Salary, Job Description, How To Become One, and Quiz
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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.
Table of contents
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
Is this job meaningful
53% said they were satisfied with their job and 49% said they found their job meaningful.
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
Average hourly wage
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 |
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What is the work day like
Working hours
Working schedule
How often do you use email in this job?
Telephone
How often do you have telephone conversations in this job?
Group discussions
How often do you have group discussions in this job?
Public speaking
How often does this job require you to do public speaking?
Level of competition
How much competitive pressure is in this job?
What is the work environment like
Office-style environment
Indoors in an environmentally controlled condition
Warehouse-style environment
Indoors in a non-controlled environmental condition such as a warehouse
Outdoors
Outdoors exposed to all weather conditions
Outdoors – Under Cover
Outdoors but under cover (e.g. structure with roof but no walls)
How to become one
Difficulty to become one
Required level of education
What level of education do you need to perform the job?
Relevant majors
Security and Loss Prevention Services
Relevant work experience
How much related work experience do you need to get hired for the job?
On The Job Training
How much on the job training do you need to perform the job?
Should you become one
Best personality type for this career
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
People with The Leader personality likes to start and work on projects. They also like leading people and making many decisions.
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?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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