🛡️ Public Safety ↑ 4% growth · Average

Security Officer / Guard

Security officers protect people and property in hospitals, schools, casinos, event venues, and corporate campuses. Armed security roles pay significantly more and may require a firearms permit.

$34,750 Median Salary
1.1M US Jobs
2–4 weeks Training
$300–$1,500 Typical Cost
Get Free Program Info → Find Schools

💰 Salary & Earning Potential

Salary data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Figures represent national averages — local wages vary by state, city, and employer.

Entry Level
$27,000
Median
$34,750
Experienced
$53,000
Want your state's salary? Select a state below to see local wage data, demand, and training programs.

📈 Job Outlook

4%
Projected Growth (10yr)
Average
1.1M
Total US Jobs
Active positions nationwide
State security license
Required Credential
State security license (Class D in FL, Class G for armed)

🎓 Training & Education

Typical Program
Security Officer Training + Firearm training (if armed)
Program Length
2–4 weeks
Typical Tuition
$300–$1,500
Work Setting
Hospitals, casinos, event venues, government facilities, retail
🏆 Credential Required: State security license (Class D in FL, Class G for armed)

☀️ Day in the Life

A typical day as a Security Officer / Guard involves working closely with clients and colleagues in a Hospitals environment. You'll apply your training daily while building expertise and advancing your career.

⚖️ Pros & Cons

Advantages

  • ✅ Strong job security
  • ✅ Rewarding work
  • ✅ Clear career progression
  • ✅ Growing demand

Challenges

  • ⚠️ Can be physically demanding
  • ⚠️ May require ongoing certification
  • ⚠️ Entry-level wages vary by region

🗺️ Security Officer / Guard by State

See local salary data, licensing requirements, and schools in your state:

FL FloridaGA GeorgiaTX TexasCA CaliforniaNY New YorkNC North CarolinaIL IllinoisOH OhioPA PennsylvaniaAZ ArizonaAL AlabamaAR ArkansasLA LouisianaMS MississippiSC South CarolinaTN TennesseeVA VirginiaWV West VirginiaKY KentuckyMD MarylandDE DelawareNJ New JerseyCT ConnecticutMA MassachusettsRI Rhode IslandNH New HampshireVT VermontME MaineMI MichiganIN IndianaWI WisconsinMN MinnesotaIA IowaMO MissouriND North DakotaSD South DakotaNE NebraskaKS KansasOK OklahomaCO ColoradoMT MontanaWY WyomingID IdahoUT UtahNV NevadaNM New MexicoWA WashingtonOR OregonAK AlaskaHI HawaiiDC Washington DC