Security Guard Salary: How much Do Security Professionals Make?
Now is a great time to find a job in the security industry. The security field is booming. In fact, some projections show that the security segment will grow nearly 15% between now and 2030. And businesses, local governments, neighborhoods, and individuals all across the country are looking for security guards to help them protect their people, property, and facilities from loss and harm.
One of the key questions that people ask when considering a new job in security is what they can expect to be paid. In this post, we will explore how much a security guard makes, what type of experience can help boost this pay rate, who is hiring security guards today, and what type of training is required to become a security guard.
How much does a security guard make?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, salaries for security guards, in general, range from $21,930 on the low end to a high of more than $51,600. The median salary for a security guard is $31,080 per year or a security guard hourly pay rate of $14.94 per hour.
There are a wide variety of industries hiring security professionals currently. However, pay rates between industries tend to follow the national average for security officer pay with very few exceptions. One exception is the casino and gambling industry, which can tend to pay more.
A security guard's pay rate is also normally accompanied by additional benefits, such as health insurance. Additional benefits can vary widely from employer to employer, so it’s always a good idea to weigh these benefits as part of an overall job offer.
What type of experience is useful for boosting your security guard pay rate?
Where you fall in the pay range depends upon your background, skill level, experience, and training. If you have previous law enforcement or military experience, this is always a plus and may score you a higher pay rate. Experience in similar roles is also a plus. Firearms training and certifications in particular are a highly valuable skill as well and can be a huge plus in earning you a boosted rate.
Who is hiring security guards?
The question may be better asked “Who is not hiring security guards?”. Nearly every type of business from manufacturers to retail establishments to banks to event venues are hiring some form of security. In addition, local governments, apartment complexes, neighborhoods, schools, parks, and private individuals also regularly hire security guards. This diversity of organizations hiring security guards also means that there are many different types of security guards, making this a diverse and exciting field.
Applying for a security guard job? Check out our security guard resume examples.
What training is required to become a security guard?
Certifications and training requirements vary by state and local jurisdiction, so it’s important to understand what your particular area’s requirements are. In general though, you will be required to get licensed, either as an unarmed guard (the most common) or as an armed guard. Understandably, armed guards must complete a much more rigorous training and certification process and may even need to be licensed by local law enforcement.
You will also sometimes be required to complete ongoing training and continuing education to maintain your license or certification. Normally, if you work for a private security contracting company, they will provide you with all of the details you need regarding what training and certification is required for you.
Learn more: Requirements to Become a Security Guard
Are you ready for an exciting career as a security professional? NITA provides online security training courses for security professionals that help you meet your pre-licensure and certification requirements or earn continuing education units to maintain your license. We also provide a wide variety of training on high-value security topics, such as Crowd Control and Explosive Device Awareness, to help you be the best that you can be in your field. Be sure to check out all of our courses.
You might also like:
- What are the Duties and Responsibilities of a Security Guard
- Armed vs. Unarmed Security Guards: What’s the Difference?
- What is the Typical Day of a Security Guard?
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