All About Security Guards
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: What Do They Do?
- Escort or drive motor vehicle to transport individuals to specified locations or to provide personal protection.
- Monitor and adjust controls that regulate building systems, such as air conditioning, furnace, or boiler.
- 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.
- 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.
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Security Guard Skills
When polled, Security Guards say the following skills are most frequently used in their jobs:
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.
Related Job Titles
- Bouncer
- Plant Protection Guard
- Customer Service Security Officer
- Package Checker
- Airport Screener
Security Guard Employment Estimates
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. 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.
Below is a list of the median annual salaries for Security Guards 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 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
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 Work
The table below shows the approximate number of Security Guards employed by various industries.
Related Careers
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:
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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