Choose a Career As a Security Guard
- December 18, 2018
- Posted by: Moise Louissaint
- Category: Security Guard News

A career as a security guard is not an easy one. Security guards do an important job and put their lives in danger every day.
There are a lot of factors that play a role in figuring out how much do security guards make. This article will help you to answer that question and more.
How Much Do Security Guards Make?
If you are looking into becoming a security guard, you are likely wondering how much you can expect to make. The truth is, there is a wide pay range in the field and many determining factors.
On average, security guards in the United States get paid $13 per hour, but the national range is anywhere between $9 and $20 per hour.
As in any other job, security guards are typically paid more if they are more experienced or have higher levels of training. If you are just starting out as a security officer, you can expect to start at the bottom of the pay range and work your way up as you gain experience in the field.
Determining Factors
One of the biggest determining factor that plays a role in how much security guards make is how much experience one has. A guard who has been doing the job for some time can expect to be paid more than someone who is fresh out of college.
Additionally, if you have experience in a similar background, it can be advantageous when it comes to salary. If you have a background in law enforcement or the military, many employers looking to hire security guards will see that as relevant experience.
The type of security role will also make a difference in your salary. Providing mall security will likely net you less annually than being a security officer at a high profile company.
Employers also tend to pay overnight security guards more than those who work the dayshift. So, if you want to up your chances of earning a higher pay, try finding an overnight security guard job.
Security jobs with higher risk involved will also score you a higher paycheck. Providing security at a bar or club with rowdy and out of control patrons will pay a bit higher than the national average because you are subjecting yourself to situations that could be dangerous.
How to Boost Your Chances of Making More Money as a Security Guard
If you want to increase your chance of earning a higher wage as a security guard and you don’t have a lot of experience in the field yet, the best thing that you can do is get as many certifications as possible.
There are ample courses that you can participate in both online and in person that you can participate in and receive certification. Additional training will almost always net you better paying security jobs.
The more training and experience you can put on your resume, the better your chances are of earning a higher wage.
Security guards have a tough and important job to do, they put the safety and security of others in their hands every day. Finding a security job that pays well is not within reach.
If you’re looking for a career as a security call visit our security guard jobs page, where you can find the classes and training we offer. Contact us if you’re interested to embark on the fulfilling and fascinating career in the security industry, or if you’re already working in the industry and want to work for us. We’d love to have you as part of the Fast Guard Security Service family.