Security Guard Jobs Near Me: Requirements and Pay
Find security guard jobs near you paying $15-30/hour. Learn licensing requirements, compare employers, and explore career growth paths.
By Admin
Security is a $55+ billion industry in the US, and the demand for guards continues to grow. Whether you want a quiet overnight post at an office building or an active role at a hospital or event venue, security work offers steady employment, flexible schedules, and surprisingly good pay for the right positions.
Security Guard Pay by Type
- Unarmed Security Guard: $15-20/hour. The most common entry point. Patrol buildings, monitor cameras, check IDs, and write incident reports. No firearms training needed.
- Armed Security Guard: $20-30/hour. Requires additional firearms training and licensing (40-80 hours depending on state). Banks, cash transport, and high-value asset protection.
- Hospital Security: $17-24/hour. De-escalation training required. Fast-paced environment dealing with agitated patients and visitors. Many hospitals offer full benefits to security staff.
- Event Security: $16-25/hour. Concerts, sports games, and festivals. Often weekend/evening work. Companies like Contemporary Services Corporation (CSC) and Crowd Management Services hire nationwide.
- Executive Protection: $60,000-120,000/year. Bodyguard work for executives, celebrities, or dignitaries. Requires extensive training and often a military/law enforcement background.
- Corporate Security Manager: $65,000-95,000/year. Oversee security operations for office campuses or retail chains. Typically requires 5+ years of experience.
Requirements to Become a Security Guard
Basic Requirements (All States)
- Be at least 18 years old (21 for armed security)
- Pass a background check (felony convictions typically disqualify)
- High school diploma or GED
- US citizen or authorized to work in the US
State Licensing
Most states require a security guard license or registration. The process typically involves:
- Completing 8-40 hours of training (varies by state — California requires 40 hours, Texas requires 6 hours online)
- Passing a background check through state police or a regulatory agency
- Paying a licensing fee ($30-100)
- Renewing every 1-2 years with continuing education
Some employers provide training and cover licensing costs for new hires — ask about this during your interview.
Largest Security Employers
- Allied Universal: 300,000+ employees. The largest security company in North America. Offers every type of security post imaginable.
- Securitas: 110,000+ US employees. Strong in corporate and commercial security.
- GardaWorld: Cash transport, event security, and consulting. Known for higher-than-average pay.
- Prosegur: Growing presence in the US market with technology-focused security roles.
Best Security Posts for Different Preferences
Quiet Posts (Study or Side Projects)
Overnight office buildings, residential gate houses, and construction site watch. These posts involve periodic patrols with extended downtime — many guards use this time productively.
Active Posts (Stay Busy)
Hospital emergency departments, retail loss prevention, and event venues. If you get restless sitting still, these posts keep you moving and engaged.
Career-Building Posts
Government facilities (leads to federal security clearance), tech company campuses (networking opportunities), and corporate security operations centers (learn surveillance technology).
Growing Into a Security Career
Security is more than a stopgap job. The path from guard to six-figure security director is well-established: Guard → Shift Supervisor → Site Manager → Area Manager → Regional Director. Certifications like CPP (Certified Protection Professional) from ASIS International dramatically increase your earning potential and credibility.