Security Guards

At a glance

  • Median Salary
    $29,514
  • Local Jobs
    1,236
  • Entry-Level Education
    High School
security guards looking at monitors

Occupation Profile

Guard, patrol, or monitor premises to prevent theft, violence, or infractions of rules. May operate x-ray and metal detector equipment.
security guards looking at monitors

By the Numbers

Daily Tasks

  • Lock doors and gates of entrances and exits to secure buildings.
  • Answer alarms and investigate disturbances.
  • 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.
  • Patrol industrial or commercial premises to prevent and detect signs of intrusion and ensure security of doors, windows, and gates.
  • Call police or fire departments in cases of emergency, such as fire or presence of unauthorized persons.
  • Circulate among visitors, patrons, or employees to preserve order and protect property.
  • Respond to medical emergencies by administering basic first aid or by obtaining assistance from paramedics.
  • 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.

Occupational Skills

What skills are necessary for a Security Guards career?

Hard Skills

  • Access Controls
  • Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)
  • Closed-Circuit Television Systems (CCTV)
  • Criminal Corrections
  • Emergency Management
  • Emergency Response
  • Food Services
  • Law Enforcement
  • Patrolling
  • Two-Way Radios

Soft Skills

  • Communications
  • Computer Literacy
  • Customer Service
  • First Aid
  • Good Driving Record
  • Management
  • Operations
  • Problem Solving
  • Professionalism
  • Valid Driver's License

Hard skills are specific, learnable, measurable, often industry- or occupation-specific abilities related to a position.

Soft skills can be self-taught and usually do not necessitate a certain completed level of education. They are essential in many industries and occupations.

Educational Programs

  • TypeCredentialHrsOnlineFinancial Aid
    Credit/CEAAS, TCOLE Cert.60/748NoYes
  • TypeCredentialHrsOnlineFinancial Aid
    CTEL118SomeYes
  • Learn more aboutSecurity Guards

    Visit Career Coach for additional in-depth information and available training programs for this job.

    Visit Career CoachGo
    security guards looking at monitors

    Our Amazing Partners

    Coastal Bend College Logo
    Coastal Bend Council of Governments Logo
    civic-lab-logo
    health care ministries of South Texas logo
    Del Mar College Logo
    Craft Training Center CTC logo
    ESC2 Logo
    Education to Employment-Logo Transparent
    Texas A&M Corpus Christi Logo
    Texas A&M Kingsville Logo
    Trellis Foundation logo
    Workforce Solutions Coastal Bend