What does a security guard do? Security Guards protect people and property by monitoring premises, controlling access, responding to incidents, and deterring criminal activity.. Find security guard jobs near you with average pay $14-$24/hr, required skills, and career path.
A security guard is responsible for Security Guards protect people and property by monitoring premises, controlling access, responding to incidents, and deterring criminal activity. Security Guards protect people and property by monitoring premises, controlling access, responding to incidents, and deterring criminal activity.
As a security guard, you can expect to earn between $14 and $24 per hour depending on experience and location. According to BLS OEWS, May 2024, this role is entry-level friendly. It is generally a medium job with medium scheduling.
Market rates for a security guard range from $14 to $24/hr. A typical security guard is responsible for Security Guards protect people and property by monitoring premises, controlling access, responding to incidents, and deterring criminal activity. Calculate your exact take-home pay or find current security guard openings on Indeed Flex.
To succeed as a Security Guard, you'll need a mix of hard skills and soft skills. Here are the most important ones:
Here is a typical career progression for a Security Guard:
Want to see more paths? Check out our Career Path Explorer tool.
Find flexible security guard shifts
Get the Indeed Flex app on iOS or Android
Add your skills and verify your right to work
Choose when and where you want to work
Best For: People who are calm under pressure, comfortable with overnight hours, and want steady, reliable work.
Estimate your potential weekly and monthly earnings as a Security Guard on the app.
Arrive at post, complete pass-down with day shift on incidents and pending issues
Inspect equipment - radio, flashlight, log book, keys, body camera if issued
First patrol - check entry points, walk perimeter, log timestamps
Monitor cameras and access control from post - greet visitors, log entries
Second patrol - lock down areas closing for the night, check restrooms
Mid-shift break - 30 minutes (often eaten at post)
Overnight patrols at scheduled intervals, document each round
End-of-shift report, pass-down to day shift, clock out
Provided uniform (button-up shirt, dark pants), polished closed-toe duty shoes, security badge visible, no visible tattoos per most contracts, professional appearance.
See how Security Guard pay compares across roles and locations
Different roles offer varying pay based on skill requirements and demand.
Pay rates vary by location based on cost of living and local demand.
Everything you need to advance your career.
The information on this page is compiled from the following sources:
We strive to keep all data accurate and up-to-date. Pay rates may vary based on location, experience, and employer.
About this data
Figures on this page are compiled from the public sources cited above and may be out of date. They are provided for general informational purposes only and do not constitute professional career, legal, tax, or financial advice. For the most current pay rates, verify with the original source, a qualified professional, or check the Indeed Flex app directly for real-time shift availability and compensation.
“It took one day for me to be able to find work! I've had a great experience. That's why I've stayed with Indeed Flex for three years.”
“Having lost my job, I sought something flexible to allow me to pursue my university studies and second career while earning money at the same time. As much as you want to work, you can do.”
“What brought me to Indeed Flex was the flexibility to work in different places as it gives you the opportunity and freedom to be creative as a chef.”
Source: indeedflex.com
Download the Indeed Flex app and start earning today. Flexible work, on your schedule.
