Security Guard

Also called: Safety and Security Officer, Security Agent, Security Officer, Armed Security Officer

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

No four-year degree needed Bright outlook Public safety

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Median pay

$38,020/yr

Typical range

$30,210 – $58,840

Outlook

Bright outlook

What does a Security Guard do?

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.

How to become a Security Guard

Training: A high school diploma or GED. Ranges from a few days to one year of on-the-job training.

Skills you'll use

Listening to others, not interrupting, and asking good questionsKeeping track of how well people and/or groups are doing in order to make improvementsChanging what is done based on other people's actionsUnderstanding people's reactions

Is it a fit for you?

Stress Tolerance
Self-Control
Cautiousness
Integrity
Dependability

Tools and technology

IBM Lotus 1-2-3Microsoft ExcelFaceTimeCorel WordPerfect Office SuiteMicrosoft Office software

Questions people ask

How much does a Security Guard make?

About $38,020 a year at the U.S. median. Most earn between $30,210 and $58,840. Pay depends on the state, the employer and experience.

How long does it take to become a Security Guard?

Ranges from a few days to one year of on-the-job training.

Do you need a college degree to be a Security Guard?

No four-year degree is needed. A high school diploma or GED.

Is Security Guard a good career to get into?

O*NET lists it as a Bright Outlook career: it's expected to grow quickly or have lots of openings in the next few years.

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National wage figures via O*NET Web Services. This application incorporates information from O*NET Web Services by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. Figures are national estimates and vary by state, employer and experience. Career details from O*NET Web Services by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.

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