Security Guards: Salary, Job Description, How To Become One, and Quiz

Stan T.Career, OverviewLeave a Comment

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[custom_headline class=”subheading” type=”left” level=”h3″]Job description [/custom_headline]

Security Guards guard, patrol, or monitor premises to prevent theft, violence, or infractions of rules. May operate x-ray and metal detector equipment.

  • Lock doors and gates of entrances and exits to secure buildings.
  • Answer alarms and investigate disturbances.
  • 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.
Read more about what does a Security Guard really do at work and what is it like being and working as one.

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[custom_headline class=”subheading” type=”left” level=”h3″]Salary [/custom_headline]
Average salary
$32050 per year

Average hourly wage
$15 per hour

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Security Guards with little to no experience tend to make between $20290 and $23400 while the more experienced ones can earn over $37060 per year.

Top 5 paying states Hourly Annual
AK $23 $47,190
DC $21 $44,010
WA $18 $38,470
MO $18 $37,620
MD $18 $36,650

One of the easiest ways to increase your salary as a Security Guard is to move to a higher paying state like AK. Right now, the highest paying states for Security Guards are AK, DC, WA, MO and MD.

However, a higher pay at AK doesn’t guarantee that you will make more because the living expenses at AK might be twice as high than where you are currently at now.

Three other factors that can increase your salary as a Security Guard is the degree you hold, the industry you work in, and lastly the company you work for.

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[custom_headline class=”subheading” type=”left” level=”h3″] Requirements [/custom_headline]
Recommended degree level
No degree required

We asked other Security Guards what degree they had when they got the job and most of them said they had a High School Diploma followed by a College Certificate.

Other than that, we also asked them what did they major in and here are the most popular majors that came up.

No degree required
Read more about how to become a Security Guard and the degree, training and education you need.

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[custom_headline class=”subheading” type=”left” level=”h3″] Pros and Cons [/custom_headline]

Here are some of the pros and cons of being a Security Guard.

[icon type=”thumbs-o-up”] PROS
Suitable for people who likes practical and hands-on work
Suitable for people who wants to work in a supportive work environment
This career is perfect for people who love to work both indoors and outdoors.
It is easy to get into this career. Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for this career.
Normal working hours (40 hours per week)
[icon type=”thumbs-o-down”] CONS
Not suitable for people who likes to work with designs
One of the lowest paying jobs

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[custom_headline class=”subheading” type=”left” level=”h3″]What is the job like[/custom_headline]
Job satisfaction
53%

Is this job meaningful
49%

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53% of Security Guards said they were satisfied with their job and 49% said they feel like their job is making other people’s lives better.

Mario DeAlmeida

I have a unique perspective on what it’s like working as a security guard. I started out as a security guard for the company I’m with now, worked my way into the marketing department and now am the head of that department. My typical day A typical day for a security guard will entail the … Read More

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[custom_headline class=”subheading” type=”left” level=”h3″]Is this right for me[/custom_headline]
Best personality for this career
The Builders and The Organizers

You can read more about these career personality types here.

People who are suitable for this job tends to like work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They like working with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery..

They also like following set procedures and routines. They like working with data and details more than with ideas.

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[content_band class=”toc-bottom” border=”all”] [custom_headline type=”left” style=”margin-top: 0;” level=”h4″ looks_like=”h5″]Learn more about Security Guards[/custom_headline]
[icon type=”home”] Summary (You are here)
[icon type=”list-ul”] Job Description
[icon type=”dollar”] Salary
[icon type=”graduation-cap”] Requirements
[icon type=”heart”] Quiz
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Security Guards job description, Security Guards salary, Security Guards information, what is the job of a Security Guard like, pros and cons about Security Guards, colleges and universities for Security Guards, is Security Guards the right career for me, careers in Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement

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