A security guard protects people, property, and assets by monitoring locations, identifying threats, and responding to incidents. The work is hands-on, in demand, and you can start with a high school diploma. Here is what the job involves, what it takes, and how to get in.
Pathly builds you a free, personalized roadmap and helps your counselor champion you along the way.
Security guards watch over buildings, grounds, and people. You monitor entrances and exits, check surveillance systems, and document what you observe. You communicate with supervisors and the public, respond to suspicious activity, and write reports about incidents. The work requires you to stay alert, think critically about potential risks, and stay calm under pressure. You may work indoors or outdoors, during the day or night, and sometimes in high-stress situations. Your main goal is prevention and protection.
Core work activities
Career video courtesy of CareerOneStop.
Security Guards earn a median of $38,020 a year, based on 2025 data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and location.
The outlook is modest. Employment is projected to grow 0 percent from 2024 to 2034, little or no change for all occupations, with about 161,000 openings a year.
Top skills
Knowledge areas
Most security guard positions require a high school diploma or equivalent. Some employers offer on-the-job training, while others prefer candidates who complete security training beforehand. You will need to develop skills in active listening, monitoring, and critical thinking. Many positions require a background check and may involve additional screening. Some states or employers have specific requirements, so check what applies in your area. Starting as a security guard typically takes minimal preparation beyond high school.
Security guard roles range from entry-level positions to specialized protective services. The path depends on your location, the employer, and whether you pursue additional training upfront. Use Pathly can map the security guard path that fits you to map out your next steps with your counselor and turn your interest into a concrete plan.
Many security guards must be licensed, and professional certifications can strengthen your resume.
Common certifications
Licensing is handled at the state level and the requirements vary, so check the licensing board in your state. Pathly shows your state's specific steps inside your roadmap.
You are drawn to practical, hands-on work where you can see the direct impact of what you do. You notice details, stay focused, and prefer working in structured environments with clear responsibilities.
Reading about a career is the easy part. Turning it into a plan is where most students get stuck. Pathly takes you from curious to a clear next step, and gives your counselor the insight to champion you along the way.
Start with a quick quiz and assessments that surface your personality, your EQ, and what really motivates you, so your next steps are built around who you actually are.
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Last updated July 1, 2026.
Data sources. Career details from the O*NET 30.3 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under CC BY 4.0. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. Salary and outlook figures from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2025 wages; 2024–2034 projections), delivered via the CareerOneStop API. Certification, licensing, wage, and outlook data from CareerOneStop, sponsored by USDOL/ETA and the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED).