Highly-lucrative security officer jobs can bring in a hefty annual salary of up to $69,000! Security officers are employed across a broad range of fields. A high school diploma or GED is the minimum requirement for security officer jobs.
In certain states, security officers may require a license to be authorized to carry a weapon while on the job.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that the demand for security guards and officers will skyrocket by 15% from 2020 to 2030 - far exceeding the expected employment growth rate for other industries. If you're interested in pursuing a lucrative career as a security officer, you'll find that salaries vary based on geographic location, job duties, education, and experience. Here are a few of the highest-paying security officer jobs to help you make the most of your potential earnings.
Protection Officer
As protection officers, you can earn an annual salary ranging from $26,000 to $69,000. As part of your duty, you'll be responsible for safeguarding a building, its occupants, and any property within or around the premises. You could find yourself working at any hour of the day or night, including weekends.
Protection officers must respond quickly when incidents arise during their shifts, bringing their de-escalation and control skills into play. Employers often need detailed reports on the situation, so having a knack for writing clearly and accurately is key for success in this role.
Facility Security Officer
If you're looking for a challenging and rewarding career, becoming a Facility Security Officer (FSO) could be the perfect fit! FSOs are responsible for protecting large buildings, such as private companies or government buildings, by maintaining entry logs and tracking employees' entry and exit times. With a salary ranging from $22,500 to $63,000 per year, this role requires strong interpersonal skills, leading to a highly fulfilling job experience.
Security officers working at stations equipped with security camera monitors must maintain a high level of vigilance and the ability to multitask to effectively monitor multiple screens while still engaging with visitors entering and exiting the facility. They occasionally collaborate with management to create and adjust security plans.
Security Escort
Security escorts can earn a competitive salary of between $33,500 and $52,000 per year. Working in highly secure environments such as buildings and facilities, they ensure that only authorized personnel and preapproved visitors can access restricted areas.
Employing interpersonal skills, security escorts may check identification cards, use metal detectors and conduct physical pat-downs to ensure that dangerous items and weapons are not brought onto the premises. In doing so, they must ensure that people feel safe and respected, not intimidated or violated.
Working as a security escort can be a rewarding experience. Visitors and employees alike will appreciate being safely walked to their destination by a qualified security professional. This may be the perfect opportunity for those looking for a job with flexible hours, as shifts are available any time the building is open, including nights, overnights, weekends, and holidays.
Plant Protection Officer
The pay for plant protection officers can range from approximately $29,000 to $52,000 annually. Not only do these professionals protect industrial and manufacturing plants, but they also serve as security guards.
Plant protection officers are tasked with the important responsibility of safeguarding people and property. But, due to the unique nature of the industrial environment, they must also be vigilant in detecting signs of internal theft and taking swift action if any employees are found to be stealing plant materials, tools, or finished products.
Plant protection officers must be on the lookout for corporate espionage, a malicious act of one company trying to gain knowledge of another's trade secrets. Being alert, thinking wisely, and making swift decisions are essential qualities of a successful plant protection officer.
Safety and Security Officer
Security professionals can earn between $27,000 and $42,000 annually for safeguarding industrial and manufacturing settings. These officers are held to higher standards than traditional protection officers, as they must adhere to safety protocols, such as ensuring employees use the necessary personal protective equipment. These security professionals are vital to maintaining a safe and secure work environment by upholding these standards.
Safety and security officers serve a critical role in any organization, as they are trained to respond quickly and effectively in the event of an emergency. They act as guards and are prepared to take action in case of a fire, injury, or other catastrophic events. These officers may lead or facilitate evacuations, ensuring that all staff and visitors remain safe.
Security Control Center Operator
Operating a security control center is a highly sought-after role, and those who take on the position can expect an average annual salary between $27,000 and $42,000. From shopping malls to airports, casinos, hospitals, and skyscraper office buildings, these security officers are responsible for keeping watch over the premises from their seat in front of the CCTV screens.
Security control center operators must be prepared to take swift action when they spot a potential problem, per their employer's safety procedures. To thrive in this role, they must be able to pay close attention for extended periods and juggle multiple tasks simultaneously.
Armed Guard
Are you looking to become an armed guard? This job title can bring in an annual salary ranging from $27,000 to $37,500. As a protection or facility security officer, you may need to use a weapon such as a billy club, Taser, or firearm.
Armed guards are entrusted with the important responsibility of safeguarding money and other valuable items as they are transported in secure armored cars. With the authority to use force to protect people and property in hazardous situations, these guards must possess the wisdom to make sound decisions in the heat of the moment and the strength to remain composed in high-pressure scenarios.
Security Flex Utility Officer
Security Flex Utility Officers can earn an annual salary ranging from $25,000 to $35,000 while patrolling areas like neighborhoods, malls, power plants, and public parks.
The officers are dedicated to ensuring the safety of everyone on the property, conducting regular patrols to watch for anything out of the ordinary. Should the security control center operators spot anything concerning, the officers are ready and willing to respond swiftly.
Security flex utility officers must be able to stand and walk for extended periods, often working nights, weekends and holidays. They may be required to spend time outside in both extreme hot and cold weather conditions.
Custom Protection Officer
Earn a competitive salary of up to $34,500 annually as a custom protection officer! If you have the necessary experience or post-secondary training in security, you could be hired by contractors providing services to the federal government and private organizations. Don't miss this exciting opportunity!
Custom protection officers typically have a variety of responsibilities depending on the environment. They may be required to patrol areas, watch security screens, sign in visitors, and conduct searches. Additionally, they must keep accurate records and logs of events on duty.
Nuclear Security Officer
Nuclear security officers are responsible for protecting nuclear power facilities and earn a salary range of $27,000 to $34,000 per year. Their duties are comparable to those of regular security guards, but they are also specifically trained to react swiftly and appropriately in case of system malfunctions or other emergencies that may lead to a nuclear disaster.
Nuclear security officers must be knowledgeable of nuclear power and be on the lookout for employees who aren't following safety protocols. If necessary, they must take action or submit reports to the relevant facilities.
Event Security Officer
Event security officers are well-compensated for their important role in keeping attendees safe. With an average annual salary ranging from $22,000 to $31,000, these professionals ensure that only those who should be present at concerts, conventions, and other ticketed or open events are admitted. In addition to verifying identity and credentials, they may also need to search bags for dangerous items or operate metal detectors.
The security officers watch the crowd as soon as the event starts, looking out for any potential danger or unlawful behavior. Should an attendee require medical assistance, the officers are ready to respond.
Qualifications and Training for Security Officer Jobs
Earning a high school diploma or equivalent is a great starting point for those interested in pursuing a career as a security officer. For those wanting to increase their earning potential, many community colleges and trade schools offer courses and certificate programs specializing in security. Completing such post-secondary training could be a big advantage for those hoping to pursue a career in security.
Before or after an interview, employers are likely to perform criminal background checks on potential candidates, requiring them to submit fingerprints.
Gaining specialized certification and licensing is essential for security officers who wish to carry a firearm or other weapons. Requirements for this type of licensing and certification vary from state to state and could involve taking an approved training course, passing a written or skills exam, or both.