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For Educators: Military Resources
For Educators: Military Resources
Occupation FinderLaw, Public Safety, Corrections and Security

Security Guards

Median Salary
37,070
Job Outlook
+13%
In-Demand

Overview

What are the responsibilities of this role?

Guard, patrol, or monitor premises to prevent theft, violence, or infractions of rules. May operate x-ray and metal detector equipment.

Did you know this role exists in the Military?

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What is the job outlook?

Compensation

What is the typical salary range?

$18,420

10%

$37,070

Median

$51,110

90%

How does location impact how much salary?

Education

What level of education do professionals in this role have?

Education Level

  • High school

    79%

  • Some college

    9%

  • Associate's degree

    5%

  • Post-secondary certificate

    4%

  • Bachelor's degree

    1%

Which college majors best prepare you for this role?

  • Security and Loss Prevention Services

Skills and Interest

Which skill sets are the most valuable to possess?

Skills

  • Verbal Skills

    Mid

  • Leadership

    Mid

  • Math and Science Skills

    Low

  • Technology Design and Control

    Low

  • Equipment Operation and Maintenance

    Mid

  • Critical Thinking and Problem Solving

    Low

What knowledge should you bring to the table?

  • Public Safety and Security
  • Customer and Personal Service
  • English Language
  • Education and Training
  • Computers and Electronics

What challenges will you likely face in the workplace?

Workplace

  • Repetitiveness

    High

  • Responsibility

    High

  • Exposure to Job Hazards

    Mid

  • Decision Making

    Mid

  • Physical Activity

    Mid

  • Time Pressure

    Low

  • Level Of Competition

    Low

What personality traits help people thrive in this role?

Realistic

You love hands-on work and solving practical problems — like fixing things and building stuff.

Conventional

You like structure, staying organized, and working with systems to get things done efficiently.

RIASEC represents six broad interest areas—Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, and Conventional—helping individuals identify careers that match their skills and preferences.

Take the RIASEC Test

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Data supplied by Bureau of Labor Statistics, National Center of Education Statistics, Defense Manpower Data Center (View our update schedule). Contact any business, college or military service branch to answer additional questions.

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