The question, “how much do armed security guards make” is becoming a hot topic for people looking to build a career in the industry. Being an armed security guard is a risky job. But if the salary is attractive, many people wouldn’t mind the risk.
The need for personal safety is growing faster. People want to be sure that their children are safe in school or that they can spend quality time outdoors without fear of being attacked.
The police are doing a great job by keeping the street safe. But with budget cuts across cities, the need for armed security guards has never been greater.
So, if you’re considering becoming a security guard, you have made a good decision and will be off the job market soon. Here, you’ll learn how much you might earn and what you need to know about the job. Keep reading for more information.
How Much Do Armed Security Guards Make?
Armed security guards’ average hourly rate is $20.76. So, the average yearly salary of an armed security guard is $43,189. The salary range is from $31,000 to $59,000 annually. Hourly salary ranges from $14 to $28 per hour.
Several factors determine the salaries of armed security guards. These include educational background, job experience and location. For instance, a security guard in Alaska might earn more than a security guard in Michigan, even though they both have the same experience.
A Handy Tip: This armed security guard’s salary update is June 2023. The salary may change in the future.
What State Pays Armed Security Guards The Most?
Armed security guards in California, Alaska, New York, North Dakota, Washington DC, and Connecticut earn the highest salaries. As of June 2023, the wage of security guards in California was $70,699, and in Alaska, it was $66,586 annually.
New York is next to Alaska when ranking states with high job opportunities and wages paid to armed security guards. Security guards in the state receive around $55,028 per year. However, the range is around $48,303 to $62,757.
North Dakota is the third on the list of states that pays armed guards handsomely. The salary ranges from $39,836 to $51,832. Some guards in North Dakota reportedly earn around $62,000+ yearly. In Washington, DC, the salary of armed security guards ranges from $45,625 to $59,282.
The amount a security guard earns depends on several factors. These include location, education, experience and even the company you’re working for.
Here are the 9 highest-paying private security firms in the United States of America as of the time of writing.
1: Falken Industries, LLC – $120,000 annually
Falken currently pays the highest salary to armed security guards. In addition to its high salary package, the private security firm offers other mouthwatering benefits.
Here are additional benefits Falken security guards receive:
- Meals provided
- Health insurance for employees
- Provides weekly compensation
- 401(k) retirement plan for employees
2: Signal 88 Security – $93,600
Signal is based in Omaha, Nebraska. The private firm offers incredibly high salaries and other benefits.
Here are additional benefits Signal 88 offers its security guards:
- Overtime opportunities
- Flexible schedules
- Professional development opportunities
3: Off Duty Services, Inc.- $73,757
Off Duty is located in Katy, Texas and employs off-duty police officers to provide security services. Check out the additional benefits this well-organized private security firm offers its employees.
Additional benefits Off Duty provides employees
- Paid time off
- Health savings account
- Flexible savings account
- 401(k) matching program
4: 360 Group International, Inc. – $72,800 annually
This private security firm, based in Beverly Hills, California, provides security services to government agencies, including large corporations. In addition to a mouthwatering yearly wage, below are additional perks the company offers its employees.
Additional benefits 360 Group offers armed private security employees:
- Flexible schedules
- Health insurance
- 401(k) retirement plan
5: Inter-Con Security Systems – $70,699 annually:
Inter-Con is another private security company with an attractive salary package. The company is located in Pasadena, California.
Here are other additional benefits from Inter-Con to private security guards working for the firm.
- Family leave
- Health insurance
- Flexible schedules
- 401(k) retirement plan
6: Private Sector Security – $69,514 annually
If you work for Private Sector Security, you’ll earn around $69,514 annually. They are based in Los Angeles, California, and have offices in other states (Hawaii, New York and Nevada).
Below are additional perks Private Sector Security offers its employees.
- Flexible schedules
- Professionally development opportunities
- The company offers competitive compensation
7: Security Industry Specialists, Inc. – $69,112 per year
Security Industry is another California-based private security firm with clients ranging from top celebrities to Fortune 500 companies. They have an attractive salary package, coupled with other extra benefits.
Additional benefits Security Industry Specialists provide employees:
- Computer benefits
- Flexible schedules
- Health insurance benefits
8: Eagle Eye International Protective Service – $67,600
Here is another California-based private security firm with a reputation for training its employees and rendering world-class security services.
Eagle Eye isn’t the best-paying private security company, but it offers other extra benefits.
Here are Eagle Eye’s additional benefits below:
- Sick leave
- Personal time off
- 401(k) retirement plan
- Health insurance
9: Paragon Systems, Inc. – $63,918 annually.
Paragon is located in Los Angeles, California, and offers several benefits and a high annual salary.
Here are the benefits:
- Paid time off
- 401(k) retirement plan
- Health insurance for employees
- Employee assistance program
How To Become An Armed Security Guard In The United States of America
Are you passionate about working as an armed security guard? Is it your dream job? Ensure you answer these questions before you kick-start your journey to become private security.
Being private security comes with many risks, pressure, responsibilities and discomfort. You will be responsible for someone else’s safety. And you will have to leave everything behind and give full attention to your job while on duty.
If you have considered the risks and benefits, and are ready to pursue a career in private security, the next step in your journey is to know the requirements.
Here are the requirements to become an armed private security guard.
- Obtain relevant qualifications – Here is what you need to know. You can become an armed security guard and earn a good salary with a high school diploma or GED. A postsecondary course in criminal justice and political science is useful too.
- Relevant training – As someone responsible for another’s safety (client), you must have proper training and awareness to respond in emergencies. Private security guards are expected to undergo relevant training. These include training for emergency procedures, firearm use, and how to detain perpetrators. You can get this training from some universities or community colleges.
- Meet the age requirement – The age requirement varies from state to state. While some states require individuals working as private security guards to be at least 18, some states have a minimum of 21.
- Certification – You can become a private security guard without certification. It is optional and provided by the American Society for Industrial Security. However, having a certification can increase your chances of landing a job.
- You must be a resident alien or citizen of the United States of America to work as an armed security guard and carry a firearm around. In states like Washington, you must have proof of your non-citizen firearm license if you’re a resident alien.
- Obtain your license – You need to meet the age requirements, be a resident alien or U.S. citizen, and have a job offer or be employed by a licensed private security firm to apply for a license.
What Type Of Weapons Can Armed Security Guards Carry?
Armed security guards can carry various weapons, provided they have the license to own and carry them. You can carry a handgun like the Ruger-P series or Colt 1911.
Other weapons armed security personnel in the United States can carry includes:
- Pepper spray
- Tear gas
- Baton
- Stun gun
A Handy Tip: As armed security personnel, carrying weapons isn’t enough. You must know how and when to use these weapons too.
Get ready to take the necessary training and safety, including licensing courses to meet your state’s requirements.
Conclusion
So, how much do armed security guards make? Several factors determine how much security guards working for private security firms make. These include the location, education, experience, and even the company.
Armed security guards make an average of $20.76 per hour. Per year, they make an average of $43,189. The salary range is around $31,000 to $59,000 per year.
