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Local Law 61 sets a minimum wage for New York City security guards from January 1, 2027. Paid time off follows in 2028 and supplemental benefits in 2029.

What does New York City's Local Law 61 of 2026 require from security guard employers, and when does each part start?

Verified on November 12, 2026 against Local Law 61 of 2026 as published by the City Council, the Council's press release, General Business Law § 89-f, and the Department of Consumer and Worker Protection's schedule, employer page and list of new laws·What changed on this page

$33.70

an hour for armed guards from January 1, 2027, later under some existing agreements; the highest of the schedule's three titles until April 30, 202714

8hours

in a day before time and one half from January 1, 2027, later under some existing agreements, for armed and unarmed guards, as well as after 40 straight time hours a week254

6years

that employers keep records of compliance, in their original format3

What does Local Law 61 require from security guard employers?

Local Law 61 of 2026 is the enacted version (Int. No. 1391-A) of the bill introduced as the Aland Etienne Safety and Security Act67. It took effect on July 28, 20268.

It covers anyone who employs one or more covered security guards in New York City, except the federal and state governments, the Port Authority and the City9. From January 1, 2027, covered employers pay at least the City's schedule: $33.70 armed and $18.87 to $22.20 unarmed1011112.

Paid time off follows in 2028 and supplemental benefits in 20291314. Some work is excluded; some guards under existing union or individual agreements are covered later, and some union guards not at all1541617.

This text does not constitute legal advice. Obligations vary by establishment and change over time. Confirm yours with New York City's Department of Consumer and Worker Protection or a qualified advisor.

Which employers and guards does Local Law 61 cover?

A covered security guard is anyone employed by a covered employer to principally perform one or more of the security guard functions in General Business Law § 89-f(6), and who is required to have a registration card under Article 7-A18. Those functions include protecting people and property, deterring and reporting unlawful activity, street patrol, and responding to security alarms19.

The law does not apply to work under a contract subject to the federal Service Contract Act or to Article 9 of the Labor Law, the state's prevailing wage for building service employees, among the other standards it lists, or to work under a Port Authority compensation standard15.

Nor does it apply to a guard under a collective bargaining agreement that expressly waives it and provides wages, paid time off and supplemental benefits that are, in combination, equal to or greater than the law's17.

For guards under a collective bargaining agreement or other designated agreement with a termination date on a date certain, the law applies on the date that agreement terminates4. A designated agreement is an enforceable agreement on wages, paid time off or supplemental benefits, entered into on or before October 30, 2025, that includes a termination date16.

What are the security guard rates from January 1, 2027?

From January 1, 2027, later under some existing agreements, covered employers pay covered guards a wage equal to or greater than the rates in the City's Minimum Wage Schedule54. The rate is the one in effect when the guard performs the work20.

minimum wage rate an hour, from the City's schedule
past the 8 hour day, at time and one half
for the day at the schedule's minimum rate

Arithmetic of the City's Minimum Wage Schedule under Local Law 61: the rate for the title and period, and time and one half after an 8 hour day. It does not count the weekly limit of 40 straight time hours, it uses the schedule's minimum rate (overtime is owed on the guard's regular hourly rate), and it does not say whether a post or a guard is covered.

Minimum wage rates for covered security guards, from the City's Minimum Wage Schedule under Local Law 61 (page dated September 1, 2026)21.
Guard titleFrom January 1, 2027From May 1, 2027
Security Guard (Armed)$33.701$34.6522
Security Guard (Unarmed), all listed requirements$22.2012$23.1523
Security Guard (Unarmed), 0 to 36 months or new hire$18.8711$19.6824

Months of employment are the guard's length of service with the employer or at the facility, whichever is greater; a new hire is someone who has not worked any hours with the employer or at the facility in the previous six months25. The $22.20 unarmed title “Includes employees that have completed all the following requirements”: 12 months of employment, FDNY F-01, F-03 and F-04 certifications, FDNY Building Evacuation Supervisor training and 2 hours of Customer Service / Professionalism training12.

Both armed and unarmed guards earn time and one half the regular hourly rate after an 8 hour day and after 40 straight time hours in any work week2.

The schedule covers January 1, 2027 through June 30, 2027. The City publishes the next one, for July 1 through December 31, 2027, by July 1, 2027, and if it does not, the rates in effect on June 30, 2027 stay in effect26. The source of the rates is the Comptroller's Building Service Employee Prevailing Wage Schedule for 2026-202727.

When does each part of Local Law 61 start?

  1. Repassed by the Council

    Passed on December 18, 2025, disapproved by the Mayor on December 31, 2025, and repassed on January 29, 202628.

  2. The law takes effect

    Local Law 61 of 2026 took effect, 180 days after it became law84.

  3. The City posts the wage schedule

    On September 1, 2026, the Department posted the Minimum Wage Schedule2930.

  4. Minimum wage and overtime

    Covered employers pay at least the schedule's rates, with overtime after an 8 hour day; later under some existing agreements524.

  5. Second step of the schedule

    $34.65 armed, $23.15 unarmed with all the listed requirements, $19.68 unarmed with 0 to 36 months or new hires222324.

  6. Next schedule due

    The City publishes the rates for July 1 through December 31, 2027 by July 1, 202726.

  7. Paid time off

    Paid time off benefits that meet or exceed those required for private sector guards on City building service contracts over $1,50013.

  8. Supplemental benefits

    Supplemental benefits that meet or exceed those required on the same contracts14. The Department says it will add both to the schedule31.

Past or upcoming as of November 12, 2026.

Do employers have to give guards a notice of their rights?

§ 20-1608 has the commissioner publish a notice of rights on the City's website, and has employers give it to each covered guard at the start of employment or, for guards already employed, within 30 days of the law's effective date, in English and the guard's primary language where the City has made it available32.

The Department's employer page, dated September 1, 2026, says it “will also post” the Notice of Employee Rights and that employers must provide covered guards with a copy29. On November 12, 2026, the page links no notice. What applies until one is published is an open question, below.

What changes in the week for New York City guard posts?

When you build the schedule

From January 1, 2027, every hour past an 8 hour day is paid at time and one half the regular hourly rate, and so is every straight time hour past 40 in a work week25. 12 hours of work in a day carry 4 hours at that rate.

When a contract changes hands

Months of employment count with the employer or at the facility, whichever is greater, so a guard's time at a site can set the title on a new employer's schedule25. A new hire is someone with no hours with the employer or at the facility in the previous six months25.

In payroll

The rate is the one in effect when the work is performed, so hours worked from May 1, 2027 are paid at the second step2022.

Underpayments carry interest and liquidated damages of twice the underpaid wages or benefits33.

In the file

Records of compliance are kept for 6 years in their original format, and the Department may have access to them in an investigation3.

With a union or individual agreement

A collective bargaining agreement that expressly waives the law and provides, in combination, at least the law's wages, paid time off and supplemental benefits takes the guards it covers out of the law17.

Under a collective bargaining agreement, or an agreement on pay or benefits entered into on or before October 30, 2025, with a termination date on a date certain, the law applies from the date that agreement terminates416.

When your scheduling system has to handle itNYC Security Guard Wage Law 2026: 5 Scheduling System RequirementsNYC's Aland Etienne Act took effect July 28, 2026, with the wage floor starting January 1, 2027. Verified rates, penalties, and 5 scheduling system changes.ReadWhen the post is at a fast food or retail siteNYC Fair Workweek Law: notice, premiums and the guards it coversFast food: 14 days' notice, $10 to $75 change premiums, $100 per clopening. Retail, 20 or more employees: 72 hours' notice. Guards there can be covered.See the ruleWhen you hire a guardNew York security guard training hours: what the schedule has to carryNew York guards take an 8 hour course before their first post, at least 16 hours of on-the-job training and 8 hours of in-service training a year.See the rule

What does an employer have to be able to show?

  • Records documenting compliance, kept for 6 years in their original format and produced to the Department in an investigation3.
  • Each guard's title on the schedule and the service behind it: months with the employer or at the facility, and the certifications the unarmed rate lists2512.
  • The hours worked each day and each week, to show the overtime after an 8 hour day and after 40 straight time hours2.

If the employer does not keep or produce a required record the Department requests in an investigation, a material fact alleged in a notice of violation, to which the record is relevant, is presumed true unless the employer rebuts it34. Civil penalties are $500 for the first violation and, for violations within 2 years of a previous one, up to $750 for the second and up to $1,000 for each one after, per guard and per instance35. A complaint can be filed with the Department within 2 years, and a court action brought within 6 years3637.

What does the law leave open?

The notice while none is published. § 20-1608 gives employers 30 days from the effective date to give the notice to guards already employed32, and the Department's page still says it “will also post” the notice29. Neither text says what applies while no notice is published. Confirm it with your counsel.

How the two overtime limbs combine. The schedule says “Time and one half the regular hourly rate after: an 8 hour day; 40 straight time hours in any work week”2. It does not say more about how a week with long days counts toward the 40. Confirm it with your counsel.

Comparing a union agreement. The waiver needs a combination of wages, paid time off and supplemental benefits equal to or greater than the law's17. The law does not say how the combination is measured. Confirm it with your counsel.

An unarmed guard who fits neither title. The schedule's unarmed titles are one that “Includes employees that have completed all the following requirements” and one for “0 - 36 Months of Employment* or New Hire**”1211. It does not say which rate applies to an unarmed guard past 36 months without the listed requirements. Confirm it with your counsel.

What does the law say exactly?

§ 20-1602 Security guard minimum wage required. Beginning January 1, 2027, a covered security guard employer shall pay a wage to a covered security guard for each hour worked that meets or exceeds the wage requirements for private sector security guards engaged on New York city public building service contracts in excess of $1,500.
NYC Admin. Code § 20-1602 · official text · source 10
Minimum Wage Schedule overtime
Overtime (for Armed and Unarmed Security Guards) Time and one half the regular hourly rate after: an 8 hour day; 40 straight time hours in any work week.
NYC DCWP, Minimum Wage Schedule for Security Guards Covered Under Local Law 61 of 2026 (page dated 09/01/2026) · official text · source 2
Minimum Wage Schedule months of employment and new hires
*Months of employment: An Employee's length of service with the Employer or at the Facility, whichever is greater. **New Hire: An employee who has not worked any hours with the Employer or at the Facility during the previous six-month period.
NYC DCWP, Minimum Wage Schedule for Security Guards Covered Under Local Law 61 of 2026 (page dated 09/01/2026) · official text · source 25
Admin. Code § 20-1601 covered security guard employer
Covered security guard employer. The term “covered security guard employer” means any person who employs one or more covered security guards in New York city, but shall not include: (i) the United States government; (ii) the state of New York, including any office, department, independent agency, authority, institution, association, society or other body of the state including the legislature and the judiciary; (iii) the port authority of New York and New Jersey; and (iv) the city of New York.
NYC Admin. Code § 20-1601 (covered security guard employer) · official text · source 9
Admin. Code § 20-1601 covered security guard
Covered security guard. The term “covered security guard” means any person employed by a covered security guard employer to principally perform one or more of the functions set forth in subdivision 6 of section 89-f of the general business law and who is required to have a current and valid registration card issued in accordance with article 7-A of the general business law.
NYC Admin. Code § 20-1601 (covered security guard) · official text · source 18
Admin. Code § 20-1603 paid time off from 2028
§ 20-1603 Security guard minimum paid time off required. Beginning January 1, 2028, a covered security guard employer shall provide a covered security guard with paid time off benefits that meet or exceed the paid time off benefits required for private sector security guards engaged on New York city public building service contracts in excess of $1,500.
NYC Admin. Code § 20-1603 · official text · source 13
Admin. Code § 20-1604 supplemental benefits from 2029
§ 20-1604 Security guard minimum supplemental benefits required. Beginning January 1, 2029, a covered security guard employer shall pay a supplemental benefit to a covered security guard that meets or exceeds the supplemental benefits required for private sector security guards engaged on New York city public building service contracts in excess of $1,500.
NYC Admin. Code § 20-1604 · official text · source 14
Admin. Code § 20-1608 the notice of rights
§ 20-1608 Notice of rights. a. The commissioner shall publish and make available on the city’s website a notice for a covered security guard employer to provide to covered security guards, informing them of their rights under this subchapter. The commissioner shall update such notice if any changes are made to the requirements of this chapter or as otherwise deemed appropriate by the commissioner. b. A covered security guard employer shall provide such notice to a covered security guard at the commencement of employment or, for covered security guards who were already employed prior to the effective date of the chapter, within 30 days of the effective date of the local law that added this chapter. Such notice may be provided in electronic format, and shall be in English and the primary language of the covered security guard, provided that the commissioner has made the notice available in such a language.
NYC Admin. Code § 20-1608(a)-(b) · official text · source 32
Admin. Code § 20-1607(a) records for 6 years
§ 20-1607 Recordkeeping. a. A covered security guard employer shall retain records documenting such employer’s compliance with the applicable requirements of this chapter for a period of 6 years, and shall allow the department to access such records and other relevant information, consistent with applicable law and in accordance with rules of the department and with appropriate notice, in furtherance of an investigation conducted pursuant to this chapter. A covered security guard employer must maintain records in their original format and provide such records to the department in their original format or a electronic format as set forth in rules of the department. The department also may establish by rule, and require covered security guard employers to adhere to, a uniform system of records.
NYC Admin. Code § 20-1607(a) · official text · source 3
Admin. Code § 20-1616(a) work the law excludes
§ 20-1616 Exclusions. a. The provisions of this chapter shall not apply to any work performed under a contract subject to the McNamara-O’Hara Service Contract Act of 1965, section 6701 of title 41 of the United States code, article 9 of the labor law, article 19-D of the labor law, section 42-A of the public service law, sections 421-a, 467-a, 467-m and 485-x of the real property tax law, section 6-109.1, regarding prevailing wage for security guards and fire guards at citycontracted shelters, or a successor provision, section 6-130, regarding prevailing wage for building service employees in city leased or financially assisted facilities, or a successor provision, section 10-172, and any work subject to a compensation standard prescribed by a rule or regulation of the port authority of New York and New Jersey.
NYC Admin. Code § 20-1616(a) · official text · source 15
Admin. Code § 20-1616(b) union agreements
b. The provisions of this chapter shall not apply to any covered security guard subject to a collective bargaining agreement if (i) such provisions are expressly waived in such collective bargaining agreement and (ii) such collective bargaining agreement provides for a combination of wages, paid time off, and supplemental benefits equal to or greater than the combination of wages, paid time off, and supplemental benefits required by this chapter.
NYC Admin. Code § 20-1616(b) · official text · source 17
Local Law 61, § 3 when it takes effect
§ 3. This local law takes effect 180 days after it becomes law, provided that in the case of covered security guards subject to a valid collective bargaining agreement or other designated agreement, this local law shall apply to such covered security guards on the date of the termination of such collective bargaining agreement or designated agreement, provided such collective bargaining agreement or designated agreement has a termination date on a date certain.
Local Law 61 of 2026, § 3 · official text · source 4

How does a system hold these rules?

Local Law 61 lands on the schedule, the timecard and payroll at the same time. This is how it comes together in WorkAxle:

  1. Daily and weekly hours, consecutive days and rest between shifts are set up as rules, each with its start date.
  2. While the schedule is built, the platform flags each shift that breaks one of those rules and names the rule. The supervisor decides.
  3. Each clock-in and clock-out is recorded with its time, and at the close of the period hours come out classified by your rules, ready for your payroll system.

The supervisor keeps the last word.

What can you check this week?

  • List every New York City post and whether the guards on it are required to hold a registration card18.
  • For each guard, write down the months of service with you or at the facility, whichever is greater, and the certifications the unarmed rate lists2512.
  • Mark the days over 8 hours worked and the weeks over 40 straight time hours from January 1, 202725.
  • Check whether each union or individual agreement has a termination date and what it says about this law41617.

This text does not constitute legal advice. Obligations vary by establishment and change over time. Confirm yours with New York City's Department of Consumer and Worker Protection or a qualified advisor.

Frequently asked questions

Is the Aland Etienne Act the same as Local Law 61?

Local Law 61 of 2026 is the enacted version, Int. No. 1391-A, of the bill the City Council introduced as the Aland Etienne Safety and Security Act67. As introduced, the bill also described a security division, a Security Guard Advocate and training requirements38; the enacted law sets wage, paid time off and supplemental benefit standards101314.

When does the NYC security guard minimum wage start?

January 1, 2027105. For guards under a union or designated agreement with a termination date on a date certain, it applies when that agreement terminates4. Paid time off follows on January 1, 2028 and supplemental benefits on January 1, 20291314.

What are the NYC security guard rates for 2027?

From January 1, 2027: $33.70 an hour armed, $22.20 for unarmed guards who have completed all the listed requirements, and $18.87 for unarmed guards with 0 to 36 months or new hires. From May 1, 2027 through June 30, 2027: $34.65, $23.15 and $19.6811211222324. The City publishes the July to December rates by July 1, 202726. Under some existing union or individual agreements, the rates apply later, from the date the agreement terminates416.

Do NYC security guards get daily overtime?

From January 1, 2027, or later under some existing union or individual agreements, covered guards earn time and one half the regular hourly rate after an 8 hour day and after 40 straight time hours in any work week25416.

Does Local Law 61 apply to guards on public contracts?

Not to work under a contract subject to the federal Service Contract Act or Article 9 of the Labor Law, among the other standards it lists15. Those contracts have their own prevailing wage.

Do employers have to give guards a notice under Local Law 61?

§ 20-1608 has employers give guards the notice of rights the City publishes, at the start of employment or within 30 days of the effective date for guards already employed32. On November 12, 2026, the Department's employer page says it “will also post” the notice and links none29; what applies until then is not stated.

How long must records be kept under Local Law 61?

6 years, in their original format3. If a required record the Department requests in an investigation is not kept or produced, a material fact alleged in a notice of violation, to which the record is relevant, is presumed true unless rebutted34.

https://www.workaxle.com/compliance-center/united-states/new-york/new-york-city/aland-etienne-act

Sources

  1. NYC DCWP, Minimum Wage Schedule for Security Guards Covered Under Local Law 61 of 2026 (page dated 09/01/2026). “Security Guard (Armed) Effective Period: January 1, 2027 – April 30, 2027 Minimum Wage Rate: $33.70 per hour Effective Period: May 1, 2027 – June 30, 2027 Minimum Wage Rate: $34.65 per hour”https://www.nyc.gov/site/dca/workers/workersrights/security-guards-minimum-wage-schedule.page · Official schedule published by the agency · Verified on November 12, 2026
  2. NYC DCWP, Minimum Wage Schedule for Security Guards Covered Under Local Law 61 of 2026 (page dated 09/01/2026). “Overtime (for Armed and Unarmed Security Guards) Time and one half the regular hourly rate after: an 8 hour day; 40 straight time hours in any work week.”https://www.nyc.gov/site/dca/workers/workersrights/security-guards-minimum-wage-schedule.page · Official schedule published by the agency · Verified on November 12, 2026
  3. NYC Admin. Code § 20-1607(a). “§ 20-1607 Recordkeeping. a. A covered security guard employer shall retain records documenting such employer’s compliance with the applicable requirements of this chapter for a period of 6 years, and shall allow the department to access such records and other relevant information, consistent with applicable law and in accordance with rules of the department and with appropriate notice, in furtherance of an investigation conducted pursuant to this chapter. A covered security guard employer must maintain records in their original format and provide such records to the department in their original format or a electronic format as set forth in rules of the department. The department also may establish by rule, and require covered security guard employers to adhere to, a uniform system of records.”https://legistar.council.nyc.gov/View.ashx?M=F&ID=15338219&GUID=15C71CCE-430C-4189-AEDF-ECD7DBF15EBE · New York City law, as published by the City or its code publisher · Verified on November 12, 2026
  4. Local Law 61 of 2026, § 3. “§ 3. This local law takes effect 180 days after it becomes law, provided that in the case of covered security guards subject to a valid collective bargaining agreement or other designated agreement, this local law shall apply to such covered security guards on the date of the termination of such collective bargaining agreement or designated agreement, provided such collective bargaining agreement or designated agreement has a termination date on a date certain.”https://legistar.council.nyc.gov/View.ashx?M=F&ID=15338219&GUID=15C71CCE-430C-4189-AEDF-ECD7DBF15EBE · New York City law, as published by the City or its code publisher · Verified on November 12, 2026
  5. NYC DCWP, Minimum Wage Schedule for Security Guards Covered Under Local Law 61 of 2026 (page dated 09/01/2026). “Beginning January 1, 2027, covered security guard employers must pay covered security guards a wage that is equal to or greater than the rates in this Minimum Wage Schedule.”https://www.nyc.gov/site/dca/workers/workersrights/security-guards-minimum-wage-schedule.page · Official schedule published by the agency · Verified on November 12, 2026
  6. Local Law 61 of 2026, Corporation Counsel's certification. “the enclosed local law (Local Law No. 61 of 2026, Council Int. No. 1391-A of 2025)”https://legistar.council.nyc.gov/View.ashx?M=F&ID=15338219&GUID=15C71CCE-430C-4189-AEDF-ECD7DBF15EBE · New York City law, as published by the City or its code publisher · Verified on November 12, 2026
  7. NYC Council press release, September 26, 2025. “Speaker Adrienne Adams, Council Member Crystal Hudson Introduce the Aland Etienne Safety and Security Act in Honor of Fallen 32BJ SEIU Security Officer”https://council.nyc.gov/press/2025/09/26/2981/ · Record of the New York City Council · Verified on November 12, 2026
  8. NYC DCWP, New Laws and Rules (Local Law 61 of 2026). “A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to the establishment of compensation standards for security guards Law Effective Date: July 28, 2026 This bill would direct security guard employers to provide their security guard employees with minimum wage, paid vacation time and supplemental benefits that meet or exceed the minimum wage, paid vacation time and supplemental benefits required for private sector security guards engaged on New York City public building service contracts in excess of $1,500. This bill would set forth enforcement options including those available to the City and to workers. The Department of Consumer and Worker Protection would conduct education and outreach related to this bill and report annually on enforcement. Read Local Law 61 of 2026.”https://www.nyc.gov/site/dca/about/new-laws-rules.page · Guidance published by the agency that enforces the rule · Verified on November 12, 2026
  9. NYC Admin. Code § 20-1601 (covered security guard employer). “Covered security guard employer. The term “covered security guard employer” means any person who employs one or more covered security guards in New York city, but shall not include: (i) the United States government; (ii) the state of New York, including any office, department, independent agency, authority, institution, association, society or other body of the state including the legislature and the judiciary; (iii) the port authority of New York and New Jersey; and (iv) the city of New York.”https://legistar.council.nyc.gov/View.ashx?M=F&ID=15338219&GUID=15C71CCE-430C-4189-AEDF-ECD7DBF15EBE · New York City law, as published by the City or its code publisher · Verified on November 12, 2026
  10. NYC Admin. Code § 20-1602. “§ 20-1602 Security guard minimum wage required. Beginning January 1, 2027, a covered security guard employer shall pay a wage to a covered security guard for each hour worked that meets or exceeds the wage requirements for private sector security guards engaged on New York city public building service contracts in excess of $1,500.”https://legistar.council.nyc.gov/View.ashx?M=F&ID=15338219&GUID=15C71CCE-430C-4189-AEDF-ECD7DBF15EBE · New York City law, as published by the City or its code publisher · Verified on November 12, 2026
  11. NYC DCWP, Minimum Wage Schedule for Security Guards Covered Under Local Law 61 of 2026 (page dated 09/01/2026). “Security Guard (Unarmed): 0 - 36 Months of Employment* or New Hire** Effective Period: January 1, 2027 – April 30, 2027 Minimum Wage Rate: $18.87 per hour Effective Period: May 1, 2027 – June 30, 2027 Minimum Wage Rate: $19.68 per hour”https://www.nyc.gov/site/dca/workers/workersrights/security-guards-minimum-wage-schedule.page · Official schedule published by the agency · Verified on November 12, 2026
  12. NYC DCWP, Minimum Wage Schedule for Security Guards Covered Under Local Law 61 of 2026 (page dated 09/01/2026). “Security Guard (Unarmed) (Includes employees that have completed all the following requirements: 12 months of employment*; FDNY F-01, F-03 and F-04 certifications; FDNY Building Evacuation Supervisor training; 2 hours of Customer Service / Professionalism training) Effective Period: January 1, 2027 – April 30, 2027 Minimum Wage Rate: $22.20 per hour Effective Period: May 1, 2027 – June 30, 2027 Minimum Wage Rate: $23.15 per hour”https://www.nyc.gov/site/dca/workers/workersrights/security-guards-minimum-wage-schedule.page · Official schedule published by the agency · Verified on November 12, 2026
  13. NYC Admin. Code § 20-1603. “§ 20-1603 Security guard minimum paid time off required. Beginning January 1, 2028, a covered security guard employer shall provide a covered security guard with paid time off benefits that meet or exceed the paid time off benefits required for private sector security guards engaged on New York city public building service contracts in excess of $1,500.”https://legistar.council.nyc.gov/View.ashx?M=F&ID=15338219&GUID=15C71CCE-430C-4189-AEDF-ECD7DBF15EBE · New York City law, as published by the City or its code publisher · Verified on November 12, 2026
  14. NYC Admin. Code § 20-1604. “§ 20-1604 Security guard minimum supplemental benefits required. Beginning January 1, 2029, a covered security guard employer shall pay a supplemental benefit to a covered security guard that meets or exceeds the supplemental benefits required for private sector security guards engaged on New York city public building service contracts in excess of $1,500.”https://legistar.council.nyc.gov/View.ashx?M=F&ID=15338219&GUID=15C71CCE-430C-4189-AEDF-ECD7DBF15EBE · New York City law, as published by the City or its code publisher · Verified on November 12, 2026
  15. NYC Admin. Code § 20-1616(a). “§ 20-1616 Exclusions. a. The provisions of this chapter shall not apply to any work performed under a contract subject to the McNamara-O’Hara Service Contract Act of 1965, section 6701 of title 41 of the United States code, article 9 of the labor law, article 19-D of the labor law, section 42-A of the public service law, sections 421-a, 467-a, 467-m and 485-x of the real property tax law, section 6-109.1, regarding prevailing wage for security guards and fire guards at citycontracted shelters, or a successor provision, section 6-130, regarding prevailing wage for building service employees in city leased or financially assisted facilities, or a successor provision, section 10-172, and any work subject to a compensation standard prescribed by a rule or regulation of the port authority of New York and New Jersey.”https://legistar.council.nyc.gov/View.ashx?M=F&ID=15338219&GUID=15C71CCE-430C-4189-AEDF-ECD7DBF15EBE · New York City law, as published by the City or its code publisher · Verified on November 12, 2026
  16. Local Law 61 of 2026, § 2. “§ 2. Designated agreement. The term “designated agreement” means an enforceable agreement between a covered security guard and a covered security guard employer that (i) imposes requirements on such security guard employer relating to the provision of paid time off, supplemental benefits, or the payment of wages; (ii) was entered into on or before October 30, 2025; and (iii) includes a termination date.”https://legistar.council.nyc.gov/View.ashx?M=F&ID=15338219&GUID=15C71CCE-430C-4189-AEDF-ECD7DBF15EBE · New York City law, as published by the City or its code publisher · Verified on November 12, 2026
  17. NYC Admin. Code § 20-1616(b). “b. The provisions of this chapter shall not apply to any covered security guard subject to a collective bargaining agreement if (i) such provisions are expressly waived in such collective bargaining agreement and (ii) such collective bargaining agreement provides for a combination of wages, paid time off, and supplemental benefits equal to or greater than the combination of wages, paid time off, and supplemental benefits required by this chapter.”https://legistar.council.nyc.gov/View.ashx?M=F&ID=15338219&GUID=15C71CCE-430C-4189-AEDF-ECD7DBF15EBE · New York City law, as published by the City or its code publisher · Verified on November 12, 2026
  18. NYC Admin. Code § 20-1601 (covered security guard). “Covered security guard. The term “covered security guard” means any person employed by a covered security guard employer to principally perform one or more of the functions set forth in subdivision 6 of section 89-f of the general business law and who is required to have a current and valid registration card issued in accordance with article 7-A of the general business law.”https://legistar.council.nyc.gov/View.ashx?M=F&ID=15338219&GUID=15C71CCE-430C-4189-AEDF-ECD7DBF15EBE · New York City law, as published by the City or its code publisher · Verified on November 12, 2026
  19. N.Y. Gen. Bus. Law § 89-f(5)-(6). “5. "Security guard company" shall mean any person, firm, limited liability company, corporation, public entity or subsidiary or department of such firm, limited liability company, corporation or public entity employing one or more security guards or being self-employed as a security guard on either a proprietary basis for its own use or on a contractual basis for use by another person, firm, limited liability company, corporation, public entity or subsidiary thereof within the state. […] 6. "Security guard" shall mean a person, other than a police officer, employed by a security guard company to principally perform one or more of the following functions within the state: a. protection of individuals and/or property from harm, theft or other unlawful activity; b. deterrence, observation, detection and/or reporting of incidents in order to prevent any unlawful or unauthorized activity including but not limited to unlawful or unauthorized intrusion or entry, larceny, vandalism, abuse, arson or trespass on property; c. street patrol service; d. response to but not installation or service of a security system alarm installed and/or used to prevent or detect unauthorized intrusion, robbery, burglary, theft, pilferage and other losses and/or to maintain security of a protected premises. Provided, however, that a security guard who is otherwise subject to regulation with respect to registration and training by the federal government in the performance of their duties, or a security guard providing such services on a voluntary basis, shall not be subject to the provisions of this article.”https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/laws/GBS/89-F · New York State law, text from the Senate's Open Legislation service (nysenate.gov) · Verified on November 12, 2026
  20. NYC DCWP, Minimum Wage Schedule for Security Guards Covered Under Local Law 61 of 2026 (page dated 09/01/2026). “Covered security guard employers must pay the wage rates in effect when the covered security guard performs the work.”https://www.nyc.gov/site/dca/workers/workersrights/security-guards-minimum-wage-schedule.page · Official schedule published by the agency · Verified on November 12, 2026
  21. NYC DCWP, Minimum Wage Schedule for Security Guards Covered Under Local Law 61 of 2026 (page dated 09/01/2026). “Office of the Comptroller, Bureau of Labor Law. 09/01/2026”https://www.nyc.gov/site/dca/workers/workersrights/security-guards-minimum-wage-schedule.page · Official schedule published by the agency · Verified on November 12, 2026
  22. NYC DCWP, Minimum Wage Schedule for Security Guards Covered Under Local Law 61 of 2026 (page dated 09/01/2026). “Security Guard (Armed) Effective Period: January 1, 2027 – April 30, 2027 Minimum Wage Rate: $33.70 per hour Effective Period: May 1, 2027 – June 30, 2027 Minimum Wage Rate: $34.65 per hour”https://www.nyc.gov/site/dca/workers/workersrights/security-guards-minimum-wage-schedule.page · Official schedule published by the agency · Verified on November 12, 2026
  23. NYC DCWP, Minimum Wage Schedule for Security Guards Covered Under Local Law 61 of 2026 (page dated 09/01/2026). “Security Guard (Unarmed) (Includes employees that have completed all the following requirements: 12 months of employment*; FDNY F-01, F-03 and F-04 certifications; FDNY Building Evacuation Supervisor training; 2 hours of Customer Service / Professionalism training) Effective Period: January 1, 2027 – April 30, 2027 Minimum Wage Rate: $22.20 per hour Effective Period: May 1, 2027 – June 30, 2027 Minimum Wage Rate: $23.15 per hour”https://www.nyc.gov/site/dca/workers/workersrights/security-guards-minimum-wage-schedule.page · Official schedule published by the agency · Verified on November 12, 2026
  24. NYC DCWP, Minimum Wage Schedule for Security Guards Covered Under Local Law 61 of 2026 (page dated 09/01/2026). “Security Guard (Unarmed): 0 - 36 Months of Employment* or New Hire** Effective Period: January 1, 2027 – April 30, 2027 Minimum Wage Rate: $18.87 per hour Effective Period: May 1, 2027 – June 30, 2027 Minimum Wage Rate: $19.68 per hour”https://www.nyc.gov/site/dca/workers/workersrights/security-guards-minimum-wage-schedule.page · Official schedule published by the agency · Verified on November 12, 2026
  25. NYC DCWP, Minimum Wage Schedule for Security Guards Covered Under Local Law 61 of 2026 (page dated 09/01/2026). “*Months of employment: An Employee's length of service with the Employer or at the Facility, whichever is greater. **New Hire: An employee who has not worked any hours with the Employer or at the Facility during the previous six-month period.”https://www.nyc.gov/site/dca/workers/workersrights/security-guards-minimum-wage-schedule.page · Official schedule published by the agency · Verified on November 12, 2026
  26. NYC DCWP, Minimum Wage Schedule for Security Guards Covered Under Local Law 61 of 2026 (page dated 09/01/2026). “This Minimum Wage Schedule covers the time period of January 1, 2027 through June 30, 2027. DCWP will publish an updated schedule that includes the required minimum wage rates for the time period of July 1, 2027 through December 31, 2027. Employers will be required to comply with the updated schedule. The updated schedule will be published by July 1, 2027. If DCWP does not publish the updated schedule by July 1, 2027, the wage rates in effect on June 30, 2027, as noted in this schedule, will remain in effect until DCWP publishes an updated schedule.”https://www.nyc.gov/site/dca/workers/workersrights/security-guards-minimum-wage-schedule.page · Official schedule published by the agency · Verified on November 12, 2026
  27. NYC DCWP, Minimum Wage Schedule for Security Guards Covered Under Local Law 61 of 2026 (page dated 09/01/2026). “The source of this wage schedule is the Building Service Employee Prevailing Wage Schedule for 2026-2027 (armed and unarmed security guard classifications) published by the New York City Office of the Comptroller, Bureau of Labor Law.”https://www.nyc.gov/site/dca/workers/workersrights/security-guards-minimum-wage-schedule.page · Official schedule published by the agency · Verified on November 12, 2026
  28. Local Law 61 of 2026, City Clerk's certification. “I hereby certify that the foregoing is a true copy of a local law of The City of New York, passed by the Council on December 18, 2025, disapproved by the Mayor on December 31, 2025 and repassed by the Council on January 29, 2026 and said law is adopted notwithstanding the objection of the Mayor.”https://legistar.council.nyc.gov/View.ashx?M=F&ID=15338219&GUID=15C71CCE-430C-4189-AEDF-ECD7DBF15EBE · New York City law, as published by the City or its code publisher · Verified on November 12, 2026
  29. NYC DCWP, Information for Employers of Security Guards (page dated 09/01/26). “Check back soon for more information. On September 1, 2026, DCWP posted a Minimum Wage Schedule that includes the minimum wage requirement that will take effect January 1, 2027. DCWP will also post a Notice of Employee Rights. You must provide covered security guards with a copy of the Notice.”https://www.nyc.gov/site/dca/businesses/security-guards-employers.page · Guidance published by the agency that enforces the rule · Verified on November 12, 2026
  30. NYC Admin. Code § 20-1605. “§ 20-1605 Security guard minimum wage and benefits schedule posting. No later than September 1, 2026, and annually thereafter, the commissioner shall post on the department’s website the applicable minimum wage, minimum paid time off and minimum supplemental benefits required by this chapter.”https://legistar.council.nyc.gov/View.ashx?M=F&ID=15338219&GUID=15C71CCE-430C-4189-AEDF-ECD7DBF15EBE · New York City law, as published by the City or its code publisher · Verified on November 12, 2026
  31. NYC DCWP, Minimum Wage Schedule for Security Guards Covered Under Local Law 61 of 2026 (page dated 09/01/2026). “The schedule will also be updated in future years to include additional requirements that take effect January 1, 2028 (minimum paid time off) and January 1, 2029 (minimum supplemental benefits). Updates to this schedule will be published on this page.”https://www.nyc.gov/site/dca/workers/workersrights/security-guards-minimum-wage-schedule.page · Official schedule published by the agency · Verified on November 12, 2026
  32. NYC Admin. Code § 20-1608(a)-(b). “§ 20-1608 Notice of rights. a. The commissioner shall publish and make available on the city’s website a notice for a covered security guard employer to provide to covered security guards, informing them of their rights under this subchapter. The commissioner shall update such notice if any changes are made to the requirements of this chapter or as otherwise deemed appropriate by the commissioner. b. A covered security guard employer shall provide such notice to a covered security guard at the commencement of employment or, for covered security guards who were already employed prior to the effective date of the chapter, within 30 days of the effective date of the local law that added this chapter. Such notice may be provided in electronic format, and shall be in English and the primary language of the covered security guard, provided that the commissioner has made the notice available in such a language.”https://legistar.council.nyc.gov/View.ashx?M=F&ID=15338219&GUID=15C71CCE-430C-4189-AEDF-ECD7DBF15EBE · New York City law, as published by the City or its code publisher · Verified on November 12, 2026
  33. NYC Admin. Code § 20-1611(a). “a. all compensatory damages and other relief required to make the covered security guard or former covered security guard whole, including but not limited to the full amount of any underpayments, including interest thereon, and an additional amount equal to twice the underpaid wages or benefits as liquidated damages;”https://legistar.council.nyc.gov/View.ashx?M=F&ID=15338219&GUID=15C71CCE-430C-4189-AEDF-ECD7DBF15EBE · New York City law, as published by the City or its code publisher · Verified on November 12, 2026
  34. NYC Admin. Code § 20-1607(b). “b. The failure of a covered security guard employer to maintain, retain, or produce a record or other information required to be maintained by this chapter and requested by the department in furtherance of an investigation conducted pursuant to this chapter that is relevant to a material fact alleged by the department in a notice of violation issued pursuant to this chapter creates a rebuttable presumption that such fact is true.”https://legistar.council.nyc.gov/View.ashx?M=F&ID=15338219&GUID=15C71CCE-430C-4189-AEDF-ECD7DBF15EBE · New York City law, as published by the City or its code publisher · Verified on November 12, 2026
  35. NYC Admin. Code § 20-1612. “§ 20-1612 Civil penalties. a. For each violation of this chapter, a person is liable for a penalty of $500 for the first violation and, for subsequent violations that occur within 2 years of any previous violation of this subchapter, up to $750 for the second violation and up to $1,000 for each succeeding violation. b. For any violation of this chapter, the relief and penalties imposed pursuant to this chapter shall be imposed on a per covered security guard and per instance basis.”https://legistar.council.nyc.gov/View.ashx?M=F&ID=15338219&GUID=15C71CCE-430C-4189-AEDF-ECD7DBF15EBE · New York City law, as published by the City or its code publisher · Verified on November 12, 2026
  36. NYC Admin. Code § 20-1610(a)-(b). “§ 20-1610 Administrative enforcement. a. The commissioner shall enforce the provisions of this chapter. b. Any person alleging a violation of this chapter shall have the right to file a complaint with the department within 2 years of the date they knew or should have known of the alleged violation. Upon receiving such complaint, the department shall investigate it.”https://legistar.council.nyc.gov/View.ashx?M=F&ID=15338219&GUID=15C71CCE-430C-4189-AEDF-ECD7DBF15EBE · New York City law, as published by the City or its code publisher · Verified on November 12, 2026
  37. NYC Admin. Code § 20-1615(a). “§ 20-1615 Enforcement by a private right of action. a. Any person alleging a violation of this chapter may commence a civil action in any court of competent jurisdiction to seek relief as provided in section 20-1611. A civil action to enforce this chapter may be commenced no later than 6 years after the plaintiff knew or should have known of the violation.”https://legistar.council.nyc.gov/View.ashx?M=F&ID=15338219&GUID=15C71CCE-430C-4189-AEDF-ECD7DBF15EBE · New York City law, as published by the City or its code publisher · Verified on November 12, 2026
  38. NYC Council press release, September 26, 2025 (Introduction 1391). “Introduction 1391, sponsored by Speaker Adrienne Adams and Council Member Crystal Hudson, would establish a new, dedicated division of security and a Security Guard Advocate within the Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP) to establish and enforce minimum pay standards, paid sick leave, paid vacation, benefits, and training requirements for security guards and their employers.”https://council.nyc.gov/press/2025/09/26/2981/ · Record of the New York City Council · Verified on November 12, 2026

What changed on this page

  • Page created. Verified against Local Law 61 of 2026 as published by the City Council, the Council's press release, General Business Law § 89-f, and the Department of Consumer and Worker Protection's schedule, employer page and list of new laws.

Start with the rule your week runs into

When a guard works state, airport and city posts

New York minimum wage for security guards: the state rate and the higher floors

New York's minimum wage stays $17.00 and $16.00 on January 1, 2027. A guard post can carry a higher floor in NYC, at JFK and LaGuardia, and on public contracts.

See the ruleWhen the post is on a public contract

New York prevailing wage for security guards on building service contracts

On New York public building service contracts over $1,500, guards get the prevailing wage and supplements, and time and a half after 8 hours a day or 40 a week.

See the ruleFor the rest of New York City's rules

New York City labor laws: what changes the schedule and the pay

New York City adds Fair Workweek for fast food and retail, 32 hours of unpaid protected time off, and a security guard minimum wage from January 1, 2027.

See the rule