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Life As a Security Guard
Position Description Guard, patrol, or monitor premises to prevent theft, violence, or infractions of rules. May operate x-ray and metal detector equipment.
List of Security Guard Job Duties
- Inspect and adjust security systems, equipment, or machinery to ensure operational use and to detect evidence of tampering.
- Lock doors and gates of entrances and exits to secure buildings.
- Operate detecting devices to screen individuals and prevent passage of prohibited articles into restricted areas.
- Write reports of daily activities and irregularities, such as equipment or property damage, theft, presence of unauthorized persons, or unusual occurrences.
- Monitor and authorize entrance and departure of employees, visitors, and other persons to guard against theft and maintain security of premises.
- Escort or drive motor vehicle to transport individuals to specified locations or to provide personal protection.
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Security Guard Needed Skills
Below is a list of the skills most Security Guards say are important on the job.
Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Monitoring: Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Coordination: Adjusting actions in relation to others’ actions.
Related Job Titles for this Occupation:
- Customer Security Clerk
- Security Checker
- Security Officer
- Gate Guard
- Elevated Guard
Are There Job Opportunities for Security Guards?
There were about 1,123,300 jobs for Security Guard in 2016 (in the United States). New jobs are being produced at a rate of 6.3% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 70,600 new jobs for Security Guard by 2026. Due to new job openings and attrition, there will be an average of 157,500 job openings in this field each year.
The states with the most job growth for Security Guard are Utah, Washington, and Tennessee. Watch out if you plan on working in Maine, Connecticut, or Wisconsin. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
What is the Average Salary of a Security Guard
The salary for Security Guards ranges between about $20,290 and $49,650 a year.
Security Guards who work in Alaska, District of Columbia, or Washington, make the highest salaries.
How much do Security Guards make in each U.S. state?
| State | Annual Mean Salary |
|---|---|
| Alabama | $26,470 |
| Alaska | $47,190 |
| Arizona | $29,200 |
| Arkansas | $29,330 |
| California | $33,070 |
| Colorado | $34,890 |
| Connecticut | $34,950 |
| Delaware | $28,370 |
| District of Columbia | $44,010 |
| Florida | $27,790 |
| Georgia | $29,100 |
| Hawaii | $33,330 |
| Idaho | $33,330 |
| Illinois | $33,560 |
| Indiana | $30,180 |
| Iowa | $28,890 |
| Kansas | $29,140 |
| Kentucky | $24,950 |
| Louisiana | $28,540 |
| Maine | $30,200 |
| Maryland | $36,650 |
| Massachusetts | $35,290 |
| Michigan | $27,840 |
| Minnesota | $34,240 |
| Mississippi | $25,750 |
| Missouri | $37,620 |
| Montana | $28,080 |
| Nebraska | $34,550 |
| Nevada | $30,090 |
| New Hampshire | $36,140 |
| New Jersey | $32,250 |
| New Mexico | $28,990 |
| New York | $35,820 |
| North Carolina | $31,230 |
| North Dakota | $35,420 |
| Ohio | $31,400 |
| Oklahoma | $31,800 |
| Oregon | $29,940 |
| Pennsylvania | $28,750 |
| Rhode Island | $30,920 |
| South Carolina | $33,000 |
| South Dakota | $29,880 |
| Tennessee | $29,940 |
| Texas | $30,090 |
| Utah | $33,870 |
| Virginia | $36,270 |
| Washington | $38,470 |
| West Virginia | $27,590 |
| Wisconsin | $28,640 |
| Wyoming | $32,310 |
Tools & Technologies Used by Security Guards
Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Security Guards may use on a daily basis:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Office
- Data entry software
- Microsoft SharePoint
- Symantec
- McAfee
- Corel WordPerfect Office Suite
- IBM Lotus 1-2-3
- Wireshark
Becoming a Security Guard
Education needed to be a Security Guard:
How many years of work experience do I need?
Who Employs Security Guards?
The table below shows the approximate number of Security Guards employed by various industries.
Related Careers
Those thinking about becoming a Security Guard might also be interested in the following careers:
Career changers with experience as a Security Guard sometimes find work in one of the following fields:
References:
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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