Historic Change in New York for Private Security

Historic minimum wage approved in New York

Labor benefits guaranteed

Pay gap reduced

New York City approved a historic regulation this Thursday for the private security sector.

For the first time since 1964, a specific minimum wage has been set for these workers, according to EFE.

The measure was ratified after the City Council overturned a previous veto by former mayor Eric Adams. Lawmakers revoked the veto on 17 municipal laws.

Among them is the Aland Etienne Security and Protection Act, named after a security guard who was shot and killed last year.

The legislation also improves key working conditions, including paid vacation, paid holidays, and additional benefits.

New York City Council sets new wage for private security

New York approved on Thursday a regulation that sets a minimum wage for private-sector security guards for the first time since 1964. pic.twitter.com/WxElU3KMjj

— Impacto Latino (@ImpactoLatino) January 29, 2026

The new regulation will directly affect between 60,000 and 80,000 private security guards, all working within New York City.

Until now, the private security sector operated under severely outdated wage rules. The last municipal regulation in this area dated back to 1964.

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At that time, the city set a minimum wage of $1.50 per hour for non-public sector security workers.

Decades later, a significant wage gap remained. Guards with public contracts earned more than those in the private sector.

According to labor unions, public-sector guards earn between $18 and $22 per hour, along with benefits and paid leave.

In contrast, private-sector employers were legally allowed to pay $17 per hour.

There was no obligation to provide paid vacation, paid holidays, or additional benefits.

The new law aims to close this long-standing gap and align compensation between public and private security workers—central to the New York private security minimum wage law.

The new wage standard

New York sets a minimum wage for private security for the first time since 1964. #NoticiasSIN
Read more details here: https://t.co/3rBxJGyuit pic.twitter.com/hK4kqCyISm

— Noticias SIN (@SIN24Horas) January 29, 2026

Under the new law, the base wage changes substantially. A newly hired private security guard must now earn approximately $26 per hour.

That amount includes benefits that were previously not guaranteed.

Workers will receive paid vacation time and eight paid holidays.

The regulation also mandates employer contributions toward health care coverage.

These benefits apply across the private security sector.

Beyond wages, the law seeks to improve job stability in an industry long affected by high turnover.

The workforce is made up largely of African American and Latino workers.

City officials believe improved conditions will reduce turnover and promote long-term employment.

New York closes a historic gap

New York private security minimum wage law – Image created by ChatGPT

Labor unions welcomed the passage of the law, saying its impact will be immediate.

32BJ SEIU President Manny Pastreich highlighted the law’s significance. The union represents building and service workers across the northeastern United States.

Pastreich said the legislation will “change the lives” of thousands of security guards.

“No security guard in New York City should go to bed wondering how they will pay the rent,” he said.

He also referenced concerns such as medical bills and feeding one’s family.

For supporters of the measure, the message is clear: private security is now formally recognized as essential work under the New York private security minimum wage law.