What Does A Security Guard Do (including Their Typical Day at Work)

Stan T.Career, Overview

Salary, Job Description, How To Become One, and Quiz

Security Guards

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

Salary
$34360
Becoming One
Easy
Education
No degree required
Job Satisfaction
Low
Job Growth

Personality
Interest Match


What they do

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 the security of premises.
  • Write reports of daily activities and irregularities, such as equipment or property damage, theft, presence of unauthorized persons, or unusual occurrences.

Typical day

On a daily basis, Security Guards write reports of daily activities and irregularities, such as equipment or property damage, theft, presence of unauthorized persons, or unusual occurrences. They inspect and adjust security systems, equipment, or machinery to ensure operational use and to detect evidence of tampering.

A typical day for a Security Guard will also include:

  • Monitor and authorize entrance and departure of employees, visitors, and other persons to guard against theft and maintain the security of premises.
  • Patrol industrial or commercial premises to prevent and detect signs of intrusion and ensure the security of doors, windows, and gates.
  • Lock doors and gates of entrances and exits to secure buildings.
  • Circulate among visitors, patrons, or employees to preserve order and protect property.
  • Answer telephone calls to take messages, answer questions, and provide information during non-business hours or when the switchboard is closed.

Other responsibilities

Besides their typical day, Security Guards also warn persons of rule infractions or violations, and apprehend or evict violators from premises, using force when necessary. They may also answer alarms and investigate disturbances.

On a weekly to monthly basis, Security Guards answer telephone calls to take messages, answer questions, and provide information during non-business hours or when the switchboard is closed. They might also operate detecting devices to screen individuals and prevent the passage of prohibited articles into restricted areas.

In addition, they inspect and adjust security systems, equipment, or machinery to ensure operational use and to detect evidence of tampering.

Although specific duties may vary, many of them call police or fire departments in cases of emergency, such as fire or the presence of unauthorized persons.

To some Security Guards, it is also their responsibility to monitor and adjust controls that regulate building systems, such as air conditioning, furnace, or boiler.

What is the job like

Job satisfaction

Low

Is this job meaningful

Average

53% said they were satisfied with their job and 49% said they found their job meaningful.


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 security guard performing a number of tasks in order to ensure that the business is running as it should be. Some other activities performed by a security guard would include checking identification cards to make sure people are allowed onto certain areas, inspecting materials brought into the property such as food and drink items, or handling packages brought into the building. When the security guard is not checking for people and materials that are being brought into the building then they will be performing rounds around the building and its grounds to make sure everything is still in order.

Outside of ensuring that every employee who works on the property is safe and secure, a security guard will also be walking around to make sure that nothing suspicious is going on. They will also patrol their areas at random times to ensure no one is breaking any rules or laws.

Pros

A major benefit of being a security guard is the opportunity to choose the hours necessary for their job. Many officers enjoy shifts that allow them to work late and on weekends, which can be beneficial for many reasons such as demanding schedules. Security officers are also afforded ample opportunities in which they can gain experience in different environments. The opportunity for shift positions allows many officers opportunity to get used to jobs such as guarding as well researching areas like crime statistics and patterns, cultural differences, or performing equipment maintenance.

Cons

I’ve heard that being a security guard has its drawbacks as there’s not a lot of room for advancement. This couldn’t be further from the truth as I’m a testament to that. Think of what your strengths and interests lie. In my case, I was very interested in marketing in the form of search engine optimization. The way I was able to work my way up the ladder was to showcase my skills and everything I was learning to the marketing department. Since I already was involved in the company, it was easy to get in touch with the right people. The company already knew I was dependable and had a positive attitude, so that helped open the door. I was able to continue growing in my role and skillset and am now the head of Marketing at my security company.


Pros

Suitable for people who like practical and hands-on work.

Suitable for people who want 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).

Cons

Not suitable for people who like to work with designs.

One of the lowest paying jobs.

How much do they make

Average salary

$34360 per year

Average hourly wage

$17 per hour

Entry-level Security Guards with little to no experience can expect to make anywhere between $21,930 to $26,200 per year or $11 to $13 per hour.

Salary by experience Annual Hourly
Highest (Top 10%) $51,600 $25
Senior (Top 25%) $39,220 $19
Median $31,050 $15
Junior (Bottom 25%) $26,200 $13
No experience (Bottom 10%) $21,930 $11

This table shows the top 10 highest paying industries for Security Guards based on their average annual salary.

Salary by industry Annual Hourly
Architectural, Engineering, and Related Services $59150 $28.44
Navigational, Measuring, Electromedical, and Control Instruments Manufacturing $56500 $27.16
Aerospace Product and Parts Manufacturing $55650 $26.76
Fabricated Metal Product Manufacturing $55440 $26.66
Agencies, Brokerages, and Other Insurance Related Activities $54640 $26.27
Electric Power Generation, Transmission and Distribution $53400 $25.67
Legal Services $53150 $25.55
Monetary Authorities-Central Bank $51340 $24.69
Computer Systems Design and Related Services $50730 $24.39
Scientific Research and Development Services $50680 $24.37

View more salary by industries here.

Where can they work

Where can Security Guards work? Here is a table showing the top 10 largest employers of Security Guards including the average salary in that industry.

Employers Total Employed Annual Salary Hourly Wages
Investigation and Security Services 662730 $32510 $15.63
General Medical and Surgical Hospitals 39120 $38980 $18.74
Elementary and Secondary Schools 32980 $38540 $18.53
Local Government 24290 $40770 $19.60
Traveler Accommodation 22010 $34520 $16.59
Real Estate 21920 $42940 $20.65
Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools 18820 $38160 $18.35
General Merchandise Stores 15030 $31920 $15.35
Drinking Places (Alcoholic Beverages) 13270 $33310 $16.02
Employment Services 10890 $30960 $14.89

What is the work day like

Working hours

Less than 40 hours
14%

40 hours
59%

More than 40 hours
28%

Working schedule

93%

7%

0%

Email

How often do you use email in this job?

Once a week
6%

Every day
29%

Telephone

How often do you have telephone conversations in this job?

Once a week
22%

Every day
67%

Group discussions

How often do you have group discussions in this job?

Once a week
1%

Every day
82%

Public speaking

How often does this job require you to do public speaking?

Never
82%

Once a year
15%

Once a month
2%

Once a week
0%

Every day
0%

Level of competition

How much competitive pressure is in this job?

Not competitive at all
11%

Slightly competitive
16%

Moderately competitive
6%

Highly competitive
53%

Extremely competitive
14%

What is the work environment like

Office-style environment

Indoors in an environmentally controlled condition

Never
0%

Once a year or more
0%

Once a month or more
9%

Once a week or more
13%

Every day
78%

Warehouse-style environment

Indoors in a non-controlled environmental condition such as a warehouse

Never
55%

Once a year or more
4%

Once a month or more
7%

Once a week or more
13%

Every day
20%

Outdoors

Outdoors exposed to all weather conditions

Never
16%

Once a year or more
6%

Once a month or more
21%

Once a week or more
1%

Every day
56%

Outdoors – Under Cover

Outdoors but under cover (e.g. structure with roof but no walls)

Never
57%

Once a year or more
14%

Once a month or more
9%

Once a week or more
12%

Every day
7%

How to become one

Difficulty to become one

Easy
You may need some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience. Most careers in this difficulty category usually don’t require a degree. However, you will need a few months of on-the-job training with experienced employees. Similar careers include Customer Service Representatives, Security Guards, and Bank Tellers.

Required level of education

What level of education do you need to perform the job?

Less than a High School Diploma
0%

High School Diploma or equivalent
89%

Post-Secondary Certificate
1%

Some College Courses
9%

Associate’s Degree or similar
1%

Bachelor’s Degree
0%

Post-Baccalaureate Certificate
0%

Master’s Degree
0%

Post-Master’s Certificate
0%

First Professional Degree
0%

Doctoral Degree
0%

Post-Doctoral Training
0%

Relevant majors

Security and Loss Prevention Services

A program that prepares individuals to perform routine inspection, patrol and crime prevention services for private clients. Includes instruction in the provision of personal protection as well as property security.

Relevant work experience

How much related work experience do you need to get hired for the job?

None
38%

1 month
0%

1 to 3 months
1%

3 to 6 months
36%

6 months to 1 year
7%

1 to 2 years
17%

2 to 4 years
1%

4 to 6 years
0%

6 to 8 years
0%

8 to 10 years
0%

Over 10 years
0%

On The Job Training

How much on the job training do you need to perform the job?

None or short demonstration
16%

1 month
68%

1 to 3 months
14%

3 to 6 months
1%

6 months to 1 year
1%

1 to 2 years
0%

2 to 4 years
0%

4 to 10 years
0%

Over 10 years
0%

Should you become one

Best personality type for this career

The Builder

People with this personality type likes practical and hands-on work. They prefer working with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery.

The Builder
100%

People with The Builder personality type likes practical and hands-on work. They prefer working with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery.


The Thinker
33%

People with The Thinker personality likes to work with ideas that require an extensive amount of thinking. They prefer work that requires them to solve problems mentally.


The Artist
19%

People with The Artist personality likes to work with designs and patterns. They prefer activities that require self-expression and prefer work that can be done without following a clear set of rules.


The Helper
48%

People with The Helper personality type likes to work with people and in teams. They prefer work that allows them to build relationships with others.


The Leader
62%

People with The Leader personality likes to start and work on projects. They also like leading people and making many decisions.


The Organizer
76%

People with The Organizer personality type likes to follow set procedures and routines. They prefer working with data and details more than with ideas.


You can read more about these career personality types here.

People who are suitable for this job tend 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.

Take this quiz to see if this is the right career for you.

Work Values

Which values are the most important to a person’s satisfaction for this job?

Achievement
48%

You are someone who is results oriented. You prefer work that allows you to utilize your skills and abilities while at the same time giving you a sense of accomplishment.

Working Conditions
43%

You are someone who values job security, steady employment, and good working conditions. You also prefer work that keeps you busy all the time with something different to do every day.

Recognition
43%

You are someone who values job advancement and leadership roles. You prefer work that receives recognition for the work you do and jobs that are looked up to by others in the company and your community.

Relationships
71%

You are someone who likes to provide a service to others. You prefer a work environment where you can work with your co-workers in a friendly non-competitive environment.

Support
76%

You are someone who values a company that stands behind their employees. You prefer a work environment where everyone is treated fairly and is being supported by the company.

Independence
67%

You are someone who likes to work on your own and make your own decisions. You prefer work that requires little supervision and are allowed to try out your own ideas.

FAQ


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