Public Safety & Security career

Security Guard

Also called: Security Officer · Patrol Officer (Private Security) · Loss Prevention Officer · Site Security Officer

What security guards do, what they earn, how long training takes and how to get started, with official BLS pay data and practical, job-level detail.

Updated By the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team
What does a security guard do?

Security guards protect people, property and information by patrolling, monitoring cameras and alarms, controlling access, enforcing site rules, responding to incidents and writing reports. The median pay is $38,020 per year (BLS, May 2025), most people train for about Days to 2 weeks, and employment is projected to grow +0.9% from 2025–35.

Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026

  • Median pay
    $38,020
    $18.28/hour · May 2025
  • Job growth
    +0.9%
    2025–35, little or no change
  • Openings per year
    156,000
    Average, 2025–35
  • Typical entry education
    High school diploma or equivalent
    BLS classification
  • Time to train
    Days to 2 weeks
    Typical program length
  • U.S. jobs
    1,294,300
    Employment, 2025

What security guards do

Security officers work at offices, hospitals, schools, retail stores, warehouses, events, construction sites and residential communities. Their job is to deter problems, observe and report, help visitors and employees, respond to alarms and emergencies, and coordinate with police and fire when needed.

Most positions require a high school diploma and a state security license or “guard card” in many states, which involves short training and a background check. Armed positions require additional firearms training and licensing. Training is quick, making this one of the fastest ways into public safety.

Typical duties

  • Patrol buildings and grounds on foot or in vehicles
  • Control access and check credentials
  • Monitor CCTV cameras and alarm systems
  • Respond to alarms, disturbances and emergencies
  • Enforce site rules and post orders
  • Write daily activity and incident reports
  • Assist visitors and coordinate with police, fire and EMS

Work environment and schedule

Security guards work indoors and outdoors at many kinds of sites, sometimes alone. Some positions involve standing for long periods, walking patrols or driving, and exposure to confrontations.

Schedule: Security is needed 24/7, so officers work days, evenings, nights, weekends and holidays. Part-time and full-time positions are common.

A day in the life

  1. Arrive for the overnight shift, review post orders and the previous shift’s log.
  2. Conduct the first patrol, checking doors, gates and lighting.
  3. Monitor CCTV and log a vehicle parked in a restricted area.
  4. Respond to a door alarm, find it caused by a faulty sensor and report it for repair.

See a full day in the life of a security guard →

Security Guard salary

Half of security guards earned more than $38,020 and half earned less in May 2025. Pay ranged from about $30,210 for the lowest 10% to $58,840 for the top 10%.

Full security guard pay scale and hourly rates →

How to become a security guard

  1. Check your state’s requirements
  2. Complete training
  3. Apply for your license
  4. Get hired
  5. Advance

A high school diploma is typical. Many states require a security guard license or registration (often called a guard card), which includes a short training course and background check. Armed guards need additional firearms training and permits.

Step-by-step guide to becoming a security guard →

Skills and tools

Technical skills

  • Patrol techniques
  • Access control
  • Report writing
  • CCTV and alarm monitoring
  • Emergency response procedures

People skills

  • Observation
  • Calm communication
  • Reliability
  • Professional appearance and conduct

All security guard skills and tools →

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Fast entry: training in days
  • Many openings and flexible shifts
  • Step toward law enforcement or security management
  • Some posts allow quiet time on overnight shifts

Cons

  • Pay is modest at entry level
  • Nights, weekends and holidays
  • Occasional confrontations
  • Long periods of standing or monotony

Certifications and licenses

  • State guard card or security license: Required in many states; involves training hours and a background check.
  • Armed security license: Additional firearms training and permits for armed posts.
  • First aid, CPR and AED: Often required or preferred.
  • Certified Protection Officer (CPO): A professional credential from the International Foundation for Protection Officers.

Career path

  1. Security Officer: Patrol, monitor and report.
  2. Senior Officer or Shift Supervisor: Lead shifts and train officers.
  3. Site or Account Manager: Manage security programs for clients.
  4. Corporate Security, Law Enforcement or Security Director: Move into investigations, policing or leadership.

Learn the job before day one

Our Security Guard training (6 hours, $59.99) covers the role, 15+ key terms, step-by-step procedures such as write a daily activity report and conduct an effective security patrol, safety and how to land your first job.

View Security Guard trainingIs this career right for me?

Police Officer

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Firefighter

Respond to fires, medical emergencies, rescues and hazmat incidents.

  • $59,280
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Warehouse Associate

Receive, pick, pack and ship orders that keep stores and customers supplied.

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Compare: Security Guard vs. Police Officer · Security Guard vs. Firefighter · Security Guard vs. Customer Service Rep · Security Guard vs. Warehouse Associate

Security Guard FAQ

Do you need a license to be a security guard?

Many states require a license or registration with training and a background check. Armed guards need additional firearms licensing.

How long does security guard training take?

Often days to two weeks, depending on state requirements.

Can security guards arrest people?

Security guards generally have the same limited authority as private citizens, which varies by state. Most employers require officers to observe and report and call police.

How much does a security guard make?

The median annual wage for security guards was $38,020 ($18.28 per hour) in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $30,210 and the highest 10% earned more than $58,840.

How long does it take to become a security guard?

Most people need about Days to 2 weeks of training. A high school diploma is typical. Many states require a security guard license or registration (often called a guard card), which includes a short training course and background check. Armed guards need additional firearms training and permits.

Do you need a degree to be a security guard?

No four-year degree is typically required. BLS lists “high school diploma or equivalent” as the typical entry-level education, plus short-term on-the-job training.

More security guard questions →

Sources

Reviewed by the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team. Pay figures are national estimates; local pay varies. See our editorial policy.

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