What is a Security Guard?

Job Description: Guard, patrol, or monitor premises to prevent theft, violence, or infractions of rules. May operate x-ray and metal detector equipment.

A Day in the Life of a Security Guard

• Escort or drive motor vehicle to transport individuals to specified locations or to provide personal protection.
• Circulate among visitors, patrons, or employees to preserve order and protect property.
• Write reports of daily activities and irregularities, such as equipment or property damage, theft, presence of unauthorized persons, or unusual occurrences.
• Answer telephone calls to take messages, answer questions, and provide information during non-business hours or when switchboard is closed.
• Inspect and adjust security systems, equipment, or machinery to ensure operational use and to detect evidence of tampering.
• Operate detecting devices to screen individuals and prevent passage of prohibited articles into restricted areas.

Things a Security Guard Should Know How to Do

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.

Types of Security Guards

• Package Checker
• Floorwalker
• Custom Protection Officer
• Transportation Security Screener
• Loss Prevention Officer

What Kind of Security Guard Job Opportunities Are There?

There were about 1,123,300 jobs for Security Guards in 2016 (in the United States).

New jobs are being produced at a rate of 6.3% which is lower than average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 70,600 new jobs for Security Guards 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 Guards are California, New York, and Texas.

Watch out if you plan on working in Maine, Wyoming, or Vermont. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.

How Much Does a Security Guard Make?

The average yearly salary of a Security Guard ranges between $20,290 and $49,650. The median salary is $28,490.

How much do Security Guards make in different U.S. states?

Annual Mean Salary by State

State	Annual Mean Salary
Alaska	$47,190
District of Columbia	$44,010
Washington	$38,470
Missouri	$37,620
Maryland	$36,650
Virginia	$36,270
New Hampshire	$36,140
New York	$35,820
North Dakota	$35,420
Massachusetts	$35,290
Connecticut	$34,950
Colorado	$34,890
Nebraska	$34,550
Minnesota	$34,240
Utah	$33,870
Illinois	$33,560
Hawaii	$33,330
Idaho	$33,330
California	$33,070
South Carolina	$33,000
Wyoming	$32,310
New Jersey	$32,250
Oklahoma	$31,800
Ohio	$31,400
North Carolina	$31,230
Rhode Island	$30,920
Maine	$30,200
Indiana	$30,180
Texas	$30,090
Nevada	$30,090
Tennessee	$29,940
Oregon	$29,940
South Dakota	$29,880
Arkansas	$29,330
Arizona	$29,200
Kansas	$29,140
Georgia	$29,100
New Mexico	$28,990
Iowa	$28,890
Pennsylvania	$28,750
Wisconsin	$28,640
Louisiana	$28,540
Delaware	$28,370
Montana	$28,080
Michigan	$27,840
Florida	$27,790
West Virginia	$27,590
Alabama	$26,470
Mississippi	$25,750
Kentucky	$24,950

Tools & Technologies Used by Security Guards

Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Security Guards may use on a daily basis:

• Symantec
• Microsoft Word
• Microsoft Office
• Wireshark
• McAfee
• Data entry software
• Microsoft SharePoint
• Microsoft Excel

How to Become a Security Guard

What kind of Security Guard requirements are there?

What work experience do I need to become a Security Guard?

Where Security Guards Work

Similar Careers

Those thinking about becoming Security Guards might also be interested in the following careers:

• Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers

Are you already one of the many Security Guards in the United States? If you’re thinking about changing careers, these fields are worth exploring:

• Couriers and Messengers

References

Bureau of Labor Statistics

College Factual

O*NET Online

Image Credit: Via Wikimedia Commons