Today’s world of security is far removed from that of previous decades. Today, the industry demands qualified, experienced personnel to cover a wide range of different security guard elements. In fact, even the term security guard is somewhat outdated. So, in order to fully answer the question, how much do security guards make? it’s necessary to delve a little deeper into various aspects of the umbrella term of ‘security.
How Much Do Security Guards Make An Hour
According to the United States Bureau of Labor
Statistics (updated in May 2019), the hourly wage for security guards
ranges from $10.17 to $24.19. The median hourly wage in the United States is
$14.27. The annual wage for security guards ranges from $21,150 to
$50,310. The median annual wage in the United States is $29,680.
Besides experience, your location makes a significant
difference due to labor agreements, working conditions, and workforce availability.
As you can see in the table below, the District of Columbia’s median hourly
wage is substantially higher at $21.16, and on the high end, it goes all the
way up to $30.70 per hour.
Remuneration for Security Guards: It depends on the role
- How much do security guards make? Basic level
- How much do security guards make? Armed guards
- How much do security guards make? Close/executive protection
How much do security guards make? Basic level
Any cursory Google search will bring up salary indicators
(such as Indeed and Glassdoor) that indicate an average annual wage for a
security guard is in the region of $23,000-£37,000. At the lower end of the
scale that might not sound very much. But it’s important to consider that this
encompasses low-risk roles that are generally carried out by those at the
beginning of their security career. It also includes those who’ve reached
retirement age and have taken such a job as a supplementary income to their
pension.
How much do security guards make? Armed guards
Armed security guards are those who’ve taken on additional
firearm training to gain the necessary licensing for the state/area/region in
which they carry out their duties. Armed guards work in many areas, including
corporate buildings, public areas, airports, and even schools.
Remuneration tends to be at the mid-higher end of the scale
mentioned above, reflecting the level of training undertaken to carry a
firearm. However, it’s not uncommon for armed guards to earn up to, or even in
excess of, $50,000 per year.
How much do security guards make? Close/executive protection
Salary expectations tend to increase as you move into the
roles of close and executive protection. Those who work in these areas are
rewarded with a wage consummate to the perceived risk to those they guard and,
therefore, the same relative threat to themselves. In the case of working
protection for celebrities or high-value executives, annual incomes can be
quite lucrative—it’s not unheard of for these to reach six figures. Of course,
this is always dependent on experience.
Salaries might also be upgraded with perks that include
accommodation, vehicles, and perhaps foreign travel.
Special Circumstances
- High paying security roles
High paying security roles
Wages in the security industry are often tied to the amount
of risk involved. For those with the relevant attributes (and the desire to do
so), handsome recompense is available working in hostile environments. Think
countries such as Afghanistan, Iraq, Sudan, Somalia, Uganda, etc.
Examples of such civilian roles might include close
protection for media personnel during periods of civil unrest, looking after
the families of high-ranking officials or businesspeople, or providing
security detail for medical staff in war zones.
IS A SECURITY GUARD CAREER RIGHT FOR YOU?
There are other questions to take into account besides
wages. To help you make an informed decision, we have answered common questions
people have when contemplating a career in security.
- Q:
Is there a high demand for security guards?
According to the United States Bureau of Statistics, between 2018-2028, new job openings are expected to total 40,200, a 3.5 % increase. As long as there is a need for companies and individuals to protect their assets, people, and property, there will be a demand for security guards.
- Q:
How many hours a week do security guards work?
Security guards typically have a choice between full-time, part-time, casual, or shift work. If 9-5 doesn’t suit your lifestyle or needs, security jobs offer schedules around the clock. Whether you prefer working a night shift, early morning, or afternoon shift, there are plenty of employment opportunities.
- Q:
Is being a security guard boring?
Being a security guard is often more interesting than your average job. While you could choose work that involves being stationary at quiet sites, there are also positions that require being on patrol at high-traffic locations. Depending on your environment and situation, some days call for emergency response or fire safety, for example. Additionally, you can often choose the industry that you’d like to work in. A few common industries that use security services include healthcare, retail, parking, banks, and schools.
- Q:
Are there opportunities for advancement?
If you’re hoping to eventually become a supervisor, manager, or executive in a security company, starting as a security guard is often the best way to advance. Additionally, being a security guard can help you effectively prepare for a career in law enforcement.