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Private Security Contractor Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Pae

Locksmith

Mclean, VA

$41.55/hr

... * Assist contractors as required with knowledge of facilities, operations, and utilities ... DCJS) Private Security Registration * A willingness to work rotational shift if necessary ...

Amentum

Locksmith

Mclean, VA · On-site

$41.55/hr

... * Assist contractors as required with knowledge of facilities, operations, and utilities ... DCJS) Private Security Registration * A willingness to work rotational shift if necessary ...

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All JobsPrivate Security Contractor JobsPrivate Security Contractor Jobs in Virginia

Private Security Contractor information

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$11

$18

$24

How much do private security contractor jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for private security contractor in Virginia is $18.87, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.24 and $18.61 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a private security contractor?

Private security contractors are professionals or companies hired to provide security services for individuals, organizations, or governments. Their duties can include protecting people, assets, and property, conducting risk assessments, and sometimes supporting military or law enforcement operations in high-risk areas. They may work in various settings such as corporate offices, events, or even conflict zones. Private security contractors are often former military or law enforcement personnel and must adhere to local and international laws while on duty.

What does a private security contractor do?

A private security contractor works for a company that contracts with the federal government, the military, or another private company to provide security operations and protection to civilians or other military personnel in a conflict zone. Some private security contractors also work domestically, providing the same services to individuals or organizations. Your duties include a range of analytical tasks, such as assessing geography or locations, marking out egress routes and exits, and ensuring all members of the force are briefed before an operation. Other responsibilities include securing premises before your client arrives and ensuring no one enters rooms or areas without authorization.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a private security contractor, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Private Security Contractor, you need a background in security, law enforcement, or military service, often supported by relevant licenses and certifications. Proficiency with surveillance technologies, firearms, communication systems, and security protocols is essential. Strong situational awareness, decision-making, and interpersonal skills help manage risks and interact with clients and teams effectively. These skills ensure the safety of clients and assets, enable quick responses to threats, and foster trust in high-pressure environments.

What are some common challenges faced by private security contractors when working in high-risk environments?

Private security contractors often operate in volatile or unfamiliar regions where safety risks, cultural differences, and rapidly changing situations are common. Adapting to unpredictable environments, maintaining constant situational awareness, and effectively communicating with local staff and clients are frequent challenges. Contractors must also navigate the balance between assertiveness and diplomacy, ensuring both security and client satisfaction. The ability to work well under pressure and quickly respond to incidents is essential for success in these settings.

What is the difference between Private Security Contractor vs Security Guard?

AspectPrivate Security ContractorSecurity Guard
CredentialsTypically requires specialized training, certifications, and sometimes licenses depending on the regionUsually requires basic security training and a license or permit
Work EnvironmentOften works in high-risk areas, private events, or for corporate clientsWorks at specific locations like malls, buildings, or events to monitor and control access
Employer & Industry UsageHired by private companies, government agencies, or individuals for specialized security servicesEmployed by security firms or directly hired to patrol and monitor premises

Private Security Contractors and Security Guards both work in the security industry, but Private Security Contractors typically handle more specialized, high-risk assignments requiring additional training and certifications. Security Guards focus on routine monitoring and access control at specific sites. Understanding these differences helps clients choose the right security service for their needs.

Can you make good money in a private security contractor?

Private security contractors can earn competitive wages, especially with specialized skills, certifications, and experience. Salaries vary based on location, risk level, and the employer, with some contractors earning significantly more through overtime, bonuses, or working in high-risk environments.
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What are the most commonly searched types of Private Security Contractor jobs in Virginia?

The most popular types of Private Security Contractor jobs in Virginia are:

What are popular job titles related to Private Security Contractor jobs in Virginia?

For Private Security Contractor jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Private Security Contractor jobs in Virginia look for?

The top searched job categories for Private Security Contractor jobs in Virginia are:

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Private Security Contractor jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Private Security Contractor job openings:

Private Security Contractor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Private Security Contractor job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,251 per year, or $18.9 per hour.

SECURITY SPECIALIST

United States Fleet Forces Command

Norfolk, VA • On-site, Remote

$90K - $118K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 5 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Manage overall information systems, personnel, physical, and information resources security, operations security, physical security, and loss prevention.

  • Provide program management, security guidance, and expertise for SAP-related activities in the secure facility.

  • Develop and present security awareness lectures, personnel security indoctrinations, debriefings, and coordinate security training programs.

Job description

Summary
You will serve as a SECURITY SPECIALIST in the SECURITY SUBDIVISION of COMHELSEACOMBATWING LANT.
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Duties
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  • You will be responsible for overall Information Systems, Personnel, Physical and Information Resources (IR) Security, Operations Security (OPSEC), Physical Security and Loss Prevention.
  • You will provide program management, security guidance and expertise for SAP-related activities in the Secure Facility.
  • You will ensure effectiveness in the command application of administrative policy and procedures for the security, use of Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) within Department of the Navy (DoN) Cryptologic community.
    community.
  • You will function as the Special Security Officer (SSO) encompassing all military, civil service and contractor employees.
  • You will develop content/prepare and present various security awareness lectures and personnel security indoctrinations and debriefings.
  • You will develop procedures relating to investigations/information collection/interview technique, and reporting policies.
  • You will formulate and coordinate the Command Security Awareness Training and Education (SATE) program.
  • You will provide annual security awareness refresher briefings and also quarterly reading folders containing selected up-to-date security information to command members.

Requirements
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Conditions of employment
  • Must be a US Citizen.
  • Must be determined suitable for federal employment.
  • Must participate in the direct deposit pay program.
  • New employees to the Department of the Navy will be required to successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, visit e-verify.gov
  • Generally, current federal employees applying for GS jobs must serve at least one year at the next lower grade level. This requirement is called time-in-grade. Time-in-grade requirements must be met by the closing date of this announcement.
  • Within the Department of Defense (DoD), the appointment of retired military members within 180 days immediately following retirement date to a civilian position is subject to the provisions of 5 United States Code 3326.
  • Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered for Selective Service.
  • You will be required to obtain and maintain an interim and/or final security clearance prior to entrance on duty. Failure to obtain and maintain the required level of clearance may result in the withdrawal of a job offer or removal.
  • MSP/PPP applicants must currently hold the required security clearance.
  • Successful completion of a pre-employment drug test (including marijuana) is required. A tentative offer of employment will be rescinded if you fail to report to the drug test appointment or fail the test. You will be subject to random testing.
  • This is a Security Professional Educational Development (SPeD) position and requires DoD certification. Selectee must obtain and maintain certification within prescribed timeframes. Certifications required are:
  • Security Fundamentals Professional Certification (SFPC); Security Asset Protection Professional Certification (SAPPC); Security Program Integration Professional Certification (SPIPC).

Qualifications
Your resume must demonstrate at least one year of specialized experience at or equivalent to the GS-11 grade level or pay band in the Federal service or equivalent experience in the private or public sector. Specialized experience must demonstrate the following:
  • Experience demonstrating mastery of complex security concepts, principles and practices involving the three major specialized areas of personnel, information, and physical security in order to accomplish the following: Analyze and resolve difficult, complex and highly sensitive security issues involving conflicting source information/testimony received during the conduct of personnel security investigations, security violations and practice dangerous to security investigations.
  • Experience functioning as primary Information and Personnel Security Manager, Operations Security (OPSEC) manager and Special Security Officer/Sensitive Compartmented Information (SSO/SCI) authoritative source who must have the capability to interpret and analyze overlapping and/or conflicting security policy and procedural guidance promulgated by Washington level and chain of command authorities.
  • Experience providing appropriate Counter-intelligence, and managing a Counter intelligence Polygraph program.
  • Experience coordinating polygraphs.
  • Experience applying Mastery knowledge of security classification methods, concepts, and eligibility for access to classified or sensitive information to review plans for proposed or new projects, organizations, and/or mission to assure the presence of adequate planning for information security and other controls.

Additional qualification information can be found from the following Office of Personnel Management web site: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/#url=List-by-Occupational-Series
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., professional, philanthropic, religious, spiritual, community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment.
Education
There is no education substitution at this grade level.
Additional information
This position is covered by the Department of Defense Priority Placement Program.
Additional vacancies may be filled by this announcement.
A tentative offer of employment will be rescinded if the selectee fails to meet the pre-employment requirements, including failure to report to any of the scheduled appointments.
During the application process you will have the ability to opt-in to make your resume available to hiring managers in the agency who have similar positions in the local commuting area. Depending on the hiring organization and the position being filled, job requirements (e.g., security clearance, travel, drug testing, financial disclosure filing, bargaining unit status, etc.) may vary. Other hiring managers filling similar positions may offer relocation expense reimbursement and/or may offer recruitment incentives for new employees, depending on funding availability and in accordance with policy. If you opt-in and are referred on a certificate, your resume will be available to other hiring managers for 180-days from the date the job announcement closes. Opting in does not impact your application for this announcement, nor does it guarantee further consideration for additional positions.
Federal annuitant information: The selection of an annuitant is subject to the Department of Defense and Department of the Navy policy on the employment of annuitants. Policy information may be found at: http://www.secnav.navy.mil/donhr/Documents/CivilianJobs/FedCivAnnuitants.pdf
PPP applicants will be placed at the FPL, if determined Well Qualified (WQ). To receive priority consideration, the FPL must be the same grade level or equivalent of the retained grade or the grade held immediately prior to separation.
ICTAP Applicants: To be considered well-qualified and exercise selection priority as an ICTAP candidate, displaced Federal employees must satisfy all qualification requirements for the position and receive a rating in the highly qualified category (score 85) or higher. ICTAP candidates must provide copies of all of the following documentation at the time of application: 1) agency notice; 2) most recent performance appraisal; and 3) most recent SF-50 or notification of personnel action that includes position, grade level, and duty location. Applicants who do not provide this documentation will not receive consideration as an ICTAP candidate. For more information about ICTAP eligibility please review the following link: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/working-in-government/unique-hiring-paths/federal-employees/career-transition/
Military Spouse Preference applicants will be placed at the highest grade for which they have applied and are determined Best Qualified (BQ). A BQ military spouse possesses knowledge, skills, abilities, and competencies comparable to others who meet the competitive referral criteria for the specific position.
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Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
Benefits
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A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
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Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

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