Career Overview
Guard, patrol, or monitor premises to prevent theft, violence, or infractions of rules. May operate x-ray and metal detector equipment.
Also Known As
- Safety and Security Officer
- Security Agent
- Security Guard
- Security Officer
Alternate Job Titles
- Access Control Security Officer
- Alarm Investigator
- Armed Guard
- Armed Security Guard
- Armed Security Officer
- Armored Car Driver
- Armored Car Guard
- Bag Checker
- Baggage Inspector
- Baggage Screener
- Baggage Security Checker
- Bank Guard
- Bodyguard
- Bouncer
- Camp Guard
What You'll Do
In this role, your typical responsibilities include:
- Lock doors and gates of entrances and exits to secure buildings.
- 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.
- 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.
Knowledge You'll Use
You'll need solid knowledge in these areas:
- Public Safety and Security
- Customer and Personal Service
- English Language
- Computers and Electronics
- Administration and Management
- Education and Training
- Telecommunications
- Administrative
- Law and Government
Essential Skills
Success in this career requires strong skills in:
- Active Listening
Key Abilities
This career requires key abilities in:
- Problem Sensitivity
- Far Vision
- Oral Comprehension
- Selective Attention
- Oral Expression
- Speech Recognition
- Near Vision
- Speech Clarity
- Deductive Reasoning
- Flexibility of Closure
Work Style
People who excel in this career typically demonstrate:
- Integrity
- Dependability
- Cautiousness
- Self-Control
- Stress Tolerance
What Matters in This Career
This career tends to satisfy these work values:
- Support
- Relationships
- Independence
- Achievement
- Working Conditions
Education & Preparation
Typical Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
On-the-Job Training: Anything beyond short demonstration, up to and including 1 month
Education Details: Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not.
Experience Required: Some occupations may need little or no previous experience; others require several months to a year of experience. For example, landscaping and groundskeeping workers might require very little training or previous experience, while agricultural equipment operators can benefit from on-the job training.
Technology You'll Use
Popular Technologies & Software
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft SharePoint
- Microsoft Word
Tools & Equipment
- Desktop computers
- Digital video cameras
- First aid kits
- Flashlights
- Laptop computers
- Laser facsimile machines
- Metal handcuffs
- Multi-line telephone systems
- Multipurpose fire extinguishers
- Nightsticks
- Patrol cars
- Patrol golf carts
- Pepper spray
- Personal computers
- Photocopiers
Work Environment
- Health and Safety of Other Workers
- Deal With External Customers or the Public in General
- Contact With Others
- Telephone Conversations
- Freedom to Make Decisions
Salary & Job Market
| Salary Percentile | Annual Wage |
|---|---|
| Entry-Level (10th percentile) | $29,800 |
| Median | $38,370 |
| Top Earners (90th percentile) | $59,580 |
Workers Employed Nationally: 1,241,770
Related Careers
If you're interested in this career, you might also consider:
First-Line Supervisors of Security Workers
Education: Associate's Degree (or other 2-year degree)
Median Salary: $58,610
Transit and Railroad Police
Education: Bachelor's Degree
Median Salary: $82,320
Transportation Security Screeners
Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
Median Salary: $63,360
Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers
Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
Median Salary: $76,290
Parking Enforcement Workers
Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
Median Salary: $47,150
Is This Career Right for You?
Discover your perfect career match with our free comprehensive assessment! Get personalized recommendations based on your interests, skills, and values.
Take the Free Career Assessment →
Want Personalized Guidance?
For customized career recommendations, college selection strategies, and expert application support, explore the MehtA+ Admissions Consulting Program. We help students identify the right opportunities and navigate the path to achieving their academic and career goals.
Occupational data sourced from the O*NET OnLine database, developed by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration. Wage data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), 2024.