Is Security Guard a Good Job? Pros and Cons (2026)

By Risha CentenoFeb 16, 2024Updated Jul 21, 2026

See if you qualify for Security Guard programs

Answer a few questions in 2 minutes. Free, no commitment.

Security guards earned a median annual wage of $38,370 as of May 2024, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. No college degree is required, and most states only ask for a high school diploma, a background check, and a short training course before granting a license. The occupation is projected to see 0% employment growth through 2034, but high turnover generates roughly 162,300 job openings every year, keeping positions consistently available across the country.

Programs for you

Southern New Hampshire University

AS Criminal Justice

Online

Flexible term starts – six 8-week terms per year
24/7 online accessibility

Financial aid (may be available)

Houston Christian University

B.A. - Criminal Justice - Online

Online

Earn your SACSCC-accredited degree fully online in just four years
Build a professional network through exclusive justice system partnerships

Financial aid (may be available)

Colorado Technical University

Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice

Online

Complete your criminal justice degree online with 5-week class format
Study corrections, administration of justice, and criminological theory

Financial aid (may be available)

Southern New Hampshire University

BS Criminal Justice with concentration in Police Administration and Operations

Online

Flexible term starts - six 8-week terms per year
24/7 online accessibility

Financial aid (may be available)

Key Points

Security guards protect people, property, and assets by patrolling premises, monitoring surveillance systems, and responding to emergencies or rule violations.
The median annual wage was $38,370 in May 2024, with the top 10% earning more than $59,580 per year.
Most positions require a high school diploma or GED, a clean background check, and state-mandated training.
The BLS projects 0% employment growth from 2024 to 2034, but an estimated 162,300 openings occur each year due to turnover.
States like the District of Columbia, Alaska, Washington, and Colorado report annual median wages well above the national figure.

What Does a Career in Security Look Like?

Security is not a single job description. Guards work across a wide range of settings, and the day-to-day responsibilities shift depending on where they are posted. A guard at a corporate office checks credentials, monitors access points, and watches surveillance feeds. A guard at a retail store works alongside loss prevention teams to deter shoplifting and detain suspects until police arrive. Guards at industrial sites patrol grounds and perimeters, sometimes by vehicle, sometimes on foot in varying weather.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that about 1.26 million people worked as security guards in 2024. The largest share, 59%, worked for investigation, guard, and armored car services firms. Companies like Allied Universal, Securitas, and Garda World are among the largest private security employers in the country. Another 7% worked in educational services, 6% in healthcare and social assistance, and 6% in retail trade.

Most guards work 8-hour shifts on rotating schedules. Night shifts are standard. Seasonal work picks up during holidays and summer months in some states. The role can be stationary, such as manning a guardhouse at a gated community, or mobile, covering patrol routes across a property.

Security Guard Salary and Job Outlook

The median annual wage for security guards was $38,370 in May 2024. Earners at the lower end (bottom 10%) made less than $29,800, while those at the top (highest 10%) earned more than $59,580.

Geography also affects pay. The District of Columbia, Alaska, Washington, and Colorado all report annual median wages above the national figure. Several Northeastern states, including Massachusetts and New Hampshire, also rank among the higher-paying states for this occupation.

The BLS projects 0% growth in security guard employment from 2024 to 2034. For comparison, the average projected growth across all occupations is 3%. But that flat projection understates how many positions actually open up each year. High turnover, driven by guards moving into other careers or retiring, creates approximately 162,300 annual openings. For someone entering the field, those replacement openings matter more than the growth rate.

Thinking about whether security guard training fits your goals? Browse security guard training programs on Dreambound and compare options by cost, schedule, and format.

How Technology Is Changing Security Work

The role of the security guard is shifting. AI-integrated surveillance cameras that flag unusual behavior in real time, remote monitoring centers that allow a single operator to cover multiple locations, and autonomous patrol robots are all moving from pilot programs into mainstream use. The BLS notes that advances in remote monitoring technology may limit employment for some guards.

This does not mean the profession is disappearing. It means the skill set is changing. Employers increasingly expect guards to operate surveillance software, interpret data from AI-powered analytics, and coordinate response efforts rather than simply walk a patrol route. Guards who develop comfort with these tools will be better positioned than those who do not.

Pros of Being a Security Guard

Consistent demand driven by turnover. Even with flat employment growth, the 162,300 annual openings projected through 2034 mean positions are regularly available. Most openings come from workers leaving the field, not from new positions being created, but the practical effect for job seekers is the same: steady hiring.
Low barrier to entry. A high school diploma, a passed background check, and completion of a state-approved training program are the standard requirements. The BLS notes that many states recommend about 8 hours of pre-assignment training, 8 to 16 hours of on-the-job training, and 8 hours of annual training. That is one of the shortest paths from decision to employment in the protective services field.
Schedule flexibility across industries. Hospitals, corporate offices, retail stores, event venues, and industrial facilities all hire guards. Many operate around the clock, creating shifts at all hours. Part-time and seasonal work is common, which can suit students, parents, or anyone balancing a second commitment.
Transferable skills. Conflict de-escalation, situational awareness, clear communication (both verbal and written), and decision-making under pressure are all developed on the job. Guards who later move into law enforcement, emergency management, loss prevention, or corporate security often cite their guard experience as foundational. For those pursuing advancement within the security field specifically, ASIS International offers professional certifications like the Certified Protection Professional (CPP) and Physical Security Professional (PSP) that are widely recognized by employers.

Cons of Being a Security Guard

Exposure to stressful and potentially dangerous situations. Guards are often the first responders when something goes wrong on a property. That can mean confronting trespassers, de-escalating aggressive individuals, or managing a medical emergency before paramedics arrive. Armed guard roles carry additional risk.
Physical demands over long shifts. Many positions require extended standing, walking patrol routes, or sitting in a surveillance room for an entire shift. The BLS notes that guards may spend considerable time on their feet or in a vehicle covering property and grounds. Outdoor assignments add weather exposure.
Irregular and disruptive schedules. The same 24/7 demand that creates flexibility also means nights, weekends, and holidays are standard. Rotating shifts are common. For guards who value predictable routines or have commitments on traditional schedules, this can wear down quality of life.
Pay below the national median for all occupations. At $38,370, security guard pay falls about $11,000 below the BLS-reported median of $49,500 across all occupations. While specialized roles and certain industries pay more, the majority of guards work for private security firms where the median is closer to $37,530.
Technology is reshaping expectations. AI-powered video analytics and remote monitoring are changing what employers expect from guards. Those who do not develop comfort with these systems risk being less competitive as the field evolves.

Who Is Security Guard Work a Good Fit For?

Security guard work tends to be a strong fit if:

You want to start working quickly without a college degree or a long training timeline.
You are comfortable with physical work, including standing, walking, and being on your feet for extended shifts.
You handle confrontational or high-pressure situations calmly and make quick decisions under pressure.
You prefer a role with diverse scheduling options, including overnight and weekend availability.
You see guard work as a stepping stone toward law enforcement, corporate security, or emergency management.

Security guard work may not be the right fit if:

You need predictable, weekday-only hours for personal or family commitments.
You are looking for a career with strong salary growth without additional education or specialization.
Prolonged physical activity or outdoor work in varying conditions is a concern for your health.
You are uncomfortable with the possibility of confrontation or emergency response.
You are not interested in learning new technology, including surveillance software and AI-driven monitoring tools.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it worth it to work in security?

For many people, it is. The occupation provides a reliable income without requiring a college degree, and the roughly 162,300 annual openings mean positions are consistently available. It also serves as a practical starting point for careers in law enforcement, loss prevention, or corporate security. The trade-off is pay that falls below the national median and the physical and schedule demands that come with the role.

What are the risks of being a security guard?

Guards may encounter physical confrontations, verbal threats, and emergency situations requiring immediate response. Armed guards face additional risk. The job can also be mentally demanding because of the need for sustained attention over long shifts, particularly overnight. Proper training reduces these risks but does not eliminate them. Compare security guard training programs on Dreambound to find one that covers the preparation you need.

What is the biggest challenge of a security guard?

Maintaining consistent alertness over extended periods ranks among the most commonly cited difficulties, especially during overnight shifts or at low-activity posts. Guards must stay focused enough to notice anomalies during quiet hours, then switch to rapid response mode when something does occur. That combination of patience and readiness is more demanding than most people expect before starting the job.

Do security guards make good money?

The $38,370 median falls about $11,000 below the $49,500 national median across all occupations. However, earnings vary widely by location and industry. Guards in the District of Columbia, Alaska, and Washington earn well above the national figure, and those working in education or healthcare settings earned median wages of $44,090 and $44,080 respectively. Supervisory roles, such as first-line supervisors of security workers, also carry higher median wages.

Can you become a security guard with no experience?

Yes. Most entry-level positions require no prior experience. Employers look for candidates who meet the minimum age requirement (typically 18), have a high school diploma or GED, can pass a background check, and will complete the state-mandated training. On-the-job training covers the rest, with most new guards learning their responsibilities within a few weeks.

Security guard work offers a genuine trade-off. The barriers to entry are low, positions open up consistently, and the skills you build carry into other protective services careers. But the pay sits below the national average, the hours are unpredictable, and technology is changing the job in ways that will reward adaptability. Whether it is a good fit depends on what you need right now and where you want to go next.

Dreambound is a platform that helps students compare vocational training programs across the United States. If you are ready to get started, search for security guard training programs on Dreambound to find one that fits your budget, schedule, and location.

Related reading on security guard careers and training: