Protective Service
Security Guards
Also called: Armed Security Officer, Campus Security Officer (CSO), Custom Protection Officer (CPO), Customer Service Security Officer
US median pay
$38,020
per year, 2025
Job growth 2025–35
+0.9%
about average or slower
Openings a year (US)
156,000
1,294,300 employed
Typical entry education
High school diploma or equivalent
Preparation 2/5 · Some preparation
What this job is
Guard, patrol, or monitor premises to prevent theft, violence, or infractions of rules. May operate x-ray and metal detector equipment.
What they do day to day
- Lock doors and gates of entrances and exits to secure buildings.
- Patrol industrial or commercial premises to prevent and detect signs of intrusion and ensure security of doors, windows, and gates.
- Respond to medical emergencies by administering basic first aid or by obtaining assistance from paramedics.
- Answer alarms and investigate disturbances.
- Circulate among visitors, patrons, or employees to preserve order and protect property.
- Monitor and authorize entrance and departure of employees, visitors, and other persons to guard against theft and maintain security of premises.
- Write reports of daily activities and irregularities, such as equipment or property damage, theft, presence of unauthorized persons, or unusual occurrences.
- Warn persons of rule infractions or violations, and apprehend or evict violators from premises, using force when necessary.
- Answer telephone calls to take messages, answer questions, and provide information during non-business hours or when switchboard is closed.
- Call police or fire departments in cases of emergency, such as fire or presence of unauthorized persons.
Skills and knowledge that matter most
Skills
- Coordination3.1/5
- Social Perceptiveness3.0/5
- Judgment and Decision Making3.0/5
- Service Orientation2.9/5
- Persuasion2.9/5
- Negotiation2.6/5
- Complex Problem Solving2.6/5
- Time Management2.5/5
Knowledge
- Public Safety and Security4.7/5
- Customer and Personal Service4.5/5
- English Language4.3/5
- Computers and Electronics4.1/5
- Administration and Management4.0/5
- Education and Training3.8/5
Importance rated by people working in the job (1 = not important, 5 = extremely important).
Education and preparation
Preparation level 2 of 5 — Some preparation. Usually a high school diploma; some previous work experience or training helps.
Typical entry education (BLS): High school diploma or equivalent.
Highest education of people in this job:
- High school diploma79%
Who this job suits
Mostly Realistic
Hands-on work with tools, machines, plants or animals
Conventional
Organising data, details and procedures
Based on the Holland (RIASEC) interest profile for this occupation.