Security Guards
SOC Code: 33-9032 Job Zone 2: Some Preparation Needed
Guard, patrol, or monitor premises to prevent theft, violence, or infractions of rules. May operate x-ray and metal detector equipment.
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Prevailing Wage Levels (National)
DOL/OFLC prevailing wage thresholds for Security Guards. Hourly rates x 2,080 = annual.
FY2027 Weighted Lottery Impact
| Level | Lottery Entries | Est. Selection Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Level I (Entry) | 1 entry | ~16% |
| Level II (Qualified) | 2 entries | ~31% |
| Level III (Experienced) | 3 entries | ~45% |
| Level IV (Expert) | 4 entries | ~61% |
Prevailing Wages by Metro Area
| Metro Area | Level I | Level II | Level III | Level IV |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kennewick-Richland, WA | $44,262 | $60,341 | $76,398 | $92,477 |
| San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles, CA | $36,338 | $53,144 | $69,971 | $86,778 |
| Idaho Falls, ID | $56,389 | $66,456 | $76,502 | $86,570 |
| Western Washington nonmetropolitan area | $37,482 | $48,443 | $59,405 | $70,366 |
| Fairbanks-College, AK | $36,920 | $47,674 | $58,427 | $69,181 |
| Anchorage, AK | $35,506 | $45,490 | $55,453 | $65,437 |
| Northern New Mexico nonmetropolitan area | $32,843 | $43,285 | $53,726 | $64,168 |
| Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV | $37,939 | $46,446 | $54,954 | $63,461 |
| Northwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area | $33,322 | $43,160 | $53,019 | $62,858 |
| Northwestern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area | $29,286 | $39,853 | $50,419 | $60,986 |
Key Skills
| Skill | Importance | Level |
|---|---|---|
| Active Listening | 3.8 | |
| Monitoring | 3.4 | |
| Speaking | 3.2 | |
| Critical Thinking | 3.1 | |
| Coordination | 3.1 | |
| Judgment and Decision Making | 3.0 | |
| Reading Comprehension | 3.0 | |
| Social Perceptiveness | 3.0 | |
| Active Learning | 2.9 | |
| Service Orientation | 2.9 |
Knowledge Areas
| Knowledge | Importance |
|---|---|
| Public Safety and Security | 4.7 |
| Customer and Personal Service | 4.5 |
| English Language | 4.3 |
| Computers and Electronics | 4.1 |
| Administration and Management | 4.0 |
| Education and Training | 3.8 |
| Telecommunications | 3.8 |
| Administrative | 3.7 |
Education Requirements
| Education Level | % of Workers |
|---|---|
| High school diploma | 79.3% |
| Post-secondary certificate | 9.6% |
| Associate's degree | 5.1% |
| Some college | 4.2% |
| Bachelor's degree | 2.0% |
Typical Tasks
- Patrol industrial or commercial premises to prevent and detect signs of intrusion and ensure security of doors, windows, and gates.
- Answer alarms and investigate disturbances.
- Monitor and authorize entrance and departure of employees, visitors, and other persons to guard against theft and maintain security of premises.
- Write reports of daily activities and irregularities, such as equipment or property damage, theft, presence of unauthorized persons, or unusual occurrences.
- Call police or fire departments in cases of emergency, such as fire or presence of unauthorized persons.
- Circulate among visitors, patrons, or employees to preserve order and protect property.
- Answer telephone calls to take messages, answer questions, and provide information during non-business hours or when switchboard is closed.
- Warn persons of rule infractions or violations, and apprehend or evict violators from premises, using force when necessary.
Technology Skills
Green = Hot Technology in demand
Microsoft Excel Microsoft Office software Microsoft Outlook Microsoft SharePoint Microsoft Word Corel WordPerfect Office Suite FaceTime IBM Lotus 1-2-3 McAfee NortonLifeLock cybersecurity software Wireshark
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