Protective service
Security guard
Guard, patrol, or monitor premises to prevent theft, violence, or infractions of rules. May operate x-ray and metal detector equipment.
Median pay
$38,020
Growth to 2035
+1%
little or no change
Openings a year
156,000
Time to qualify*
1 month
* From a bachelor's degree in an unrelated field.
Pay
Security guard
Getting in
- Typical entry education
- High school diploma or equivalent
- On-the-job training
- Short-term on-the-job training
- Prior experience
- None
What the work is like
Dealing with the public
Unpleasant or angry people
Time pressure
Cost of a mistake
Freedom to make decisions
Repeating the same tasks
Time sitting
Time standing
Outdoors in all weather
Hazardous conditions
Exposure to disease
Security guard: 18% usually work over 40 hours a week
Core 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.
Also called: Armed Security Officer · Campus Security Officer (CSO) · Custom Protection Officer (CPO) · Customer Service Security Officer · Hotel Security Officer · Loss Prevention Officer · Safety and Security Officer · Security Agent
Outlook and AI
Security guards held 1,294,300 jobs in 2025. BLS projects 1,305,600 by 2035 (+1%, little or no change; all jobs: +3.5%).
Productivity change - share decreases as improvements in remote sensing, including drones and autonomous robots, allow security guards to patrol larger areas.
Compare with
- Security guard vs. First-line supervisor of security workers
- Security guard vs. Transit and railroad police
- Security guard vs. Transportation security screener
- Security guard vs. Police officer
- Security guard vs. Parking enforcement worker
- Security guard vs. Public safety telecommunicator
- Security guard vs. Protective service workers, all other
- Security guard vs. Correctional officers and jailers
- Security guard vs. Crossing guards and flaggers
- Security guard vs. Lifeguards, ski patrol, and other recreational protective service workers