominion University.
• Northern Virginia (NoVA): This is a different league entirely. The proximity to D.C. and high-security government contractors drives salaries significantly higher, often $45,000+ for cleared, armed guards. However, the cost of living (especially housing) is dramatically higher, making it a different financial equation.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's get practical. A median salary of $35,858 means your take-home pay after taxes is approximately $2,100 - $2,250 per month, depending on your withholding and deductions. In Virginia Beach, the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment is $1,287/month.

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

Category	Estimated Cost	Notes
Gross Monthly Income	$2,988	Based on $35,858/year
Estimated Taxes & Deductions	~$750	FICA, federal/state income tax, etc.
Net Monthly Income (Take-Home)	~$2,238
Rent (1BR Average)	$1,287	Can be lower or higher by neighborhood
Utilities (Electric, Water, Internet)	$150 - $200	Varies by season (AC in summer is a big variable)
Groceries	$300 - $400
Car Payment/Insurance/Gas	$400 - $600	A reliable car is a necessity in VB
Health Insurance (if not employer-provided)	$200 - $400
Miscellaneous (Phone, etc.)	$150
Remaining / Savings	~$0 - $150	Very tight; leaves little room for error

Can they afford to buy a home? On a single $35,858 salary, buying a home in Virginia Beach is extremely challenging. The median home price in the city hovers around $380,000. With a 20% down payment, you'd need $76,000 upfront, and a monthly mortgage payment (including taxes and insurance) would likely exceed $2,000—well above the recommended 30% of your gross income. This makes homeownership a long-term goal that requires dual incomes, significant promotions, or substantial savings.

Insider Tip: Many long-term security guards in VB live in shared housing or have a partner with a second income. Others live further inland in cities like Chesapeake or Suffolk, where housing is cheaper, and endure a longer commute. The cost of living index for Virginia Beach is 97.4 (US avg = 100), which is slightly below average, but the housing market puts pressure on a single-income budget.

Where the Jobs Are: Virginia Beach's Major Employers

The job market for security guards in Virginia Beach is anchored by a few key sectors: military, tourism, healthcare, and corporate. Here are the major local employers you should target:

1. MNC Security / Allied Universal: These are the big national contract security firms. They service a huge number of local sites, from corporate offices to retail centers. They are the largest hirers and often the easiest entry point. Hiring is constant due to turnover.
2. Sentara Healthcare: Sentara Virginia Beach General Hospital and other Sentara facilities in the area require 24/7 security. These roles are often "in-house" (direct employees, not contractors) and typically offer better benefits and career ladders. Look for "Security Officer" or "Public Safety Officer" positions on their careers page.
3. City of Virginia Beach: The city government hires for its own facilities, parks, and events. These positions are competitive but come with municipal benefits and job security. Check the official City of Virginia Beach government jobs portal.
4. Major Hotels & Resorts: The Oceanfront is lined with large hotels like the Hilton Virginia Beach Oceanfront, The Cavalier, and Marriott properties. They hire security for the property, event security, and sometimes for executive protection for high-profile guests. This is a great spot for those with strong customer service skills.
5. Bristol, Myers Squibb (BMS): This large pharmaceutical company has a significant campus in Virginia Beach. They require security for their research and manufacturing facilities, which often involves access control and monitoring. These are higher-end, corporate security roles.
6. Department of Defense (DoD) Contractors: Due to the proximity to Naval Air Station Oceana and other military installations, many defense contractors have facilities in the area (e.g., Lockheed Martin, Boeing). These jobs often require a security clearance and pay a premium.

Hiring Trend: The market is stable. Most hiring is for replacement and for event security during the peak tourist season (May-September). Specialized roles (armed, cleared, healthcare) have lower turnover and are more competitive.

Getting Licensed in VA

Virginia has clear, straightforward requirements for security guards, administered by the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS).

Key Requirements:

1. Age & Background: Must be 18 (or 21 for armed), a U.S. citizen or legal resident, and have no disqualifying criminal convictions.
2. Training: You must complete a DCJS-approved 18-hour basic security guard training course. This covers legal responsibilities, communication, and emergency procedures. The course cost ranges from $100 to $200.
3. Application: You must submit an application (Form DCJS-SP-160) and fingerprints to the DCJS. The application fee is $50. The entire process is typically managed through your employer after you're hired.
4. Armed Security: To be armed, you must complete an additional 24-hour firearms training course (8 hours classroom, 16 hours range) and meet higher age/background standards. This adds a cost of $300-$500.

Timeline to Get Started:

• Week 1: Find an employer. Most contract companies will hire you contingent on getting your license. They will guide you through the process.
• Week 2-4: Complete your 18-hour basic course. This can be done over a weekend or a few evenings.
• Week 4-8: Submit your application and fingerprints. The DCJS processing time is typically 4-6 weeks.
• Total Time: From job offer to full license, expect 6-8 weeks. You can often start working in a non-guard capacity (e.g., as a dispatcher) while you wait.

Best Neighborhoods for Security Guards

Living in Virginia Beach is about balancing commute, cost, and lifestyle. Here are four neighborhoods to consider:

1. Kemps River / Princess Anne (Suburban):

   • Vibe: Quiet, family-friendly, strip-mall suburbia. Close to the Military Circle area and major employers like BMS.
   • Commute: Easy access to I-264 and I-64. A 20-30 minute drive to most job sites.
   • Rent Estimate: $1,200 - $1,400/month for a 1BR.
   • Best For: Those who want a quiet home base and don't mind driving.

2. Town Center (Urban-Adjacent):

   • Vibe: The commercial heart of the city. Modern apartments, walkable to shopping and restaurants, but less "beachy."
   • Commute: Central location. 10-20 minutes to anywhere in the city.
   • Rent Estimate: $1,300 - $1,600/month for a 1BR. On the higher end.
   • Best For: Younger guards who want a social life without living at the Oceanfront.

3. Oceanfront (Resort Area):

   • Vibe: Tourist-centric, high-energy, and scenic. Can be noisy and crowded in season.
   • Commute: If you work at a hotel or events here, your commute is a walk or bike ride. To other parts of the city, it's a 20-30 minute drive via 264.
   • Rent Estimate: $1,400 - $1,800+ month for a 1BR (premium for the view/location).
   • Best For: Those who want the beach lifestyle and can secure a local job. Not ideal for a budget if you work elsewhere.

4. Chesapeake (Outlying - More Affordable):

   • Vibe: A separate city, but part of the metro area. More sprawling, residential, and generally more affordable.
   • Commute: 25-45 minutes to Virginia Beach job sites, depending on traffic.
   • Rent Estimate: $1,000 - $1,250/month for a 1BR.
   • Best For: Guards on a tighter budget willing to trade a longer commute for lower rent.

The Long Game: Career Growth

With a 3% growth rate, advancement requires proactivity. The path isn't automatic.

Specialty Premiums:

• Armed Guard: Adds $2-$4/hour to your base rate. Essential for high-risk sites and government contracts.
• Security Clearance (Secret/Top Secret): This is the game-changer. A cleared guard at a defense contractor can earn $45,000 - $65,000+. The process is lengthy but pays off.
• Emergency Medical Technician (EMT): Some hospital and corporate security roles prefer or require EMT certification, which can boost your salary and responsibility.
• Supervisory/Management: Moving into a lead or supervisor role within a contract company can increase your salary to the $45,000+ range, but often comes with more administrative stress.

Advancement Paths:

1. Contract to In-House: Start with a firm like Allied Universal to gain experience, then move to a direct-hire position with Sentara or the City for better benefits and stability.
2. Specialize: Get armed, get an EMT cert, or pursue a clearance. Don't stay in general patrol forever.
3. Law Enforcement: Many security guards in VB use the experience as a stepping stone to apply for the Virginia Beach Police Department or other local agencies, where salaries and benefits are significantly higher.

10-Year Outlook: The field will evolve. Expect increased use of technology (drones, remote monitoring, AI cameras). The most valuable guards will be those who can blend traditional presence with tech proficiency and strong communication skills. The federal and defense sector will remain the most stable and highest-paying niche.

The Verdict: Is Virginia Beach Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Stable Job Market: Consistent demand from military, tourism, and healthcare.	Low Growth: The 3% forecast means you must actively seek advancement.
Manageable Cost of Living: Slightly below the national average, but housing is the key challenge.	Single-Income Squeeze: A $35,858 salary makes owning a home or building significant savings very difficult alone.
High Quality of Life: Beach access, parks, and a vast military/veteran community.	Seasonal Economy: Some security work (event, hotel) is tied to tourist season, which can mean less stable hours in the winter.
Clear Licensing Path: Virginia's requirements are straightforward and relatively low-cost to meet.	Car-Dependent: Public transit is limited. You need a reliable vehicle for work and life.
Diverse Opportunities: From beachfront hotels to high-security defense plants.	Competitive for Top Roles: Cleared and specialized positions are coveted and can be hard to break into without prior experience.

Final Recommendation:

Virginia Beach is a solid, practical choice for an entry-to-mid-level security guard who values a stable job and a coastal lifestyle over rapid salary growth. It's an ideal fit if you are a veteran, have a partner with a second income, or are willing to specialize early (get armed or pursue a clearance).

It is not the best choice for someone looking to maximize their income quickly on a single salary or who wants a fast-paced, high-growth urban environment. If your primary goal is homeownership on a guard's salary, you will need to look at the outlying cities (Chesapeake, Suffolk) or be aggressive about advancing to a cleared/supervisory role within 5 years.

FAQs

1. Can I work as a security guard in Virginia Beach while my DCJS license is processing?
No, you cannot legally perform security guard duties without your license. However, many employers will hire you for non-guard roles (e.g., security dispatcher, administrative aide) while you complete your training and wait for the license to be issued.

2. Is it worth it to get armed certification in Virginia Beach?
Yes, absolutely. The pay bump is significant, and it opens up more job opportunities, especially with defense contractors and for critical infrastructure sites. Given the market's slow growth, specialization is key to increasing your earning potential.

3. What's the biggest challenge for security guards new to Virginia Beach?
The biggest challenge is budgeting. The median salary of $35,858 is stretched thin by the $1,287 average rent. Newcomers are often shocked by the cost of car insurance and the summer electricity bills due to high humidity and AC use. Plan to have at least 2-3 months of living expenses saved before moving.

4. Which employers pay the best?
Federal government contractors with security clearance requirements are the highest payers, often starting in the $45,000+ range. In-house positions at Sentara Healthcare and the City of Virginia Beach also offer strong benefit packages that add to total compensation, even if the base salary isn't the highest.

5. Do I need my own car?
Yes, without a doubt. Virginia Beach is a sprawling city. Public transportation (the Wave) exists but is not reliable for shift work, especially early mornings, late nights, or at remote industrial sites. A reliable car is a non-negotiable tool of the trade.