Security agent vs unarmed security guard

The differences between security agents and unarmed security guards can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a security agent has an average salary of $35,179, which is higher than the $32,946 average annual salary of an unarmed security guard.

The top three skills for a security agent include customer service, patrol and emergency situations. The most important skills for an unarmed security guard are unarmed security, patrol, and law enforcement.

Security agent vs unarmed security guard overview

	Security Agent	Unarmed Security Guard
Yearly salary	$35,179	$32,946
Hourly rate	$16.91	$15.84
Growth rate	3%	3%
Number of jobs	125,019	99,613
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 34%	High School Diploma, 44%
Average age	43	43
Years of experience	-	-

What does a security agent do?

Security Agents guard the entrance and exit of a building, watching CCTV footage for unusual activities, and holding trespassers until authorities arrive. Being a security agent is usually a shift-based job and can sometimes last overnight. Security Agents must have first aid knowledge and basic skills with self-defense.

What does an unarmed security guard do?

The primary responsibility of an unarmed security guard is to monitor and protect properties against damage or criminal attack. They must be alert, patrol the premises, and respond to emergencies. They also monitor alarm systems and video surveillance cameras. In cases of security breaches, they are expected to bring in law enforcement agents.

Security agent vs unarmed security guard salary

Security agents and unarmed security guards have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Security Agent	Unarmed Security Guard
Average salary	$35,179	$32,946
Salary range	Between $23,000 And $52,000	Between $23,000 And $45,000
Highest paying City	Seattle, WA	San Francisco, CA
Highest paying state	Washington	Alaska
Best paying company	Inter-Con Security Systems	Inter-Con Security Systems
Best paying industry	Hospitality	Utilities

Differences between security agent and unarmed security guard education

There are a few differences between a security agent and an unarmed security guard in terms of educational background:

	Security Agent	Unarmed Security Guard
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 34%	High School Diploma, 44%
Most common major	Criminal Justice	Criminal Justice
Most common college	-	-

Security agent vs unarmed security guard demographics

Here are the differences between security agents' and unarmed security guards' demographics:

	Security Agent	Unarmed Security Guard
Average age	43	43
Gender ratio	Male, 77.0% Female, 23.0%	Male, 65.9% Female, 34.1%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 11.7% Unknown, 5.3% Hispanic or Latino, 23.7% Asian, 5.7% White, 52.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.6%	Black or African American, 15.2% Unknown, 5.3% Hispanic or Latino, 17.8% Asian, 5.7% White, 54.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.6%
LGBT Percentage	6%	6%

Differences between security agent and unarmed security guard duties and responsibilities

Security agent example 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.
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.

Unarmed security guard example responsibilities.

Train and certify in CPR and in properly using an a
Experience in route management, ATM replenishment, and vault inventory, processing currency deposits (large amounts).
Replenish ATM's, remove paper jams - money jams, make sure that assign ATM locations are working properly.
Conduct daily activity reports; monitor the CCTV system; sign visitors in/out; conduct daily rounds (perimeter check).
Monitor CCTV cameras for suspicious activity.
Patrol premises regularly and complete accompanying reports of findings or unusual activities.

Security agent vs unarmed security guard skills

Common security agent skills

Customer Service, 17%
Patrol, 17%
Emergency Situations, 10%
CPR, 9%
Loss Prevention, 3%
Safety Hazards, 3%

Common unarmed security guard skills

Unarmed Security, 28%
Patrol, 21%
Law Enforcement, 16%
Medical Emergencies, 6%
Unarmed Guard, 6%
Security Services, 3%

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Security Agent
Security Agent vs Unarmed Security Guard

Updated January 8, 2025

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