Career Profile: Security Guards

Salary and Outlook

According to the US Department of Labor, there are 1,077,700 people employed as security guards in the United States. The median annual salary is $31,470. Entry level employees earn approximately $23,250 per year and senior employees earn approximately $50,040 per year.

Estimates do not include other potential benefits such as health insurance, overtime, or retirement benefits that may be offered by employers.

Job Duties

• 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.
• Respond to medical emergencies by administering basic first aid or by obtaining assistance from paramedics.
• Circulate among visitors, patrons, or employees to preserve order and protect property.
• 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.
• Operate detecting devices to screen individuals and prevent passage of prohibited articles into restricted areas.
• Inspect and adjust security systems, equipment, or machinery to ensure operational use and to detect evidence of tampering.
• Escort or drive motor vehicle to transport individuals to specified locations or to provide personal protection.
• Monitor and adjust controls that regulate building systems, such as air conditioning, furnace, or boiler.
• 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.
• Lock doors and gates of entrances and exits to secure buildings.

Career Explorer