Show me the money...

What are typical security officer salaries? Do some companies pay a lot more for this position than others? What does a top earner make in this field?

What skills should you learn to increase your salary?

A Officer need to stay abreast with all current change within his/her Security job.
(exsample)if there is a new style of gun. Take time and go to the gun shop/range and inquire about the new gun. The more you know about your equipment, the more valuable you are to your Security job.

Subscribe to a "Security Magazine" stay current in the Security field

I'm a Lieutenant at a juvenile jail with over 15 years experience in security work. I have over 17 years in the military. If there is a good paying security officer job out there somebody please email me to where I need to apply I'm a hard worker and love security work.

Raymond Clark in Park Forest, IL said:
Hello, Derrick Bell "this is a Job listing".
1. The KANKAKEE DAILY JOURNAL, (Location)Kankakee, Illinois
2. TRANSPORTATION SECURITY OFFICER-ASE, (Locations) a.)Tucson,Arizona
b.)Gunnison,Colorado
c.)Greer,South Carolina
3. Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, (Location), Tampa, Florida

I'm sorry I'm looking for security work in the state of GA. I'm not willing to relocate at this time

Derrick Bell said: I'm sorry I'm looking for security work in the state of GA. I'm not willing to relocate at this time

Go to social security office apply for security job, are court house. in your area.

Host said: What are typical security officer salaries? Do some companies pay a lot more for this position than others? What does a top earner make in this field?
What skills should you learn to increase your salary?

Pay rates are often dictated by the monetary vaule of the contract. For instance one construction contract may only require the services of an officer that can write a report and deter activity. However there are no further quailifcations needed. I tend to sell these contracts at a lower rate and only sustain a pay wage of $8.50 - $9.50 per hour. On the other hand a construction site that requires an officer to track incoming and outgoing traffic, report on materials arriving and departing the site, must have constant contact with clientele or public interaction will demand a higher contract price and thus a higher quality officer. The point here is officers that have the ability to interact with the public, have all industry certifications (Firearm, OC, Baton, First-aid, CPR, AED), are computer literate are a commodity in this industry today and can have the potential to be paid a higher price. You have to question what you bring to the table.

I'm looking for a good paying security job in the western suburbs, like naperville IL, wheaton Il,or elgin Il, I have 0ver 300hrs. of law enforcement training. I'm also an auxillary police officer, are there any jobs that pay above 13.00 dollars an hour. I'm looking for an armed position.

Host said: What are typical security officer salaries? Do some companies pay a lot more for this position than others? What does a top earner make in this field?

What skills should you learn to increase your salary?

If you have the luck to pick a company thatgives you a test when you are first hired,it will set whether or not you will
be considered for advancement.The rest of
the time you will have to brown nose the
area manager to promote you. If he doesn't like you, or he belongs to an ethnic group that you are not in, you won't advance unless management has to meet their quota under the Civil Rights
Act. If you get a transfer to another site you will have to start all over again impressing the boss. And if you come from another company, good luck! Most companies won't give you any credit
for past work unless you already are at a
supervisory level when you apply.And the
older you are, the harder it is to advance. Some companies layoff the older
guards just when they have experience to
handle most situations without panicing
or doing something stupid as far as company rules are set (in stone).And even
if you do everything right, you can still
be laid off because of the client's change of post requirements.This used to
be a secure job but not anymore!Save your
money.

sam in Anniston, Alabama said: Go to social security office apply for security job, are court house. in your area.

Thanks for the info.

Thanks for the info

William Gordon in Lombard, Illinois said: I'm looking for a good paying security job in the western suburbs, like naperville IL, wheaton Il,or elgin Il, I have 0ver 300hrs. of law enforcement training. I'm also an auxillary police officer, are there any jobs that pay above 13.00 dollars an hour. I'm looking for an armed position.

I hate to tell you, but unarmed pays more, unless you are armored truck security such as ATM/Bank.

I suggest going to Securitas or Initial. Securitas is in Downers Grove and Initial is in Naperville, they will probably pay the most (for contract security), I currently work for Titan Security which is the trailer park of security in Illinois. Find a good company and move up in it or with your experience I suggest becoming a private investigator then opening your own security company.

I found a job worth what I 'm supposed to be paid. The job pays 25.00 an hour. Stop letting these security companies make all the money and we do all the hard work. It sound like a pimping game to me.

William Gordon in Lombard, Illinois said: I found a job worth what I 'm supposed to be paid. The job pays 25.00 an hour. Stop letting these security companies make all the money and we do all the hard work. It sound like a pimping game to me.

Yeah 6 people are sitting in the security HQ (suburban branch) just collecting money we earn for them. I was thinking of getting a PI certificate and starting my own company and having friends work with me at one or 2 sites.

William Gordon in Lombard, Illinois said: I found a job worth what I 'm supposed to be paid. The job pays 25.00 an hour. Stop letting these security companies make all the money and we do all the hard work. It sound like a pimping game to me.

Hello William Please tell me where to apply for this 25.00 per hour job.

Kyle in Schaumburg, Illinois said: Yeah 6 people are sitting in the security HQ (suburban branch) just collecting money we earn for them. I was thinking of getting a PI certificate and starting my own company and having friends work with me at one or 2 sites.

Kyle, rule number one, never hire friends but I have real experience in law enforcement 2 and over 12 years in security. Contact me for my resume.

Carol in Glen Ellyn, Illinois said: If you have the luck to pick a company thatgives you a test when you are first hired,it will set whether or not you will
be considered for advancement.The rest of
the time you will have to brown nose the
area manager to promote you. If he doesn't like you, or he belongs to an ethnic group that you are not in, you won't advance unless management has to meet their quota under the Civil Rights
Act. If you get a transfer to another site you will have to start all over again impressing the boss. And if you come from another company, good luck! Most companies won't give you any credit
for past work unless you already are at a
supervisory level when you apply.And the
older you are, the harder it is to advance. Some companies layoff the older
guards just when they have experience to
handle most situations without panicing
or doing something stupid as far as company rules are set (in stone).And even
if you do everything right, you can still
be laid off because of the client's change of post requirements.This used to
be a secure job but not anymore!Save your
money.

Yes Carol you're right and I may add that when you see new people constantly as new hires, that should tell you that the company has an human relations problem. It can't hold the majority of it's employees. These kinds of companies are called revolving door wbc jobs. This means that employees that are hired don't stay long but leave very soon. Some reasons are is that the security companies don't pay very well and put way to much responsiblity on the newer employee exspecting them to do a great job. I tell you this industry need fast improvements.

A friend of mine just opened a Security company about a month and a half ago Phil. He just bid KellyUSA so if interested call me at (210)781-6470. We are a smaller company so we do not have the turnover rate of others. Plus we treat our people with respect and that goes along way. Our company was built by Security Officers for Security Officers. www.metrosecurityforces.com
Be safe everyone.............

Carol in Glen Ellyn, Illinois said: If you have the luck to pick a company thatgives you a test when you are first hired,it will set whether or not you will
be considered for advancement.The rest of
the time you will have to brown nose the
area manager to promote you. If he doesn't like you, or he belongs to an ethnic group that you are not in, you won't advance unless management has to meet their quota under the Civil Rights
Act. If you get a transfer to another site you will have to start all over again impressing the boss. And if you come from another company, good luck! Most companies won't give you any credit
for past work unless you already are at a
supervisory level when you apply.And the
older you are, the harder it is to advance. Some companies layoff the older
guards just when they have experience to
handle most situations without panicing
or doing something stupid as far as company rules are set (in stone).And even
if you do everything right, you can still
be laid off because of the client's change of post requirements.This used to
be a secure job but not anymore!Save your
money.

Hi
Carol, I came across this site by just browsing the web. Its nice to know there are other people out there doing security work who are basically in the same boat as me. I have fourteen years security experience, I started with supermarket security and have worked my waqy up in terms of level of quality. I am also noticing a very bad pattern of alot of companies going the contract route, which is not good for either party involved. I have also noticed alot of foreigners doing security work in NYC where I live and it makes it even harder to find a decent paying job. Alot of companies continually fall into the misconception that they are saving money. Another problem I face is reasonable accomodation-I hurted my back a few years ago-I can still work and want to work, but I cannot stand for eight hours straight.

Phill Comeaux San Antonio, Texas said: Hello William Please tell me where to apply for this 25.00 per hour job.

Hi William, my name is Mike, of course like evryone else-Any info with the 25/hr job????

Unfortunately there does not seem to be a consensus, please keep in mind that "security" is the poor man's police dept. or hired punching bag, alot of contractors out there want to make money, and if it means paying their employees little or nothing, or hiring / exploiting foreigners, so be it. Contractors also seem to have a never ending laundry list of wants and never want to advise you of what they have to offer in turn. Then theres my favorite: Nepotism, favoritism, and good old fashioned under the table politics. You can have a doctorate in security work and still treated like garbage.

Security in Texas has come, and is still coming, a long way. I'll save you the thorough report, however, there is still MUCH room for improvement. Texas is by no means a pioneer State when it comes to private security. Indeed, States such as Virginia and California, pretty much lead the way with Officer authority. However, Texas is no longer "frowning" on Private Security. Many tools are in place to advance the Private Security Officer, and many more are in the works. As of today, a Private Security Officer may now carry his duty weapon with him in the course of his travels to or from his duty assignments. Furthermore, an Officer may carry his weapon with him while performing his duty. For Vehicle Patrol, this is a HUGE leap in Texas handgun laws. Furthermore, Texas is trying to pass laws to allow Private Security Officers civil immunity from lawful citizen's arrest. Also, Texas is trying to incorporate "simple" trespass as an arrestable offense under citizen's arrest statutes (most violated law confronted by a Security Officer). But more importantly is that local District Attorney's are S L O W L Y recognizing citizen's arrest as they pertain to Security Officer's authority. This evolution is a timely process and I probably won't live long enough to see it completed as I would like to, but, I will be happy with baby steps for now.
You may be asking how this pertains to this forum? Simply, the more responsibility given to a Security Officer, the more training will be required. The more training required, the more pay demanded. The more pay demanded, the better the morale. The better the morale, the less turnover. The less turnover, the fewer misaligned companies...etc. Trust me, you don't want to be a COP in this day and age. Security is definitely were it's at. We just need to stick together to beat the "system" so that we are able to get the respect, pay and careers that we deserve, serving our communities as paid professional Security Officers.

Hi Chance, It is good to hear that some states are slowly coming to their senses, however, here in NYC we are still in the dark ages. I strongly feel security should be treated like the police dept. or military-where people can actually go and get real training/ benefits / pay / etc. I have worked with other security people who have been injured some mildly some seriously and there has been little or no action done to help us- we are viewed as punching bags, and a law needs to be passed nation wide where if one attacks and or hurts a security person you will be charged with a felony, regardless. Currently there is no such law in NYC or to the best of my knowledge in NYS. But there is such a law for NYC bus drivers though and rightfully so . In other countries, I have been advised that security is on equal footing with police and military. I respectfully disagree with your theory of more responsibility leading to more training leading to more money, in an ideal world Yes, I am all for it. It has always been and always will be an employer's game- regardless of your level of training, one will be paid terribly, case in point-myself. I have 1) A considerable level of experience 2) I have different types of licenses 3) I have attended some training courses and successfully completed them 4) No criminal record 5) Worked weird hours more than normal hours-which is beneficial because I have been at jobs where you are working for the same company but there are different procedures on different tours 6) Different types of security and yet, it is still impossible to find what I am looking for. For now, I am just going to "roll with the punches" and try harder to find a real job, this is not a dignified job for a grown man to be doing. This comment was not intended to offend any of my colleagues in security, I feel alot of people in security feel this way. We want to do a good days work for a good days wage, we want to be treated with dignity and respect.

80% of the Police officers in Texas make less than 15/hour. So, our security officers, here in Texas, don't fair too bad.

I'm a security officer here in Orlando Florida area. In this state, anyone that hits a security officer will be charged with a 3rd degree felony.

JAIME said: I'm a security officer here in Orlando Florida area. In this state, anyone that hits a security officer will be charged with a 3rd degree felony.

Yes, JAIME, it is also a 3rd degree felony to assault a Security Officer in Texas. This is the exact same penalty as assaulting a Police Officer.

YaaaY for Texas once again! We just recently extended our "Castle Doctrine" to our motor vehicles and (more importantly) our work place! This law does WONDERS for private security in Texas. The most sought after Law Suit by sly attorneys wanting to slam Security Officers for performing their jobs WAS, duty to retreat. Simply meaning that, a Security Officer is a private citizen (in Texas) and therefore had NO exemption for duty to retreat while protecting his client's property/patrons. These law suits have seen the last of there days, as Texas enacted the Castle Doctrine "extension" to create civil AND criminal liability so long as the action of the Security Officer was lawful (which it usually is).
Slowly but surely, earning credibility.

Hi, I´m a 40yo policeofficer who looking for security-job around the world. I´m well trained detective and have worked with organized crime. Does anyone knows where I can find a job who fit my background so please let me know. I´m living in Gothenburg-Sweden but are moveable
Best regards: Paul
You can reach me on hydrapolice@hotmail.com

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Just wanted to see what the security job market was like in other states,and also see what was out there for other job's.

In Salamanca,new york I was getting $9.50 an hour. Thats the average around this area.

I would say that anyone really interested in security should do there homewrok on the company first. I've been in security since I was 18 and I've worked every kind of security there is. I've done two malls in WNY and a hospital and everything in between. I was offered jobs a "patrol supervisor" but use my own vehicle as the patrol car. Not only is the gas allowance that the companies give low but and I'm speaking from experience people feel uneasy about seeing the same car around there place of employment and not knowing who or what they are. Word to the wise if a company offers a "patrol service" make sure you get a company car.

Does anyone else have any further information to any jobs in Texas for armed security. I am faifly new to the security buisiness with a little over a year experience.

I can help you with almost any question you have about Texas (especially DFW area) security. My email is inhoc96@hotmail.com

If anyone is interested in Security (or a job for that matter) in the Dallas Fort Worth area, Craigslist.com, is a very worthy site. Just go to DFW craigslist and click on "security". There are TONS of companies ALWAYS hiring on there. Job salary range is from 7-25ish/hour. I highly recommend a company called "Heartland Security" and "Statewide Patrol". Happy hunting!!

Security company's in Illinois
Illinois security is really bad, but there are two company's i would recomend. Metro Enforcement-Merchants Police, or S.P.I. (security professionals of Illinois). These are top paying "armed" security jobs, and the "power" they have is extent. Both company's work hand in hand with local law enforcement, and both company's are contracted all over illinois. Each officer is highly trained, and has to go threw monarc police training to even quialify. Security pay is different every where, but these two company's are top paying. Forget about the 9.00 an hour crap with these guys.

I would like a security position overseas.preferably as a supervisor,manager,etc.

Kyle in Bloomingdale, Illinois said: I hate to tell you, but unarmed pays more, unless you are armored truck security such as ATM/Bank.

I suggest going to Securitas or Initial. Securitas is in Downers Grove and Initial is in Naperville, they will probably pay the most (for contract security), I currently work for Titan Security which is the trailer park of security in Illinois. Find a good company and move up in it or with your experience I suggest becoming a private investigator then opening your own security company.

I moved to Charlotte NC to care for my mother after leaving my job in Maryland working for the government. My mom just passedbut during her illness I obtained
my Private Investigators certificate./ I desire to start my own security business but not working leaves me with no money to invest in my own business, I did go get a license but there are so many fees and associations to be a part of here. Do anyone have any suggestions on what I should or could do. I really need to work for me.

Karen in Charlotte, NC
ktmpi@yahoo.com

I moved to Charlotte NC to care for my mother after leaving my job in Maryland working for the government. My mom just passedbut during her illness I obtained
my Private Investigators certificate./ I desire to start my own security business but not working leaves me with no money to invest in my own business, I did go get a license but there are so many fees and associations to be a part of here. Do anyone have any suggestions on what I should or could do. I really need to work for me.

Karen in Charlotte, NC
ktmpi@yahoo.com

Derrick Bell in Powder Springs, Georgia said: I'm a Lieutenant at a juvenile jail with over 15 years experience in security work. I have over 17 years in the military. If there is a good paying security officer job out there somebody please email me to where I need to apply I'm a hard worker and love security work.

try to stay away from Tso. They pay peanuts and you have to retest every 30 days.. If you fail u can be fired..

Derrick Bell in Powder Springs, Georgia said: I'm a Lieutenant at a juvenile jail with over 15 years experience in security work. I have over 17 years in the military. If there is a good paying security officer job out there somebody please email me to where I need to apply I'm a hard worker and love security work.

contact Guardsmark LLC, i have been working for them for 5 years now. they have sites all over the usa. and they pay more than any other security company i know.

Name is Marshall looking for good paying security team in dallas texas... working for whelan at mockbird staion for 4yrs have MARINE CORPS under my belt for 4 yrs. anyways been selling myself short like to get on a good team...PLEASE someone help me brtmarshall@yahoo.com GOD BLESS

Derrick Bell in Powder Springs, Georgia said: I'm a Lieutenant at a juvenile jail with over 15 years experience in security work. I have over 17 years in the military. If there is a good paying security officer job out there somebody please email me to where I need to apply I'm a hard worker and love security work.

you can make more as a Security Guard not officer.
Apply at local county jails,prisons,ect..

Tim Huntsinger in Orangevale, California said: Pay rates are often dictated by the monetary vaule of the contract. For instance one construction contract may only require the services of an officer that can write a report and deter activity. However there are no further quailifcations needed. I tend to sell these contracts at a lower rate and only sustain a pay wage of $8.50 - $9.50 per hour. On the other hand a construction site that requires an officer to track incoming and outgoing traffic, report on materials arriving and departing the site, must have constant contact with clientele or public interaction will demand a higher contract price and thus a higher quality officer. The point here is officers that have the ability to interact with the public, have all industry certifications (Firearm, OC, Baton, First-aid, CPR, AED), are computer literate are a commodity in this industry today and can have the potential to be paid a higher price. You have to question what you bring to the table.

You can make 12 dollars per hour, and even get 18 dollars an hour on overtime doing the easy stuff where one can study and play videogames on one's iphone, 80% of the time.

Chance in Arlington, Texas said: 80% of the Police officers in Texas make less than 15/hour. So, our security officers, here in Texas, don't fair too bad.

That is a bunch of baloney, since I made $50,000 this year as a contract unarmed security guard doing overtime on easy sites, mostly playing video games. You've got to be kidding me that there are cops in the working full time in the US that make less than I did, and I don't care if he is a rookie, I am a warm body contract security guard and even I made 50k despite making only 12 an hour regular with lots of overtime.

Neil in Vancouver, British Columbia said: That is a bunch of baloney, since I made $50,000 this year as a contract unarmed security guard doing overtime on easy sites, mostly playing video games. You've got to be kidding me that there are cops in the working full time in the US that make less than I did, and I don't care if he is a rookie, I am a warm body contract security guard and even I made 50k despite making only 12 an hour regular with lots of overtime.

actually you are wrong sir, cops in lets say California make less the $50 grand...and Im sorry but you made $50 grand in a years time doing security....thats not the greatest....but not the worst either. I do security work as well but i make $180,000 a year so please stop bragging about your pathetic static security work that pays on the lines of poverty pay.

Mitch in Iraq said: actually you are wrong sir, cops in lets say California make less the $50 grand...and Im sorry but you made $50 grand in a years time doing security....thats not the greatest....but not the worst either. I do security work as well but i make $180,000 a year so please stop bragging about your pathetic static security work that pays on the lines of poverty pay.

I am not bragging, as I think it is crap pay in Vancouver, one of the most expensive city in North America. In Vancouver, 50 grand is poverty, and it is hard to believe that a police officer can make less than my pathetic pay since they have to carry firearm and do much more difficult work and deal with situations whereas I only have to observe and report, being a warm body.

Actually cops do not make that much, yes they do alot more etc...but sorry no unless your a cop in LA then thats a diff story...consider boarder patrol, they start out at 35-40 a year and is much more dangerous. when I was working security I made 300 a day...well it wasnt your average security work...more doing executive protection...thats where the money is and thats how i got here making 6K a year. but as for cops, ehh not so much, sorry

Mitch in Iraq said: actually you are wrong sir, cops in lets say California make less the $50 grand...and Im sorry but you made $50 grand in a years time doing security....thats not the greatest....but not the worst either. I do security work as well but i make $180,000 a year so please stop bragging about your pathetic static security work that pays on the lines of poverty pay.

I'm impressed and courious. If you don't mind could you give me some advice on how I go about obtaining a job with a company that pays that good???? My email address is chadlygreen@gmail.com.

Could give some advice on how I would go about fi
Ndin a company that pays like the one you work for?? You can email me at chadlygreen@gmail.com