What is 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.
Life As a Security Guard
- Answer alarms and investigate disturbances.
- Operate detecting devices to screen individuals and prevent passage of prohibited articles into restricted areas.
- Circulate among visitors, patrons, or employees to preserve order and protect property.
- Inspect and adjust security systems, equipment, or machinery to ensure operational use and to detect evidence of tampering.
- Call police or fire departments in cases of emergency, such as fire or presence of unauthorized persons.
- Monitor and authorize entrance and departure of employees, visitors, and other persons to guard against theft and maintain security of premises.
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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.
Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Types of Security Guard
- Floorwalker
- Elevated Guard
- Alarm Investigator
- Watchman
- Station Gateman
Security Guard Job Outlook
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. There will be an estimated 157,500 positions for Security Guard per 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.
Security Guard Average Salary
The salary for Security Guards ranges between about $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 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?
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
Becoming a Security Guard
What kind of Security Guard requirements are there?
What work experience do I need to become a Security Guard?
Who Employs Security Guards?
The table below shows some of the most common industries where those employed in this career field work.
Other Jobs You May be Interested In
Those interested in being a Security Guard may also be interested in:
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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