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Could I live my life with a security salary?

Would a career in security ensure I live a moderately comfortable and financially secure life?

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Clarissa’s Answer

Yes, you can make a decent living from being in security, the amount you make depends on the sector you are working in, what you are guarding, and if you have any specialized skills. I work on a mine site and the security guards make a decent amount, they are able to support their families and still have some extra here and there. Some security guards I know that are contracted through private companies also have EMT training and they make more than a regular security guard. It really depends on what you want to do with it.

Clarissa recommends the following next steps:

Research the security field and security companies
Talk with security professionals about their career path
Determine what path you want to take in security
Create a career plan and set goals
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Samantha’s Answer

Yes, private security is the way to go. That will get you practical experience then you can apply with larger companies that are looking for security professionals
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Priyanka’s Answer

It is a good entry level salary but it would definitely be good to level up within the industry and go beyond being a guard. I believe the salary is on the lower end for basic security guards. You could go from getting experience in basic security to more advance types like specialized security. Some types of security require advanced, specialized training, such as guarding of a private art collection, an airport, an exotic animal sanctuary, a scientific research facility, chemical plant, or other location with specialized security needs. You would need to develop expertise and training in these specific areas and also balance the risk that being a guard for these types of jobs can have.

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Sikawayi’s Answer

Hello Natilius, this is a very good question. The real answer is no, and I'll tell you why in order to live a comfortable and financially secure lifestyle you would need to make over 50 thousand dollars a year and to be honest those jobs just don't pay that much. There are jobs in private security that are high paying but generally those jobs go to experienced police officers. Best of luck
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David’s Answer

The short answer is: no. Most security guards, either armed or unarmed, are paid well less than employees of fast food chains or grocery stores at the moment. Unless you are running your own company or are lucky and get a high-paying job at a very good company, you're unlikely to be able to make a comfortable living in the security field. Jobs that pay well in security are likely to be extraordinarily competitive.
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Dan’s Answer

Generally, security guards aren't paid "a lot". But what is the definition of "a lot"? Whatever the value, it's enough for some people but not enough for other people.

My answer to your question is "maybe" because it depends on what your definition of "moderately comfortable and financially secure life".
Do you want/need a new car every four years?
How expensive of a car (BMW or small Ford Escort)?
Do you like to eat out (Mcdonald's or fancy restaurants)?
Do you plan on getting married?
Having kids (how many)?
Where do you vacation and how often?
Can you do your own house and car repairs?
Do you live in a high cost city like New York or someplace more modest like Pittsburgh, Pa?

Here is my suggestion:
1) Ask your parents how much they spend each month for housing, clothing, food, entertainment, car payments, insurance, education, medical, retirement savings, etc.
2) Adjust the number from step#1 by adding or subtracting any differences that reflect your specific desires. Be realistic or conservative (not optimistic) with your estimates to allow for unanticipated life impacts.
3) Take the monthly budget estimate from step#2 and divide it by 80 which gives you an estimated $/hour which you will need to maintain your expected standard of living.
4) Do a Google search for average security guard salaries and see how it compares to your anticipated hourly salary. This exercise should answer your question.

You can multiply the $/hour value by 2080 to convert to annual salary as there are 2080 normal work hours per year (52 weeks x 40 hours/week).
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