Security Guard Training and License Requirements
Training to become an unarmed or armed security guard or security officer varies from state to state. The majority of states do require security guards to be licensed or registered in the state as part of the training requirement. A common requirement for each state is that a security guard must be 18 years of age, pass an FBI or FBI-like background check and complete a classroom training requirement. Security guard training programs include learning to write detailed reports, self-defense, emergency response and detaining suspected violators. Armed security guards must carry the appropriate state licenses for possession of a firearm. Most security guard jobs do not require more than a high school diploma, however earning an associate or bachelor's degree can open up career advancement opportunities in security as well as corrections and law enforcement. Those individuals with a desire to pursue management level positions in private security or government security will need higher education and will be interested in our B.S. in Organizational Security & Management degree program.
A popular trend for individuals looking to enter corrections or law enforcement, after becoming a security guard, is to earn an associate degree in criminal justice or a related field while working as a security guard. One can study at their post after hours as things quiet down. Online colleges and universities have made it possible to complete an associate degree in 6 months to 1 year. Read more about associate degrees in criminal justice OR request free, no obligation information from some of the nation's most well respected online criminal justice associate degree programs by clicking here.
Security Guard Job Description
Security guards patrol, observe, protect and report. Security guard can be can be armed or unarmed positions. This is not an easy career nor a career without risks of injury or death. Most security guard assignments will require either a patrol or static position. The primary objective of a security guard is to deter criminal activity on the premise they are working. A security guard may also interview witnesses or victims, prepare case reports, and testify in court.
Security guard employment is not difficult to find especially for those individuals with prior law enforcement, military or security experience. Those with no experience will find many openings as well, but in roles with less responsibility and risk. Having the proper license and training for firearms will open up higher paying opportunities as an armed guard. Security guards find work in malls, banks, armored car companies, hotels, apartment complexes, hospitals, bars, schools and many other facilities. Airport security or TSA screener/security guard positions have become a popular and well paying career option in the field of security.
Jobs with more reputable security agencies usually require some higher education and/or previous security experience. Armored car guards fall into this category. An armored car guard is paid very well, however this is one of the most risky positions in security.
The job outlook for security guards is promising due to there being an increasing demand for security throughout the private and public sector as well as the fact that this is such a large occupation there are individuals leaving and there is a need to replace them. Many law enforcement officers take on part-time positions as security guards to earn additional income.
Security Guard Salary
According to salary.com, the median annual salary for a security guard is $30,000 and ranges from about $26,000 to $34,000. Payscale.com reports that the median hourly salary for security guards in California is $10.89, in New York $10.37, in Texas $10.37, in Florida $9.33, in Illinois $10.68, in Pennsylvania $10.76 and in Michigan $10.37. According to indeed.com, the average annual salary for unarmed security guard job listings in the U.S. is $19,000 and for armed security guards the average annual salary is $33,000. As you can see from these salaries it definitely pays to be in possession of a firearms license or permit. It may also be worth your while to investigate earning at least an associate's degree and pursuing a career in law enforcement where you may find better salaries and benefits.

Online Criminal Justice and Security Related Training Programs
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Short on time? Click here to request free information from the Nation's leading online criminal justice degree programs.

University of Phoenix Online: University of Phoenix will help thoroughly prepare you for careers in the field of criminal justice. University of Phoenix is the largest private university in the country and is dedicated to their students.
BS in Organizational Security & Management
Associate of Arts in Criminal Justice
BS in Criminal Justice
MS in Administration of Justice and Security
Information Systems Security Certificate

American InterContinental University:
Associates in Criminal Justice Administration
BSCJ - Law Enforcement
BSCJ - Forensic Science
BSCJ - Special Populations
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from AIU to learn more about these programs.

Bryant & Stratton College : Bryant & Stratton College Online is accredited by the Commission on Higher Education of the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools, one of the six regional accreditation agencies recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education and the Commission on Recognition of Postsecondary Accreditation.
Associate's in Criminal Justice
Bachelor's in Criminal Justice

Capella University:
BS in Criminal Justice
BS in Public Safety - Emergency Management
MS in Criminal Justice
MS in Public Safety - Emergency Management
MS in Public Safety Leadership
PhD Programs - Criminal Justice, Emergency Management, and Public Safety Leadership
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from Capella University to learn more.

Colorado Technical University Online:
AS in Criminal Justice - Stonecliffe College Online
AS in Paralegal Studies
BS in Criminal Justice
MS in Management - Criminal Justice
Request free information from CTU Online to learn more about their programs.

Everest University Online :
Criminal Investigations Associate's Degree
Homeland Security Associate's Degree
Homeland Security Bachelor's Degree
Criminal Justice Associate's Degree
Criminal Justice Bachelor's Degree
Paralegal Associate's
Paralegal Bachelor's

Herzing University:
AS in Criminal Justice
BS in Criminal Justice
BS in Criminal Justice - Homeland Security
BS in Homeland Security

Kaplan University:
AAS in Criminal Justice
AASCJ - Corrections, Law Enforcement, Private Security
BS in Criminal Justice
BSCJ - Private Security, Law Enforcement, Computer Crime, Corrections, Homeland Security...
MS in Criminal Justice
MS in Criminal Justice Global Issues
Request information to learn more about these as well as other Criminal Justice Programs at Kaplan University.

Keiser University:
AA in Criminal Justice
Associate's in Homeland Security
Associate's in Paralegal Studies
Bachelor's in Criminal Justice
Bachelor's in Homeland Security
Bachelor's in Legal Studies
Master's in Criminal Justice
Request information to learn more about these as well as other Criminal Justice Programs at Keiser University.

Portland State University:
Bachelor's in Criminology and Criminal Justice

Rasmussen College Online: Locations throughout the Country - Offering Online Programs
Certificate - Police Officer Education
Associate's in Accounting - Financial Investigation
Associate's Criminal Justice
Associate's Paralegal Studies
Bachelor's Criminal Justice

South University: Online
Bachelor's in Criminal Justice - Law Enforcement
Bachelor's in Criminal Justice - Crime Scene Investigation
Bachelor's in Criminal Justice - Cyber Crime
Bachelor's in Criminal Justice - Homeland Security
Bachelor's in Criminal Justice - Juvenile Justice

St Leo University: Undergrad Studies - Distance Learning
Bachelor's in Criminology

Walden University Online: Walden University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and a member of the North Central Association. The Higher Learning Commission is one of six regional accrediting bodies recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
BS in Criminal Justice - Homeland Security
BS in Criminal Justice - Management & Administration
BS in Criminal Justice - Computer Info Syst & Security
BS in Criminal Justice - Crime & Criminals
BS in Criminal Justice - Human Services for CJ
MPA - Homeland Security and Policy Coordination
PhD in Public Policy - Homeland Security
Request information about a Walden University degree program.

Westwood College:
Bachelor Degree - Criminal Justice
Bachelor's Degree - Information Systems Security
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