Explore jobs
Find specific jobs
Explore careers
Explore professions
Best companies
Explore companies
What is a security agent and how to become one
Security agents safeguard a workplace from trespassers or thieves. They can work in retail to prevent shoplifters, in hotels to protect guests, or in any other industry where businesses need protection. Security agents patrol the premises and station themselves near an entrance or exit in order to catch any criminals. Although they don't have the power to arrest people themselves, they can hold them until law enforcement arrives. Security agents often use technological tools to help them protect their workplace, such as CCTV systems. They need to be able to react quickly in emergencies, have a cool head under pressure, and pay close attention to detail in order to notice any suspicious activity.
Some security agents have bachelors degrees, but most do not. Practical skills, like customer service skills, and a clean background check are more important than a diploma.
Security agents earn an average salary of $31,714 a year. However, security agents with a military or law enforcement background usually earn more than that because their experience makes them attractive to employers.
What general advice would you give to a security agent?
Dr. Latarcia Barnes PhD
Chair of the Department of Criminal Justice and Sociology, Associate Professor
Avg. Salary $35,179
Avg. Salary $59,228
Growth rate 3%
Growth rate 0.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native 1.58%
Asian 5.66%
Black or African American 11.69%
Hispanic or Latino 23.69%
Unknown 5.29%
White 52.09%
Genderfemale 23.04%
male 76.96%
Age - 43American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%
Asian 7.00%
Black or African American 14.00%
Hispanic or Latino 19.00%
White 57.00%
Genderfemale 47.00%
male 53.00%
Age - 43Stress level is very high
7.1 - high
Complexity level is intermediate
7 - challenging
Work life balance is excellent
6.4 - fair
Security agent career paths
Key steps to become a security agent
Explore security agent education requirements
Start to develop specific security agent skills
Skills Percentages Customer Service 16.84% Patrol 16.51% Emergency Situations 10.46% CPR 8.78% Loss Prevention 3.38% Complete relevant security agent training and internships
Accountants spend an average of Less than 1 month on post-employment, on-the-job training. New security agents learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a security agent based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real security agent resumes.Obtain the necessary licensing
Becoming a licensed security agent usually doesn't require a college degree. However, you don't need to pass an exam to become a licensed security agent in most of states. 30 states require security agents to have license for their work. You can see the list of states below.State Education Exam License url Alabama - - Licensed Personal Security Officer Maryland - - GUARDS Alaska Specific course required - Security Guard Arkansas Specific course required State exam required Private Security Officer (PSO) California Specific course required State exam required Security Guard Registration Research security agent duties and responsibilities
- Respond to accidents, provide basic first aid and/or CPR and complete accident investigation reports.
- Provide additional security patrol for numerous school events.
- Monitor the facility using CCTV while simultaneously performing dispatch duties.
- Establish efficient CCTV monitoring standards by distinguishing still cameras from controllable cameras.
Prepare your security agent resume
When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your security agent resume.
You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a security agent resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.
Choose from 10+ customizable security agent resume templates
Build a professional security agent resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your security agent resume.
Apply for security agent jobs
Now it's time to start searching for a security agent job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:
- Browse job boards for relevant postings
- Consult your professional network
- Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
- Watch out for job scams
How did you land your first security agent job
Are you a security agent?
Share your story for a free salary report.
Average security agent salary
The average security agent salary in the United States is $35,179 per year or $17 per hour. Security agent salaries range between $23,000 and $52,000 per year.
What am I worth?
How do security agents rate their job?
Security agent reviews
The pay is not worth what you have to do sometimes
Meeting a lot of different people have helped people in this job
Dirty officers, mistreatment of I/M's, lack of help from higher up management, being required to work days off because we can't keep staff.
Political leaders will always find more ways to change prison from a justice system to a therapy community. Giving retirement like benefits to those who robbed your homes and stores, raped your children and wives, and broke your laws.
Updated January 8, 2025
