Known as the home to NASA, the Houston Grand Opera, and multiple museum and historic sites, Houston is a thriving Texan metropolis with a bustling downtown area and booming culinary reputation. Houston’s need for security to protect its citizens, tourists, and assets only grows with the city’s rising population.
Whether you’re new to Houston, considering relocating, or ready to develop your career as a security guard in Houston, it’s helpful to know where to start. In this article, you’ll learn what types of security work you can find in Houston, Texas, and what Houston security companies offer the best opportunities for a steady and rewarding career.
How much do security guards make in Houston, TX?
As of June 2025, the wages for security professionals in Houston are competitive with typical U.S. rates. Your salary will fluctuate depending on your role, level of experience, education, and weapon licensing.
If you have interest in developing your career, keep in mind that continuing education and professional development can give you an edge in the security field. Employers are looking for security professionals who can offer a variety of skills that only training can provide, and your training could provide you with a more lucrative career.
Discover how Houston security guard wages stack up agains other cities →
Common types of security work in Houston, TX
Before you apply for available positions, consider the type of security work you’re most interested in. The position you apply for will have training requirements and responsibilities specific to the needs of the company. As you apply, check the job descriptions of each type of work to make sure you have the necessary training and ability to complete all required tasks.
1. Event staff
Event security staff are present during specific time slots in which events are occurring. The events are typically large scale, with unarmed security needed at several posts to monitor crowds and make sure all attendees comply with the venue policies.
2. Game day security staff
As game day security, your responsibilities could include verifying that audience members are following venue policies, including bag checks and operating metal detectors. Other responsibilities may include doing regular patrols of the premises, verifying tickets at entrances, and answering calls for emergencies during events.
3. Retail security
Security personnel in retail positions provide a monitoring presence at businesses to prevent theft, enforce site policies and procedures, respond to on-site emergencies, and perform regular patrols of the building.
4. Night guard
Night guards take evening and overnight shifts to maintain a security presence in various locations. Night guards typically work in vacated premises, perform regular patrols at random times, and, with proper training, monitor security cameras.
5. Security in professional sectors
Security personnel may find posted positions in academic, finance, healthcare, and other professional environments like schools, banks, and hospitals. The regular duties could include monitoring a front desk, patrolling building floors regularly, and assisting staff and patrons with emergencies or access needs.
6. Flex security
A security guard working in a “flex” position will work shifts at irregular times for various open positions. As flex security, you would take open shifts in positions that match training and qualifications, perhaps on short notice as other professionals call out of work.
7. Mobile or patrol officer
A mobile or patrol officer patrols assigned areas by bicycle or vehicle. Your responsibilities as a mobile officer would include traveling to several locations, usually within a short distance of each other, or traversing large parking lots to ensure the safety of company assets and property during your shift.
8. Security operator
Often a popular position, a security operator works indoors to take calls and monitor cameras from a security room. This position often requires specialized training to manage security equipment.
9. Security receptionist
Security receptionists are located at the entrance of a building and are responsible for the safety of persons attempting to enter secure areas. As a security receptionist, you would be stationed at a desk or hospitality area to watch for suspicious or unauthorized individuals.
10. Site supervisor
A site supervisor is responsible for other security personnel, managing operations and other employees to ensure the security coverage of the entire worksite. Site supervisor positions require previous work experience and usually additional training.
Is Houston, TX, a good place to work for security professionals?
Houston is a great place for security professionals to seek employment because of the growing demand for security professionals in its diverse industries.
Here are some benefits of working in a security position in Houston, Texas:
Looking into employee reviews, stated company values, and company salary averages will help you determine which opportunity in Houston is right for you.
7 best security companies in Houston, TX
A good security company will offer multiple positions, opportunities for advancement, and competitive salaries. Here are some of the companies in Houston, Texas.
Serving Austin and Houston, 5 STAR Event Services provides security professionals to city sports events, concerts, festivals, conventions, and 24-hour uniformed security positions.
1. GardaWorld Security
As a trusted supplier of security personnel with a proven track record of success, GardaWorld Security protects more than $160 billion in assets across the United States. This quality-driven security company raises the bar for preparedness in the security field with strict screening standards and diverse in-depth training. GardaWorld Security also holds an impressive ratio of only seven security officers to one manager, meaning security professionals applying for a position at GardaWorld can count on receiving the support they need to succeed.
2. Allied Universal
Awarded America’s Most Admired Workplaces 2025 by Newsweek, Allied Universal is a standout employer of security professionals. Allied Universal emphasizes the value of belonging on a team and ensuring personal safety through standardized policies and practices. With multiple positions available in a variety of venues, Allied Universal is a strong option for security professionals looking for a position in Houston, Texas.
3. Securitas Inc.
Founded in Sweden in 1934, Securitas has a long history of developing advanced technology and workplace opportunities for its employees that push the envelope. Securitas offers a wide variety of positions for clients across Houston, employing security professionals in positions ranging from entry-level to specialized work. With values of integrity, vigilance, and helpfulness, the company puts a strong emphasis on the meaning behind security work.
4. Metro One
Metro One has developed from a security provider in the NYC area to a nationally recognized privately owned company with over 5,000 security personnel. Committed to caring for their staff with safety and benefits at the forefront, Metro One can be just the future-focused employer you’re looking for in Houston.
5. United Protective Services
Prioritizing quick communication and clear answers, United Protective Services manages hundreds of employees across Texas and Oklahoma. The specialized agency pays close attention to each clients’ needs, ensuring their employees receive the latest training and technology.
6. USA Patrol Division
USAPD offers services including vehicle patrol, gate guard, fire watch, special event security, and unarmed and armed security officers. With upcoming K9 services and a new location in Dubai, USAPD is a growing company looking for security professionals dedicated to quality work and safe protection of assets.
7. ACT Security Group
ACT Security Group provides security positions at multiple environments in Houston, including commercial real estate, industrial facilities, residential properties, corporate campuses, hotels, and hospitals. Founded on a commitment to accountability, commitment, and trust, this security company prides itself on its knowledge of the unique needs of people and companies in Texas.
Get the security training you need at NITA
Ready to start your career as a security professional in Houston? NITA provides the Level II training you need for your Texas licensing and can help you prepare for your Texas private security state exam. With multiple online training courses available, NITA will help you start, develop and level up your security career with confidence.
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