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Unpleasant/Angry People
Repetitive
$30,160
Average Salary
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Most security guard jobs require a high school diploma. Gaming surveillance officers sometimes need experience with security and video surveillance. Most states require guards to be registered with the state, especially if they carry a firearm.
EducationSecurity guards generally need a high school diploma or equivalent, although some jobs may not have any education requirements. Gaming surveillance officers also need a high school diploma or equivalent and may need experience with video surveillance technology depending upon assignment.
TrainingAlthough most employers provide instruction for newly hired guards, the amount of training they receive varies. Most guards, however, learn their job in a few weeks. During those few weeks, training from their employer typically covers emergency procedures, detention of suspected criminals, and proper communication.
Many states recommend that security guards receive approximately 8 hours of pre-assignment training, 8–16 hours of on-the-job training, and 8 hours of annual training. This may include training in protection, public relations, report writing, deterring crises, first aid, and other specialized training related to the guard’s assignment.
Training is more rigorous for armed guards because they require weapons training. Armed guards may be tested periodically in the use of firearms.
For gaming surveillance officers and investigators, some employers prefer candidates with previous work experience in casinos or individuals with a background in law enforcement. Experience with video technology can also be helpful in using surveillance systems and software.
Drug testing may be required as a condition of employment and randomly during employment.
Licenses, Certifications, and RegistrationsMost states require that guards be registered with the state in which they work. Although registration requirements vary by state, basic qualifications for candidates are as follows:
Guards who carry weapons usually must be registered by the appropriate government authority. Armed guard positions have more stringent background checks and entry requirements than those of unarmed guards. Rigorous hiring and screening programs, including background, criminal record, and fingerprint checks, are required for armed guards in most states.
Some jobs may also require a driver's license.
AdvancementSome guards advance to supervisory or security manager positions. Those with experience or postsecondary education should have an advantage. Armed security guards have a greater potential for advancement and enjoy higher earnings.
Some guards with management skills open their own security guard business. Guards can also move to an organization that needs higher levels of security, which may result in more prestige or higher pay.
Important QualitiesDecisionmaking skills. Guards and officers must be able to quickly determine the best course of action when a dangerous situation arises.
Patience. Security guards and officers may need to spend long periods standing and observing their environment without distractions.
Observation skills. Guards and officers must be alert and aware of their surroundings, and be able to quickly recognize anything out of the ordinary.
Physical strength. Guards must be strong enough to apprehend offenders and to handle emergency situations.
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Average Length of Employment
Top Careers Before Dental Officer
Top Careers After Dental Officer
Gender
Male
65.5%Female
26.4%Unknown
8.1%Ethnicity
White
73.5%Asian
13.5%Hispanic or Latino
6.7%Unknown
3.2%Black or African American
3.0%Languages Spoken
Spanish
37.5%Chinese
12.5%French
12.5%Mandarin
12.5%Urdu
12.5%Korean
12.5%Dental Officer
Unfortunately we don’t have enough data for this section.
Schools
Howard University
10.9%Virginia Commonwealth University
9.1%New York University
7.3%Tufts University School of Medicine
7.3%City College of New York of the City University of New York
7.3%University of Louisville
5.5%Emory University
5.5%University of Florida
5.5%Georgetown University
3.6%Richmond VA Medical Center
3.6%University of Missouri - Kansas City
3.6%University of California - Los Angeles
3.6%University of Iowa
3.6%University of Southern California
3.6%Brigham Young University
3.6%University of Washington
3.6%West Virginia University
3.6%Temple University
3.6%University of Illinois at Chicago
3.6%El Paso Community College
1.8%Majors
Degrees
Doctorate
43.7%Other
16.3%Masters
14.1%Bachelors
13.3%Certificate
11.1%Associate
1.5%Dental Officer
Unfortunately we don’t have enough data for this section.
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FCI Mendota Federal Prison (Contracted Position)
US Army Dental Corps
Jordan University of Science and Technology
U.S. Public Health Service, Department of Health and Human Services
US Special Operations Command, MacDill AFB
United States Federal Bureau of Prisons
Rosellini Scientific - Dental Division
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