Security Guards
SOC code 33-9032 · O*NET-SOC 33-9032.00 · Little to some preparation needed · Legal and protective services
Bright Outlook — O*NET expects numerous job openings for this occupation
Security guards protect property and people through presence, patrols and access control. Licensing requirements are set state by state, usually a short course and a background check. The better-paid branches of the field — armed, corporate, federal contract — all build on this base.
Security Guards pay
U.S. national figures, May 2025 BLS survey · How we got this number
Median pay
$38,020
a year
Hourly
$18.28
per hour
The solid band is the middle 50% of workers; the bar spans the 10th to 90th percentile.
Average pay
$42,470
$20.42 per hour
Middle 50%
$35,210 – $46,200
25th to 75th percentile
Full spread
$30,210 – $58,840
10th to 90th percentile
People employed
1,283,470
nationwide
National U.S. figure, May 2025. Local pay can be higher or lower.
- 10th percentile
- $30,210
- $14.52/hr
- 25th percentile
- $35,210
- $16.93/hr
- Median percentile
- $38,020
- $18.28/hr
- 75th percentile
- $46,200
- $22.21/hr
- 90th percentile
- $58,840
- $28.29/hr
What does a security guard do?
Guard, patrol, or monitor premises to prevent theft, violence, or infractions of rules. May operate x-ray and metal detector equipment.
The tasks that matter most day to 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.
- 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.
How to become a security guard
Most people in this role hold high school diploma or the equivalent (such as a ged) — 79% of workers surveyed reported it as their level of education.
Preparation level: zone 2 — Little to some preparation needed
- Education
- Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not.
- Experience
- Some occupations may need little or no previous experience; others require several months to a year of experience. For example, landscaping and groundskeeping workers might require very little training or previous experience, while agricultural equipment operators can benefit from on-the job training.
- Training
- Ranges from a few days to one year of on-the-job training.
Education reported by people doing this job
- High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)79%
- Some College Courses10%
- Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree5%
- Post-Secondary Certificate4%
Common questions
How much does a security guard earn?
The national median is $38,020 a year. The full range runs from $30,210 at the 10th percentile to $58,840 at the 90th — entry pay sits closer to the lower figure, and experience, licensing and specialisation move you up the range.
Can you become a security guard without a degree?
Yes — this occupation sits in preparation zone 2, meaning the typical entry route is usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not. A four-year degree is not the standard requirement, though licensing or certification may still apply.
Skills and knowledge you need
Core skills
- Active Listening3.8/5
- Monitoring3.4/5
- Speaking3.3/5
- Critical Thinking3.1/5
- Reading Comprehension3.0/5
- Active Learning2.9/5
Knowledge areas
- Public Safety and Security4.7/5
- Customer and Personal Service4.5/5
- English Language4.3/5
- Computers and Electronics4.1/5
- Administration and Management4.0/5
- Education and Training3.8/5
- Telecommunications3.8/5
- Administrative3.7/5
Transferable strengths: Coordination, Social Perceptiveness, Judgment and Decision Making, Persuasion.