A clearer plan for the next phase of NYC security.
Local Law 61 of 2026 concerns compensation protections for covered security guards in New York City. Guardian can discuss security staffing, supervision, reporting, and coverage planning around your property’s requirements.
Implementation timeline
| Phase | City implementation date |
|---|---|
| Minimum wages | January 1, 2027 |
| Paid time off | January 1, 2028 |
| Supplemental benefits | January 1, 2029 |
Who needs a coverage review?
The law defines covered employers and guards using the employment relationship, principal security functions, and required registration. It contains exclusions for specified arrangements, conditional collective-bargaining provisions, and transition provisions for certain existing agreements. A property’s private ownership alone does not resolve coverage. Review the actual duties and agreements with qualified counsel.
Published wage schedule: first half of 2027
| DCWP category | Jan 1–Apr 30, 2027 | May 1–Jun 30, 2027 |
|---|---|---|
| Armed | $33.70/hour | $34.65/hour |
| Unarmed, qualifying category | $22.20/hour | $23.15/hour |
| Unarmed, 0–36 months or new hire category | $18.87/hour | $19.68/hour |
The qualifying unarmed category includes 12 months of employment, F-01/F-03/F-04 certifications, Building Evacuation Supervisor training, and two hours of Customer Service / Professionalism training. The schedule defines service as the greater of employer or facility tenure and provides a specific new-hire definition. Confirm classification against the official schedule.
DCWP lists overtime at 1.5 times the regular hourly rate after an eight-hour day or 40 straight-time hours in a workweek. These wage rates cover only January–June 2027; check the official page for later updates. Employee wage rates are different from client invoice rates.
Build a property-specific action plan
- Document posts, principal duties, operating hours, and relief needs.
- Review coverage, classifications, and agreements with appropriate advisers.
- Ask vendors to explain pay assumptions and future adjustment procedures.
- Reconcile time capture, staffing records, and payroll responsibilities.
- Plan future leave and benefits work without guessing unpublished amounts.
The law requires six-year compliance record retention and includes notice-of-rights and anti-retaliation provisions. Organize evidence and questions through a documented review process.
How Guardian can support the operational discussion
Bring your post map, current contract, shift schedule, and coverage concerns. We can discuss the staffing scope, supervision, reporting expectations, and practical next steps for your security program. Specific legal interpretations and payroll determinations belong with qualified advisers; this page does not certify an employer’s compliance.
Read the existing Guardian overview
Local Law 61 of 2026: What NYC Security Buyers Need to Know.
Explore the Local Law 61 topic cluster
- Who Does NYC Local Law 61 Cover? A Security Buyer’s Guide
- Local Law 61 Security Guard Pay Rates: How to Read the 2027 Schedule
- Local Law 61 Overtime Planning for NYC Security Posts
- How NYC Property Managers Can Budget for Local Law 61
- Local Law 61 Questions to Ask Your Security Vendor
- Local Law 61 Recordkeeping: Organizing Security Compliance Evidence
- Training and Service History in Local Law 61 Wage Classification
- Renewing a NYC Security Contract Before Local Law 61 Changes
- Preparing Security Operations for Local Law 61 Paid Time Off and Benefits
- A Local Law 61 Readiness Checklist for NYC Security Buyers
Official sources
- NYC DCWP security guard protections
- NYC DCWP official minimum wage schedule
- NYC Council enacted Local Law 61 of 2026
Reviewed October 12, 2026. Check official publications for changes before applying this information.
Discuss your property
Contact Guardian ISI to discuss your security staffing and operational review. Include the location, current coverage, and the timing of your next contract decision.