CFChooseField
Public Safety

Security Guards

Guard, patrol, or monitor premises to prevent theft, violence, or infractions of rules. May operate x-ray and metal detector equipment.

Visual summary of pay, outlook, skills, interests, and preparation for Security Guards
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Median pay

$38,370
Median annual pay for Security Guards.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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10-year growth

0.4%
Projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Annual openings

161,000
Projected annual openings, including growth and replacement demand.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Employment

1,262,100
Estimated U.S. employment for Security Guards in 2024.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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Jobs added or lost

+5,100
Projected numeric employment change from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Entry preparation

High school diploma or equivalent
Typical additional preparation: Short-term on-the-job training.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024 profile
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O*NET occupation profile

What the work involves

Strongest O*NET signals first.

Essential skills

  1. 1Active Listening
  2. 2Monitoring
  3. 3Speaking
  4. 4Critical Thinking
  5. 5Reading Comprehension
  6. 6Active Learning

Knowledge areas

  1. 1Public Safety and Security
  2. 2Customer and Personal Service
  3. 3English Language
  4. 4Computers and Electronics
  5. 5Administration and Management
  6. 6Education and Training

Abilities

  1. 1Problem Sensitivity
  2. 2Far Vision
  3. 3Oral Comprehension
  4. 4Near Vision
  5. 5Oral Expression
  6. 6Selective Attention

Career interests

  1. 1Realistic
  2. 2Conventional
  3. 3Enterprising
  4. 4Social
  5. 5Investigative
  6. 6Artistic

Work styles

  1. 1Dependability
  2. 2Integrity
  3. 3Cautiousness
  4. 4Self-Control
  5. 5Stress Tolerance
  6. 6Perseverance

Work activities

  1. 1Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
  2. 2Getting Information
  3. 3Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
  4. 4Documenting/Recording Information
  5. 5Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships
  6. 6Performing for or Working Directly with the Public

Work context

  1. 1Health and Safety of Other Workers
  2. 2Deal With External Customers or the Public in General
  3. 3Contact With Others
  4. 4Telephone Conversations
  5. 5Freedom to Make Decisions
  6. 6Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams

Representative tasks

  • Lock doors and gates of entrances and exits to secure buildings.
  • Patrol industrial or commercial premises to prevent and detect signs of intrusion and ensure security of doors, windows, and gates.
  • Respond to medical emergencies by administering basic first aid or by obtaining assistance from paramedics.
  • Answer alarms and investigate disturbances.
  • Circulate among visitors, patrons, or employees to preserve order and protect property.
  • Monitor and authorize entrance and departure of employees, visitors, and other persons to guard against theft and maintain security of premises.
  • Write reports of daily activities and irregularities, such as equipment or property damage, theft, presence of unauthorized persons, or unusual occurrences.
  • Warn persons of rule infractions or violations, and apprehend or evict violators from premises, using force when necessary.

Software and tools

Microsoft Excel · hot technologyMicrosoft Office software · hot technologyMicrosoft Outlook · hot technologyMicrosoft SharePoint · hot technologyMicrosoft Word · hot technologyCorel WordPerfect Office SuiteFaceTimeIBM Lotus 1-2-3McAfeeNortonLifeLock cybersecurity softwareWireshark

The short answer

Guard, patrol, or monitor premises to prevent theft, violence, or infractions of rules. May operate x-ray and metal detector equipment.

The measurable national baseline is $38,370 median annual pay, 0.4% projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034, and 161,000 projected openings per year. Use these figures as a national benchmark rather than a personal forecast; location, experience, employer, specialty, credentials, and hours can change individual outcomes.

Pay and the size of the opportunity

The national median-pay figure for Security Guards is $38,370. Current employment is 1,262,100, with projected 2034 employment of 1,267,100. Pay describes the middle worker nationally, not a guaranteed starting salary, and the employment totals describe the occupation's scale rather than the number of jobs available to one applicant.

Demand, growth, and annual openings

BLS projects 0.4% employment growth for Security Guards from 2024 to 2034 and about 161,000 openings per year. Growth measures whether the occupation is expanding, while annual openings also include replacement needs created when workers retire, change occupations, or leave the labor force.

Education and preparation

The typical BLS entry-education category is High school diploma or equivalent. Related work experience is None, and the listed on-the-job training category is Short-term on-the-job training. These categories summarize a national pathway; licensing, certification, portfolios, apprenticeships, or local employer requirements may add to it.

What the work involves

Guard, patrol, or monitor premises to prevent theft, violence, or infractions of rules. May operate x-ray and metal detector equipment.

A representative O*NET task is: Lock doors and gates of entrances and exits to secure buildings. The broader activity profile emphasizes Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events, Getting Information, Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates.

Skills, knowledge, and tools

The strongest available O*NET skill signals are Active Listening, Monitoring, Speaking. Leading knowledge areas are Public Safety and Security, Customer and Personal Service, English Language. These are national occupational signals, so a specific employer may emphasize a different mix. Examples of software or tools associated with the occupation include Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Office software, Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft SharePoint.

Common questions

What is the median pay for Security Guards?

The national median annual pay in the current dataset is $38,370. Actual pay varies by location, experience, employer, specialty, credentials, and hours.

Is demand growing for Security Guards?

BLS projects 0.4% employment growth from 2024 to 2034 and about 161,000 openings per year. Openings include both newly created positions and replacement demand.

What education is needed for Security Guards?

The typical BLS entry-education category is High school diploma or equivalent. Related experience, on-the-job training, licensing, or certification requirements may also apply.

What does Security Guards involve?

Guard, patrol, or monitor premises to prevent theft, violence, or infractions of rules. May operate x-ray and metal detector equipment.

Sources

BLS provides national pay, employment, and projections. O*NET provides skills, interests, preparation, tasks, work context, and tools.

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