The Role of Security Guards: Job Examples, Requirements and Advancement Opportunities
If you’re interested in a career in security, becoming a security guard is a great place to start. Security guards are hired to protect people and property from unauthorized access or theft. This can involve patrolling private properties, shopping malls, or event venues like music festivals and sports games.
Job Examples
The responsibilities of a security guard vary depending on the location and type of employer. Below are some common job examples of a security guard:
- Residential security guards: These guards are hired to protect private residences or apartment complexes. They are responsible for monitoring security cameras, responding to alarms and assessing potential threats.
- Retail security guards: These guards are hired to protect retail stores from shoplifting and unauthorized personnel. They patrol the store, monitor security cameras and respond to any incidents.
- Event security guards: These guards are hired to protect events like concerts, sports games, and conferences. They screen attendees, monitor crowds and manage any rowdy behavior or conflicts.
- Medical security guards: These guards are hired to protect medical centers or hospitals from crime or violence. They screen visitors, supervise parking areas, and escort medical personnel and patients to their destination.
Education and Training
Most security jobs do not require formal education, but some may require a high school diploma or GED. However, there are certain certifications and training programs that can help you stand out in the job market. These programs include:
- First Aid and CPR certification
- Firearms training and certification
- Customer service training
- Defensive tactics training
- Law enforcement training
Additionally, becoming a certified security guard is another way to advance in the field. There are several security guard certification programs available in many states.
Advancement Opportunities
The career path for security guards varies depending on your employer and experience. You may start as an entry-level guard and progress to a senior or supervisory role over time. Other advancement opportunities in the field may include:
- Managerial or director positions for security companies
- Executive protection specialist
- Private investigator
- Police officer or other law enforcement role
Getting into the Field
If you’re interested in becoming a security guard, the first step is to find security guard jobs in your area. Many security companies advertise their open positions online or through job recruitment websites. You can also apply for a security guard certification program to give you a competitive edge in the hiring process. Once hired, you will be provided with on-the-job training to help you master the duties and responsibilities of your role.
| Occupation | Job Level | Salary (US National Average) |
|---|---|---|
| Security guards | Level 01 | $26,478.40 – $23,816.00 |
| Level 02 | $34,008.00 – $29,078.40 | |
| Level 03 | $34,049.60 – $30,763.20 | |
| Level 04 | $40,601.60 – $36,483.20 | |
| Level 05 | $45,676.80 | |
| Not able to be leveled | $42,702.40 – $40,622.40 | |
| Entry | $32,968.00 | |
| Intermediate | $34,049.60 | |
| Experienced | $43,700.80 | |
| Security guards | Union | $44,865.60 – $43,908.80 |
| Non-union | $34,798.40 – $32,094.40 | |
| Security guards | Full-time | $37,252.80 – $34,486.40 |
| Level 02 (Full-time) | $34,715.20 – $29,619.20 | |
| Level 03 (Full-time) | $34,112.00 – $31,054.40 | |
| Level 04 (Full-time) | $40,747.20 – $36,088.00 | |
| Level 05 (Full-time) | $45,073.60 | |
| Not able to be leveled (Full-time) | $42,307.20 – $39,104.00 | |
| Entry (Full-time) | $34,486.40 | |
| Intermediate (Full-time) | $34,112.00 | |
| Security guards | Part-time | $35,110.40 – $33,800.00 |
| Level 01 (Part-time) | $26,020.80 – $23,878.40 | |
| Level 02 (Part-time) | $31,699.20 – $26,728.00 | |
| Level 03 (Part-time) | $33,841.60 – $30,160.00 | |
| Level 04 (Part-time) | $39,956.80 – $37,876.80 | |
| Not able to be leveled (Part-time) | $43,472.00 – $43,867.20 | |
| Entry (Part-time) | $29,640.00 | |
| Security guards | Time-based pay | $36,628.80 – $34,299.20 |
| Geographies with highest and lowest pay: | Kennewick-Richland, WA – $82,347.20 (Union) | |
| West Virginia – $21,819.20 – $26,228.80 (Part-time) |
The occupation of security guards has various levels of job experience and salary data. As per the US National Average, the salary for security guards ranges from $26,478.40 to $45,676.80 per year depending on their job level and experience. Union security guards usually earn more than nonunion security guards, with a salary range of $44,865.60 to $43,908.80 per year while nonunion security guards typically earn $34,798.40 to $32,094.40 per year.
Full-time security guards earn more than part-time security guards, and the salary differs according to the job level. In terms of the geography where this job function is best paid and least paid, Kennewick-Richland in WA has the highest salary for union security guards at $82,347.20 per year, while West Virginia has the lowest salary for part-time security guards, ranging from $21,819.20 to $26,228.80 per year.
Overall, the presence of a union in this field tends to increase the salary of security guards, as evidenced by the salary range of union security guards being higher than that of nonunion security guards.
