Security Guards
Median salary, education path, job outlook, and related careers — based on U.S. labor data.
Median salary
$38,020/yr
Typical range
$35,210 – $46,200
Education
High school diploma
Time to entry
No degree required — short-term training or on-the-job learning
What a Security Guards does
You patrol and monitor properties, buildings, or events to prevent theft, vandalism, and unauthorized access while responding to emergencies. Your presence deters crime and ensures the safety of people and assets.
Education & path
The typical entry point is a high school diploma. No degree required — short-term training or on-the-job learning.
Estimated cost of that path: No degree cost. Estimates only — actual cost varies widely by school and financial aid; payback assumes ~20% of income applied.
Related careers
- Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers — $76,210/yr
- Customs and Border Protection Officers — $76,210/yr
- Correctional Officers and Jailers — $58,940/yr
- Firefighters — $59,280/yr
- Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers — $33,580/yr
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