How much does a security guard make?

The median pay is $18.28 per hour — roughly $38,000 a year, with the real range running from about $14.52/hr (10th percentile) to $28.29/hr (90th percentile). Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Do you need a degree to be a security guard?

The typical entry-level education is: High school diploma. Overall preparation level: some preparation (Job Zone 2 of 5).

What does a security guard actually do all 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.

Public Safety

Security Guards

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

What it pays
Security Guards earn a median of $18.28/hr — about $38,000 a year. The lowest-paid 10% earn $14.52/hr; the top 10% earn $28.29/hr. (Annual figures are approximate: hourly × 2,080.)

What you'd actually do

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.

How you get there

Typical entry-level education: High school diploma. Overall preparation: some preparation (Job Zone 2 of 5).

The feel of the work

Much of the work happens outdoors; you're around people constantly; it rewards working independently. (Compared against the other 818 careers in the guide.)

Working for yourself

About 0.5% of security guards are self-employed.

Who it tends to fit

This work tends to fit people who are hands-on and organized and detail-focused.

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Related careers

Quick questions

How much does a security guard make?: The median pay is $18.28 per hour — roughly $38,000 a year, with the real range running from about $14.52/hr (10th percentile) to $28.29/hr (90th percentile). Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Do you need a degree to be a security guard?: The typical entry-level education is: High school diploma. Overall preparation level: some preparation (Job Zone 2 of 5).
What does a security guard actually do all 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.

Wages: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS. Tasks & interests: O*NET. Career pathways shown in the app are draft archetypes — verify before relying on them. Trailhead is a free career guide for students — honest numbers, no hype.

Trailhead is operated by FLEXVermont LLC. It is intended for high-school students age 13 and older, and the educators and families who support them, and is not directed to children under 13. Trailhead is provided for general informational and educational purposes only. It does not offer professional, financial, or career advice, and its wage figures and pathways are estimates that may not fit your situation — they should not be relied on as the sole basis for any decision.