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  1. Occupations
  2. Security Guards

Security Guards

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

SOC: 33-9032.00

Common Job Titles

  • Safety and Security Officer
  • Security Agent
  • Security Guard
  • Security Officer

Wage Data According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics

Annual wage data for Security Guards (2024)

Estimated Total Employment (U.S.)

1,241,770

Wage Distribution by Percentile

Line chart of annual wages by percentile. U.S. is the solid line. 10th percentile: U.S. $29,800. 25th percentile: U.S. $35,100. 50th percentile: U.S. $38,370. 75th percentile: U.S. $46,660. 90th percentile: U.S. $59,580. Use the left and right arrow keys to move between percentiles.

  • U.S.
MetricU.S.
10% of workers earn the following or less$29,800
10% of workers earn the following or more$59,580
Workers on average earn$42,890

+ indicates wage is at or above the BLS reporting cap ($239,200/year)

Skills & Requirements

Key competencies for this occupation, ranked by importance

  • Public Safety and Security4.7/5
  • Customer and Personal Service4.5/5
  • English Language4.3/5
  • Computers and Electronics4.1/5
  • Administration and Management4.0/5
Skills & Requirements: Knowledge

Tools & Technology

Equipment and software commonly used in this occupation

In-Demand Technology

Frequently requested by employers in job postings

  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Office software
  • Microsoft Outlook
  • Microsoft SharePoint
  • Microsoft Word

Technology Skills

  • Corel WordPerfect Office Suite
  • FaceTime
  • IBM Lotus 1-2-3
  • McAfee
  • NortonLifeLock cybersecurity software
  • Wireshark

Tools & Equipment

  • Desktop computers
  • Digital video cameras
  • First aid kits
  • Flashlights
  • Laptop computers
  • Laser facsimile machines
  • Metal handcuffs
  • Multi-line telephone systems
Tools & Technology: Tools & Equipment

Related Occupations

Occupations with similar skills and knowledge requirements

Most Similar

  • First-Line Supervisors of Security Workers 33-1091.00
  • Transit and Railroad Police 33-3052.00
  • Transportation Security Screeners 33-9093.00
  • Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers 33-3051.00
  • Parking Enforcement Workers 33-3041.00

Moderately Similar

  • Public Safety Telecommunicators 43-5031.00
  • Retail Loss Prevention Specialists 33-9099.02
  • Correctional Officers and Jailers 33-3012.00
  • Crossing Guards and Flaggers 33-9091.00
  • Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers 33-9092.00

Related

  • Security Managers 11-3013.01
  • Security Management Specialists 13-1199.07
  • Information Security Engineers 15-1299.05
  • First-Line Supervisors of Firefighting and Prevention Workers 33-1021.00
  • First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives 33-1012.00
  • Forest Fire Inspectors and Prevention Specialists 33-2022.00
  • Fire Inspectors and Investigators 33-2021.00
  • Dispatchers, Except Police, Fire, and Ambulance 43-5032.00
  • Firefighters 33-2011.00
  • Transportation Vehicle, Equipment and Systems Inspectors, Except Aviation 53-6051.07

Related Programs

Education programs that prepare you for this occupation

  • Associate's DegreeCriminal Justice - CorrectionsIssuer: Wallace State Community College
  • Associate's DegreeCriminal JusticeIssuer: Lawson State Community College
  • Short-Term CertificateSecurityIssuer: Calhoun Community College
  • Associate's DegreeCriminal JusticeIssuer: Calhoun Community College
  • CourseLaw Enforcement and CorrectionsIssuer: Career and Technical Education, Alabama State Department of Education (ALSDE)
  • CourseIntroduction to Public SafetyIssuer: Career and Technical Education, Alabama State Department of Education (ALSDE)
  • CourseIntroduction to Law and the American Legal SystemIssuer: Career and Technical Education, Alabama State Department of Education (ALSDE)
  • CourseCareer Pathway Project (CPP) for Law, Public Safety, Corrections, and SecurityIssuer: Career and Technical Education, Alabama State Department of Education (ALSDE)
  • CourseAdvanced Law EnforcementIssuer: Career and Technical Education, Alabama State Department of Education (ALSDE)
  • Bachelor's DegreeCriminal Justice with Private Security emphasisIssuer: Arkansas Baptist College