Salary and Outlook
According to the US Department of Labor, there are 1,077,700 people employed as security guards in
the United States.
The median annual salary is $31,470.
Entry level employees earn approximately $23,250 per year and senior employees earn approximately $50,040
per year.
Estimates do not include other potential benefits such as health insurance, overtime, or retirement benefits that may be offered by employers.
Job Duties
- Write reports of daily activities and irregularities, such as equipment or property damage, theft, presence of unauthorized persons, or unusual occurrences.
- Patrol industrial or commercial premises to prevent and detect signs of intrusion and ensure security of doors, windows, and gates.
- Call police or fire departments in cases of emergency, such as fire or presence of unauthorized persons.
- Respond to medical emergencies by administering basic first aid or by obtaining assistance from paramedics.
- Circulate among visitors, patrons, or employees to preserve order and protect property.
- Warn persons of rule infractions or violations, and apprehend or evict violators from premises, using force when necessary.
- Answer telephone calls to take messages, answer questions, and provide information during non-business hours or when switchboard is closed.
- Operate detecting devices to screen individuals and prevent passage of prohibited articles into restricted areas.
- Inspect and adjust security systems, equipment, or machinery to ensure operational use and to detect evidence of tampering.
- Escort or drive motor vehicle to transport individuals to specified locations or to provide personal protection.
- Monitor and adjust controls that regulate building systems, such as air conditioning, furnace, or boiler.
- Answer alarms and investigate disturbances.
- Monitor and authorize entrance and departure of employees, visitors, and other persons to guard against theft and maintain security of premises.
- Lock doors and gates of entrances and exits to secure buildings.