Security guards
SOC Code: 33-9032Also known as:
Alarm Investigator, Armed Guard, Armed Security Guard, Armed Security Officer, Armored Car Driver
Median Annual Salary
$38,370
+0.4% growth (2024-2034)
161K
Openings/Year
1.3M
Current Jobs
What Security guards Do
Guard, patrol, or monitor premises to prevent theft, violence, or infractions of rules. May operate x-ray and metal detector equipment.
💰 Salary
$38,370
Median annual wage (2024)
📈 Job Growth
+0.4%
Little or no change
🎓 Education
High school diploma or equivalent
Typical entry-level requirement
🚀 Annual Openings
161K
Projected average per year
📚 On-the-Job Training
Short-term on-the-job training
Expected training period
Employment Projections (2024-2034)
Current Employment (2024)
1,262,100
Projected Employment (2034)
1,267,100
Related Careers
First-line supervisors of security workers
$58,610 •
+2.7% growth
Parking enforcement workers
$47,150 •
-1.5% growth
Police and sheriff's patrol officers
$76,290 •
+3.1% growth
Transit and railroad police
$82,320 •
+3.0% growth
Transportation security screeners
$63,360 •
-6.0% growth
Top Skills Required
Active Listening
Monitoring
Speaking
Critical Thinking
Coordination
Daily Tasks & Responsibilities
- 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.
- Answer alarms and investigate disturbances.
- Circulate among visitors, patrons, or employees to preserve order and protect property.
- Monitor and authorize entrance and departure of employees, visitors, and other persons to guard against theft and maintain security of premises.
- Write reports of daily activities and irregularities, such as equipment or property damage, theft, presence of unauthorized persons, or unusual occurrences.
- Warn persons of rule infractions or violations, and apprehend or evict violators from premises, using force when necessary.
- Answer telephone calls to take messages, answer questions, and provide information during non-business hours or when switchboard is closed.
- Call police or fire departments in cases of emergency, such as fire or presence of unauthorized persons.
Technology & Tools
📚 Entry-Level Education
High school diploma or equivalent
Most common requirement
🎯 Recommended Education
High School Diploma
O*NET recommended level
Degree Programs for Security guards
These degree programs can prepare you for a career as a security guards:
Security and Loss Prevention Services
494 degrees awarded •
22 colleges offer this program
Best Colleges for Becoming a Security guards
Ranked by Repit grade, then by degrees in related programs. These are the top-rated colleges that prepare students to become security guards.
| # | College | Location | Related Degrees | Repit Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hillsborough Community College | Tampa, FL | 76 | C+ |
| 2 | Gateway Technical College | Kenosha, WI | 50 | C+ |
| 3 | Miami Dade College | Miami, FL | 46 | C+ |
| 4 | William Rainey Harper College | Palatine, IL | 9 | C+ |
| 5 | College of Lake County | Grayslake, IL | 2 | C+ |
| 6 | Northern Michigan University | Marquette, MI | 1 | C+ |
| 7 | Moraine Valley Community College | Palos Hills, IL | 1 | C+ |
| 8 | UEI College-Bakersfield | Bakersfield, CA | 40 | C |
| 9 | UEI College-Chula Vista | Chula Vista, CA | 39 | C |
| 10 | University of New Haven | West Haven, CT | 39 | C |
| 11 | UEI College-Garden Grove | Garden Grove, CA | 24 | C |
| 12 | UEI College-Gardena | Gardena, CA | 23 | C |
| 13 | UEI College-Oceanside | Oceanside, CA | 22 | C |
| 14 | UEI College-West Covina | West Covina, CA | 20 | C |
| 15 | UEI College-Huntington Park | Huntington Park, CA | 17 | C |
| 16 | Oakton College | Des Plaines, IL | 4 | C |
| 17 | Southwestern Illinois College | Belleville, IL | 3 | C |
| 18 | Kaskaskia College | Centralia, IL | 2 | C |
| 19 | Delta College | University Center, MI | 1 | C |
| 20 | UEI College-Ontario | Ontario, CA | 45 | D |
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much do security guards make?
The median annual salary for security guards is $38,370.
What education do security guards need?
Most security guards positions require a high school diploma or equivalent.
Common degree programs include Security and Loss Prevention Services.
Is becoming security guards a good career choice?
Security guards is projected to see +0.4% job growth from 2024 to 2034,
which is about average for all occupations. With approximately 161,000 job openings expected annually,
there are good opportunities for those entering the field.
What are the best colleges for security guards?
Top colleges for aspiring security guards include
Hillsborough Community College, Gateway Technical College, Miami Dade College, William Rainey Harper College, College of Lake County.
These schools are ranked based on their Repit grade and the number of graduates in related programs.
What other job titles are similar to security guards?
Security guards may also be known as: Alarm Investigator, Armed Guard, Armed Security Guard, Armed Security Officer, Armored Car Driver, Armored Car Guard, Bag Checker, Baggage Inspector, Baggage Screener, Baggage Security Checker, Bank Guard, Bodyguard, Bouncer, Camp Guard, Campus Security Officer (CSO), Closed Circuit Screen Watcher, Custom Protection Officer (CPO), Customer Security Clerk, Customer Service Security Officer, Door Tender.
These titles often refer to similar roles with varying responsibilities or specializations.