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 OfficerSecurity AgentSecurity GuardSecurity 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

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
Tools & Technology

Equipment and software commonly used in this occupation

In-Demand Technology

Frequently requested by employers in job postings

Microsoft ExcelMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft OutlookMicrosoft SharePointMicrosoft Word

Technology Skills

Corel WordPerfect Office SuiteFaceTimeIBM Lotus 1-2-3McAfeeNortonLifeLock cybersecurity softwareWireshark

Tools & Equipment

Desktop computersDigital video camerasFirst aid kitsFlashlightsLaptop computersLaser facsimile machinesMetal handcuffsMulti-line telephone systems