Security Guards

Salary Overview

Job Outlook (2024–2034)

Key Skills

Knowledge Areas

What They Do

• Patrol industrial or commercial premises to prevent and detect signs of intrusion and ensure security of doors, windows, and gates.
• Respond to medical emergencies by administering basic first aid or by obtaining assistance from paramedics.
• Answer alarms and investigate disturbances.
• Circulate among visitors, patrons, or employees to preserve order and protect property.
• Write reports of daily activities and irregularities, such as equipment or property damage, theft, presence of unauthorized persons, or unusual occurrences.
• Call police or fire departments in cases of emergency, such as fire or presence of unauthorized persons.
• Operate detecting devices to screen individuals and prevent passage of prohibited articles into restricted areas.
• Lock doors and gates of entrances and exits to secure buildings.

Tools & Technology

★ = Hot Technology (in-demand)

Education Requirements

Typical entry-level education: High School Diploma

Related Careers

Careers with the highest skill compatibility from Security Guards.

A Day in the Life

The start of each shift involves receiving a briefing on incidents from the preceding shift, reviewing any updated procedures or alerts, and conducting an initial survey of the assigned post or patrol zone. Static post guards monitor access points, verify credentials, direct visitors to appropriate areas, and remain alert to any suspicious behavior or unauthorized access attempts. Patrol officers follow scheduled or randomized routes through their assigned area, checking that doors and windows are secured, fire safety equipment is in place, and there are no hazards. When incidents occur—from shoplifting to medical emergencies—guards are often the first on scene, responsible for assessing the situation, ensuring safety, contacting appropriate emergency services, and documenting the incident accurately. Detailed shift logs and incident reports are completed at the end of every shift.

Work Environment

Security guards work in an extraordinary range of settings—shopping malls, hospitals, office complexes, construction sites, concert venues, warehouses, universities, and government buildings—with the specific environment shaping the nature of daily duties significantly. Most positions involve some combination of sitting at a post station, standing at access points, and patrolling on foot or in a vehicle. Overnight shifts are common in the industry, as many facilities require 24/7 coverage. Uniforms and occasionally body armor are part of the standard dress code, and guards at some posts must stand in outdoor weather conditions for extended periods. The work environment is socially dynamic—guards interact with the public, employees, vendors, and first responders throughout every shift, requiring professional communication at all times.

Career Path & Advancement

Most states require security guards to be licensed, which typically involves completing a pre-assignment training course covering legal powers, emergency response, report writing, and public relations. Entry-level unarmed security officer positions are widely available to candidates who are 18 or older with a clean background check and pass a drug screening. After one to two years of experience, workers can pursue armed security officer licensing if they complete firearms training and qualify under state regulations, which typically comes with a significant pay increase. Supervisory roles—shift supervisor, site supervisor, and operations manager—are available to guards who combine reliability, professionalism, and leadership capability. Senior security professionals can move into corporate security director positions, loss prevention management, or federal and private investigations with additional training and experience.

Specializations

Armed security officers work in environments with higher threat profiles—banks, armored car operations, courthouses, and high-value retail—requiring state firearms licensing and regular marksmanship qualification. Loss prevention specialists focus on retail theft detection and apprehension, managing relationships with law enforcement and court systems while working to minimize shrinkage for retail employers. Hospital security officers receive specialized training in de-escalating behavioral health crises, restraint procedures, and patient communication protocols unique to healthcare settings. Personal protection agents—commonly called bodyguards—provide close personal security to executives, celebrities, and high-net-worth individuals, requiring advanced threat assessment, defensive driving, and tactical training.

Pros & Cons

Industry Insight

Demand for security services has grown steadily as businesses, institutions, and governments expand physical security programs in response to concerns about retail theft, workplace violence, and terrorism. Technology—including AI-powered video analytics, remote monitoring platforms, and drone patrol systems—is augmenting but not replacing human security, as physical presence and real-time judgment remain essential in most security contexts. The healthcare sector's growing recognition of violence against staff has significantly expanded security staffing in hospitals and mental health facilities. Private security growth in cannabis retail, cryptocurrency exchanges, and high-end residential communities reflects shifting commercial landscapes. Many jurisdictions are raising minimum training and licensing standards, improving the professionalism and—over time—the compensation of the security workforce.