How to hire an unarmed security guard

How to hire an unarmed security guard, step by step

Here's a step-by-step unarmed security guard hiring guide:

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

What does an unarmed security guard do?

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   Before you post your unarmed security guard job, you should take the time to determine what type of worker your business needs. While certain jobs definitely require a full-time employee, it's sometimes better to find an unarmed security guard for hire on a part-time basis or as a contractor.

   Determine employee vs contractor status

   Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

   Yes

   No

   An unarmed security guard's background is also an important factor in determining whether they'll be a good fit for the position. For example, unarmed security guards from different industries or fields will have radically different experiences and will bring different viewpoints to the role. You also need to consider the candidate's previous level of experience to make sure they'll be comfortable with the job's level of seniority.

   This list shows salaries for various types of unarmed security guards.

   Type of Unarmed Security Guard	Description	Hourly rate
   Unarmed Security Guard	Security guards and gaming surveillance officers patrol and protect property against theft, vandalism, terrorism, and illegal activity.	$11-21
   Officer	An 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
   Protective Officer	A protective officer is in charge of preventing theft and damages in stores and other establishments. Among their responsibilities include monitoring alarm systems and surveillance cameras, patrolling areas, keeping an eye on suspicious activities and behavior, developing strategies to enforce security protocols, and responding to distress... Show more	$13-27

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • Unarmed Security
   • Patrol
   • Law Enforcement
   • Medical Emergencies
   • Unarmed Guard
   • Security Services
   • Safety Hazards
   • Emergency Situations
   • Property Damage
   • CPR
   • Surveillance Equipment
   • Incident Reports
   • Fire Hazards
   • CCTV

   Check all skills

   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.

   More unarmed security guard duties

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in your unarmed security guard job description is a great way to entice the best and brightest candidates. An unarmed security guard salary can vary based on several factors:

   • Location. For example, unarmed security guards' average salary in mississippi is 53% less than in alaska.
   • Seniority. Entry-level unarmed security guards earn 49% less than senior-level unarmed security guards.
   • Certifications. An unarmed security guard with a few certifications under their belt will likely demand a higher salary.
   • Company. Working for a prestigious company or an exciting start-up can make a huge difference in an unarmed security guard's salary.

   Average unarmed security guard salary

   $15.84hourly

   $32,946 yearly

   ---

   Entry-level unarmed security guard salary

   $23,000 yearly salary

   Updated January 21, 2026

   Average unarmed security guard salary by state

   Rank	State	Avg. salary	Hourly rate
   1	California	$42,797	$21
   2	Minnesota	$42,527	$20
   3	Washington	$39,568	$19
   4	Oregon	$38,486	$19
   5	District of Columbia	$37,511	$18
   6	Nevada	$37,283	$18
   7	New York	$37,198	$18
   8	Nebraska	$34,894	$17
   9	Massachusetts	$34,788	$17
   10	Colorado	$34,422	$17
   11	Arizona	$33,627	$16
   12	Michigan	$33,242	$16
   13	Virginia	$32,734	$16
   14	South Dakota	$32,402	$16
   15	Maryland	$32,183	$15
   16	Missouri	$30,876	$15
   17	Illinois	$30,674	$15
   18	Pennsylvania	$30,394	$15
   19	Ohio	$28,869	$14
   20	Texas	$28,732	$14

   Average unarmed security guard salary by company

   Company

   Rank	Company	Average salary	Hourly rate	Job openings
   1	Inter-Con Security Systems	$46,061	$22.14	413
   2	American Services	$46,026	$22.13
   3	Lincoln Holdings LLC	$38,798	$18.65	2
   4	Private Sector Security	$38,085	$18.31
   5	PPL	$36,354	$17.48
   6	Max's Group	$36,171	$17.39	2
   7	Strata	$35,911	$17.26
   8	guardian security systems	$34,725	$16.69	5
   9	United Security Agency	$34,563	$16.62
   10	The Eagle	$34,554	$16.61
   11	Alliance Co	$33,827	$16.26	1
   12	Cherokee Nation Businesses	$32,703	$15.72	19
   13	Nes Holdings	$32,647	$15.70	1
   14	SMS group	$32,584	$15.67
   15	Obsidian Solutions Group	$32,563	$15.66
   16	Sanford Health	$32,416	$15.58	27
   17	Stark	$32,351	$15.55
   18	NANA	$32,286	$15.52	72
   19	Securitas Electronic Security	$32,042	$15.40	889
   20	Chenega	$31,975	$15.37	43

4. Writing an unarmed security guard job description

   A job description for an unarmed security guard 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 an unarmed security guard job description:

   Unarmed security guard job description example

   Job DescriptionUnarmed Security Guard
   
   Summary/Objective
   The Security Guard will assist Property Management with ensuring the safety and security of resident and authorized visitors.
   Essential Functions
   1.Secures premises and personnel by patrolling property; monitoring surveillance equipment; inspecting buildings, equipment, and access points; permitting entry.
   2.Obtains help by sounding alarms.
   3.Prevents losses and damage by reporting irregularities; informing violators of policy and procedures; restraining trespassers.
   4.Completes reports by recording observations, information, occurrences, and surveillance activities; interviewing witnesses; obtaining signatures.
   5.Maintains environment by monitoring and setting building and equipment controls.
   6.Requires extensive interior/exterior patrols to assigned areas.
   7.Other duties as assigned.
   
   Physical Requirements
   1.Sitting/Standing for extended periods of time. Up to 75% of the time
   2.Performing walking patrols. Patrols may include walking on stairs, ramps, streets, sidewalks, carpet, uphill, downhill, indoors & outdoors. Patrols may include some pushing/pulling doors, equipment, other items weighing up to 25lbs. Up to 75% of the time
   3.Exposure to weather elements as needed
   
   Dunbar is a family owned and operated company that goes above and beyond for our customers and takes great pride in our business of safeguarding valuables. We are always looking for new members to join our team – dedicated individuals who are as passionate about security and cash management as we are.
   
   We are constantly looking for exceptional team members, those who are ready to seek solutions for our customers and meet and exceed our standards of superior service.
   
   Interested in becoming part of a dynamic, growing company? Dunbar offers career opportunities ranging from armed armored car guards, cash vault tellers, armed guards, sales account executives, managers, and more to fit your unique talents and background.
   
   Required Education and Experience
   1.High school diploma/GED required.
   2.Prefer (1) year of experience as a security guard and show evidence of successful prior security, military, or law enforcement experience.
   3.Customer service and interpersonal skills are critical for this position.
   4.Excellent integrity and demonstrate good moral character and initiative.
   5.Ability to communicate effectively in English, both orally and in writing, using proper grammar and vocabulary.
   6.Ability to function well in a team environment.
   7.Ability to remain professional and courteous with customers at all times.
   8.Must possess or be able to obtain a state issued Unarmed Certification
   9.Strong problem solving and analytical skills.
   
   

   Copy this example

   

5. Post your job

   There are a few common ways to find unarmed security guards 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 unarmed security guard job on Zippia to find and recruit unarmed security guard candidates who meet your exact specifications.
   • Use field-specific websites.
   • Post a job on free websites.

6. Interview candidates

   Recruiting unarmed security guards requires you to bring your A-game to the interview process. The first interview should introduce the company and the role to the candidate as much as they present their background experience and reasons for applying for the job. During later interviews, you can go into more detail about the technical details of the job and ask behavioral questions to gauge how they'd fit into your current company culture.

   It's also good to ask about candidates' unique skills and talents to see if they match your ideal candidate profile. If you think a candidate is good enough for the next step, you can move on to 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 unarmed security guard

   Once you've decided on a perfect unarmed security guard candidate, it's time to write an offer letter. In addition to salary, it should include benefits and perks available to the employee. Qualified candidates may be considered for other positions, so make sure your offer is competitive. Candidates may wish to negotiate. Once you've settled on the details, formalize your agreement with a contract.

   You should also follow up with applicants who don't get the job with an email letting them know that you've filled the position.

   To prepare for the new unarmed security guard first day, you should share an onboarding schedule with them that covers their first period on the job. You should also quickly complete any necessary paperwork, such as employee action forms and onboarding documents like I-9, benefits enrollment, and federal and state tax forms. Finally, Human Resources must ensure a new employee file is created for internal record keeping.

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 an unarmed security guard?