Security Guards in Georgia
Thinking about a career as a Security Guards in Georgia? Below are the key facts. Guard, patrol, or monitor premises to prevent theft, violence, or infractions of rules. May operate x-ray and metal detector equipment. Excludes “Police Officers” (33-3050) and “Transportation Security Screeners” (33-9093).
What do Security Guards Make in Georgia?
For a security guards working in Georgia, the median annual wage is $35,670 per year (or roughly $17.15/hour).Earnings range from $26,190 at the 10th percentile to $58,790 at the 90th percentile.
| Wage Statistic | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $26,190 | $12.59 |
| 25th percentile | $31,100 | $14.95 |
| Median (50th) | $35,670 | $17.15 |
| 75th percentile | $42,830 | $20.59 |
| 90th percentile | $58,790 | $28.27 |
The location quotient — a measure of how concentrated this occupation is in Georgia relative to the national average — is 0.91.
National Wage Comparison
Nationally, security guards earn a median of $70,212 per year ($33.76/hour), lower than the Georgia median.
Employment Outlook
There are roughly 348,968 security guards nationwide. In Georgia alone, around 35,410 people work in this role. That’s more than the typical state, which employs around 14,030 security guards.
Top Georgia Metros for Security Guards
The metro areas below employ the most security guards in Georgia.
| Metro Area | Number Employed | Annual Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA | 22,150 | $36,220 |
| Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC | 3,170 | $33,050 |
| Savannah, GA | 1,950 | $35,220 |
| Columbus, GA-AL | 1,280 | $36,730 |
| Athens-Clarke County, GA | 850 | $32,240 |
| Albany, GA | 690 | $28,270 |
| Macon-Bibb County, GA | 530 | $34,070 |
| Gainesville, GA | 400 | $37,210 |
| Brunswick-St. Simons, GA | 330 | $34,550 |
| Warner Robins, GA | 250 | $33,530 |
| Dalton, GA | 160 | $39,100 |
| Valdosta, GA | 130 | $33,280 |
| Hinesville, GA | 90 | $47,050 |
Top States for Security Guards Employment
These states have the highest employment of security guards work.
| State | Number Employed |
|---|---|
| California | 185,510 |
| New York | 132,140 |
| Texas | 99,370 |
| Florida | 95,350 |
| Illinois | 53,560 |
| Pennsylvania | 43,710 |
| New Jersey | 37,970 |
| Georgia | 35,410 |
| Ohio | 34,590 |
| Virginia | 33,440 |
| North Carolina | 29,360 |
| Tennessee | 28,260 |
| Puerto Rico | 27,440 |
| Maryland | 27,220 |
| Arizona | 26,720 |
| Michigan | 25,760 |
| Nevada | 25,610 |
| Washington | 24,820 |
| Massachusetts | 24,100 |
| Missouri | 19,180 |
Highest-Paying States for Security Guards
These states pay the most for security guards.
| State | Annual Median Salary |
|---|---|
| District of Columbia | $63,130 |
| Alaska | $48,620 |
| Washington | $48,010 |
| Colorado | $46,080 |
| Minnesota | $46,020 |
| Massachusetts | $44,950 |
| New Hampshire | $44,510 |
| California | $43,930 |
| Oregon | $43,680 |
| Virginia | $43,440 |
Skills
Top security guards skills, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:
Knowledge Areas
Core knowledge areas for this occupation, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:
Abilities
Key abilities for security guards, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:
Daily Tasks
Common tasks include:
- Lock doors and gates of entrances and exits to secure buildings.
- Patrol industrial or commercial premises to prevent and detect signs of intrusion and ensure security of doors, windows, and gates.
- Respond to medical emergencies by administering basic first aid or by obtaining assistance from paramedics.
- Answer alarms and investigate disturbances.
- Circulate among visitors, patrons, or employees to preserve order and protect property.
- Monitor and authorize entrance and departure of employees, visitors, and other persons to guard against theft and maintain security of premises.
- Write reports of daily activities and irregularities, such as equipment or property damage, theft, presence of unauthorized persons, or unusual occurrences.
- Warn persons of rule infractions or violations, and apprehend or evict violators from premises, using force when necessary.
- Answer telephone calls to take messages, answer questions, and provide information during non-business hours or when switchboard is closed.
- Call police or fire departments in cases of emergency, such as fire or presence of unauthorized persons.
- Operate detecting devices to screen individuals and prevent passage of prohibited articles into restricted areas.
- Inspect and adjust security systems, equipment, or machinery to ensure operational use and to detect evidence of tampering.
Work Activities
- Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
- Getting Information
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
- Documenting/Recording Information
- Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships
- Performing for or Working Directly with the Public
- Making Decisions and Solving Problems
- Training and Teaching Others
- Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work
- Communicating with People Outside the Organization
- Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards
- Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others
Tools & Technology
Common tools and software used in this occupation include: Hot technologies: Microsoft Excel
What Major Will Prepare You For This Career?
Related college programs include:
- Criminal Justice & Corrections
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Related Careers
Related occupations to security guards include:
- Security Managers
- Security Management Specialists
- First-Line Supervisors of Firefighting and Prevention Workers
- First-Line Supervisors of Security Workers
- Firefighters
- Fire Inspectors and Investigators
Also Known As
Access Control Security Officer, Alarm Investigator, Armed Guard, Armed Security Guard, Armed Security Officer, Armored Car Driver, Armored Car Guard, Bag Checker, Baggage Inspector, Baggage Screener, Baggage Security Checker, Bank Guard, Bodyguard, Bouncer, Camp Guard.
References
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics — https://www.bls.gov/oes/
- O*NET Online — https://www.onetonline.org/
- BLS Employment Projections — https://www.bls.gov/emp/
- O*NET-SOC code: 33-9032.00
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