May 18, 2013

Security Guard Employment

Private Investigator Training

August 9, 2011 By

Many of the skills needed for security guard are also quite applicable to the private investigator business. The ability to communicate clearly, investigative and observation skills, surveillance, background checks, alarm security, court proceedings, crime scene, all these and more are part of private investigator training. There are many different areas for a private investigator to specialize in; insurance fraud, marital/custody disputes, accident reconstruction, skip tracing, criminal defense, product liability, and high-tech intelligence gathering for multi-national corporations.

Certain areas of security guard work are very similar to that of a private investigator. Internal theft prevention (shoplifting) and general surveillance are skills that private investigator training provides. You may have to investigate an insurance claim, personal injury case, or a martial dispute using the same techniques as the FBI’s Special Surveillance Group (SSG). A private investigator will do a lot of background and criminal history checks. This may involve researching the subject’s education, assets, income, lifestyle, and general reputation.

The private investigator must become expert at skip tracing and locating missing persons. This could include locating debtors, witnesses, process serving, auto repossession and even parental kidnapping. The security guard, like a private investigator, must be knowledgeable on the legal aspects of use-of-force, harassment, apprehension and detention, testimony, evidence, crime scene procedures, police and security liaison. You may choose to work as a bounty hunter and have to locate, track down, and arrest bail jumpers and fugitives from justice.  The use of certain security devices such as mace, baton, handcuffs, and in dire situations, a firearm, are all part of private investigator work, as well as security guard skills.

Many states do not require any specific P.I. licensing requirements. As a general rule, if you work for a licensed P.I. firm, you do not need a license, while still making $20-$40 an hour. However, if you choose to put your private investigator training to work by starting your own P.I. company, then you may need a license from the state you are working in. Just search “Private Investigator license” and your state for specifics. As a licensed P.I. working self-employed, you could start out at $75-$125 an hour, with the potential for $300-$500,000 a year! So obviously the potential for more money earned is greater for a P.I. as opposed to security guard, but there are some drawbacks.

A security guard job is more stable and routine, with a guaranteed paycheck. P.I.’s have to get self-motivated and really “make things happen”. A security guard may just do regular patrols, watching a parking lot, or sitting in a building monitoring security closed-circuit cameras all night long. So the potential private investigator should first question just how self-motivated they want to be before taking on the P.I. employment field.

The demand for private investigators is expected to grow by 22% over the next decade. This is an exciting job opportunity market for anyone with the necessary skills to enter into. Your security guard skills and background are certainly applicable to private investigator training. Just having a professional image is a good first step into the P.I. field. Many of your job contacts as a security guard can be used as a private investigator. Knowing how the court system works, and liaison with police agencies, is all good cross-over knowledge and skills between security guard and private investigator.

So why not apply that security guard background and begin a career in private investigations? While the work is hard, the rewards are great, including the potential to start your own business in Private Investigations.  Choose the field you want to specialize in, and you will be on your new career path as a Private Investigator!

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Security Training Courses

August 5, 2011 By

Not all security training courses are the same. The reason is that security guard training requirements vary from state to state. Some states are fairly lenient in what is required to be a security guard, such as a high school diploma, at least 18 years of age, and no criminal convictions. Other states, such as New York, are more stringent and demanding in security guard training requirements. Let’s look at some of the best security training providers and the most recognized courses.

The Security Officer Online Training Center is based in Augusta, Maine, and is a division of the Justice Planning and Management Associates. This security training company uses sophisticated educational technologies to promote public safety. They have state-specific training systems that are internet based and highly interactive. Since this service is web based, it is “open” 24/7 and can be accessed at any time day or night. The security guard student can work at their own pace and can move around the learning format at will. Due to the fact that this is an online training resource, students can go fast or slow, depending on their learning skills. There are a wide variety of classes to choose from; patrol, disaster preparedness, terrorism, fire safety, physical security, and many others. Fees range from $30 for Basic Security Officer to $60 for Advanced.

At Guard Training Online there security training courses for those who need to obtain a California Guard Card. Some states, such as California, will require specific certification in powers of arrest, CPR and first aid, baton, mace, and WMD training. There are general eligibility requirements such as eight hours of education from a state-licensed training facility. Prices range from $60 -$120, with online courses generally cheaper. These eight hours of training are essentially on powers of arrest, terrorism awareness, and basic security guard training. After completing this course, you would then download a special electronic form from the Bureau of Safety and Investigative Service (BSIS). Your fingerprints are scanned electronically and sent to the FBI and Department of Justice for a background check and clearance. Once that happens, and your California Guard Card is submitted, you will be cleared for Security Guard employment.

Up in the New York area, there is the Blue Steel Security Guard Training School (BSSGTS). They have an eight hour pre-assignment training certificate that is the minimum required for security guard employment in the State of New York. After this basic class, there are several other security training courses available. New York requires that within 90 days of being hired as a security guard, you must take the 16 hour on-the-job (O.J.T.) training certificate. Specific duties, functions, and responsibilities of a security guard are taught. Additional courses are loss prevention, metal detection (weapons screening), firearms training, and basic life support.

For those in the Florida area, there is the security training courses that they offer in how to obtain a Class D Security License. This security guard license requires 40 hours of classroom work taught by a licensed security instructor. Part One consists of two 12 hour days of classroom instruction. This would include areas such as Florida laws, ethics, observation techniques, report writing, and interviewing. Your temporary Class D license will be issued, but you will need to complete an additional 16 hours on Part II, which will involve instruction in search procedures, courtroom, crowd control, wanding, non-lethal weapons, and defensive tactics.

These are just a few examples of the main providers and most recognized in the security guard training business. Research your individual states where you hope to be employed as a security guard, as each has their specific requirements. Good luck!

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Essential Skills and Responsibilities

August 3, 2011 By

Anyone considering breaking into the security guard employment field should seriously consider security training courses. Most security guard companies are going to give preferential treatment to applicants who have a good background or experience in the essentials of security protocols. The certificate of completion of a course in security will greatly increase the chances of a successful hire in the security guard business. There are many different security courses out there to choose from; some may be online and others at a real classroom, or maybe a combination of the two. Let’s look at some essentials in security training.

Before you begin your security guard training, you should check on your state’s specific requirements, if any. For an unarmed security guard, many states have no training requirements at all, provided you are at least 18 years of age and free of any criminal convictions.

First and foremost as a security guard you want to project a professional image. This means being well groomed, no sloppy long hair and untrimmed beards, fingernails clean and trimmed, etc. Your uniform should be sharp and clean, and shoes always highly polished. This begins the first step in your security training courses, that of mental and situational awareness. A security guard absolutely must be aware and attentive to what is transpiring around them in their work environment. Many times a potentially dangerous or explosive situation can be defused or “headed off at the pass” before it occurs. A good example is a drunk, who is becoming increasingly belligerent, can be dealt with before they cause any real trouble.

There are different types of security that your security training courses will prepare you for. Many retail stores, such as shopping malls, invest heavily in theft prevention. Literally millions upon millions of dollars are lost each year from simple shoplifting. A security guard must also know the laws regarding apprehension and detention of suspects. In any court case, you are going to have to know about testimony, evidence, use of force, and crime scene procedures.

A large part of security guard training will involve routine patrol duties. A trained security guard must have good observation and memory skills; what did you see, describe the suspect, etc.? Patrolling can be monotonous, but better to be at the right place at the right time, than the opposite! At the end of your day or shift, you will have to write a report, and security training will help you develop that skill.

Another aspect of security guard training is physical security of the place you are guarding or watching. That may very well involve alarm and access technology. There are very sophisticated alarm systems in use today. And you will have to know how to properly arm and disarm those systems. Another security feature in use is card-activated magnetic door locks. Modern security systems may also involve motion detectors, infrared sensors, pressure plates, and closed circuit surveillance monitors. These may all be part of your security training courses.

A security guard will also have to know how to deal with traffic control and parking lot security. There are specific techniques and methods to deal with each of these situations, and that is where your security training will be invaluable. Finally, there are a wide variety of emergency situations that the security guard may have to deal with. These include crisis intervention, safety awareness, fire prevention, hazardous materials, emergency response, work place violence, bomb threats, substance abuse, VIP protection, terrorism and WMD’s.

These are just a few of the areas that the prospective security guard will have some knowledge, experience, or training in. So jump start your security guard career today by choosing the right security course that fits your needs.

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Armed Security Guard

August 1, 2011 By

Anyone considering employment as a security guard needs to consider the pros and cons of being an armed security guard. Perhaps a security guard job is your stepping stone to a professional career in law enforcement? In that case, you would definitely need to look into the legal requirements for carrying a gun as a security guard. At the minimum, most states require a license-to-carry (LTC) permit. While most security guards who choose to be armed will have the weapon openly displayed in a holster (“open carry”), there may be circumstances where the security guard will need to have a gun concealed. In that case, there is an additional concealed weapon permit (CW) also required.

The pay scale for armed versus unarmed security guard can vary considerably. The starting wages can be anywhere from $9.31 to $20.38 an hour. At the top end, an armed security guard can earn an annual income of $59,000, and that does not necessarily factor in overtime! At the other end for unarmed, the pay scale may be $22,000 per annum. Keep in mind that these are averages, and can differ substantially from state to state. The highest paying cities for armed guards, as of 2011, are 1) Baltimore, Maryland;2) Washington, D.C.;3) Arlington, Virginia;4) New York, NY; and 5) Seattle, Washington.

There are many aspects of a firearm that the prospective security guard must consider. There is the safety, maintenance, and handling of a firearm. A gun needs to be properly cared for, which means periodic cleaning, oiling, and making absolutely certain all components function perfectly. In the event deadly force is required in the line of duty, it could be tragic and catastrophic if a gun were to misfire due to user negligence! States and jurisdictions vary in their legal requirements for how a gun is to be stored. Some states require the gun to be locked in a safe; others are more lenient.

Part of armed security training would include marksmanship. As an example, the State of New York requires 70% accuracy rate on silhouette targets. Just because you are carrying a gun on your hip, does not mean you can necessarily accurately hit your target! Be aware that if you have to use your weapon, for example during an armed robbery, and you fire and hit innocent bystanders with deadly bullets, you WILL be sued in a court of law! There is the potential for an armed security guard, using their weapon inappropriately, being sued and losing everything they own! So you may want to check very closely any potential security guard employers on their insurance and bonding protocols and legalities, prior to employment.

One of the disadvantages of an unarmed security guard is; what do you do in the event of a real emergency that involves potential hostile, deadly force? The store is being robbed at gunpoint, and all you can do is call 911? That may very well be the scenario if you are an unarmed guard. Few would dispute that an armed security guard gets a certain amount of more respect than an unarmed one. A security guard who does not have a weapon may be looked at as nothing more than a “rent-a-cop”, whereas a security guard that is armed will most likely get the “Sir” designation!

Those with previous military experience usually get preference in the security guard hiring process. They are already familiar with weapons use and handling, uniform maintenance, chains of command authority, and the use of deadly force (“rules of engagement”). But don’t let that deter you; there are plenty of security guard training courses and schools available that will enable you to start your new career in law enforcement.

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How To Become A Security Guard

July 28, 2011 By

It has been said that we live in a dangerous world. Wars, terrorism, civil unrest, all seem to be on the rise. Consequently, there are plenty of job opportunities in the law enforcement growth industry, especially in the areas of police, surveillance, and prisons. The beginning first step in a criminal justice career may be in how to become a security guard. Department of Labor statistics indicate that beginning in 2008, for the next 10 years there will be a projected 14% increase in security guard employment opportunities. Before a person begins the application process in becoming a security guard, they should understand some of the basic requirements and prerequisites.

Virtually all job opportunities today require a high school diploma, and security guard training is no different. So your first step is to get your high school diploma. Secondly, always maintain a clean criminal record. That means no drunken driving citations and certainly no drug convictions. In fact, virtually all security guard companies will require that you pass a background check and a drug test as part of the employment application process. Additionally, all security guards must be at least 18 years of age.

The prospective security guard should determine what their career path will be. Where do you want to ultimately end up in your law enforcement career? This may determine the type of formal training required. There are different pay scales and responsibilities involved with armed versus unarmed security guards. There is a tremendous more amount of responsibility, as well as accountability, when the security officer is carrying a deadly weapon. The wrongful or illegal use of lethal force could have disastrous consequences for any or all parties involved in any sort of deadly force encounter. However, if your ultimate career goal is police officer, bank guard, correctional officer, or federal law enforcement, then certainly weapon training is desired.

There are a wide variety of courses available to train you in how to become a security guard. Some of them may be online/virtual computer courses, and others may be at an accredited university or college. There are various course titles to search from, such as Security Management and Criminal Justice. The federal Department of Homeland Security can offer valuable resources to get you started in a career in law enforcement. Check with any local colleges and universities in your area for specifics on how to become a security guard. Even your local Yellow Pages will have listings for companies and security training schools in your area. In fact, some security guard companies may even pay for all or part of your security guard tuition provided you meet specific requirements.

A security guard training school is going to provide instruction on how to respond during specific types of emergencies. There are many different environments that a security guard may operate in. For example, they may be employed at banks, hotels, schools, restaurants, hospitals, retail stores and malls, bars, and even casinos! How does a security guard respond in each of those environments in the event of fire, earthquake, terrorism, or bomb threats? A trained security guard must keep cool and know what to do to keep people safe and/or eliminate any threats to life and property.

In researching on how to become a security guard, you may find that your state requires a license. Security guard license requirements vary from state to state, so ask your local job service about those requirements. As stated previously, the most basic security guard requirements are 18 years of age, and passing a criminal background check and drug test. Good luck on your new career in law enforcement and criminal justice!

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Marine Security Guard

June 26, 2011 By

There are many different types of security guard positions that you can choose from, but one of the most difficult yet influential security positions is a Marine Security Guard.  To tell you how this security guard position had started, you would have to know a little bit of history of the U.S. Marine Corps.

In the mid-1940s, Marines started to serve as a special unit of security guards to guard embassies.  There was a law passed in 1946 that allowed the Secretary of the Navy to have some selected Marines and detach them to serve at embassies to guard them.  This happened only when the Department of State requested it.  By saying this, the first set of Marine Security Guards began serving in 1949.  Five years later after the MSGs started their service, the first MSG training school opened.  In 1954, there were a good amount of Marines that wanted to serve as MSGs.

A civilian can not be considered to be able to receive the position of a Marine Security Guard.  The only way to become a MSG is through the U.S. Marine Corps.  Almost any Marine in the U.S. Marine Corps can apply to be a MSG.  There are some qualifications to be considered to be in this position.  A Marine must be at least the pay grade of E-3, which is the rank of Lance Corporal in the Marine Corps.  There are many documents and forms you must fill out, and while you fill them out, the Marine Corps is would conduct a top-secret security check.  Whenever you are clear from the security check and finished filling out the forms, you will probably wait approximately a total of three days for your letter of acceptance.  After you receive your letter of acceptance, you will automatically receive your letter of orders (which is only a letter telling you what you are to do and where you are to go).  After receiving your orders, you will then hop on a plane to Quantico, Virginia.  This is a Marine Corps base, and where you will receive your MSG training.

The Marine will conduct MSG training at Quantico, Virginia at a Marine Corps base, and the selected Marine will be part of the Marine Security Guard Battalion.  This battalion is responsible for training Marines to be top-notch embassy security guards.  The Embassy Security Group is the group in charge of the knowledge and training criteria of the MSG school.  Both male and female can train at the MSG school.  This training is rough and never easy.  The failure rate at the training school is at 35 percent.

The Marine Security Guard training consists of six days a week of vigorous training.  A student has to conduct training in a classroom to learn how to be a MSG.  Everyday consists of physical training, just like U.S. Marine Corps Basic Training.  Cleaning your areas of usage and all of your equipment is conducted on a daily basis.  Also, on a daily basis, massive studying and uniform inspections would be conducted.  The overall criteria you will learn in the training would be to use different kinds of weapons, learn the art of self defense and personal protection, learn about different and many terrorist organizations, learn about protecting classified materials and documents, and mostly learn about protect an embassy and its staff.  For Marines that have a pay grade of E6, they will attend the training school for an eight-week course.  Those Marines will become detachment commanders.  For Marines with a pay grade of E-5 or lower, they will attend the training school for a six-week course.  They will become in staff MSGs.


The pay scale of a Marine Security Guard depends on the Marine’s pay grade.  Examples of pay grades are E-3, E-4, E-5, etc.  Basically, the pay grade is a Marine’s rank.  Of course, there is overseas pay if you are sent overseas.

All in all, after the training, a Marine could be ready to be sent to different countries to be a MSG at an U.S Embassy.  Here are the regions, headquarters, and area of responsibility (AOR) for each station of Marine Security Guards:

  • Region 1, Headquarters- Frankfurt, Germany, AOR- Eastern Europe and Eurasia
  • Region 2, Headquarters- Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, AOR- India and the Middle East
  • Region 3, Headquarters-Bangkok, Thailand, AOR- East Asia and Pacific
  • Region 4, Headquarters- Fort Lauderdale, Florida, AOR- South America
  • Region 5, Headquarters- Frankfurt, Germany, AOR- Western Europe and Scandinavia
  • Region 6, Headquarters- Pretoria, South Africa, AOR- East Africa
  • Region 7, Headquarters- Frankfurt, Germany, AOR- North Africa and West Africa
  • Region 8, Headquarters- Frankfurt, Germany, AOR- Central Europe
  • Region 9. Headquarters- Fort Lauderdale, Florida, AOR- North America and the Caribbean
Filed Under: Security Guard Training Articles

Security Guard Job Description

June 23, 2011 By

The first step in finding a position as a security guard is to learn how to understand security guard job descriptions. Jobseekers will have to read advertisements for such positions carefully because the term “security guard” encompasses a wide variety of different positions with different requirements.

The listings for “security” in the Los Angeles area Craigslist contained a wide variety of positions, includi  ng quite a few seeking guards. Unfortunately, not every advertisement is clear and some ads seeking security guards may not contain the term “security guard.” This means that jobseekers have to read every security guard job description carefully.

Some posts simply said security, while others used terms such as “security officer” and “loss prevention officer.” Despite this terminology, the advertisements were clearly seeking security guards. A person who read the security guard description would have recognized this. This means that jobseekers should read every post under security at job boards and other resources.

How to Use Security Guard Job Descriptions

Security guard job descriptions can be a valuable resource because they can show you what the requirements are for security guards in your area. In Los Angeles, applicants will have to have a security guard license or guard card issued by the California State Department of Consumer Affairs. The descriptions clearly mention this requirement, and at least one of them contained a link to the state agency that issues the card.

Other requires listed in the descriptions included a valid drivers’ license, the ability to speak, understand and read English, access to a computer with e-mail, a cell phone with the ability to accept texts,  and reliable personal transportation (a car). The same ad also sought individuals who had the ability to stand for at least six hours.

A person reading this ad could see that guards in LA need a license or guard card. They would also learn that most employers expect guards to have a cell phone, the ability to text, a computer, an e-mail account and a car. Applicants could also learn the physical requirements of the position.

Some other advertisements listed additional requirements such as a high school diplomat. A few thought security guards who could bring equipment such as pepper spray and batons to the job. Many listed experience in security or experience providing security in a particular environment as a requirement.

Using Security Guard Job Descriptions in a Job Search

The best way to begin a job search for a security position is to look through the advertisements for security or security guards in his or her area. The descriptions will tell the individual the requirements for the jobs and what he or she will need to do to get hired.

If any sort of special license is required the advertisements should mention it. In some areas, no license is required but a background check will be mandatory. Advertisements will often ask for a valid driver’s license so the company can use it to run a background check for a criminal record.

A security guard job description can also help individuals spot jobs that they do not want to apply for. A person who does not want a job where they are likely to have a physical confrontation should not respond to positions that ask applicants to bring a baton and pepper spray. Someone who does not want to spend a lot of time on his or her feet should not apply to a job requiring some to stand for six hours.

Individuals can also eliminate other positions from their job search by paying attention to the wording used in job postings. A person who does want to drive to work should not apply to jobs where the description mentions “personal transportation.” An individual that does want to work nights should avoid jobs where the security guard job description mentions “graveyard shift” (this means Midnight to 8 a.m.)

Paying close attention to security guard job descriptions can help applicants find the positions they want. It can also show applicants what the requirements for security guards are in their area.

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Security Training in NYC

June 20, 2011 By

New York City is a vast area and full of opportunities in the security guard area of Criminal Justice.  Security training in NYC is unique because interested individuals have to go through a private security training school first. Prospective security guards must complete an 8 hour course before moving forward. After the course is complete they can apply for a security guard license. After being hired security guards must complete another training program which last 16 hours before a 90 day probationary period expires. Security training in NYC includes the prospect to have a NYS pistol license, if they applicant is interested in armed security positions. Armed security guard positions in NYC require more training and more certifications but the pay is also going to increase.

Being the most populous city in the United States, NYC is going to naturally have more job opportunities. Security training in NYC and introductory level security guard positions are going to be highly available just because of the size of the city. Although the violent crime rate in NYC has dropped steadily the last 15 years, it is a large city and therefore the need for security is there. According to the US census from the year 2000 to 2009 the City of New York grew by 380,000 people. As the city inevitably grows the more positions that open for security guards. Even in a down economy the security division of labor is not affected as much as other positions. So if an individual is interested in security training NYC it is not a bad idea. The positions are almost economically depression proof and the need for the position is only growing as the city grows.

After the security training in NYC has been competed there are many different places a security guard can work. Some people are hiring for security at museums, schools, high end stores, lobbies of hotels/motels and many more. There are also security guard opportunities for protecting individuals. The average pay ranges from around $14.00 an hour to around 67,000 dollars a year. Realistically, the pay is going to be around 14.00 an hour starting off for most people. Some of the major employers in NYC are FJC security services, Security USA Inc, Arrow Security and many more.

Getting started as a security guard takes some work. It is not overly difficult to get into the industry but not all individuals are going to be up to the task. Generally there are no specific education requirements to become a security guard, although weapon carrying guards require at least a high school diploma. Higher paying security positions would prefer education beyond high school. Also, individuals must have the right personality to be in the industry. Some security positions require little to no public interaction but some of the positions require more. Outspoken and authoritative individuals will thrive in a security guard position. Education and personality wise if the interested person wants to continue on the path of becoming a security guard they must pass various testing mentioned at the begging of the article. 24 hours for non weapon carrying guard and expect more for weapon carrying guards. After training is complete the training company will usually provide information on where to find jobs. If not the internet is a great tool. Search for security jobs in NYC and over 1,000,000 results are found. The hard part is the training. Finding a security guard job in NYC should be much easier than most cities just because the need is there.

Overall, in New York City, the job outlook for security guards is positive. The grand scale of the city allows for many job positions to be open and the training programs required to become a security guard guarantees employers that the individual is trained and ready to enter the field.

 

Filed Under: Security Guard Training Articles

Security Guard Salary

June 19, 2011 By

The best estimate for the pay of security guards in the USA is provided by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics or USBLS. This agency of the US Department of Labor surveys salaries around the nation and issues regular reports on pay in various professions.

The average yearly salary for security guards in the entire United States was $26,870 in May, 2010, according to the most recent USBLS figures. This translated into an hourly wage of $12.92 an hour. This level of pay was below the national average of $21.95 hour or $44,410 a year.

The USBLS considers Security Guards to be in its “Protective Service” category of occupations. This category also includes police officers, prison guards, corrections officers, firefighters and other professionals that protect the public. The average salary in Protective Services was $42,400 a year or $20.43 an hour.

Security Guard Salaries around the Nation

Security guard salaries did vary significantly in different parts of the country. Persons interested in this line of work might consider moving to Washington D.C. or Washington State because the pay in those regions is higher.

The region with the highest pay was the nation’s capitol, the District of Columbia (Washington D.C.). The average hourly wage for a security guard there was $18.21 an hour in May 2010. The average yearly salary for a security guard in Washington D.C. in 2010 was $37,870. Security guards in the area around Washington, D.C., also had a fairly good rate of pay. Their average salary was $36,960 a year and their average hourly wage of $17.77 an hour.

The next highest rate of pay for security guards was found in Washington State. According to the USBLS, security guards in Washington State made an average salary of $37,190 a year and an hourly wage of $17.88 an hour. The big city with the highest salaries for security guards in the US was Seattle, the USBLS reports that the average Seattle security guard makes $20.36 an hour or $42,350 a year.

Salaries for security guards were also high in Alaska where the average guard made $17.05 an hour or $35,470 a year. Opportunities are limited in Alaska – the USBLS reported that there were only 2,180 security guards in that state in 2010.

The lowest salaries for security guards in a big city were found in Houston, Texas. The average Houston security guard made $10.57 an hour or $21,990 a year in 2010. Wages for security personnel in Miami were also very low, the average salary there was $23,710 a year and the average hourly wage was $11.40 an hour.

Wages for security guards were a little higher in the nation’s two largest cities: New York and Los Angeles. The average salary in New York was $13.76 an hour and $28,360 a year. The average salary in Los Angeles was $12.48 an hour and $25,960 a year.

The USBLS did find that security guards in some rural areas and smaller cities did have far higher salaries. In Los Alamos County, New Mexico, the average security guard made $26.82 an hour or $55,780 a year. This makes Los Alamos, a small town north of Santa Fe, the best place to work as a security guard. Security guards in Eastern Connecticut also brought home a fairly good salary of $19.68 an hour or $40,940 a year.

Security Guard Salaries in Different Industries

The kind of organization that security guards worked for did make a big difference in the salaries earned according to USBLS figures.

Utility and energy companies seemed to pay higher than average salaries. Guards who that protected electric power plants made an average salary of $51,570 a year or $24.80 an hour.

Individuals that protected hospitals and other medical facilities earned slightly more. Their average salary was $14.91 an hour or $31,010 a year. Those that worked in public schools also made a slightly higher wage of $14.78 an hour or $30,740 a year.

The biggest employers of security guards, private security firms which the USBLS classifies as “Investigation and Security Services,” paid a much lower rate. The average employee in that field earned $12.02 an hour or $25,010 a year.

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Security Guard Training

June 17, 2011 By

A security guard job is a valuable and respected job within the community. It can also be a job that can be very financially rewarding in regards to the pay remuneration.

To become a security guard though, there are certain prerequisites that you must satisfy first before you will be eligible. These prerequisites vary from state to state across the U.S.

This forum brings you a wealth of knowledge about the security guard training industry. We will step you through every aspect of the application process to ensure that you have the information and skills you require to obtain a security guard job.

Filed Under: Security Guard Training Articles