The Southeast presents a unique labor landscape for security officers and firms. While parts of the region maintain relatively low minimum wages, there is significant wage variation… especially in states like Maryland that push the top of the pay scale. For security firms, the region’s patchwork of labor rules means balancing competitive pay with cost control, all while navigating fewer statewide mandates for benefits and scheduling.

Wage Overview

Median officer wages in the Southeast range from $14.00 in Louisiana to $35.00 in Maryland. While some states remain close to the federal minimum, others (particularly those with higher costs of living or strong contract markets) command significantly higher rates.

Minimum Wage Trends

The region is split between states following the federal $7.25 minimum wage and those with higher rates:

• Florida is steadily increasing to $15 by 2026.
• Virginia has scheduled increases through 2026.
• Many states, such as Georgia and Louisiana, maintain no state minimum wage and default to the federal rate.

Overtime Rules

Overtime is generally 1.5x after 40 hours per week. Unique provisions include:

• Kentucky’s seventh-day premium, requiring overtime pay when employees work all seven days in a workweek.
• Maryland’s more complex overtime triggers also apply here, especially for firms with multi-state contracts.
  
  

Predictive Scheduling

The Southeast has no broad predictive scheduling mandates for private security. In fact, several states, including Georgia and Tennessee, have passed laws preventing cities from creating such ordinances. While this creates scheduling flexibility for employers, it can make shift planning less predictable for officers.

Paid Sick Leave

Statewide mandates are rare. Key points include:

• Maryland requires paid sick leave for most employees.
• Florida and South Carolina have no state mandates, leaving it to employers to decide.
• Several states have “kin-care” rules, meaning if sick leave is provided, employees can use it to care for family members.
  
  

Key Benefits Trends

Typical benefits in the Southeast are more modest compared to the Northeast:

• Basic health plans.
• PTO after one year of service.
• Paid holidays in most full-time roles.
• Uniforms and licensing/training reimbursement.

401(k) plans offered mostly by larger firms.

Compliance Takeaways for 2025

For security firms, success in the Southeast hinges on a strong wage strategy in competitive markets like Maryland, Northern Virginia, and South Carolina… while managing leaner budgets in lower-wage states. Benefits are less regulated here, which offers flexibility, but competitive hiring often demands going above the bare minimum.

Download Belfry’s guide, State-by-State: Officer Pay & Labor Compliance, to see not only what’s happening in your state and region, but across the entire country.

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