Security Guard Jobs Near Me

No, you cannot make $100,000 per year as a security guard. It is highly unlikely to earn over $100k because the average annual salary for a security guard is $30,409. Even security guards in higher-paid positions do not typically earn more than $38,000 per year.

No, security guards do not make good money. The median hourly wage is only $14.27 an hour ($29,680 a year). The hourly wage for a security guard ranges from $10.17 ($21,159 a year) and to $24.19 ($50,319 a year).

The longer you work as a security guard may impact earning potential. More senior security guard positions can earn upwards of $80k a year.

Security Guards Position and earning potential.

• Director Security Guard - $76,719 a year or $36.88 an hour

• Head Of Security Guard - $71,579 a year or $34.41 an hour

• Grumman Security Guard - $65,886 a year or $31.68 an hour

• Senior Security Guard - $65,760 a year or $31.62 an hour

• Senior Guard - $65,371 a year or $31.43 an hour

Besides experience, your location makes a significant difference due to labor agreements, working conditions, and workforce availability.

Pay Rates for Security Guards based on Location:

• California - $16.17 an hour or $33,640 a year

• New York - $18.03 an hour $37,510 a year

• Texas - $14.78 an hour or $30,740 a year

• Florida - $14.01 an hour or $29,150 a year

• Illinois - $16.25 an hour or $33,800 a year

The highest-paying security guard jobs include the chief information security officers, security architects, and risk managers. These jobs all utilize the skills of a security job at an advanced leadership level, which means they are also highly compensated.

Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) is a senior executive level position and one of the highest paying security jobs. These professionals are responsible for the development and implementation of cyber security plans and policies for an organization.

They are accountable for the mitigation and reduction of potential risks to an information technology framework, data, assets, and hardware. A CISO will earn between $154,000 and $380,000 annually with a median salary of $249,000.

If a person is more technically adept, they may consider the role of a security architect. A Security Architect (SA) is among the highest paying security jobs. A Security Architect designs, builds, tests, and implements security systems within a network.

A SA must have an understanding of IT systems and all of the latest security systems, standards, and authorization protocols, in addition to security best practices.

Finally, the job of a risk manager (RM) is to work with client companies to identify and assess any potential risks to the company which could hinder the safety, reputation, security, property, or financial wellbeing of the organization.

After all the potential risks are identified and evaluated, it is the RM's job to create and implement processes designed to mitigate these risks.

The base qualification of a security guard is a high school diploma or its equivalent. Though it is quite rare, companies may prefer to hire security guards with a two- or even a four-year degree in criminal justice, police science, or another applicable field.

Program curricula may include investigation techniques, security management, psychology, juvenile justice, and criminal law. Most individuals who earn one of these degrees, however, tend to do so with a longer-term view to employment beyond the security guard occupation.

In the United States, occupational requirements for both unarmed and armed guards are mandated at the state level. These requirements cover general preconditions, as well as security checks, training, licensing, and license maintenance/continuing education.

Finally, most employers of security guards provide new hires with supplemental on-the-job training specific to the needs of the employer. Duration and depth of training will vary by employer and job duties. Curricula typically include protection and defense methods, report writing, first aid, and emergency protocols.