What Do Security Guard Do?
Job Description: Guard, patrol, or monitor premises to prevent theft, violence, or infractions of rules. May operate x-ray and metal detector equipment.
Life As a Security Guard
- Patrol industrial or commercial premises to prevent and detect signs of intrusion and ensure security of doors, windows, and gates.
- Write reports of daily activities and irregularities, such as equipment or property damage, theft, presence of unauthorized persons, or unusual occurrences.
- Monitor and adjust controls that regulate building systems, such as air conditioning, furnace, or boiler.
- Answer telephone calls to take messages, answer questions, and provide information during non-business hours or when switchboard is closed.
- Circulate among visitors, patrons, or employees to preserve order and protect property.
- Warn persons of rule infractions or violations, and apprehend or evict violators from premises, using force when necessary.
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Security Guard Required Skills
Below is a list of the skills most Security Guards say are important on the job.
Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Monitoring: Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Coordination: Adjusting actions in relation to others’ actions.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Types of Security Guard
- Bodyguard
- Fire Watchman
- Baggage Inspector
- Police Guard
- Security Screener
Are There Job Opportunities for Security Guards?
In 2016, there was an estimated number of 1,123,300 jobs in the United States for Security Guard. New jobs are being produced at a rate of 6.3% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 70,600 new jobs for Security Guard by 2026. Due to new job openings and attrition, there will be an average of 157,500 job openings in this field each year.
The states with the most job growth for Security Guard are Utah, Washington, and Tennessee. Watch out if you plan on working in Maine, Connecticut, or Wisconsin. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
Salary for a Security Guard
Security Guards make between $20,290 and $49,650 a year.
Security Guards who work in Alaska, District of Columbia, or Washington, make the highest salaries.
How much do Security Guards make in different U.S. states?
| State | Annual Mean Salary |
|---|---|
| Alabama | $26,470 |
| Alaska | $47,190 |
| Arizona | $29,200 |
| Arkansas | $29,330 |
| California | $33,070 |
| Colorado | $34,890 |
| Connecticut | $34,950 |
| Delaware | $28,370 |
| District of Columbia | $44,010 |
| Florida | $27,790 |
| Georgia | $29,100 |
| Hawaii | $33,330 |
| Idaho | $33,330 |
| Illinois | $33,560 |
| Indiana | $30,180 |
| Iowa | $28,890 |
| Kansas | $29,140 |
| Kentucky | $24,950 |
| Louisiana | $28,540 |
| Maine | $30,200 |
| Maryland | $36,650 |
| Massachusetts | $35,290 |
| Michigan | $27,840 |
| Minnesota | $34,240 |
| Mississippi | $25,750 |
| Missouri | $37,620 |
| Montana | $28,080 |
| Nebraska | $34,550 |
| Nevada | $30,090 |
| New Hampshire | $36,140 |
| New Jersey | $32,250 |
| New Mexico | $28,990 |
| New York | $35,820 |
| North Carolina | $31,230 |
| North Dakota | $35,420 |
| Ohio | $31,400 |
| Oklahoma | $31,800 |
| Oregon | $29,940 |
| Pennsylvania | $28,750 |
| Rhode Island | $30,920 |
| South Carolina | $33,000 |
| South Dakota | $29,880 |
| Tennessee | $29,940 |
| Texas | $30,090 |
| Utah | $33,870 |
| Virginia | $36,270 |
| Washington | $38,470 |
| West Virginia | $27,590 |
| Wisconsin | $28,640 |
| Wyoming | $32,310 |
What Tools & Technology do Security Guards Use?
Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Security Guards:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Office
- Data entry software
- Microsoft SharePoint
- Symantec
- McAfee
- Corel WordPerfect Office Suite
- IBM Lotus 1-2-3
- Wireshark
How to Become a Security Guard
What education or degrees do I need to become a Security Guard?
How Long Does it Take to Become a Security Guard?
Where Security Guards Are Employed
The table below shows the approximate number of Security Guards employed by various industries.
Similar Careers
Those thinking about becoming a Security Guard might also be interested in the following careers:
Career changers with experience as a Security Guard sometimes find work in one of the following fields:
References:
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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