Security Guard
O*NET-SOC: 33-9032.00
Guards, patrols, and monitors premises to prevent theft, violence, or infractions of rules, maintaining order and enforcing regulations for the security of personnel, property, and visitors.
About this Role
Security guards protect people, property, and information by maintaining a visible presence at buildings and facilities, monitoring for unauthorized access, and responding to incidents. They work in a wide range of settings including office buildings, hospitals, retail stores, warehouses, and event venues. Their daily routine combines scheduled patrols, where they walk through hallways and around the perimeter looking for anything out of the ordinary, with stationary tasks like watching surveillance camera feeds and checking identification at entry points.
A Day in the Life
6:00 AM
Shift start and briefing
Arrive at the facility and receive a handover briefing from the outgoing shift, reviewing incident logs and any active concerns.
6:30 AM
Check access points
Walk the building to verify that all entry doors, gates, and windows are secure and that cameras and alarms are working.
8:00 AM
Visitor screening
Check identification and credentials for employees and visitors entering the building, operating screening equipment as needed.
10:00 AM
Perimeter patrol
Walk or drive around the property to look for anything unusual, such as forced entry, fire hazards, or unauthorized vehicles.
12:00 PM
Lunch break
Take a short break while remaining reachable by radio in case of an incident.
1:00 PM
Monitor surveillance feeds
Watch camera feeds from the control room, investigating in person if anything looks out of place.
3:00 PM
Write incident reports
Document the day's activities, note any irregularities or rule violations, and file reports for management.
5:30 PM
Shift handover
Brief the incoming guard on any ongoing issues, equipment status, and events from the shift.
Tools & Technologies
Office Suites
- Microsoft Office
- Corel WordPerfect Office Suite
Spreadsheets
- Microsoft Excel
- IBM Lotus 1-2-3
Email
- Microsoft Outlook
Document Management
- Microsoft SharePoint
Word Processing
- Microsoft Word
Security & Antivirus
- McAfee
- NortonLifeLock cybersecurity software
Salary Details
Salary Distribution
Most professionals earn between $35K and $47K
| Percentile | Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th | $30K |
| 25th | $35K |
| 50th (Median) | $38K |
| 75th | $47K |
| 90th | $60K |
Certifications, Training & Memberships
Essential
Security Guard License (SGL)
State Licensing Board
Basic mandatory credential covering legal powers, ethics, and patrol procedures.
Recommended
Master Security Officer Level 2 (MSO-2)
AlliedBarton Security
Advanced training in fire safety, loss prevention, patrol techniques, and crime response.
CPR/First Aid/AED
American Red Cross
Hands-on training for emergency medical response in security incidents.
Helpful
Fire Safety Officer Training
OSHA/State Fire Marshal
Covers fire plans, evacuations, and hazard recognition for government facilities.
Professional Memberships
ASIS International Membership
ASIS International
Professional network for security professionals offering resources on best practices.
Work Environment
- Remote Work
- On-site Only
- Work Setting
- Mixed indoor / outdoor
- Physical Activity
- Physically active — significant time on your feet
- Social Interaction
- Highly collaborative — frequent team interaction
- Schedule
- Standard work hours
Your Skills & Attributes
Skills & Competencies Matches (43)
- MonitoringModerate Match
- SpeakingModerate Match
- Critical ThinkingModerate Match
- CoordinationModerate Match
- Reading ComprehensionModerate Match
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Security Guard a good career?
Security Guard can be a rewarding career choice. Based on current data, the median salary is $38K and job outlook is growing (6% projected growth). Whether it's a good fit depends on your skills, interests, and values — take our quiz to find out how well you match.
What degree do you need to become a Security Guard?
The typical education requirement for a Security Guard is a High School Diploma. However, requirements can vary by employer and specialization. Some professionals enter the field with alternative credentials or relevant work experience.
How long does it take to become a Security Guard?
Becoming a Security Guard typically requires about 4 years of high school education. Additional time may be needed for certifications, internships, or on-the-job training depending on the specific role and employer requirements.
What is the work-life balance like for a Security Guard?
The work-life balance for a Security Guard is moderate, with some periods requiring extended hours or flexibility. Individual experiences vary based on employer, specialization, seniority level, and geographic location.
What is the job outlook for Security Guard?
The job outlook for Security Guard is growing. Employment is projected to grow by 6% over the coming decade. Labor market conditions can vary by region and specialization.