Local Law 61 Wage Schedule Explained: What Brooklyn Property Managers Will Pay Starting January 1, 2027

Starting January 1, 2027, New York City Local Law 61 requires covered employers to pay qualifying private-sector security guards new minimum hourly wages. For Brooklyn property managers, the published wage is not the final security-company billing rate, but it may affect contract pricing, staffing budgets, overtime costs, and future renewals.

What Is New York City Local Law 61?

Local Law 61 of 2026 establishes compensation standards for certain private-sector security guards working in New York City.

The law is being introduced in stages. Minimum wage requirements begin on January 1, 2027. Paid-time-off requirements begin in 2028, followed by supplemental-benefit requirements in 2029. DCWP

The law generally applies to employers with one or more covered security guards working in New York City, although exclusions apply to certain government employers, contracts already governed by other wage laws, and qualifying collective bargaining agreements. File #: Int 1391-2025

Property managers who employ guards directly may have their own compliance responsibilities. Those using a security company should confirm how the provider is preparing for the new wage schedule.

What Is the Minimum Wage for Unarmed Security Guards in 2027?

The official schedule published by the NYC Department of Consumer and Worker Protection includes separate rates based on the guard’s classification and qualifications.

From January 1 through April 30, 2027, covered unarmed guards classified as new hires or having 0–36 months of employment must earn at least $18.87 per hour. That rate increases to $19.68 per hour from May 1 through June 30, 2027.

Qualifying unarmed guards who have completed the specified employment, FDNY certification, evacuation-supervisor, and customer-service training requirements must earn at least $22.20 per hour beginning January 1. That rate increases to $23.15 per hour on May 1. DCWP

The schedule defines employment length using the guard’s service with the employer or at the facility, whichever is greater. This detail may matter when a Brooklyn property changes security providers but retains guards already assigned to the building.

Is the Minimum Wage the Same as the Client’s Hourly Rate?

No. The Local Law 61 wage is the minimum amount a covered employer must pay an eligible guard. It is not the final hourly rate charged to a property.

A security company’s client rate may also cover payroll taxes, workers’ compensation, liability insurance, uniforms, training, recruiting, scheduling, supervision, administration, communication equipment, and incident reporting.

For that reason, a property manager should not expect a provider’s invoice to match the published wage. The law establishes the labor floor, not a fixed commercial price for security services.

How Could Local Law 61 Affect Brooklyn Security Contracts?

Properties with ongoing guard coverage may see changes when contracts are renewed or rebid. The impact will depend on the guards’ classifications, qualifications, schedules, overtime, and the services included in the agreement.

A residential building in Downtown Brooklyn may have different costs from a mixed-use property in Williamsburg, a commercial site in DUMBO, or an apartment complex in Crown Heights. Coverage hours, post responsibilities, supervision, and building activity will continue to influence pricing.

Property managers should ask providers whether their 2027 proposals already include the January and May wage adjustments. If they do not, the contract should explain how legally required increases will be handled.

How Does Overtime Work Under the Schedule?

The official schedule requires overtime at one and one-half times the guard’s regular hourly rate after an eight-hour day or 40 straight-time hours in a workweek. DCWP

This can affect properties that rely on long shifts, frequent extensions, or last-minute coverage. Reviewing shift structures before 2027 may help managers identify unnecessary overtime without reducing essential security.

The goal should not be to remove coverage simply to lower costs. It should be to build a practical schedule that protects important posts while using personnel efficiently.

Will the Rates Change Again in 2027?

Yes. The current DCWP schedule covers January 1 through June 30, 2027. The department states that an updated schedule for July through December 2027 will be published by July 1.

If an updated schedule is not published by that date, the rates effective on June 30 will remain in place until a replacement is issued. DCWP

Property managers should avoid building an entire 2027 security budget around the January rate alone. Contracts should allow for confirmed wage updates while clearly explaining how those changes affect client pricing.

What Should Brooklyn Property Managers Do Before January 1, 2027?

Start by reviewing every property that uses security personnel. Confirm whether guards are employed directly or supplied by a contractor, what classifications apply, how many hours are scheduled, and where overtime occurs.

Next, request a clear cost explanation from the security provider. The proposal should separate staffing assumptions from optional services and explain how future wage changes will be handled.

Managers should also review the actual duties at each post. Lobby coverage, access control, foot patrol, incident reporting, fire-watch assignments, and overnight security may require different qualifications and staffing arrangements.

Finally, plan beyond 2027. Paid-time-off requirements are scheduled to begin in 2028, with supplemental benefits following in 2029. These later phases may also influence future security-contract costs.

Does Local Law 61 Apply to Every Security Assignment?

Not necessarily. The law contains exclusions for work already covered by certain federal, state, and local compensation requirements. It may also exclude guards covered by qualifying collective bargaining agreements when the law is expressly waived and the agreement provides an equal or greater compensation package. File #: Int 1391-2025

Because coverage depends on the employer, guard, work, and contract, property managers should obtain legal or payroll guidance when applicability is unclear.

Prepare Your Brooklyn Property for 2027

Local Law 61 does not establish one final security price for every Brooklyn property. It creates wage requirements that covered guard employers must follow, while the client rate continues to reflect the complete cost of delivering dependable security coverage.

Churchgate Protective Services provides professional unarmed security for residential, commercial, mixed-use, and other properties across Brooklyn and New York City.

Explore our professional security services or contact Churchgate Protective Services to discuss your 2027 security needs and request a property-specific quote.