Occupation · SOC 33-9032
Security Guards
Guard, patrol, or monitor premises to prevent theft, violence, or infractions of rules. May operate x-ray and metal detector equipment.
Median wage
$38,370
$29,800–$59,580
Projected growth
+0.4%
Slower than average
Annual openings
510
per year
Employed (US)
1,241,770
Job Zone 2
Typical preparation
Some preparation
Stackable credential programs
13 mapped
Core skills
Active ListeningMonitoringSpeakingCritical ThinkingCoordinationSocial PerceptivenessReading ComprehensionJudgment and Decision MakingService OrientationPersuasionActive LearningWritingNegotiationLearning StrategiesComplex Problem SolvingTime ManagementOperations MonitoringInstructingOperation and ControlManagement of Personnel ResourcesTroubleshootingSystems EvaluationSystems AnalysisQuality Control AnalysisMathematicsScienceOperations AnalysisManagement of Material ResourcesManagement of Financial ResourcesTechnology DesignProgrammingEquipment MaintenanceRepairingInstallationEquipment Selection
Knowledge areas
Public Safety and SecurityCustomer and Personal ServiceEnglish LanguageComputers and ElectronicsAdministration and ManagementEducation and TrainingTelecommunicationsAdministrativeLaw and GovernmentTherapy and CounselingPsychologyMedicine and DentistryForeign LanguageTransportationCommunications and MediaPersonnel and Human ResourcesSociology and AnthropologyGeographyProduction and ProcessingEconomics and AccountingPhilosophy and TheologyHistory and ArcheologyDesignBiologyBuilding and ConstructionMechanicalMathematicsEngineering and TechnologyFood ProductionFine ArtsPhysicsChemistrySales and Marketing
Technology & tools
Corel WordPerfect Office SuiteFaceTimeIBM Lotus 1-2-3McAfeeMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft OutlookMicrosoft SharePointMicrosoft WordNortonLifeLock cybersecurity softwareWireshark
Representative tasks
Identifying Objects, Actions, and EventsGetting InformationCommunicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesDocumenting/Recording InformationEstablishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsPerforming for or Working Directly with the PublicMaking Decisions and Solving ProblemsTraining and Teaching OthersOrganizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkEvaluating Information to Determine Compliance with StandardsCommunicating with People Outside the OrganizationResolving Conflicts and Negotiating with OthersInspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsAssisting and Caring for OthersCoordinating the Work and Activities of OthersWorking with ComputersProcessing InformationDeveloping Objectives and StrategiesMonitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsPerforming General Physical ActivitiesAnalyzing Data or InformationOperating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or EquipmentUpdating and Using Relevant KnowledgeGuiding, Directing, and Motivating SubordinatesThinking CreativelyStaffing Organizational UnitsScheduling Work and ActivitiesEstimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or InformationCoaching and Developing OthersInterpreting the Meaning of Information for OthersDeveloping and Building TeamsJudging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or PeoplePerforming Administrative ActivitiesProviding Consultation and Advice to OthersMonitoring and Controlling ResourcesSelling or Influencing OthersHandling and Moving ObjectsControlling Machines and ProcessesDrafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and EquipmentRepairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment
Competency framework
Skill expectations by proficiency level.
emerging
Door and gate locking procedures — follow step-by-step under direct supervision to secure building entrances and exits at the end of each shift.Patrol routes — complete assigned walking rounds on a commercial or industrial site following a prescribed schedule provided by a supervisor.Alarm signals — recognize and report basic alarm activations to a supervisor or dispatch center according to posted emergency protocols.Visitor and employee access logs — record arrivals and departures manually or in an office suite application under close supervisory guidance.Basic first aid supplies — locate and apply under direction when responding to a minor medical incident on site.Daily activity reports — document routine observations and shift events using a word processing template provided by the site supervisor.Rule infraction notices — deliver verbal warnings to individuals committing minor violations using scripted language reviewed with a supervisor.Radio or telephone communication — use to relay routine messages and status updates to a dispatch center following standard operating procedures.Surveillance camera feeds — monitor assigned screens for unusual activity and flag anomalies to a senior guard for evaluation.Post orders and site maps — read and reference to understand assigned coverage areas and applicable security policies before beginning solo patrols.
developing
Building perimeter security — conduct independent patrol rounds on a commercial or industrial site, checking doors, windows, and gates for signs of intrusion without constant supervision.Access control decisions — evaluate and authorize or deny employee and visitor entry based on established credential policies at a staffed security desk.Alarm response procedures — investigate disturbances triggered by alarms, assess the situation on arrival, and coordinate with emergency services when warranted.Medical emergency assistance — administer basic first aid or CPR to an injured patron or employee and contact paramedics in line with site emergency response plans.Incident reports — write clear, factual shift reports documenting property damage, theft, or unauthorized persons using office suite or document management software.Crowd circulation management — move among visitors or employees in a retail or event environment to maintain order and deter opportunistic misconduct.Conflict de-escalation — apply social perceptiveness and active listening techniques to calm a disruptive individual before physical intervention becomes necessary.Violation enforcement — warn rule violators, request compliance, and escalate to removal or apprehension when a subject refuses to comply on assigned premises.Network and video monitoring software — use to track real-time camera feeds and entry logs, identifying suspicious patterns across multiple access points.Shift handover communication — brief the oncoming guard accurately on open incidents, access changes, and site conditions using spoken and written summaries.
proficient
Complex perimeter assessments — evaluate physical vulnerabilities of an industrial or commercial facility during patrol and recommend corrective measures to site management.Multi-entry access control — independently manage authorization protocols for high-traffic entrances, applying critical thinking to flag credential anomalies or tailgating attempts.Emergency coordination — serve as on-site point of contact during a medical or security emergency, directing paramedics or law enforcement to the correct location while maintaining crowd safety.Thorough incident investigation — gather witness accounts, review surveillance footage, and compile detailed written reports suitable for law enforcement or insurance review.Behavioral threat recognition — apply deductive reasoning and problem sensitivity to identify patterns of suspicious behavior across repeated observations in a commercial environment.Force continuum decisions — exercise sound judgment to determine appropriate response levels — from verbal warning through physical apprehension — when enforcing trespass or violation policies.Technology-integrated monitoring — correlate data from network monitoring software, electronic alarm systems, and camera feeds to detect security gaps and respond proactively.Policy interpretation — read and apply law, government regulations, and site-specific post orders to novel or ambiguous situations without supervisory input.Mentorship of new guards — guide newly assigned security personnel through site-specific procedures, post orders, and patrol expectations during their initial weeks on post.Customer and stakeholder communication — interact professionally with building tenants, executives, and law enforcement representatives, balancing security requirements with customer service obligations.
advanced
Security program oversight — design and implement comprehensive patrol schedules, post orders, and access control policies for a multi-site commercial or industrial security operation.Risk assessment leadership — conduct systematic vulnerability analyses of premises and translate findings into actionable security improvement plans presented to organizational leadership.Emergency response planning — develop and rehearse site-wide emergency protocols covering medical events, intrusions, and evacuations, coordinating with local law enforcement and paramedic services.Guard force development — establish training curricula and performance standards for a security guard team, building competency in first aid, conflict management, and reporting practices.Technology strategy — evaluate and recommend procurement of surveillance, access control, and network monitoring platforms aligned with organizational security objectives and budget constraints.Cross-functional coordination — collaborate with facilities management, HR, and legal teams to align security policies with compliance requirements, employment law, and risk management goals.Performance metrics and reporting — design shift reporting frameworks and key performance indicators, analyzing trend data to reduce incidents and demonstrate security program value to executives.Regulatory and legal guidance — interpret public safety statutes, trespass law, and use-of-force regulations for the organization, ensuring all security practices maintain legal compliance.Crisis communications leadership — direct internal and external messaging during a significant security event, maintaining calm, accuracy, and coordination with public safety agencies.Culture of integrity and dependability — model and institutionalize professional standards of conduct, self-control, and ethical decision-making across the entire security workforce.
Also known as
79 alternate job titles map to this occupation.
Access Control Security OfficerAlarm InvestigatorArmed GuardArmed Security GuardArmed Security OfficerArmored Car DriverArmored Car GuardBag CheckerBaggage InspectorBaggage ScreenerBaggage Security CheckerBank GuardBodyguardBouncerCamp GuardCampus Security Officer (CSO)Closed Circuit Screen WatcherCustom Protection Officer (CPO)Customer Security ClerkCustomer Service Security OfficerDoor TenderDoorshakerDriver GuardElevated GuardFlex OfficerFloorpersonFloorwalkerGate AttendantGate GuardGate KeeperGate OperatorGate PersonGate TenderGate WatchmanGatemanGovernment GuardHall TenderHotel Security OfficerLoss Prevention OfficerLoss Prevention Representative (Loss Prevention Rep)