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Security Guard

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AVG. SALARY

$31,710

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EDUCATION

High school (GED) +

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JOB OUTLOOK

Stable

What They Do

Security Guards Career Video

About This Career

Guards, patrols, or monitors premises to prevent theft, violence, or infractions of rules. May operate x-ray and metal detector equipment.

This career is part of the Law, Public Safety, Corrections and Security cluster Security and Protective Services pathway.

A person in this career:

  • Locks doors and gates of entrances and exits to secure buildings.
  • Answers alarms and investigates disturbances.
  • Monitors and authorizes entrance and departure of employees, visitors, and other persons to guard against theft and maintain security of premises.
  • Writes reports of daily activities and irregularities, such as equipment or property damage, theft, presence of unauthorized persons, or unusual occurrences.
  • Patrols industrial or commercial premises to prevent and detect signs of intrusion and ensure security of doors, windows, and gates.
  • Calls police or fire departments in cases of emergency, such as fire or presence of unauthorized persons.
  • Responds to medical emergencies by administering basic first aid or by obtaining assistance from paramedics.
  • Circulates among visitors, patrons, or employees to preserve order and protect property.
  • Warns persons of rule infractions or violations, and apprehends or evicts violators from premises, using force when necessary.
  • Answers telephone calls to take messages, answer questions, and provide information during non-business hours or when switchboard is closed.

Working Conditions and Physical Demands

People who do this job report that:

  • You would often handle loads up to 10 lbs., sometimes up to 20 lbs. You might do a lot of walking or standing, or you might sit but use your arms and legs to control machines, equipment or tools.
  • Work in this occupation requires being inside most of the time
  • Work in this occupation requires being outside most of the time

Working in this career involves (physical activities):

  • Seeing clearly at a distance
  • Seeing clearly up close
  • Speaking clearly enough to be able to be understood by others
  • Identifying and understanding the speech of another person

Work Hours and Travel

  • Rotating shift work
  • Weekend work

Specialty and Similar Careers

Careers that are more detailed or close to this career:

  • Campus Security Officer
  • Custom Protection Officer
  • Customer Service Security Officer
  • Hotel Security Officer
  • Loss Prevention Officer — Monitors video footage from surveillance cameras or walks the store in plain clothes, keeping an eye on shoppers in order to prevent theft from taking place.
  • Safety and Security Officer
  • Security Agent
  • Security Officer — Plans, organizes, directs and controls, security activities.

Contact

  • Email Support

  • 1-800-GO-TO-XAP (1-800-468-6927)
    From outside the U.S., please call +1 (424) 750-3900

Support


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