Security Guard Jobs

Security Guard Job Overview

A security guard job can put you to work protecting people from crime, maintaining order, reducing theft from businesses, or protecting passengers from terrorists and other criminals.

Security Guard Job Types

In a traditional security guard job, you’ll patrol a limited area helping to maintain order as you guard people and property.

Transportation security screeners work at airports or other transportation terminals. Screeners are federal employees hired to scan and search people and baggage.

Gaming surveillance officers work in casinos, guarding employees and customers and watching out for cheaters and thieves.

Retail loss-prevention specialists stop shoplifters who steal from stores.

Armored car guards protect money or valuables during transit.

Security Guard Job Market

The overall number of security guard job opportunities will increase 19 percent from 2010 to 2020, which is about the same as all jobs, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts.

The nearly 200,000 security guard jobs expected to open over the forecast decade will result from rising concern about crime and terrorism. Look for additional jobs in security in the private sector as governments increase outsourcing of security.

Airport safety officer jobs, including transportation security screener jobs, will not grow as rapidly, expanding by 10 percent from 2010 to 2020, the BLS says.

Casino and gaming security jobs will rise 9 percent from 2010 to 2020, slower than average. However, if more states approve gambling measures, the need for gaming security workers will increase.

Security Guard Salaries

According to the BLS, 2011 median salaries for the following security careers were:

• Security guards: $23,900
• Federally employed transportation security screeners: $36,910
• Gaming surveillance officers and gaming investigators: $30,410