As a large and populous state, California is filled with ample security guard career opportunities. Once you’ve earned your California guard card, you’re more than ready to begin the job hunt. We’ve made the search a little easier on you by compiling a list of some of the best security guard companies in California, including their specialties, locations, and more.
Types of Security Guard Jobs in California
Before you begin your search for a job as a security guard, consider what type of job you’d prefer. Fortunately, there are many different types of security guard jobs in California and equally as many companies that specialize in your preferred field. Check out some of the most common security guard jobs in California and their associated responsibilities.
Unarmed Security Guard
Unarmed security guards are responsible for monitoring and patrolling designated areas to prevent theft, violence, and other security breaches.
Armed Security Guard
Armed security guards are authorized to carry firearms and use them when necessary to protect people and property. Armed security guards are typically paid more than unarmed security guards.
Event Security Guard
Event security guards are responsible for maintaining order and safety at events such as concerts, sports games, conferences, and exhibitions. Event security guards can either be armed or unarmed depending on the situation.
Corporate Security Guard
Corporate security guards are hired by corporations to protect their facilities, employees, and assets from theft, vandalism, and other security threats. Corporate security guards can either be armed or unarmed depending on the business.
Government Security Guard
Government security guards work for government agencies such as the Department of Homeland Security, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Transportation Security Administration to protect people and property from security threats.
Residential Security Guard
Residential security guards are hired by individuals, families, or residential complexes to ensure the safety and security of their properties. This includes neighborhoods, individual homes, and apartment complexes.
School Security Guard
School security guards are responsible for maintaining the safety and security of students, staff, and visitors at schools and universities, both public and private.
Retail Security Guard
As a retail security guard, you work for retail establishments to prevent shoplifting, monitor security cameras, and respond to security breaches.
Learn more about the different types of security guards.
10 Best Security Guard Companies in California
We’ve checked out some of the best security guard companies operating in the state of California. These security guard companies are reputable and actively hire qualified security guards on an ongoing basis.
1. All Nation Security Services
Based in Los Angeles, All Nation Security Services is a women and minority-owned security company with branches located primarily across California, Texas, and Florida. All Nation Security provides security guard services to businesses such as warehouses and distribution centers, shopping centers, office buildings, hospitals, and more.
2. Assertive Security Services
Serving counties in southern California, Assertive Security Services provides a wide variety of security services, from bodyguard services to vehicle patrol and more. Assertive Security serves both commercial and residential organizations, including hospitals and apartment buildings, and relies on the most cutting-edge technology to give their security guards the upper hand in every job.
3. United Guard Security
United Guard employs armed and unarmed security guards in Los Angeles, providing security services to hospitals, schools, businesses, events, and more. The wide variety of industries they serve provides their employees with many opportunities to work in new and interesting environments.
4. American Shine Security Services
American Shine provides a wide range of security services in Riverside, Los Angeles, Orange, San Bernardino, and San Diego counties, from parking lot control to 24/7 surveillance, personal protection, and beyond. American Shine is one of the newer security guard companies in California, which may mean more opportunities for security guards looking to further their careers.
5. Off Duty Officers, Inc.
Operating since 1993, Off Duty Officers provides security guard services across the state of California. Despite the company’s name, Off Duty Officers employs more than current or retired law enforcement officers–as long as you have a current BSIS security guard license, you are qualified to work for them.
Learn more: 9 Best Jobs for Retired (or Former) Police Officers
6. Allied Nationwide Security
Allied Nationwide Security primarily serves southern California with armed and unarmed security guard protection. Security guards employed by Allied undergo additional training once hired to ensure they deliver above-and-beyond service for their clients. Allied provides security services to educational institutions, construction sites, movie studios, and more, which means their employees will have well-rounded experiences while working there.
7. Fast Guard Security
Fast Guard Security operates in several major cities across the country, including Los Angeles. They provide security services for Fortune 500 companies, celebrities, condominiums, hotels, events, and nightlife establishments. Their employees also undergo rigorous training once hired, becoming CPR and first aid certified if not already. If you’re looking for an exciting security guard career, Fast Guard Security may be the company for you.
8. XPressGuards
Serving Sacramento, Los Angeles, and many other cities across the country, XPressGuards provides a wide selection of security services with both armed and unarmed security guards. As a security guard working for XPressGuards, you’ll have the opportunity to protect both businesses and individuals across a wide variety of industries.
9. Prosegur
Licensed in California, Prosegur is a professional security company that offers a wide variety of services to businesses around the world. Their security guards are highly trained and highly qualified to serve healthcare industries, transportation industries, and more. Whether you are a full-time, part-time, or on-call employee of Prosegur, you will be well taken care of and enjoy a well-rounded career.
10. Metro One
If you’re looking to start a long and healthy career journey in the security field, consider working for Metro One. Licensed in California and elsewhere across the country, Metro One invests heavily in its employees to develop their skills and provide them with ample career opportunities.
Your new career as a security guard in California is only a click away. Before you apply, don’t forget to tighten up your resume and polish up your interview skills so you have a competitive edge over other applicants.
Still need your California Guard Card? Check out these CA Security Guard Card courses from NITA →
You might also like:
Our enrollment counselors are here to answer any questions you might have about our state- and board-approved status, pre-licensing training, or professional development programs.
How to Become an Armed Security Guard (Training & Requirements)
