Security Guards
Security guards monitor buildings, grounds, and other premises to prevent theft, vandalism, and rule violations. They work in offices, retail stores, hospitals, schools, warehouses, and other facilities. Guards may patrol areas on foot or by vehicle, monitor security cameras, check identification, and operate metal detectors or x-ray equipment.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against security guards and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
A typical shift involves walking patrol routes, monitoring entrance and exit points, and watching security camera feeds. Guards check employee badges, respond to alarms, and document incidents in logs. They may inspect packages, operate scanning equipment, or unlock and lock doors at scheduled times. Shifts often include evening, night, or weekend hours. The work requires sustained attention and the ability to respond quickly if problems arise.
Who this work suits
Holland code RCE. Realistic work is hands-on, practical work with tools, machines or the outdoors. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.
You tend to be detail-oriented and comfortable following established procedures and rules. You prefer structured work with clear guidelines and do well in roles that involve observation and monitoring. You're reliable, alert, and able to work independently while staying focused on safety and security tasks.
What it takes
Preparation: Some preparation (usually high school; some on-the-job training). Most people in this occupation hold a high school diploma.
Skills that matter most
Knowledge areas
Who is hiring
Openings right now
- Security Guard · Army Tank-Automotive and Armament Command (TACOM) · Watervliet, New York · $46848–$60902
- Security Guard · Army Tank-Automotive and Armament Command (TACOM) · Herlong Sierra Ordnance Depot, California · $40736–$59031
- Security Guard (Instructor) · ARMY TRANSPORTATION · Concord, California · $63081–$82007
- Security Guard · Bureau of Indian Education · Lawrence, Kansas · $41400–$53821
- Supervisory Security Guard · U.S. Special Operations Command (Army) · Fort Bragg, North Carolina · $64453–$83794
- Security Guard · U.S. Army Communications Electronics Command · Tobyhanna, Pennsylvania · $53512–$69565
- Security Guard · United States Army Installation Management Command · Fort Detrick, Maryland · $54307–$70599
- SECURITY GUARD · Commander, Navy Installations Command · Coronado, California · $46533–$67432
Openings are read from employers’ own career pages and public job boards and change daily. Search all openings (free account) to filter by distance, pay and how well you qualify.
Pay by state
| State | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| District of Columbia | $45,510 | $64,210 | $74,200 | 15,880 |
| Alaska | $44,370 | $47,480 | $60,400 | 2,100 |
| Washington | $42,030 | $47,100 | $56,990 | 25,800 |
| Vermont | $38,560 | $45,550 | $61,730 | 930 |
| Oregon | $39,680 | $45,500 | $48,420 | 12,200 |
| New Hampshire | $38,000 | $45,200 | $55,360 | 2,450 |
| Colorado | $37,920 | $45,150 | $47,580 | 16,890 |
| Massachusetts | $37,720 | $44,670 | $45,760 | 23,930 |
| New York | $37,210 | $44,240 | $51,850 | 134,700 |
| Virginia | $35,990 | $43,640 | $54,850 | 34,870 |
| Minnesota | $37,020 | $43,380 | $46,110 | 14,440 |
| New Mexico | $35,570 | $43,320 | $53,530 | 8,410 |
All 50 states, D.C. and Puerto Rico
Certifications people in this field hold
- Professional Security Officer Program (PSOP) — International Foundation for Protection Officers
- Certified Cargo Security Professional (CCSP) — North American Transportation Management Institute
- Certified Lodging Security Officer (CLSO) — American Hotel and Lodging Association Educational Institute
- Court and Judicial Security Certification — National Sheriffs' Association
- Certified Community Bank Security Officer (CCBSO) — Independent Community Bankers of America
Training
Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.
Job titles in this occupation
and 29 more
Related occupations
Four short assessments and your background, scored against security guards and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 33-9032.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.