Security Guard Jobs FAQ
The security industry is growing field and the availability of security guard jobs is expected to increase substantially over the coming decade.
If you are considering pursuing a career as a security officer, here are some answers to the most frequently asked questions:
How much do security guards earn?
On average, security guards earn approximately twenty-nine thousand dollars per year which equates to about fourteen dollars per hour. How much you earn though depends on your experience, the region where you work, and the type of employer who hires you. Most starting, entry level, positions though tend to pay about ten to twelve dollars per hour.
What are the highest paying security guard jobs?
In-house, full-time, security guard jobs tend to pay the most. While private companies can pay well, large institutions such as airports, universities and municipal services offer the best benefits. Also, armed guards tend to earn about two to three dollars per hour than unarmed guards.
The worst paying security guard jobs are typically for security guard companies which contract their guards out to businesses for profit. In addition to being the lowest paying, these jobs also rarely come with benefits and can have low job security.
Is being an armed security guard dangerous?
No. Even though armed guards are required to carry a weapon it is used primarily as a deterrent. Armed guards are rarely the targets of violent crimes and statistics have shown that working as an armed guard is no more dangerous than working as an unarmed guard. Given the low risk, higher pay, and minimal added training requirements, it can be well worth the extra training to become a licensed armed guard in most cases.
What are the training and education requirements to become a security guard?
Each state has its own you unique guidelines and requirements. While a few states do require a high school diploma or GED, the vast majority of states do not. Almost all states will require applicants to pass a background check, demonstrate a clean criminal record, and be at least eighteen years of age to get a security guard license or guard card.
Do you need a security guard license to work as a security guard?
Almost all states require security guards to be licensed especially if the job requires any interaction with the public. To find out what the specific requirements are in your state, you will need to contact the agency that issues security guard licenses. Most employers are aware of the laws and will not hire guards unless they are first licensed.
What are the training requirements to get a security guard card?
This can vary dramatically depending on the state you plan to work in. New York, California and Washington, DC tend to have the strictest training requirements because of the elevated security risks and it can take anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks of classroom education to earn a license.
In most states though, very little to no formal training is required. Again, the best way to learn you own state’s guard training requirements is by contacting the agency that issues security guard licenses.