Occupations33-9032.00

Security Guards

Guard, patrol, or monitor premises to prevent theft, violence, or infractions of rules.

Median annual pay
$38,370

BLS, 2024

Employment
1,262,100

U.S., 2024

Ten-year outlook
+0.4%

2024–34

Annual openings
161,000

Projected average

The work

Core tasks

  1. 01Lock doors and gates of entrances and exits to secure buildings.
  2. 02Patrol industrial or commercial premises to prevent and detect signs of intrusion and ensure security of doors, windows, and gates.
  3. 03Respond to medical emergencies by administering basic first aid or by obtaining assistance from paramedics.
  4. 04Answer alarms and investigate disturbances.
  5. 05Circulate among visitors, patrons, or employees to preserve order and protect property.
  6. 06Monitor and authorize entrance and departure of employees, visitors, and other persons to guard against theft and maintain security of premises.
  7. 07Write reports of daily activities and irregularities, such as equipment or property damage, theft, presence of unauthorized persons, or unusual occurrences.
  8. 08Warn persons of rule infractions or violations, and apprehend or evict violators from premises, using force when necessary.
  9. 09Answer telephone calls to take messages, answer questions, and provide information during non-business hours or when switchboard is closed.
  10. 10Call police or fire departments in cases of emergency, such as fire or presence of unauthorized persons.
  11. 11Operate detecting devices to screen individuals and prevent passage of prohibited articles into restricted areas.
  12. 12Inspect and adjust security systems, equipment, or machinery to ensure operational use and to detect evidence of tampering.

Capabilities

Essential skills

Active ListeningMonitoringSpeakingCritical ThinkingReading ComprehensionActive LearningWritingLearning StrategiesMathematicsScience

Employment outlook

Where the role is heading

U.S. employment is projected to move from 1,262,100 in 2024 to 1,267,100 in 2034, a +0.4% change.

BLS projects an average of 161,000 openings each year over the period, including openings created by workers leaving the occupation.