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How to hire a facility security officer

Facility security officer hiring summary. Here are some key points about hiring facility security officers in the United States:

  • There are a total of 3,563 facility security officers in the US, and there are currently 124,890 job openings in this field.
  • The median cost to hire a facility security officer is $1,633.
  • Small businesses spend $1,105 per facility security officer on training each year, while large companies spend $658.
  • It takes between 36 and 42 days to fill the average role in the US.
  • It takes approximately 12 weeks for a new employee to reach full productivity levels.
  • HR departments typically allocate 15% of their budget towards recruitment efforts.
  • Tampa, FL, has the highest demand for facility security officers, with 16 job openings.

How to hire a facility security officer, step by step

To hire a facility security officer, you should create an ideal candidate profile, determine a budget, and post and promote your job. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to hire a facility security officer:

Here's a step-by-step facility security officer hiring guide:

  • Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
  • Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
  • Step 3: Make a budget
  • Step 4: Write a facility security officer job description
  • Step 5: Post your job
  • Step 6: Interview candidates
  • Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new facility security officer
  • Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

What does a facility security officer do?

Facility security officers supervise daily security activities, enforce control, and ensure company security policies are strictly followed. They are responsible for creating a secure working environment for employees, vendors, and company visitors. They manage and monitor daily activities concerning entry and exit, video security, and other devices related to security. They also manage employee access to restricted and protected areas, review closed-circuit recordings, coordinate with management on certain security protocols and legal requirements.

Learn more about the specifics of what a facility security officer does
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  1. Identify your hiring needs

    The facility security officer hiring process starts by determining what type of worker you actually need. Certain roles might require a full-time employee, whereas part-time workers or contractors can do others.

    Determine employee vs contractor status
    Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

    Hiring the perfect facility security officer also involves considering the ideal background you'd like them to have. Depending on what industry or field they have experience in, they'll bring different skills to the job. It's also important to consider what levels of seniority and education the job requires and what kind of salary such a candidate would likely demand.

    Here's a comparison of facility security officer salaries for various roles:

    Type of Facility Security OfficerDescriptionHourly rate
    Facility Security OfficerSecurity guards and gaming surveillance officers patrol and protect property against theft, vandalism, terrorism, and illegal activity.$13-25
    OfficerAn officer is responsible for managing the daily operations of the assigned area, ensuring its peace and security by monitoring and reporting unusual and suspicious activities. Officers are the ones enforcing strict safety protocols and procedures to maintain the order within the premises... Show more$12-49
    Enforcement OfficerThe enforcement officer is someone who promotes and enforces policies, instructions, and obligations of tenants. An enforcement officer aims to resolve two parties' issues that may arise from orders given by the admin or management... Show more$13-24
  2. Create an ideal candidate profile

    Common skills:
    • Security Program
    • JPAS
    • Patrol
    • DOD
    • NISP
    • Security Procedures
    • FSO
    • E-QIP
    • SCI
    • Physical Security
    • Security Briefings
    • COMSEC
    • Security Education
    • Government Agencies
    Check all skills
    Responsibilities:
    • Manage the application for the FCL, maintain e-FCL and track clearance progress; provide CEO reports for require clearance actions.
    • Act as FSO and primary facility POC while FSO are away, conduct security briefings and initiating certain security actions.
    • Inspect classified accounts for compliance with the security regulations and policies regarding protection of classify information and COMSEC material.
    • Receive AED and CPR certification.
    • Schedule and conduct orientation, first aid, CPR and alcohol training classes.
    • Act as central dispatcher and carefully monitor the premises through the campus CCTV system.
    More facility security officer duties
  3. Make a budget

    Including a salary range in your facility security officer job description is one of the best ways to attract top talent. A facility security officer can vary based on:

    • Location. For example, facility security officers' average salary in mississippi is 40% less than in alaska.
    • Seniority. Entry-level facility security officers 46% less than senior-level facility security officers.
    • Certifications. A facility security officer with certifications usually earns a higher salary.
    • Company. Working for an established firm or a new start-up company can make a big difference in a facility security officer's salary.

    Average facility security officer salary

    $38,701yearly

    $18.61 hourly rate

    Entry-level facility security officer salary
    $28,000 yearly salary
    Updated December 5, 2025

    Average facility security officer salary by state

    RankStateAvg. salaryHourly rate
    1Alaska$47,935$23
    2Washington$47,169$23
    3California$44,483$21
    4District of Columbia$43,873$21
    5Massachusetts$42,838$21
    6Colorado$42,389$20
    7Oregon$42,049$20
    8New York$40,629$20
    9Connecticut$40,345$19
    10Virginia$39,619$19
    11Illinois$39,447$19
    12Missouri$38,968$19
    13New Jersey$37,967$18
    14Maryland$37,639$18
    15Arizona$36,932$18
    16Texas$36,546$18
    17North Carolina$35,514$17
    18Delaware$35,201$17
    19Pennsylvania$34,925$17
    20Indiana$34,843$17

    Average facility security officer salary by company

    RankCompanyAverage salaryHourly rateJob openings
    1SMTC$98,680$47.44
    2Sentar$56,637$27.23
    3Boardwalk Pipeline Partners$51,271$24.65
    4Siemens$49,120$23.62
    5Johnson Controls$48,681$23.4084
    6Cypress$48,066$23.11
    7Northrop Grumman$47,021$22.6121
    8ActioNet$44,564$21.432
    9Science and Technology$44,496$21.39
    10Lockheed Martin$44,236$21.27172
    11Raytheon Technologies$42,192$20.2836
    12SCCI$42,159$20.27
    13BAE Systems$42,149$20.2653
    14In-Q-Tel$42,103$20.24
    15ManTech$41,897$20.1441
    16L3Harris$41,865$20.1327
    17FlightSafety International$41,221$19.82
    18SRC$41,016$19.72
    19Peraton$40,988$19.7131
    20Leader Communications$40,855$19.64
  4. Writing a facility security officer job description

    A job description for a facility security officer role includes a summary of the job's main responsibilities, required skills, and preferred background experience. Including a salary range can also go a long way in attracting more candidates to apply, and showing the first name of the hiring manager can also make applicants more comfortable. As an example, here's a facility security officer job description:

    Facility security officer job description example

    SMTC Corporation was founded in 1985. SMTC is a mid-size provider of end-to-end electronics manufacturing services (EMS) including PCBA production, systems integration and comprehensive testing services, enclosure fabrication, as well as product design, sustaining engineering and supply chain management services. SMTC has facilities in the United States, Mexico, China and Canada. Services extend over the entire electronic product life cycle from the development and introduction of new products through to the growth, maturity and end-of-life phases.


    Benefits Highlights:

    *401K with company match

    *PTO, Paid Holidays

    *Tuition Reimbursement

    *Medical HRA Plan

    *Short term/Long term Disability Insurance, etc.


    The Trade Compliance & Facility Security Officer will be a multi-skilled individual. A dedicated professional with experience in trade compliance and facility clearance in accordance to NISPOM. This key team member will focus on working within the organization, with suppliers, with customers, and governmental counterparts to ensure that our processes will provide the highest compliance as required via contracts, governmental flow downs, NISPOM, etc. This role will require hands on activity and agility to switch between jobs quickly.

    Responsibilities:

    • Responsible for developing a company-wide quality culture to insure that all products manufactured by the company meet internal and customer specifications, while complying with all governmental regulations / requirements.

    • Play a central role in trade compliance and facility security. Flex extensive knowledge and interpersonal skills to work out compliance to contracts, constantly monitor, and control for any lapse or potential lapse in trade compliance and facility security.


    Trade Compliance

    • Draft, execute, and manage export license applications and Technical Assistance Agreements, provide import clearance instructions and manage other Trade Compliance matters to ensure compliance with applicable regulations.

    • Review and ensure business unit compliance for import and export shipments and transactions

    • Analyze and interpret trade compliance laws and regulations such as the ITAR, EAR, OFAC and BATFE and implement industry best practices in accordance with those laws and regulations.

    • Analyze and determine import and export control classifications, including HTS and ECCNs.

    • Understand and recommend company use of ITAR exemptions and EAR exceptions for the export of products and technical data while managing technical data export control compliance.

    • Provide guidance and training to company personnel regarding trade regulatory compliance in the strategy, proposal, development, and execution of company operations.

    • Serve as an Empowered Official.

    • Manage trade compliance audits.


    Facility Security Officer

    • Manage and support company-wide classified security programs

    • Manage all aspects of the National Industrial Security Program (NISP) and other security activities within the facility, including document control, visitor control, personnel security, and interpretation/preparation/maintenance of prime and subcontract DD Form 254 for classified contracting

    • Manage the National Industrial Security System (NISS) as it pertains to the Austin location

    • Work all facets of the personnel security clearance process to include, initial request, fingerprints, indoctrination, reinvestigation, etc.

    • Provide initial security briefing to new employees, and debriefings to departing employees

    • Develop and administer a security education, training, and awareness program for both cleared and non-cleared personnel

    • Write and administer necessary standard operating procedures in accordance with the NISPOM

    • Investigate and report all security violations as prescribed in the NISPOM

    • Perform incident/adverse information reporting

    • Conduct periodic self-inspections as directed by the NISPOM

    • Prepare for and participate in the DCSA facility security assessment

    • Manage local Access Control Systems Intrusion Detection Systems and Closed Circuit TV, where applicable

    • Assisting with any factory layout changes, as required, to support security

    • Possibly travel to other company sites to implement best practices




    Education and Experience for the Finance Manager:

    • Must be a U.S. Citizen and have an Active Secret Security Clearance

    • Minimum 5 years Global Trade Compliance (Import, Export, or both) experience.

    • Thorough working knowledge of ITAR/EAR, import/export government regulations.

    • Familiarity with on-line tools such as DECCS, Snap-R, ACE and OCR EASE.

    • A minimum of five (5) years of relevant security experience, including experience working with the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA)

    • In-depth knowledge of NISPOM

    • Working knowledge of security related programs, i.e., DISS/NBIS, NISS, eQip, etc.

    • Working knowledge of the Microsoft Office suite of products

    • Proven ability to exercise tact and discretion in handling sensitive information

    • Strong communication skills, both oral and written

    • Working knowledge of COMSEC

    • Strong working knowledge of the management of classified Information Systems and DoD closed areas

    • Experience with facilitating an Insider Threat Team in accordance with NISPOM guidance

    • Experience managing Intrusion Detection and Access Control Systems in accordance with DoD, NISPOM and UL standards

    • Train all applicable departments and sites on internal procedures and latest trade compliance standards.

    • Strong understanding of identifying, delivering, and managing Security Education and Training in accordance with DoD, Specific Customer and NISPOM guidance and requirements

    • Ensure that all employees receive training appropriate for their position

    • Able to work in a team with coworkers to resolve issues

    • Ability to work well in a fast-paced professional office environment

    • Performs other duties as assigned




    SMTC is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, pregnancy, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information or other protected status.


    If you require assistance completing this application due to a disability, please contact Human Resources to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.

  5. Post your job

    There are a few common ways to find facility security officers for your business:

    • Promoting internally or recruiting from your existing workforce.
    • Ask for referrals from friends, family members, and current employees.
    • Attend job fairs at local colleges to meet candidates with the right educational background.
    • Use social media platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter to recruit passive job-seekers.
    Post your job online:
    • Post your facility security officer job on Zippia to find and recruit facility security officer candidates who meet your exact specifications.
    • Use field-specific websites.
    • Post a job on free websites.
  6. Interview candidates

    Your first interview with facility security officer candidates should focus on their interest in the role and background experience. As the hiring process goes on, you can learn more about how they'd fit into the company culture in later rounds of interviews.

    You should also ask about candidates' unique skills and talents to see if they match the ideal candidate profile you developed earlier. Candidates good enough for the next step can complete the technical interview.

    The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

  7. Send a job offer and onboard your new facility security officer

    Once you have selected a candidate for the facility security officer position, it is time to create an offer letter. In addition to salary, the offer letter should include details about benefits and perks that are available to the employee. Ensuring your offer is competitive is vital, as qualified candidates may be considering other job opportunities. The candidate may wish to negotiate the terms of the offer, and it is important to be open to discussion and reach a mutually beneficial agreement. After the offer has been accepted, it is a good idea to formalize the agreement with a contract.

    It's also important to follow up with applicants who do not get the job with an email letting them know that the position is filled.

    To prepare for the new employee's start date, you can create an onboarding schedule and complete any necessary paperwork, such as employee action forms and onboarding documents like I-9 forms, benefits enrollment, and federal and state tax forms. Human Resources should also ensure that a new employee file is created.

  8. Go through the hiring process checklist

    • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
    • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
    • Define job responsibilities and requirements
    • Establish budget and timeline
    • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
    • Write job description
    • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
    • Promote the job internally
    • Process applications through applicant tracking system
    • Review resumes and cover letters
    • Shortlist candidates for screening
    • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
    • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
    • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
    • Conduct background checks on top candidates
    • Check references of top candidates
    • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
    • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
    • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
    • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
    • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
    • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)
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How much does it cost to hire a facility security officer?

Before you start to hire facility security officers, it pays to consider both the one-off costs like recruitment, job promotion, and onboarding, as well as the ongoing costs of an employee's salary and benefits. While most companies that hire facility security officers pay close attention to the initial cost of hiring, ongoing costs are much more significant in the long run.

The median annual salary for facility security officers is $38,701 in the US. However, the cost of facility security officer hiring can vary a lot depending on location. Additionally, hiring a facility security officer for contract work or on a per-project basis typically costs between $13 and $25 an hour.

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