U.S. Federal Government (non-Defense) / Smithsonian Institution / Security Guard

Job-title file

Security Guard

Carry out the duties of this position in support of the agency's public mission.

650 employees hold this title in Smithsonian Institution. Median total compensation for the role is $62,070, below the department median of $91,039.

Employees: 650
Total payroll: $40M
Role median: $62,070
Agency median: $91,039
Comparison: Below

What the records show

Role pay distribution

Pay distribution for this role

$45,146$81,095+

Hover a bar for its range; click to filter the list below.

How total compensation varies among the 650 people in this role. Even for one job title, pay differs with seniority, step, overtime, and tenure. Each bar is a pay range; the far-right bar collects the highest earners.

Compared with the local labor market

Security Guard pay vs. the United States

Across all employers in the United States, the median wage for Security Guards — about 1,283,470 people — is $38,020. Smithsonian Institution pays a median base salary of $62,070 for this role, 63% above that figure — above the 90th percentile of local pay for the occupation.

Where Smithsonian Institution sits in the local pay range

10th

25th

Median

75th

90th

$30,210

$35,210

$38,020

$46,200

$58,840

Smithsonian Institution median · $62,070

The bar is the range of annual wages for Security Guards across every employer in the United States, from the 10th to the 90th percentile, with the middle 50% highlighted. The marker shows Smithsonian Institution’s median base salary for this role. Both figures are base pay only.

Computed over the 649 of 650 people in this role paid at least $25,000in base salary. The rest are part-year or part-time records, whose actual pay isn’t comparable to a full-time annual wage.

Median total compensation for this role at Smithsonian Institution is $62,070, which includes overtime and employer-paid benefits. The benchmark above excludes both, so total compensation is deliberately not compared against it.

Benchmark: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025). BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) covers all employers in the area — private, non-profit, and government alike — so this is a comparison against the whole local labor market for the occupation, not against private-sector pay. OEWS wages are straight-time pay and exclude overtime, shift differentials, and employer-paid benefits, so the government figure shown here is base pay on the same basis. Total compensation is not comparable to it. Job titles are matched to the closest standard occupation, so the comparison is between similar work rather than an identical job classification.

Compare departments

This role across U.S. Federal Government (non-Defense)

Security Guard is held in 7 U.S. Federal Government (non-Defense) departments. In Smithsonian Institution, the median of $62,070 ranks #1 of 7.

Highest-paying departments for this role

Inter Bound and Water Community U.S. Section

$53,928 · 21

Department of Transportation

$52,169 · 4

Armed Forces Retirement Home

$51,164 · 35

Department of Interior

$50,659 · 177

Department of Health and Human Services

$43,445 · 285

Department of Veterans Affairs

$41,117 · 5

Median total compensation for the Security Guard role in other U.S. Federal Government (non-Defense)departments (highest first). Each bar links to that department’s page for this role.

Compare jurisdictions

Security Guard beyond U.S. Federal Government (non-Defense)

This role is reported in 15 jurisdictions. In U.S. Federal Government (non-Defense), the median of $54,181 ranks #3 of 15. See Security Guard across all of U.S. Federal Government (non-Defense) →

Highest-paying jurisdictions for this role

New York Public Authorities

$79,544 · 103

$63,800 · 6

$41,183 · 91

$40,000 · 5

$39,171 · 120

$38,364 · 345

$36,264 · 51

City of Springfield, MA

$30,835 · 39

Median total compensation for comparable Security Guardroles in other jurisdictions. Titles are matched by normalized name across sources, not identical job classification, and pay is not cost-of-living adjusted. Each bar links to that jurisdiction’s page for the role.

Record list

Employees with this title

Page 1

Trevor Smith

Security Guard/Smithsonian Institution

2024 total comp

$71,338

Sub-department: Smithsonian Inst (Exc Sep Brds of Trust)
Base pay: $70,838
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $500
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $71,338
Pay grade: 07
Work city: Washington
Work county: District of Columbia
Work state: District of Columbia

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $70,838
Basic Pay (before locality): $53,158
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 110010001
Length of Service (Years): 21
Occupation Code (OPM): 0085
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

Trevor Smith holds the role of Security Guard at Smithsonian Institution based in Washington, District of Columbia. In 2024, their total compensation was $71,338. Their pay grade is 07.

Carlos Blackman

Security Guard/Smithsonian Institution

2024 total comp

$71,034

Sub-department: Smithsonian Inst (Exc Sep Brds of Trust)
Base pay: $71,034
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $71,034
Pay grade: 07
Work city: New York - New York
Work county: New York
Work state: New York

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $71,034
Basic Pay (before locality): $51,759
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 364170061
Length of Service (Years): 18
Occupation Code (OPM): 0085
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

Carlos Blackman works as a Security Guard for Smithsonian Institution based in New York - New York, New York. Carlos earned $71,034 in 2024. Their pay grade is 07.

William Mclaughlin

Security Guard/Smithsonian Institution

2024 total comp

$70,838

Sub-department: National Gallery of Art
Base pay: $70,838
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $70,838
Pay grade: 07
Work city: Washington
Work county: District of Columbia
Work state: District of Columbia

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $70,838
Basic Pay (before locality): $53,158
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 110010001
Length of Service (Years): 20
Occupation Code (OPM): 0085
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

At Smithsonian Institution, William Mclaughlin serves as a Security Guard based in Washington, District of Columbia. Their 2024 pay totaled $70,838. They are classified at grade 07.

Lionel Anderson

Security Guard/Smithsonian Institution

2024 total comp

$70,838

Sub-department: Smithsonian Inst (Exc Sep Brds of Trust)
Base pay: $70,838
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $70,838
Pay grade: 07
Work city: Washington
Work county: District of Columbia
Work state: District of Columbia

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $70,838
Basic Pay (before locality): $53,158
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 110010001
Length of Service (Years): 33
Occupation Code (OPM): 0085
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

At Smithsonian Institution, Lionel Anderson serves as a Security Guard based in Washington, District of Columbia. Their 2024 pay totaled $70,838. They are classified at grade 07.

Felesia Burgess

Security Guard/Smithsonian Institution

2024 total comp

$70,838

Sub-department: Smithsonian Inst (Exc Sep Brds of Trust)
Base pay: $70,838
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $70,838
Pay grade: 07
Work city: Washington
Work county: District of Columbia
Work state: District of Columbia

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $70,838
Basic Pay (before locality): $53,158
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 110010001
Length of Service (Years): 17
Occupation Code (OPM): 0085
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

At Smithsonian Institution, Felesia Burgess serves as a Security Guard based in Washington, District of Columbia. Their 2024 pay totaled $70,838. They are classified at grade 07.

Luis Figueroa

Security Guard/Smithsonian Institution

2024 total comp

$70,838

Sub-department: Smithsonian Inst (Exc Sep Brds of Trust)
Base pay: $70,838
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $70,838
Pay grade: 07
Work city: Chantilly
Work county: Fairfax
Work state: Virginia

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $70,838
Basic Pay (before locality): $53,158
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 510425059
Length of Service (Years): 21
Occupation Code (OPM): 0085
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

Luis Figueroa holds the role of Security Guard at Smithsonian Institution based in Chantilly, Virginia. In 2024, their total compensation was $70,838. Their pay grade is 07.

Henry Haywood

Security Guard/Smithsonian Institution

2024 total comp

$70,838

Sub-department: Smithsonian Inst (Exc Sep Brds of Trust)
Base pay: $70,838
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $70,838
Pay grade: 07
Work city: Suitland
Work county: Prince George's
Work state: Maryland

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $70,838
Basic Pay (before locality): $53,158
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 241520033
Length of Service (Years): 17
Occupation Code (OPM): 0085
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

Henry Haywood works as a Security Guard for Smithsonian Institution based in Suitland, Maryland. Henry earned $70,838 in 2024. Their pay grade is 07.

Jesse Hooks

Security Guard/Smithsonian Institution

2024 total comp

$70,838

Sub-department: Smithsonian Inst (Exc Sep Brds of Trust)
Base pay: $70,838
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $70,838
Pay grade: 07
Work city: Washington
Work county: District of Columbia
Work state: District of Columbia

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $70,838
Basic Pay (before locality): $53,158
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 110010001
Length of Service (Years): 23
Occupation Code (OPM): 0085
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

At Smithsonian Institution, Jesse Hooks serves as a Security Guard based in Washington, District of Columbia. Their 2024 pay totaled $70,838. They are classified at grade 07.

Joseph Powell

Security Guard/Smithsonian Institution

2024 total comp

$70,838

Sub-department: Smithsonian Inst (Exc Sep Brds of Trust)
Base pay: $70,838
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $70,838
Pay grade: 07
Work city: Washington
Work county: District of Columbia
Work state: District of Columbia

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $70,838
Basic Pay (before locality): $53,158
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 110010001
Length of Service (Years): 22
Occupation Code (OPM): 0085
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

Joseph Powell is a Security Guard at Smithsonian Institution based in Washington, District of Columbia. 2024 total compensation came to $70,838. They are classified at grade 07.

Tyrone Rawls

Security Guard/Smithsonian Institution

2024 total comp

$70,838

Sub-department: Smithsonian Inst (Exc Sep Brds of Trust)
Base pay: $70,838
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $70,838
Pay grade: 07
Work city: Washington
Work county: District of Columbia
Work state: District of Columbia

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $70,838
Basic Pay (before locality): $53,158
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 110010001
Length of Service (Years): 24
Occupation Code (OPM): 0085
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

Tyrone Rawls works as a Security Guard for Smithsonian Institution based in Washington, District of Columbia. Tyrone earned $70,838 in 2024. Their pay grade is 07.

Kheritza Rosario

Security Guard/Smithsonian Institution

2024 total comp

$70,838

Sub-department: Smithsonian Inst (Exc Sep Brds of Trust)
Base pay: $70,838
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $70,838
Pay grade: 07
Work city: Washington
Work county: District of Columbia
Work state: District of Columbia

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $70,838
Basic Pay (before locality): $53,158
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 110010001
Length of Service (Years): 22
Occupation Code (OPM): 0085
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

At Smithsonian Institution, Kheritza Rosario serves as a Security Guard based in Washington, District of Columbia. Their 2024 pay totaled $70,838. They are classified at grade 07.

Sabrina Thomas

Security Guard/Smithsonian Institution

2024 total comp

$70,838

Sub-department: Smithsonian Inst (Exc Sep Brds of Trust)
Base pay: $70,838
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $70,838
Pay grade: 07
Work city: Washington
Work county: District of Columbia
Work state: District of Columbia

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $70,838
Basic Pay (before locality): $53,158
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 110010001
Length of Service (Years): 21
Occupation Code (OPM): 0085
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

Sabrina Thomas holds the role of Security Guard at Smithsonian Institution based in Washington, District of Columbia. In 2024, their total compensation was $70,838. Their pay grade is 07.

Ricardo Weaver

Security Guard/Smithsonian Institution

2024 total comp

$70,838

Sub-department: Smithsonian Inst (Exc Sep Brds of Trust)
Base pay: $70,838
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $70,838
Pay grade: 07
Work city: Suitland
Work county: Prince George's
Work state: Maryland

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $70,838
Basic Pay (before locality): $53,158
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 241520033
Length of Service (Years): 24
Occupation Code (OPM): 0085
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

Ricardo Weaver holds the role of Security Guard at Smithsonian Institution based in Suitland, Maryland. In 2024, their total compensation was $70,838. Their pay grade is 07.

Sonya Weaver

Security Guard/Smithsonian Institution

2024 total comp

$70,838

Sub-department: Smithsonian Inst (Exc Sep Brds of Trust)
Base pay: $70,838
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $70,838
Pay grade: 07
Work city: Washington
Work county: District of Columbia
Work state: District of Columbia

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $70,838
Basic Pay (before locality): $53,158
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 110010001
Length of Service (Years): 26
Occupation Code (OPM): 0085
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

Sonya Weaver holds the role of Security Guard at Smithsonian Institution based in Washington, District of Columbia. In 2024, their total compensation was $70,838. Their pay grade is 07.

Annette Williams

Security Guard/Smithsonian Institution

2024 total comp

$70,838

Sub-department: Smithsonian Inst (Exc Sep Brds of Trust)
Base pay: $70,838
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $70,838
Pay grade: 07
Work city: Washington
Work county: District of Columbia
Work state: District of Columbia

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $70,838
Basic Pay (before locality): $53,158
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 110010001
Length of Service (Years): 23
Occupation Code (OPM): 0085
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

Annette Williams holds the role of Security Guard at Smithsonian Institution based in Washington, District of Columbia. In 2024, their total compensation was $70,838. Their pay grade is 07.