Security Guards: Salary, Job Outlook & How to Become One (2026 Parent Guide)

Security Guards fall under the Protective Service category in the U.S. occupational classification. Security Guards earn a median salary of $38,020 per year, ranking in the top 92% of all U.S. occupations. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects +0.9% job growth through 2035, projected to grow slower than the US average. Entry into this field typically requires a high school diploma plus on-the-job training, certifications, or postsecondary credentials, with specific licensing or certification depending on the state and employer. For parents whose teenager is exploring this path, the most actionable step is mapping the education requirements to specific colleges and majors before junior year — not waiting until application season.

What do security guards earn?

The median annual wage for security guards is $38,020. That puts security guards at #756 on the BLS ranked list of all U.S. occupations by median pay. This salary is around or below the U.S. median for individual workers, so career growth often depends on advancement into supervisory roles, specialization, or additional credentials. Actual pay varies meaningfully by state, employer type, and years of experience — entry-level salaries are typically 30–40% below the median, while top-decile earners often exceed it by 50% or more.

Is security guards a growing career?

The 10-year outlook for security guards is +0.9%, projected to grow slower than the US average. Employment is projected to move from approximately 1.3M positions in 2024 to 1.3M in 2034, a net change of 11K. Flat growth typically reflects a mature, stable field. Most openings will come from retirements rather than new positions, which can favor candidates with strong networks and willingness to relocate.

What do security guards do every day?

According to O*NET task surveys of working security guards, these are the core responsibilities most professionals perform. This is what your teen would actually be doing in this role.

1. 1.Write reports of daily activities and irregularities, such as equipment or property damage, theft, presence of unauthorized persons, or unusual occurrences.
2. 2.Answer alarms and investigate disturbances.
3. 3.Warn persons of rule infractions or violations, and apprehend or evict violators from premises, using force when necessary.
4. 4.Operate detecting devices to screen individuals and prevent passage of prohibited articles into restricted areas.
5. 5.Respond to medical emergencies by administering basic first aid or by obtaining assistance from paramedics.
6. 6.Circulate among visitors, patrons, or employees to preserve order and protect property.
7. 7.Escort or drive motor vehicle to transport individuals to specified locations or to provide personal protection.
8. 8.Lock doors and gates of entrances and exits to secure buildings.

Top skills for security guards

O*NET ranks these as the most important skills for this occupation, on a 1–5 importance scale derived from worker surveys.

What education does my child need to become security guard?

Many security guards enter the field with a high school diploma plus on-the-job training, though employers increasingly favor candidates with certifications or some postsecondary coursework. For parents helping a teen prepare, the highest-leverage step before junior year is identifying colleges and programs that feed reliably into this occupation — Solyo's college search lets parents filter by major and admissions data side by side.

Related careers your child might also consider

• School Bus Monitors
  $35,100 median
• Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers
  $33,580 median
• First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives
  $106,040 median
• Detectives and Criminal Investigators
  $93,790 median
• First-Line Supervisors of Firefighting and Prevention Workers
  $93,530 median
• Transit and Railroad Police
  $90,230 median

Common questions parents ask about security guards