Security Guards
Protective Service
Walks or stands watch on industrial and commercial property, locking doors and gates and checking windows and other openings for signs of a break-in. Controls who enters and leaves, which may include screening with x-ray or metal-detector equipment, and moves among visitors or staff to keep order. Answers alarms, looks into disturbances, and can give basic first aid or call paramedics. Writes daily notes on damage, theft, or unusual events, warns people who break the rules, and may evict or apprehend them. A steady loop of locks, patrols, and entry checks fits people who stay alert on a fixed site and can respond when something breaks the routine.
Typical education: High School Diploma or GED
Annual Median Wage in Field (2025)
$38'020
Median Wage Market Position
$38'020
What you might do
- Patrol buildings to spot break-ins and open doors
- Screen employees and visitors coming and going
- Lock doors and gates to secure the building
- Answer alarms and look into disturbances
- Warn or remove people who break the rules
- Write daily notes on theft and other incidents
Skills that matter
- Patrolling buildings and grounds
- Checking who enters and leaves
- Investigating alarms and disturbances
- Writing reports of theft or damage
- Warning or removing rule-breakers
- Giving first aid until help arrives
AI & the future of this role
Routine monitoring and alarm triage might shift toward smarter camera systems, reducing some stationary posts. On-site presence, de-escalation, and quick physical response still tend to protect employment where property and people need a human deterrent.
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Includes O*NET® 30.3 Database information by USDOL/ETA under CC BY 4.0; modified by LostInCareer. Wage/outlook from BLS. Attribution details