How to become security guardseducation, training, experience and the steps to enter
Median annual pay
$38,020
25th–75th pct. $35,210–$46,200
Top pay (est.)
$76,500
Top 10% $58,840
Pay in 5 years
$43,900est.
2031
Pay in 10 years
$50,700est.
$43,600–$58,900
Outlook score
41/100
★★☆☆☆ Below average
AI replacement risk
39%
Low
Job growth (10 yr)
+0.9%
156K openings / yr
How to become security guards
Typical education
High school diploma or equivalent
BLS
Related experience
None
On-the-job training
Short-term on-the-job training
A step-by-step guide for this occupation is being prepared. The education, training and experience data above show the typical path.
Skills, education and requirements for Security Guards
Key skills
O*NET skill level ratings (0–7).
Key knowledge areas
What the work involves
Getting InformationEstablishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsOrganizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkCommunicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesWorking with ComputersResolving Conflicts and Negotiating with OthersPerforming for or Working Directly with the PublicTraining and Teaching Others
Important abilities
Selective AttentionProblem SensitivityOral ComprehensionOral ExpressionFar VisionNear Vision
Education of workers
Training before entry
Related work experience
Job Zone 2 — some preparation needed (O*NET)
Difficulty of entry: ★☆☆☆☆ Easy to enter (from education, training, experience and Job Zone)
Career path and how to earn more as security guards
Career-path guidance is being prepared. Pay by percentile is shown in the Pay section.
Pay and employment figures are national statistics. Projected pay, outlook scores and AI replacement risk are estimates from the Shigoto Zukan model, not guarantees. To request a correction, use the contact form. How to read the data
Sources: BLS OEWS May 2025; BLS Employment Projections 2025–35; O*NET 31.0 Database by USDOL/ETA (CC BY 4.0), modified by Shigoto Zukan. Pay ranges, projections and scores are Shigoto Zukan estimates.