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 $38,370 per year, ranking in the top 88% of all U.S. occupations. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects +0.4% job growth through 2034, 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 $38,370. That puts security guards at #714 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 +0.4%, 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 5K. 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.Monitor and authorize entrance and departure of employees, visitors, and other persons to guard against theft and maintain security of premises.
2. 2.Operate detecting devices to screen individuals and prevent passage of prohibited articles into restricted areas.
3. 3.Patrol industrial or commercial premises to prevent and detect signs of intrusion and ensure security of doors, windows, and gates.
4. 4.Answer alarms and investigate disturbances.
5. 5.Circulate among visitors, patrons, or employees to preserve order and protect property.
6. 6.Write reports of daily activities and irregularities, such as equipment or property damage, theft, presence of unauthorized persons, or unusual occurrences.
7. 7.Answer telephone calls to take messages, answer questions, and provide information during non-business hours or when switchboard is closed.
8. 8.Inspect and adjust security systems, equipment, or machinery to ensure operational use and to detect evidence of tampering.

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

• First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives
  $105,980 median
• Detectives and Criminal Investigators
  $93,580 median
• First-Line Supervisors of Firefighting and Prevention Workers
  $92,430 median
• Transit and Railroad Police
  $82,320 median
• Fire Inspectors and Investigators
  $78,060 median
• First-Line Supervisors of Correctional Officers
  $76,310 median

Common questions parents ask about security guards