Security Guards
Guard, patrol, or monitor premises to prevent theft, violence, or infractions of rules. May operate x-ray and metal detector equipment.
Also called: Access Control Security Officer, Alarm Investigator, Armed Guard, Armed Security Guard, Armed Security Officer, Armored Car Driver
Median pay
$38,020
per year, U.S.
Pay range (10th–90th)
$30,210 – $58,840
People employed
1,283,470
Holland code
RCE
Realistic · Conventional · Enterprising
Updated October 2026 · Data: O*NET 31.0 and BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
Is this career right for you?
These are the things that stand out in this job compared with other U.S. jobs (O*NET 31.0 work context). Answer honestly.
- 1.Do you enjoy serving customers or the public?
- 2.Do you want the same hours every week?
- 3.Are you OK repeating the same tasks most of the day?
- 4.Do you prefer a steady pace without constant deadlines?
- 5.Are you happy talking and working with people most of the day?
- 6.Do you want to stay at 40 hours a week or less?
- 7.Do you want a lot of freedom to make your own decisions?
The hard parts
- Dealing with conflict is part of the job
Security Guards pay by state
Highest-paying states
Annual median pay by state (50 states and DC with published data). Source: BLS OEWS May 2025.
What security guards do
- 01Lock doors and gates of entrances and exits to secure buildings.
- 02Patrol industrial or commercial premises to prevent and detect signs of intrusion and ensure security of doors, windows, and gates.
- 03Respond to medical emergencies by administering basic first aid or by obtaining assistance from paramedics.
- 04Answer alarms and investigate disturbances.
- 05Circulate among visitors, patrons, or employees to preserve order and protect property.
- 06Monitor and authorize entrance and departure of employees, visitors, and other persons to guard against theft and maintain security of premises.
Skills that matter most
- Active Listening
- Monitoring
- Speaking
- Critical Thinking
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Learning
Knowledge
- Public Safety and Security
- Customer and Personal Service
- English Language
- Computers and Electronics
- Administration and Management
Work styles that stand out
- Dependability
- Integrity
- Cautiousness
- Self-Control
- Stress Tolerance
Education and first steps
Share of workers by required education, as reported to O*NET.
How people get started
- Usually needs a high school diploma (O*NET Job Zone 2).
- Related work experience: none.
- On-the-job training: anything beyond short demonstration, up to and including 1 month.
- A certification can help.
Most common answers from O*NET 31.0 Education, Training and Experience.
Interest fit (Holland code)
O*NET occupational interest scores, scale 1–7. Take the Free Career Test to compare with your own.
Career changes
Change from security guards
- Correctional Officers and Jailers88% · +55%
- Transit and Railroad Police86% · +137%
- Parking Enforcement Workers86% · +23%
- Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers85% · +100%
- Public Safety Telecommunicators84% · +40%
Change into security guards
Jobs whose skills carry over best (skill match, their median pay).
- Parking Enforcement Workers80% · $46,730
- Customs and Border Protection Officers75% · $76,210
- Orderlies73% · $38,290
- Correctional Officers and Jailers72% · $58,940
- Police Identification and Records Officers72% · $93,790
Majors that lead here
- Security and Loss Prevention Services
From the NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk.