Security Guards

Also Called: Safety and Security Officer, Security Agent, Security Guard, Security Officer

High School Diploma/GED

usually needed

Not Available
(Students Only)
Match Percentage

$28,500

Entry Salary

Bright

Job outlook

What Security Guards do

Guard, patrol, or monitor premises to prevent theft, violence, or infractions of rules. May operate x-ray and metal detector equipment.

  • Lock doors and gates of entrances and exits to secure buildings.
  • Answer alarms and investigate disturbances.
  • Monitor and authorize entrance and departure of employees, visitors, and other persons to guard against theft and maintain security of premises.
Industry Areas:

Homeland Security

Training Program Areas:

OCT-Only Homeland Security • Security & Protective Services

Expand For Additional Details

Work Context

  • Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
  • Contact With Others
  • Face-to-Face Discussions
  • Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
  • Telephone

Tools

  • Handcuffs
  • Handguns
  • Flashlight
  • Emergency medical services first aid kits
  • Fire extinguishers

Technology

Spreadsheet software
IBM Lotus 1-2-3
Microsoft Excel
Video conferencing software
FaceTime
Office suite software
Corel WordPerfect Office Suite
Microsoft Office

The Education & Training You Need

Skills

  • Active Listening
  • Monitoring
  • Speaking
  • Coordination
  • Critical Thinking

Knowledge

Safety and Government
public safety and security
Arts and Humanities
English language
Business
customer service

Education

  • 89% High school diploma or equivalent
  • 9% Some college, no degree
  • 1% Post-secondary certificate

Experience

Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is usually needed. For example, a teller would benefit from experience working directly with the public.

What are some related occupations at different educational levels?


Job Training Match

Security Guards Currently Selected

Educational Level

High School Diploma or Equivalent

 Job Training Match

Legal Secretaries & Administrative Assistants

Educational Level

Post-secondary, non-degree

 Job Training Match

Police & Sheriff's Patrol Officers

Educational Level

Associate's Degree

 Job Training Match

Emergency Management Directors

Educational Level

Bachelor's Degree

Arbitrators, Mediators, & Conciliators

Educational Level

Advanced Degree

What are your training options on the pathway to this occupation?

Advanced Training

  • Carl D. Perkins - Job Corps

    Prestonsburg, Kentucky

ACT & College

  • Anna Maria College

    Paxton, MA

  • Bayamon Central University

    Bayamón, PR

Apprenticeships

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Are You a Good Fit?

Occupation Traits

    • Conventional (Organizer)
    • Enterprising (Persuader)
    • Realistic (Doer)

Work Styles

  • Integrity
  • Dependability
  • Self Control
  • Attention to Detail
  • Cooperation
  • Adaptability/Flexibility

Values

  • Support
  • Relationships
  • Independence

Abilities

  • Verbal
  • Attention

This is what Security Guards across the country typically make.

$13.70 / hour
$28,500 /year

Entry Level

$17.82 / hour
$37,070 /year

Median Level

$27.60 / hour
$57,400 /year

Experienced Level

Income information reflects a regional average.
Income information reflects a national average.

This career’s National Job Outlook is

Bright

Please be sure to verify the outlook of this occupation with your instructor.

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