What You Need to Know About 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.
Daily Life Of a Security Guard
- Respond to medical emergencies by administering basic first aid or by obtaining assistance from paramedics.
- Answer alarms and investigate disturbances.
- Operate detecting devices to screen individuals and prevent passage of prohibited articles into restricted areas.
- Call police or fire departments in cases of emergency, such as fire or presence of unauthorized persons.
- Patrol industrial or commercial premises to prevent and detect signs of intrusion and ensure security of doors, windows, and gates.
- Warn persons of rule infractions or violations, and apprehend or evict violators from premises, using force when necessary.
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Things a Security Guard Should Know How to Do
Security Guards state the following job skills are important in their day-to-day work.
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.
Types of Security Guard
- Special Police
- Timber Watchman
- Gateman
- Door Tender
- Bodyguard
Security Guard Job Outlook
In the United States, there were 1,123,300 jobs for Security Guard in 2016. 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.
Security Guard Average Salary
The typical yearly salary for Security Guards is somewhere between $20,290 and $49,650.

Security Guards who work in Alaska, District of Columbia, or Washington, make the highest salaries.
How much do Security Guards make in different U.S. states?
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 |
What Tools & Technology do Security Guards Use?
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
How do I Become a Security Guard?
Are there Security Guards education requirements?

How many years of work experience do I need?

Where Security Guards Are Employed

Below are examples of industries where Security Guards work:

Related Careers
Those interested in being a Security Guard may also be interested in:
Are you already one of the many Security Guard in the United States? If you’re thinking about changing careers, these fields are worth exploring:
References:
More about our data sources and methodologies.
Featured Schools
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