Security Guards

Career summary

Security guards' duties vary with the size, type, and location of their employer.

Security guards may patrol on foot or in a car. They patrol and inspect buildings and grounds. They check to see that windows, doors, and gates are locked. They make sure that security equipment is working correctly.

Guards who work in stores watch for theft by customers.

Guards in banks watch for robbers. Some drive armored vehicles to transport money or valuables safely to and from banks. Other guards drive and provide protection to their employers.

Guards in offices and factories check employee identification and answer visitor questions.

Airport guards may use screening equipment to detect the presence of guns or other illegal items.

Some guards patrol nightclubs and bars. They walk around and watch customers for signs of fighting. They warn customers when they are being too rowdy. Sometimes guards must evict customers.

Security guards record security information. They investigate alarms in emergencies and call the police or fire departments when necessary.

Related careers

This career is part of the Law, Public Safety, Corrections, and Security cluster of careers.

Related careers include:

• Bailiffs
• Couriers and Messengers
• Detectives and Investigators
• Fish and Game Wardens
• Life Guards and Ski Patrollers
• Mail Carriers
• Parking Enforcement Officers
• Parking Lot Attendants
• Private Detectives and Investigators
• Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installers
• Transportation Security Screeners

Military careers

• Law Enforcement and Security Specialists

Job duties

Task list

The following list of tasks is specific to security guards.

• Use detecting equipment to screen individuals. Prevent forbidden material from entering protected areas.
• Patrol factories or retail businesses to protect property. Check security of doors, windows, and gates.
• Answer alarms and investigate any problems.
• Monitor and allow employees, visitors, and other people to enter or leave buildings.
• Write reports of daily activities and any problems, such as property damage, theft, or unusual events.
• Use radio or telephone to call police or fire departments.
• Walk among visitors, patrons, and employees to maintain order and protect property.
• Answer telephone calls. Take messages, answer questions, and provide information during non-business hours.
• Warn people when they are breaking rules. May remove troublemakers from buildings, using force when necessary.
• Escort or drive individuals to places or events and provide protection.
• Inspect security systems to make sure they are working and that no one has bothered them.
• Drive and guard armored vehicles to transport and provide safe delivery of money and valuables.
• Monitor and adjust temperature controls, such as air conditioning, furnace, or boiler.

Common work activities

Security guards perform the following tasks. These tasks are common to many careers.

• Get information needed to do the job
• Communicate with supervisors, peers, or subordinates
• Document and record information
• Make decisions and solve problems
• Monitor events, materials, and surroundings
• Perform for or work with the public
• Process information
• Identify objects, actions, and events
• Resolve conflicts and negotiate with others
• Teach others
• Inspect equipment, structures, or materials
• Guide, direct, and motivate others
• Coordinate the work and activities of others
• Evaluate information against standards
• Establish and maintain relationships
• Update and use job-related knowledge
• Organize, plan, and prioritize work
• Develop and build teams
• Explain the meaning of information to others
• Schedule work and activities
• Perform activities that use the whole body
• Judge the value of objects, services, or people
• Coach others
• Develop goals and strategies
• Analyze data or information
• Assist and care for others
• Communicate with people outside the organization

Work requirements

Working conditions

In a typical work setting, security guards:

Interpersonal relationships

• Have a high level of social contact. They talk to the public and coworkers. Those who work night shifts generally have a lower level of social contact.
• Are responsible for the health and safety of others.
• Often deal with angry, unpleasant, or violent individuals. Guards who work at night clubs may deal with more aggression than other guards.
• Are often placed in conflict situations.
• Are somewhat responsible for work outcomes and the work done by other guards.
• Communicate with the public and coworkers daily by telephone or in person.
• Write letters and e-mails on a monthly basis.
• Work in a group or as part of a team.

Physical work conditions

• May work indoors or outdoors, depending on the type of job and duties.
• Are often exposed to sounds and noise levels that are distracting and uncomfortable. Guards who work at night clubs may be exposed to uncomfortable noise levels more than other guards.
• Are sometimes exposed to contaminants.
• Sometimes are exposed to extremely bright or inadequate lighting conditions.
• Work near other people, but usually have a few feet of space separating them from others.
• Often wear a special uniform.

Work performance

• Must be exact in their work. Errors could result in injuries or property loss.
• Repeat the same physical activities.
• Make decisions on a regular basis that strongly impact the public. They consult supervisors for some decisions, but make most without talking to a supervisor.
• Are usually able to set their tasks for the day without consulting with a supervisor.

Hours/travel

• Generally have a set schedule each week.
• May work full time or part time, but most work 40 hours a week.
• May work days, evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• May eat on the job rather than take a break away from the site.
• May be on-call in case of emergencies.

Physical demands

Security guards frequently:

• Walk or run for long periods of time.
• Stand for long periods of time.

It is important for security guards to be able to:

• See details of objects that are more than a few feet away.
• Understand the speech of another person.
• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
• See details of objects that are less than a few feet away.

It is not as important, but still necessary, for security guards to be able to:

• Hear sounds and recognize the difference between them.
• Focus on one source of sound and ignore others.
• Use muscles to lift, push, pull, or carry heavy objects.
• See differences between colors, shades, and brightness.
• Use stomach and lower back muscles to support the body for long periods without getting tired.
• Be physically active for long periods without getting tired or out of breath.
• Move two or more limbs together (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while remaining in place.
• Determine the distance between objects.
• Use muscles to jump, sprint, or throw objects.
• React quickly using hands, fingers, or feet.
• Use muscles for extended periods without getting tired.
• Choose quickly and correctly among various movements when responding to different signals.
• Make quick, precise adjustments to machine controls.
• Bend, stretch, twist, or reach out.
• Coordinate movement of several parts of the body, such as arms and legs, while the body is moving.
• Keep or regain the body's balance or stay upright when in an unstable position.
• Hold the arm and hand in one position or hold the hand steady while moving the arm.
• See objects in very bright or glaring light.
• While looking forward, see objects or movements that are off to the side.

Skills and abilities

Security guards need to:

Communicate

• Listen to others and ask questions.
• Understand spoken information.
• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
• Read and understand work-related materials.

Reason and problem solve

• Notice when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong.
• Concentrate and not be distracted while performing a task.
• Analyze ideas and use logic to determine their strengths and weaknesses.
• Use reasoning to discover answers to problems.
• Combine several pieces of information and draw conclusions.
• Understand new information or materials by studying and working with them.

Manage oneself, people, time, and things

• Check how well one is learning or doing something.

Work with people

• Change behavior in relation to others' actions.
• Be aware of others' reactions and understand the possible causes.

Perceive and visualize

• Identify a pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in distracting material.
• Quickly and accurately compare letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns.

Education and training

Educational programs

The programs of study listed below will help you prepare for the occupation or career cluster you are exploring.

Programs of study to consider

• Criminal Justice
• Homeland Security
• Law Enforcement and Police Science
• Security Studies

Training

To work as a security guard, you typically need to:

• have a high school diploma or equivalent;
• complete short-term, on-the-job training; and
• pass a physical exam and background check.

Work experience

For most jobs you do not need previous work experience in this area. However, some jobs require a background in security. For instance, security screeners at airports need one year of experience in security work or as an x-ray technician.

On-the-job training

Most security guards receive on-the-job training. However, the amount and type of training you receive varies. Guards who will not use guns may receive up to one month of training.

Guards receive training in protection, report writing, and first aid. You also receive specific training for your individual assignment. Armed guards receive formal training in controlling weapons. They also learn to avoid using weapons.

Guards who work at companies that require high security receive extensive formal training. For example, guards at nuclear power plants receive several months of training. In addition to the training listed above, you also learn about operating alarm systems and spotting and dealing with security problems. Airport security screeners get 40 hours of classroom training and 60 hours of on-the-job training.

Military training

Some branches of the military train people to be law enforcement and security specialists. Training lasts from five to 12 weeks, depending on your specialty. Additional training occurs on the job.

Helpful high school courses

You should take a general high school curriculum that meets the state's graduation requirements. You will be required to take both math and science classes to graduate.

Helpful electives to take in high school that prepare you for this career include:

• Community Protection
• Criminal Justice Assisting
• Criminology
• Physical Education

The courses listed above are meant to help you create your high school plan. If you have not already done so, talk to a school counselor or parent about the courses you are considering taking.

You should also check with a teacher or counselor to see if work-based learning opportunities are available in your school and community. These might include field trips, job shadowing, internships, and actual work experience. The goal of these activities is to help you connect your school experiences with real-life work.

Join some groups, try some hobbies, or volunteer with an organization that interests you. By participating in activities you can have fun, make new friends, and learn about yourself. Maybe one of them will help direct you to a future career. Here are examples of activities and groups that may be available in your high school or community.

Things to know

Most employers require guards to be licensed. Guards must be at least 18 years old. For armed guards, employers prefer individuals who have a high school diploma or equivalent. Many jobs require a driver's license. Employers who hire armed guards prefer applicants who have had responsible experience in other jobs.

Many employers thoroughly screen applicants. For example, they check applicants' background, criminal records, and fingerprints. Applicants should be in good health and not have committed any serious criminal offenses. Applicants need references who can speak positively about their past work experiences and character. Employers look for applicants who are mentally alert, emotionally stable, and physically fit. When hiring guards who will work with the public, employers look for guards who can communicate well.

For positions with the Federal Government, guards must have some experience in the field. They must also pass a written exam. Experience in any area of the military is very helpful. To apply for these positions, guards must also pass firearms and first aid tests.

Licensing/certification

Candidates for federal jobs must have some guard experience and pass a written examination. Some applicants must be trained to use firearms.

Security guards working in the state of Washington, except those employed by a private employer who is not a licensed security agency, must be licensed. Security guards must be licensed as unarmed or armed guards.

The requirements for unarmed private security guards include:

• being 18 years of age
• being a US citizen or resident alien;
• no record of criminal convictions;
• employment with, or job offer from, a licensed private security guard company;
• completion of pre-assignment training requirements;
• state background check by the Washington State Patrol and submission of fingerprints; and
• payment of required fees.

The requirements for armed security guards include:

• being licensed as an unarmed private security guard;
• being 21 years of age;
• submission of one set of fingerprints;
• current firearms certificate issued by the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission; and
• payment of required fees.

For more information, contact:

Washington State Department of Licensing
Private Security Guard Licensing Program 
PO Box 9649
Olympia, WA 98507-9649
360.664.6611

#2/12/20

Job listings

Listed below are links to job categories from the National Labor Exchange that relate to this career. Once you get a list of jobs, you can view information about individual jobs and find out how to apply. If your job search finds too many openings, or if you wish to search for jobs outside of Washington, you will need to refine your search.

• Security Guards 

To get a listing of current jobs from the WorkSource system, go to the WorkSource website .

Wages

The minimum wage for Washington State as of January 1, 2020 is $13.50 per hour. Some areas of the state may have a higher minimum wage.

Wages vary by area of the country and the security guard's level of experience. In addition, armed guards earn higher wages than unarmed guards. Some guards receive higher wages for working evening or night shifts. They may also be paid higher wages for working overtime.

Security guards who work full time often receive benefits. Typical benefits include health insurance, sick leave, and paid vacation. Some employers also provide a retirement plan.

Employment and outlook

The table below provides information about the number of workers in this career in various regions. It also provides information about the expected growth rate and future job openings.

National employment

Security firms and agencies provide guards to businesses who hire security for a short period of time. Other security guards are employees of the businesses that they protect, such as banks, bars, and hospitals.

Major employers:

• Security guard and armored car services
• Government agencies
• Schools, colleges, and universities
• Hospitals

National outlook

Demand for this occupation will grow steadily as there is concern about crime, vandalism, and terrorism. As budgets are cut, private security firms are taking over jobs that used to be performed by government police officers. For example, security firm guards monitor crowds at airports.

Competition for higher-paying security guard jobs will be strong. Many job openings will occur each year as people retire or leave the job for other reasons.

Other resources

Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences 

International Guards Union of America 
PO Box 687
1305 Knight Street
Richland, WA 99352
509.965.2930

National Retail Federation 
1101 New York Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20005
800.673.4692
202.783.7971

Security Industry Association 
8405 Colesville Road, Suite 500
Silver Spring, MD 20910
301.804.4700

US Department of Justice 

References

Career cluster

• Law, Public Safety, Corrections, and Security

Career path

• Realistic (Technical)

O*Net  occupation

• Security Guards (33-9032.00) 

O*Net job zone 

• Job Zone 2 - Some preparation needed. Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience may be helpful in these occupations, but usually is not needed.

DOT occupations

• Airline Security Representative (372.667-010) 
• Armored-car Guard (372.567-010) 
• Armored-car Guard and Driver (372.563-010) 
• Bodyguard (372.667-014) 
• Bouncer (376.667-010) 
• Gate Guard (372.667-030) 
• Golf-course Ranger (379.667-010) 
• Guard, Security (372.667-034) 
• Merchant Patroller (372.667-038) 

Holland occupational cluster

• Realistic/Conventional/Enterprising

COPSystem

• Service Skilled