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What Does it Take to Be a Security Guard?

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

Daily Life Of a Security Guard

  • Patrol industrial or commercial premises to prevent and detect signs of intrusion and ensure security of doors, windows, and gates.
  • 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.
  • Respond to medical emergencies by administering basic first aid or by obtaining assistance from paramedics.
  • Operate detecting devices to screen individuals and prevent passage of prohibited articles into restricted areas.
  • Answer alarms and investigate disturbances.

What Skills Do You Need to Work as a Security Guard?

Security Guards state the following job skills are important in their day-to-day work.

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.

  • Houseman
  • Gate Tender
  • Patrol Guard
  • Maritime Guard
  • Private Security Guard

Is There Going to be Demand for Security Guards?

In the United States, there were 1,123,300 jobs for Security Guard in 2016. 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.

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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.

Security Guard Average Salary

The salary for Security Guards ranges between about $20,290 and $49,650 a year.

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Security Guards who work in Alaska, District of Columbia, or Washington, make the highest salaries.

How much do Security Guards make in each U.S. state?

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?

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

  • 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

Learn what Security Guard education requirements there are.

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How many years of work experience do I need?

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Security Guards Sector

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The table below shows the approximate number of Security Guards employed by various industries.

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You May Also Be Interested In…

Those interested in being a Security Guard may also be interested in:

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

References:

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More about our data sources and methodologies.

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