NYC Security Guard Wage Law 2026: What Building Owners Need to Know

New York City just passed one of the most significant laws affecting the private security industry in decades.

Law 2026/061, passed on January 29, 2026, requires private security employers to match the wages and benefits paid to security guards on city contracts. The City Council overrode a mayoral veto with 43 sponsors backing the bill – a clear signal that this law has broad support.

If you own or manage a building in New York City, this law will affect your security costs. Here’s what you need to know.

What Does the Law Require?

Law 2026/061 applies to private security employers with contracts exceeding $1,500. Under the new requirements, these employers must:

• Match city contract wage rates for security guards
• Provide equivalent benefits, including health insurance and paid time off
• Maintain detailed records for six years
• Face penalties for non-compliance, including civil fines of $500-$1,000 per violation and triple damages for wage underpayments

The law essentially eliminates the wage gap between security guards working on city contracts and those working for private employers. According to HRD America, this makes New York City the first major U.S. city to mandate wage parity between public and private security workforces.

Implementation Timeline

• July 2026. Law takes effect
• January 1, 2027. Wage requirements begin
• January 1, 2028. Paid time off requirements begin
• January 1, 2029. Full benefits requirements begin

Why Did NYC Pass This Law?

The law addresses a long-standing disparity in the security industry.

Security guards working on city contracts have historically earned higher wages and better benefits than those employed by private security companies. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for security guards in the New York metropolitan area varies significantly based on employer type.

With 43 City Council sponsors voting to override the mayor’s veto, the law reflects a strong consensus that the status quo needed to change.

What This Means for Building Owners

Your Security Costs May Increase

If your current security provider has been paying below city contract rates, expect your costs to rise. However, not all building owners will see major changes. If you’re already working with a quality security provider in NYC that invests in its guards, you may see little to no increase.

“This law changes the economics of security in New York City overnight. Building owners who’ve been working with quality providers won’t see much disruption – but those relying on the lowest bidder are about to get a wake-up call. The companies that have been winning contracts by underpaying guards will suddenly have to compete on quality instead of price.”

– Amanda DeAlmeida, Building Security Services

Questions to Ask Your Security Provider

1. “Are you already paying competitive wages?”
2. “What’s your plan for the January 2027 deadline?”
3. “How will this affect my contract pricing?”
4. “What’s your compliance infrastructure?”

The Quality Conversation

“Building owners have been trained to view security as a commodity expense to minimize. This law forces a conversation about what security is actually worth. The buildings with the best security outcomes are the ones whose owners treat guards as professionals, not interchangeable costs.”

– Amanda DeAlmeida, Building Security Services

Compliance Requirements

Six-Year Recordkeeping

Security employers must maintain detailed documentation for every security officer: wages paid, hours worked, benefits provided, and contract details. If investigators request these records and the employer can’t produce them, the law presumes non-compliance.

Triple Damages

Wage underpayments can result in triple damages – a $10,000 violation can become $30,000 liability.

“The six-year recordkeeping requirement is something most employers will underestimate. You need documentation for every security officer – wages, hours, benefits, everything – and if investigators come knocking and you can’t produce those records, the law assumes you’re guilty.”

– Amanda DeAlmeida, Building Security Services

Which Security Companies Will Thrive?

Companies that will struggle:

• Providers winning contracts by underpaying guards
• Companies without robust compliance infrastructure
• Operators racing to the bottom on price

Companies that will thrive:

• Providers already paying competitive wages
• Companies with strong HR and recordkeeping systems
• Operators competing on quality, training, and retention

How Building Security Services Is Prepared

At Building Security Services, we’ve always believed that investing in our security officers translates directly to better protection for our clients.

For over 40 years, we’ve paid competitive wages, provided quality benefits, and maintained the compliance infrastructure that Law 2026/061 now requires.

Whether you need commercial building security, residential security, or security services in Manhattan, we’re ready to discuss how this law affects your operations.

Key Takeaways

1. Law 2026/061 requires private security employers to match city contract wages and benefits, starting January 2027.
2. Building owners should talk to their security providers now about compliance plans.
3. Quality providers are well-positioned; low-wage operators will struggle.
4. The six-year recordkeeping requirement is substantial.
5. Competition shifts from lowest price to highest quality.

Questions About Your Building’s Security?

Contact us to speak with our team, or call (973) 414-1111.

Frequently Asked Questions

When does NYC’s security guard wage law take effect?

Law 2026/061 takes effect in July 2026, with wage requirements beginning January 1, 2027.

Which employers does Law 2026/061 apply to?

Private security employers with contracts exceeding $1,500 in New York City.

How will this law affect building security costs?

Building owners working with providers that already pay competitive wages may see little change. Those using low-cost providers can expect increases.

What are the penalties for non-compliance?

Civil fines of $500-$1,000 per violation and triple damages for wage underpayments.

How can building owners prepare?

Talk to your security provider now about compliance plans, current wage levels, and expected cost impacts.

Sources

• HRD America, “NYC Council Overrides Veto, Mandates Government Wages for Security Guard Employers” (January 2026)
• Bureau of Labor Statistics, “Security Guards and Gambling Surveillance Officers” (2025)
• NYC City Council, Law 2026/061