Law & Government

Security Guards

Stacks well

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

Median salary

$38,370

Typical range

$30k – $60k

Job outlook

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AI exposure

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Education

Typical entry: No degree required

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How to qualify

License required

Cost to qualify

$130–$400

Time to qualify

< 1 mo

Renewal

$25/yr

1
Guard-card training (8–40 hrs)
Course
Required pre-assignment training; hours vary by state.
$50–$200 · 1 weeks · varies by state source
2
Background check & fingerprinting
Background check
State background screening.
$30–$100 · 2 weeks · varies by state source
3
Guard card / registration
License
State registration to work as a security officer.
$50–$100 · 1 weeks · varies by state · renews every 2 yr source

Which occupations require a license and in which states: CareerOneStop License Finder (U.S. DOL). Costs/hours are curated estimates that vary by state and change — see each step's official source.

Typical progression

Junior Security Guards
Entry / Junior
$29,800
~2 yrs to advance
Security Guards
Established
$38,370
~3 yrs to advance
Senior Security Guards
Senior
$48,975

Key skills

A typical day

•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.

Fields of study

Any field

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Reputation-based selection; stats shown are outcome data per school.