How To Become a Security Agent

To become a security agent, you usually need a bachelor's degree. The most common jobs before becoming a security agent are security officer, security guard, and cashier. Hiring managers expect a security agent to have soft skills such as communication skills, good judgment, and observation skills. Once you have all the required skills and experience, it takes an average of less than 1 month of job training to become a security agent.

The Security Guard license requirements vary by state. 30 states require security agents to have licensure for their work.

The national average salary for security agents is $35,179, but with the right certifications and experience, they can make up to $52,000. Getting a certification as a Security 5 Certification will help you to earn more as a security agent.

Between 2018 and 2028, the career is expected to grow 4% and produce 40,600 job opportunities across the U.S.

How to become a Security Agent in 6 steps:

  • Step 1: Explore security agent education
  • Step 2: Develop security agent skills
  • Step 3: Complete relevent training/internship
  • Step 4: Obtain the necessary licensing
  • Step 5: Research security agent duties
  • Step 6: Prepare your resume

Key Steps To Become a Security Agent

  1. Explore Security Agent Education

    If you're interested in becoming a security agent, one of the first things to consider is how much education you need. We've determined that 34.2% of security agents have a bachelor's degree. In terms of higher education levels, we found that 4.0% of security agents have master's degrees. Even though some security agents have a college degree, it's possible to become one with only a high school degree or GED.

    Security Agent Degrees

    Bachelors

    34.2 %

    High School Diploma

    25.8 %

    Associate

    24.6 %

  2. Develop Security Agent Skills

    It'll be a good idea to develop security agent skills before applying for a job. Here are some skills commonly requested in security agent job descriptions:

    SkillsPercentages
    Customer Service16.84%
    Patrol16.51%
    Emergency Situations10.46%
    CPR8.78%
    Loss Prevention3.38%
    Show More

  3. Complete Relevent Training/Internship

    Security agents spend an average of Less than 1 month on post-employment, on-the-job training. During this time, new security agents learn the skills and techniques required for their specific job and employer. The chart below shows how much time 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.

    Average Amount Of Time At Training

    Less than 1 month

    1-3 months

    6-12 months

    1-2 years

  4. 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.

    StateEducationExamLicense Url
    Alabama--Licensed Personal Security Officer
    Maryland--GUARDS
    AlaskaSpecific course required-Security Guard
    ArkansasSpecific course requiredState exam requiredPrivate Security Officer (PSO)
    CaliforniaSpecific course requiredState exam requiredSecurity Guard Registration
    Show More

  5. Research Security Agent Duties

    When you decide to become a security agent, It's important to know what duties and responsibilities are required for this position. Some common responsibilities are a part of most security agent jobs. Here is a list of the main duties that define the role:

    • 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.
    • Complete estate security using perimeter patrol and highly advance electronic surveillance and advance intrusion detection systems.
    • Maintain a standard of punctuality and dependability of attendance and retain myself cleanliness, tidiness, neatness and appropriately attire.

  6. Prepare Your Resume

    Finally, when you already have checked the skills and responsibilities for this role, you can start creating your resume. Everything that goes into creating a perfect resume can take hours, days, or even weeks. No worries, we created a resume builder to make this process as easy as possible with tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and a summary.

    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.

    Security Agent Resume
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    Security Agent Resume

  7. Apply For a Security Agent Job

    With your ready resume, it's time to start searching for a new job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

    Security Agent Jobs

    8. How To Become a Security Agent
    How To Become a Security Agent Career Overview
Top Security Agent Jobs Near You

Average Salary for a Security Agent

Security Agents in America make an average salary of $35,179 per year or $17 per hour. The top 10 percent makes over $52,000 per year, while the bottom 10 percent under $23,000 per year.
Average Security Agent Salary
$35,179 Yearly
$16.91 hourly
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Updated November 18, 2022