Security Guards

At a Glance

Median Salary
$29,514
Local Jobs
1,236
Entry-Level Education
High School

Occupation Profile

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

By The Numbers

Median Annual Earnings

$29,514

Median Annual Earnings are the midpoint earned by 50 percent of workers who are the lowest paid and 50 percent of workers who are the highest paid in a particular occupation

Local Jobs

1,236

Jobs are any position in which a worker provides labor in exchange for monetary compensation (note: one individual may hold multiple jobs)

Entry-Level Education

High School

This is the most common education level requested in entry-level job listings.

Daily Tasks

  • 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 security of premises.
  • Write reports of daily activities and irregularities, such as equipment or property damage, theft, presence of unauthorized persons, or unusual occurrences.
  • Patrol industrial or commercial premises to prevent and detect signs of intrusion and ensure security of doors, windows, and gates.
  • Call police or fire departments in cases of emergency, such as fire or presence of unauthorized persons.
  • Circulate among visitors, patrons, or employees to preserve order and protect property.
  • Respond to medical emergencies by administering basic first aid or by obtaining assistance from paramedics.
  • Warn persons of rule infractions or violations, and apprehend or evict violators from premises, using force when necessary.
  • Answer telephone calls to take messages, answer questions, and provide information during non-business hours or when switchboard is closed.

Occupational Skills

What skills are necessary for Security Guards?

Hard Skills

Access Controls
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)
Closed-Circuit Television Systems (CCTV)
Criminal Corrections
Emergency Management
Emergency Response
Food Services
Law Enforcement
Patrolling
Two-Way Radios

Soft Skills

Communications
Computer Literacy
Customer Service
First Aid
Good Driving Record
Management
Operations
Problem Solving
Professionalism
Valid Driver's License

Hard skills are specific, learnable, measurable, often industry- or occupation-specific abilities related to a position.

Soft skills can be self-taught and usually do not necessitate a certain completed level of education. They are essential in many industries and occupations.

Education Programs

Learn More About

Security Guards

Visit Career Coach for in-depth information and available training programs for this job.

Security Guards

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