What is a security guard?

Security guards typically take on a highly visible role in the security process. Your customers and the public see security guards as they monitor the area. It’s common for a security guard to monitor from a particular spot, such as a guard station in the parking lot or inside the entrance of your business. They may also patrol a designated area.

Having a security guard may help deter theft, vandalism, violence and other unwanted activity. Where the guard works might affect the specific behaviors they try to prevent. For example, if you own a retail store, your security guard might work to prevent shoplifting. They might also control access to certain areas, only allowing authorized individuals inside.

If someone engages in an unwanted activity, the security guard might handle the situation with limited security tactics, such as reporting the activity to law enforcement or a senior security staff member. The actions the guard can take are often determined by state and local regulations, as well as the organization’s policies.

What is a security officer?

Security officers also work to keep facilities safe, often in more of a managerial role. They may supervise security guards and assign duties to them. Security officers might also take an active role in developing security strategies for the business or venue.

If a security issue arises, a security officer is usually the one to respond. They often have a variety of strategies they can use, such as crowd control and active shooter response skills. Security officers may work closely with police if local authorities need to be involved.

Similar characteristics of security guards and officers

Security officers and security guards both work to keep people, property and the business safe and secure. They often work together if a company employs both roles, and security officers and guards may interact with the public as they perform their duties.

Difference between security officer and security guard roles

While the two might sound the same, there can be subtle differences between security officer and security guard jobs. However, there isn’t a strict universal definition for each. States often set their own requirements for security roles and may define them differently. Here are the key areas where they differ based on the common definitions of the roles.

Job requirements

The requirements for a security officer vs. a security guard may vary, with security officers typically needing higher qualifications or more experience. Security guard positions might be considered entry-level jobs with some training, and security officers usually have some work experience or training in the security field.

While both roles benefit from security training, security guards often have less training than security officers. When security guards undergo training, it’s typically a broad security class with specialized training for various scenarios. Some candidates undergo security training in the military.

Security officers typically complete more advanced security training. They might receive training in law enforcement techniques, firearms, risk assessment, active shooter response, safety protocols and laws related to security. Many states recommend a basic security training course for security guards, and some have certification requirements for security personnel.

Pay rates

When it comes to the security guard vs. security officer salary, the average is about the same unless the officer takes a lead role.

The average salary of a security guard is $17.57 per hour, according to Indeed Salaries.

Security officers average $17.75 per hour. The average salary for a security officer lead is $21.21 per hour.

Scope of the job

The scope of a security officer vs. a security guard varies, with officers taking on a strategic, supervisory role in the security process. They might create policies and procedures for securing the property, and security guards carry out those processes.

Guards tend to be more limited in their responsibilities and may report usual activity to a security officer for them to handle.

Level of authority

Security officers generally have more authority than security guards. They often give orders to security guards and may take charge of the scene when an incident arises. A security officer has more decision-making power when it comes to a company’s security. Meanwhile, security guards carry out processes with limited authority.

The legal scope of authority each role has can vary significantly based on location and the type of role. For example, an armed guard may be able to carry out different tasks than an unarmed guard.

Choosing between a security officer vs. a security guard

Deciding between a security officer vs. a security guard often depends on how much security you need. Some factors to consider include:

• Types of security needed: Some organizations want to control access to certain areas, while others need to prevent serious crimes and threats. For the latter, a security officer may be better suited.
• Location risks: The location of your business can impact your risk level. For areas with lower risk, consider hiring a security guard.
• Industry risks: Certain industries have higher risks of security threats. For example, if you work with expensive equipment, tools or products, your business could be a target for theft. Having a security officer in those cases may be necessary to protect your business.
• Current team: If you already have security personnel on staff, assess their roles and strengths. Look for ways to complement the existing team and shore up any security gaps. If your new hire will join an experienced team of security officers, you might hire a security guard.

When to hire a security guard

Situations where hiring a security guard might work include:

• You already have a security officer and need a security guard to perform the front-line work.
• Your current security guard team may benefit from assistance with duties.
• Your business has minimal risks and threats.
• You want to secure a certain part of your company.
• You have effective security procedures in place and need someone to carry them out.

When to hire a security officer

Hiring a security officer is an option in these scenarios:

• Your industry has a high risk of threats.
• You want to create or improve security processes and want a security expert.
• You have security guards, but you need a managerial figure to supervise them.
• You prefer a security team member with more training or specialized experience.

FAQs about security guard vs. security officer positions

Is a security guard or a security officer higher ranking?

Security officers usually rank higher than security guards since they often have a supervisory role. They might serve as the manager for security guards, and they usually have more authority. They’re the people that security guards call if they notice unusual activity.

Should you hire both a security guard and a security officer?

In some situations, your organization can benefit from hiring both security positions. You might want extra security if you have a large organization or the nature of your business increases the likelihood of criminal activity. Some organizations might hire multiple security guards and a few security officers when the security needs are high.