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.

What is the salary of a Security Guard?

The typical salary range is $26,859 - $53,718 per year.

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Government & Public ServicesStableBright Outlook

Security Guard

Operational-level

Also known as: Alarm Investigator, Armed Guard, Armed Security Guard, Armed Security Officer

Government & Public ServicesBachelor's Degree

Job Description

As a Security Guard, you watch over buildings, property, and people to prevent theft, violence, or rule-breaking. You'll patrol an area, monitor surveillance, or operate equipment like x-ray and metal detectors. You work closely with the public and other staff, ensuring their safety and security. This job is for you if you are observant, communicate clearly, and can make sound decisions to maintain order and protect others.

Security OperationsPhysical SecurityLoss PreventionPublic SafetyCriminal JusticeGovernment & Public ServicesEmergency ManagementPolice & MilitaryGovernment

Skills employers are looking for in 2027

Software and technologies flagged by O*NET as Hot or In-Demand for this role.

Hot technologies

Microsoft Excel Microsoft Office software Microsoft Outlook Microsoft SharePoint Microsoft Word

Job Outlook 2025-2035

Bright Outlook

O*NET flags this career as a Bright Outlook occupation: has a large number of job openings.

Projected growth

+0.9%

US average: +3.5%

Job openings

156,000

per year (US)

Jobs today

1,294,300

in 2025 → 1,305,600 (2035)

Typical entry education

High school diploma or equivalent

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections; O*NET Bright Outlook. Read the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook

Work Environment

How this work is typically performed, based on O*NET work context data.

Email & digital communication

High

Working in a team

High

Contact with others

High

Freedom to make decisions

High

Time pressure

Moderate

Time spent sitting

Moderate

Working outdoors

Moderate

Indoor, climate-controlled

High

Dealing with customers

High

Level of competition

Low

Source: O*NET Work Context (v31.0)

Future Perspective

Stable Job Market

The outlook for Security Guards is stable, with about 156,000 job openings expected each year through 2035. The median annual wage is around $38,020. You can advance your career by becoming a Security Supervisor, moving into management as a Security Manager, or even becoming a Security Consultant.

Career ladder

Often before this role

Entry-level Security Guard
Security Officer Trainee
Watchman

Security Guard

Where it can lead

Security Supervisor
Security Manager
Security Consultant

Impact of AI on this Job

AI will increasingly impact security guards by augmenting surveillance systems with advanced analytics and facial recognition, allowing for more efficient monitoring and anomaly detection. Drones and robotic guards may handle routine patrols, freeing human guards to focus on complex threat assessment, rapid response, and direct customer interaction. This shift will require guards to develop skills in managing and interpreting AI-driven data.

Salary

$38,020

Median annual wage, BLS 2025

Required Education

Bachelor's Degree

Minimum educational requirement for this position

Relevant Studies

Based on job level & field

Police Academy

Vocational • Law & Public Administration • 1 year

Security and Loss Prevention Services