Baltimore Passes Law to Raise Wages, Benefits for Security Guards

New legislation will improve standard of living for nearly 4,500 workers in the city.

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott is expected to sign a bill into law that raises wages and increases benefits for commercial security guards across the city. The new law will require employers to pay security officers the same wages, benefits, and time off as federal contract officers or the average wage for security workers in the city.

Why it matters

The bill aims to improve the standard of living for nearly 4,500 security workers in Baltimore, many of whom have struggled with low pay and high turnover rates. Union leaders have praised the legislation as a way to ensure these essential workers can afford basic necessities.

The details

Under the new law, employers of security guards will be required to pay their officers the same amount of wages, benefits, and time off that is provided to federal contract officers or the average wage for security officers who work in the city. Employers will be allowed to provide the compensation package in a mix of wages and benefits or in cash. The wage rate for federal contract officers in Baltimore before the bill was $18.29, with a $5.55 per hour supplement for healthcare. Workers also receive two to four weeks of vacation and 11 paid holidays per year.

  • The bill was passed by the city council in early February 2026.
  • Mayor Brandon Scott is expected to sign the bill into law on Monday, March 9, 2026.

The players

Brandon Scott

The mayor of Baltimore who is expected to sign the security guard wage and benefits bill into law.

Jaime Contreras

The Executive Vice President of 32BJ SEIU, a service workers' union that has more than 1,800 members in Baltimore and praised the passage of the bill.

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What they’re saying

“We look forward to seeing this bill become law as soon as possible because Baltimore workers of color cannot afford to wait any longer.”

— Jaime Contreras, Executive Vice President, 32BJ SEIU (cbsnews.com)

What’s next

Mayor Brandon Scott is expected to sign the bill into law on Monday, March 9, 2026.

The takeaway

This new legislation aims to improve the standard of living for thousands of essential security workers in Baltimore by mandating higher wages and better benefits. The passage of the bill reflects the city's commitment to supporting its workforce and ensuring all residents can afford basic necessities.