Security Officers (Guards & Watch Guards) Description OES Code: 630470 Stand guard at entrance or patrol premises to prevent theft, violence, or infractions of rules. CA Wages/hour median range New, no experience: $6.00 minimum – $11.00 New, experienced: $6.50 minimum – $12.00 3 yrs+ experience: $8.00 minimum – $15.00 Local Wages • CCOIS Survey • OES Survey Hours & Benefits Since guards are needed around the clock, they may be assigned to any eight-hour shift or to rotating shifts. At least two-thirds of the work is at night. Guards may also work any day of the year. Employers sometimes pay higher rates for night shifts and sometimes for holidays. Most contract guards (those employed by an outside service agency) and some in-house guards work on-call or part time for at least their first 90 days. Guards who do well on these assignments can move into full time, permanent positions when they are available. Employers usually furnish required equipment such as two-way radios, time clocks and weapons (if armed guards are needed). Many employers provide uniforms and uniform cleaning allowances. Employment Trends Employment 1996 124,490 Projected Employment 2006 190,860 Growth Rate 1996-2006 53.3% Openings due to Separations 32,910 Employment Trends by California County Security Guards is considered one of the fastest growing occupations in California. While job opportunities for qualified workers will be mostly in city areas, guards will also be needed at amusement, recreation, and special event attractions especially during holiday and vacation seasons. Many employers report that there are a lot of job seekers who are barely qualified and a shortage of persons who meet the job requirements. Also, there is a high turnover rate due in part to low pay and odd hours. Because of this, job opportunities should be best for qualified persons available for night shift work. Education and Training Most employers prefer to hire workers with a high school education or its equivalent, because most guards must be able to read, write and follow written and spoken instructions. Although most employers will accept trainees, many prefer candidates who have had previous military police or security guard experience or who have taken classes in law enforcement at a community college or have been involved with some form of public contact work. Applicants are expected to have good character references, good health, especially in hearing and eyesight, and good personal habits such as neatness and dependability. They should be mentally alert, emotionally stable, and physically fit to deal with emergencies. Contract services generally require guards to have their own phone and car. Uniformed contract guards and armed in-house guards must be registered with the Department of Consumer Affairs and have a guard registration card. Preliminary registration requirements include passing a fingerprint and background check and a self-study course in the powers of arrest, with an open-book test on the exercise of the power of arrest given by the employer. Full registration requires completion of a formal, day-long, powers of arrest course in an approved school. Applicants applying for a gun permit must also complete a 14-hour written and range exam on the carrying and use of firearms. The training must be completed at a Bureau of Collection and Investigative Services approved training facility. Applicants with felony convictions may apply if convicted more than seven years ago. Advancement With more experience and/or education, you may promote to Security Supervisor or Owner/Operator of a Security Service. For current job listings, browse CalJOBS or America's Job Bank.

Click arrow at bottom left of image to begin. Requires QuickTime Skills & Other Requirements More and more businesses are buying high-tech electronic surveillance and security equipment. As more of these systems are installed, Security Guards are often assigned to stations where they sit in front of a control panel and watch several closed-circuit television screens and monitor key areas in the work place. They also monitor perimeter security, heating, cooling and lighting systems, communications, and other systems. Another development is the growing number of patrol men and women "for hire" in residential areas. The cost of a patrol service is shared by the participating homeowners. Armed guards in patrol cars promise 24-hour service and fast response. Security Officers, protect industrial or commercial property against fire, theft, vandalism, and illegal entry. They protect and control entry to industrial, commercial, and, sometimes, residential property. The duties depend on the employer's needs. Duties may include operating and monitoring alarm and closed-circuit television systems, receiving visitors and giving information. They may also take action in emergency situations such as illness, safety hazards, or other unusual situations. The main responsibilities of the guard are to observe and report. These duties may involve observing from a distance while on a walking patrol, while driving a patrol car, or by closed-circuit television. When they make their rounds, Guards may check windows, doors, and keep aware of unauthorized individuals in an area. Other tasks may include making sure that electrical and plumbing systems, alarms, and sprinkler systems are on or working properly. It's common for Guards to keep in radio contact with other Guards patrolling on foot or in cars. Guards may have to search the area thoroughly when anything unusual is noticed. A patrol area could be a large refinery or a small office building lobby. Anything unusual or any potential problem is noted and reported to the proper authority: police, fire department, building office, etc. Written reports are usually filed after action has been taken to correct the situation. Some Guards now use computers to store security information, including suspicious happenings and names of visitors. Guards also control crowds at large gatherings, watch for shoplifters, and guard the pick-up and delivery of valuables. Some guards carry weapons such as guns or nightsticks, but they aren't encouraged to use them. For some employers, guards drive and protect armored trucks carrying money or other valuables. Most of the work, though, is in long-term jobs at specific locations. Regular reports are made of routine activities, including a written summary at the end of each shift. Getting the Job & Other Information Information about openings can be found in newspaper classified ads, through the California Employment Development Department, or by applying directly to employers. Companies hiring their own guards sometimes select from among those already working for them on a contract basis. Federal, State, and local government jobs are filled through competitive exams; information about these job openings can be had from civil service offices. References Note: The references below (and/or on other parts of this page) will link to pages on the internet outside the Career Video system. California Occupational Guide: Security Guards #75 Related Occupation: Law Enforcement Occupations #457 Training: California State Training Inventory   © State of California EDD/LMID, US Department of Labor Unless indicated otherwise, wage data is based on Statewide aggregated CCOIS survey responses between 1995 and 1997. Questions or Comments? Contact us.