Security Guard

Your Fit

Income

$38K

Preparation

Some

Growth

-1.3%

Definition
Your fit with this career
How much they earn
What they do
Job satisfaction
How to become

What is a Security Guard?

Security Guards are responsible for the protection of property, assets, and people. They maintain a safe and secure environment by monitoring and patrolling premises to prevent theft, violence, or infractions of rules.

Your test results

Why this fit score?

The fit report shows your areas of fit and misfit with Security Guard.

Fit report

Test scores

The scores report summarizes what we learned about you. It shows your results on everything measured in the career test.

Scores report

How much does a Security Guard earn

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, typical income (in USD) is...

Bottom 10%	Bottom 25%	Median (average)	Top 25%	Top 10%
$30K per year	$35K per year	$38K per year	$47K per year	$60K per year

Compared to other careers: Median is $11K below the national average.

See income by country/state/province

What does a Security Guard do?

Work environment

Security Guards work in a variety of settings, including office buildings, retail stores, entertainment venues, and public buildings. They may work indoors or outdoors, depending on their assignment. The job often requires working in shifts, which can include nights, weekends, and holidays.

Quick task list

Patrols and monitors premises to prevent theft, vandalism, and other illegal activities.
Controls access to buildings and protects employees, guests, and the public.
Reports any suspicious activities or security breaches.
Responds to alarms and emergencies.
Enforces rules and regulations of the premises.
Provides customer service and assistance when necessary.

See full list of tasks with expert relevance ratings

Areas of specialization

Event Security: Specializing in crowd control and safety at events like concerts or sports games.
Corporate Security: Focusing on the protection of corporate buildings and employees.
Retail Security: Working in retail environments to prevent theft and ensure the safety of customers and staff.
Armed Security: Carrying firearms and providing a higher level of security protection.
Personal Security: Offering personal protection services, such as bodyguard duties.

Description

Security Guards play a vital role in maintaining safety and order in various environments. They must be vigilant, observant, and able to quickly assess and react to situations. Effective communication skills are essential, as they frequently interact with the public and collaborate with law enforcement and emergency response teams.

The job requires a thorough understanding of security protocols and the ability to use various security equipment and technology. Security Guards need to be physically fit to handle long periods of standing, patrolling, and potentially dealing with disturbances.

A career as a Security Guard offers a diverse range of opportunities and environments. It can serve as a stepping stone to other careers in law enforcement or security management. Continuous training and development are important, as security threats and technologies evolve.

Job Satisfaction

Sources of satisfaction

Providing a safe and secure environment for people and property.
The variety of work environments and experiences.
Opportunities for problem-solving and handling challenging situations.

You might make a good Security Guard if you are...

Vigilant and have a keen eye for detail.
Responsible and capable of following security protocols.
Physically fit and able to handle long hours of patrolling or standing.
Good at communicating and interacting with the public.
Able to remain calm and effective in high-pressure situations.

Pros:

Stable job opportunities in various industries.
Satisfaction from protecting people and property.
Opportunities for advancement in the security field.

Cons:

Potentially long and irregular hours.
Risk of dealing with confrontational or dangerous situations.
The job can be physically demanding and sometimes monotonous.

How to become a Security Guard

Typical education

A high school diploma or equivalent is generally required for most security guard positions. Additional on-the-job training is typically provided, and some positions may require further certifications or licensure, especially if the role involves carrying a firearm.

High school preparation

Courses:

Physical Education to maintain good physical fitness.
Psychology to understand human behavior.
Communication classes to enhance interpersonal skills.

Extra-Curricular Activities:

Participating in team sports to develop teamwork and physical stamina.
Volunteering in community safety programs.
Joining a drama club to improve observation and acting skills (useful in undercover security work).

Preparation after high school

Obtain security guard training and licensure as required by your state or region.
Consider courses or certifications in security management or criminal justice.
Gain experience in roles that require vigilance and responsibility, such as customer service.

More resources

ASIS International - Provides education and certification for security professionals.
International Foundation for Protection Officers (IFPO) - Offers training and certification programs for security officers.
National Association of Security Companies (NASCO) - Represents security companies and provides industry standards and information.
Security Magazine - Features news, trends, and technology updates in the security industry.
Bureau of Labor Statistics - Security Guards and Gaming Surveillance Officers - Provides detailed information on the occupation, including job outlook and working conditions.

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Similarity is based on what people in the careers do, what they know, and what they are called. The process of establishing similarity lists is described in this white paper.