A military background or a law enforcement degree is ideal experience for work as a security officer, but you can break into the industry with little or no experience. Private companies may be willing to hire you for basic building security. You can also enter the field by working for the federal Transportation Security Administration. The first step is to consider your career goals. While you can apply for no-experience security jobs, there are several things you can do to position yourself for higher-level security positions.
Security Officer Job Description
The job description of a security officer varies, based upon the type of position. Similarly, the type of experience needed is commensurate with the position. Private security officers monitor building entrances and exits, prevent property loss and enforce organizational policies.
Law enforcement officials respond to emergency calls, enforce traffic safety laws and investigate crimes. These elevated duties require more training and education than no-experience security jobs. You’ll also find increased opportunities for advancement in police work.
If you’re interested in working as a security officer in the transportation industry, job duties will include screening passengers, monitoring baggage and providing general security services for transit points like airports and train stations.
Security Officer Education Requirements
Virtually all security positions require a background check, drug screening, a vision test and a physical exam. Often, organizations will check your driving record and your credit history. It’s important to have solid references lined up that can speak to your character and skills. You can also expect to demonstrate proficiency in the English language.
If you don’t have formal experience, consider joining security guard organizations to gain access to training and certification opportunities. For example, the Private Security Professionals of America offers training and certification programs for members. You may also have the opportunity to network with professionals in the field that can assist you in finding jobs.
Consider pursuing a degree in law enforcement or criminal justice. A college degree ensures that you'll be competitive in the job market. While in college, seek an internship or serve in a student security officer position to gain hands-on experience. Education and experience are particularly important if you want to become a police officer or secure a management position in security operations.
Military experience may serve as a substitute for educational requirements and allows you to take a licensing exam in most states. Commonly, law enforcement agencies require prospective employees to take a certificate course and pass a licensing exam prior to being hired as a police officer. The level of experience needed is directly related to the type of security officer position that you’re seeking.
Security Officer Industry
The salary for security officers varies, based upon the position. For example, in 2019, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported that the median annual pay for security officers and gambling surveillance officers was $29,710 or $14.29 per hour. The BLS also indicated that police and detectives earned a median annual pay of $65,170 or $31.33 per hour. (Median means that half in the profession earned more, and half earned less.)
Years of Experience
Experience is directly tied to the salary potential for security officer positions. You’ll start at a lower salary for no-experience security jobs, but you may be able to move up to a supervisory position to earn more. Similarly, experience could help you move into a law enforcement or governmental security position.
Security Officer Job Growth Trend
The pace of growth in security positions and law enforcement jobs is similar. Security guard positions are projected to grow 3 percent between now and 2029. Police and detective positions are expected to increase 5 percent, during the same time period. Public safety and the need for security guards will persist, but advances in technology may impact the number of available positions in the future.
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