4 answers
Alexander
Student
Bremerton, Washington
1
Question
Asked
716 views
How much does security pay?
How many different occupations does security have?
4 answers
Doc Frick
Career Coach and Mentor
1535
Answers
California, CA
Updated
Doc’s Answer
It’s hard to say for certain how much security professionals can make – salary varies from place to place, and other factors like years of experience, connections, and specialized skills can make an enormous difference. However jobs listed in order of average wage based on a variety of sources, including Salary.com and PayScale.com.
• ARMED TRUCK SECURITY CARIER: An armed carrier, also known as an armored driver or armed courier, is the individual who delivers confidential documentation, goods, or currency from one location to another. This is one of the highest paying armed security jobs because of the importance of the items or data a person has to transport. It classifies among the other high paying armed security jobs, so it has stringent requirements for who may obtain a position. For instance, in addition to having a driver’s license in good standing, possibly a commercial driver’s license, an employer may prefer to have an individual who is at least 21 years of age. Those interested in this job will need to pass a criminal background check and usually a drug screening. Since a person must be trustworthy when handling valuable goods, the hiring process may consist of a credit check.
According to PayScale.com, armored car guards and drivers earned a median salary of $50,000. Most of these security professionals made salaries ranging between $27,000 and $88,000.
• ARMED SECURITY OFFICER: Security officers make the list of highest-paid armed security jobs, and it doesn’t require an extensive amount of education. A person may earn their high school diploma or its equivalent and enter into this field. You'll likely work under a general manager or supervisor and has the responsibility of guarding the premises. You patrol the property and may need to watch the surveillance footage. The job may require a person to inspect a building and possibly equipment. As an armed security guard, a person may need to record observations. In some cases, this person may need to respond to emergencies and may need to address issues like theft, assault, and even safety issues like fire. The average Security Guard - Armed salary in California is $53,500 as of September 2024, but the range typically falls between $47,500 and $60,750. Salary ranges can vary widely depending on the city and many other important factors, including education, certifications, additional skills, the number of years you have spent in your profession.
• BODYGUARDS
A bodyguard is an individual who is in charge of protecting another individual. Often, this type of security guard protects wealthy individuals, celebrities, or public officials. For instance, a bodyguard may protect a governor or other head of the government. Sometimes, these individuals work in a group. Bodyguards may earn the benefit of getting to travel along with high-profile individuals. It’s possible that this person may need to drive an armored vehicle. Since this can be a risky position, it’s one of the high paying armed security jobs. This job is highly dangerous because crazed fans and even those who are completely against the high-profile individual could potentially harm him or her. Sometimes, the behavior people exhibit when getting around celebrities and other well-recognized individuals is unpredictable. As of September 2024, the average annual salary for a bodyguard in the United States is $86,500. However, salaries can range from $16,500 to $176,000, with the majority of bodyguards earning between $39,000 and $111,000. The top 10% of bodyguards make $145,000 or more annually.
• ARMED TRUCK SECURITY CARIER: An armed carrier, also known as an armored driver or armed courier, is the individual who delivers confidential documentation, goods, or currency from one location to another. This is one of the highest paying armed security jobs because of the importance of the items or data a person has to transport. It classifies among the other high paying armed security jobs, so it has stringent requirements for who may obtain a position. For instance, in addition to having a driver’s license in good standing, possibly a commercial driver’s license, an employer may prefer to have an individual who is at least 21 years of age. Those interested in this job will need to pass a criminal background check and usually a drug screening. Since a person must be trustworthy when handling valuable goods, the hiring process may consist of a credit check.
According to PayScale.com, armored car guards and drivers earned a median salary of $50,000. Most of these security professionals made salaries ranging between $27,000 and $88,000.
• ARMED SECURITY OFFICER: Security officers make the list of highest-paid armed security jobs, and it doesn’t require an extensive amount of education. A person may earn their high school diploma or its equivalent and enter into this field. You'll likely work under a general manager or supervisor and has the responsibility of guarding the premises. You patrol the property and may need to watch the surveillance footage. The job may require a person to inspect a building and possibly equipment. As an armed security guard, a person may need to record observations. In some cases, this person may need to respond to emergencies and may need to address issues like theft, assault, and even safety issues like fire. The average Security Guard - Armed salary in California is $53,500 as of September 2024, but the range typically falls between $47,500 and $60,750. Salary ranges can vary widely depending on the city and many other important factors, including education, certifications, additional skills, the number of years you have spent in your profession.
• BODYGUARDS
A bodyguard is an individual who is in charge of protecting another individual. Often, this type of security guard protects wealthy individuals, celebrities, or public officials. For instance, a bodyguard may protect a governor or other head of the government. Sometimes, these individuals work in a group. Bodyguards may earn the benefit of getting to travel along with high-profile individuals. It’s possible that this person may need to drive an armored vehicle. Since this can be a risky position, it’s one of the high paying armed security jobs. This job is highly dangerous because crazed fans and even those who are completely against the high-profile individual could potentially harm him or her. Sometimes, the behavior people exhibit when getting around celebrities and other well-recognized individuals is unpredictable. As of September 2024, the average annual salary for a bodyguard in the United States is $86,500. However, salaries can range from $16,500 to $176,000, with the majority of bodyguards earning between $39,000 and $111,000. The top 10% of bodyguards make $145,000 or more annually.
Ruth Murphy, MS
Security Compliance and Assurance
3
Answers
Hillsboro, New Hampshire
Updated
Ruth’s Answer
If you're inquiring about either physical or IT security, both fields offer a variety of roles with varying levels of compensation.
In the realm of physical security, you could find yourself in roles ranging from a security guard to an emergency management coordinator, among others. The pay scale varies, with security guards often earning the minimum wage in some regions. However, if you possess medical skills, such as first aid or EMT/paramedic qualifications, your earning potential increases.
Physical security also encompasses roles that involve surveillance, theft prevention in casinos or retail stores, and even police work. Other opportunities include transporting cash between banks or ATMs. Depending on your level of education and experience, salaries in this field can range from $60,000 to over $100,000.
On the other hand, if you're more inclined towards IT and enjoy programming or tinkering with computers, IT security might be your calling. This field offers roles from technical experts and auditors who ensure device security, to executives who establish company-wide security protocols.
IT security also includes roles that involve responding to or researching cyber attacks. One particularly interesting role is that of a "social engineer," who tests a company's security measures and the cybersecurity awareness of its employees. With the right blend of skills, IT security roles can pay up to $150,000 or more. Adding a security clearance level to your credentials can further boost your earning potential. On average, a 10-year IT security consultant or architect can expect to earn between $90,000 and $130,000.
So, whether you're considering physical or IT security, both fields offer rewarding career paths with the potential for substantial financial rewards.
In the realm of physical security, you could find yourself in roles ranging from a security guard to an emergency management coordinator, among others. The pay scale varies, with security guards often earning the minimum wage in some regions. However, if you possess medical skills, such as first aid or EMT/paramedic qualifications, your earning potential increases.
Physical security also encompasses roles that involve surveillance, theft prevention in casinos or retail stores, and even police work. Other opportunities include transporting cash between banks or ATMs. Depending on your level of education and experience, salaries in this field can range from $60,000 to over $100,000.
On the other hand, if you're more inclined towards IT and enjoy programming or tinkering with computers, IT security might be your calling. This field offers roles from technical experts and auditors who ensure device security, to executives who establish company-wide security protocols.
IT security also includes roles that involve responding to or researching cyber attacks. One particularly interesting role is that of a "social engineer," who tests a company's security measures and the cybersecurity awareness of its employees. With the right blend of skills, IT security roles can pay up to $150,000 or more. Adding a security clearance level to your credentials can further boost your earning potential. On average, a 10-year IT security consultant or architect can expect to earn between $90,000 and $130,000.
So, whether you're considering physical or IT security, both fields offer rewarding career paths with the potential for substantial financial rewards.
Yohan GIUBERGIA
Account executive
4
Answers
Dublin, County Dublin
Updated
Yohan’s Answer
The profitability of security jobs can vary based on the role, the individual's experience, and the country where the job is located. Here's a friendly overview:
In the USA, the security field can be quite rewarding:
For those just starting out in Cybersecurity, you can expect to earn anywhere from $70,000 to $90,000 annually. This can be even more if you're in hotspots like Silicon Valley, New York, or Washington, D.C.
If you've got a few years under your belt as a Cybersecurity Analyst, your yearly earnings could be between $90,000 and $120,000.
For the seasoned pros in senior roles such as Security Engineers or Ethical Hackers, salaries can range from $120,000 to a whopping $180,000 or more! This is particularly true in sectors like finance or tech where security is a top priority.
And for the big bosses, the Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs), overseeing a company's entire security operations can bring in salaries starting at $180,000, and potentially reaching over $300,000 depending on the company's size and location.
Over in Ireland, the story is quite similar:
Beginners in Cybersecurity can expect to earn between €40,000 to €50,000 per year, particularly in tech hubs like Dublin.
If you're a mid-level Cybersecurity Analyst with a few years of experience, your annual salary could be between €50,000 to €70,000.
Senior roles such as Security Engineers or Penetration Testers can command salaries ranging from €70,000 to €100,000 per year, depending on the industry.
For the CISOs in Ireland, salaries can range from €100,000 to over €150,000. Plus, there's the potential for bonuses or equity if you're working in larger organizations or multinational companies based in the country.
In the USA, the security field can be quite rewarding:
For those just starting out in Cybersecurity, you can expect to earn anywhere from $70,000 to $90,000 annually. This can be even more if you're in hotspots like Silicon Valley, New York, or Washington, D.C.
If you've got a few years under your belt as a Cybersecurity Analyst, your yearly earnings could be between $90,000 and $120,000.
For the seasoned pros in senior roles such as Security Engineers or Ethical Hackers, salaries can range from $120,000 to a whopping $180,000 or more! This is particularly true in sectors like finance or tech where security is a top priority.
And for the big bosses, the Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs), overseeing a company's entire security operations can bring in salaries starting at $180,000, and potentially reaching over $300,000 depending on the company's size and location.
Over in Ireland, the story is quite similar:
Beginners in Cybersecurity can expect to earn between €40,000 to €50,000 per year, particularly in tech hubs like Dublin.
If you're a mid-level Cybersecurity Analyst with a few years of experience, your annual salary could be between €50,000 to €70,000.
Senior roles such as Security Engineers or Penetration Testers can command salaries ranging from €70,000 to €100,000 per year, depending on the industry.
For the CISOs in Ireland, salaries can range from €100,000 to over €150,000. Plus, there's the potential for bonuses or equity if you're working in larger organizations or multinational companies based in the country.
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
5919
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Hello Alexander!
Overview of Security Occupations and Pay
The security industry encompasses a wide range of occupations, each with varying responsibilities, qualifications, and compensation levels. To provide a comprehensive answer, we will break down the pay structure and the different types of occupations within the security field.
1. Salary Overview in Security
The salary for security professionals can vary significantly based on factors such as job title, experience level, location, and the specific sector in which they work. According to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), here are some average salaries for various security-related positions as of May 2022:
Security Guards: The median annual wage for security guards was approximately $31,000. Entry-level positions may start around $25,000, while experienced guards can earn upwards of $45,000 or more depending on their duties and location.
Private Detectives and Investigators: These professionals had a median annual wage of about $56,000. Their pay can vary widely based on experience and the complexity of cases they handle.
Security Managers: Those in managerial roles typically earn higher salaries. The average salary for security managers is around $75,000 to $100,000 annually.
Cybersecurity Analysts: With the increasing importance of digital security, cybersecurity analysts have seen significant demand. Their median annual wage is approximately $102,600.
Police Officers: While not strictly categorized under private security, police officers also play a crucial role in public safety. The median salary for police officers is about $67,290 per year.
These figures illustrate that there is a broad spectrum of earnings within the security field depending on specialization and responsibility.
2. Different Occupations in Security
The security sector includes numerous occupations that serve various functions within public safety and protection services. Here are some key categories:
Physical Security Roles
Security Guards: Responsible for monitoring premises to prevent theft or vandalism.
Loss Prevention Specialists: Work primarily in retail settings to deter shoplifting.
Investigative Roles
Private Investigators: Conduct investigations for individuals or organizations.
Fraud Examiners: Specialize in detecting fraud within businesses or financial institutions.
Cybersecurity Roles
Information Security Analysts: Protect an organization’s computer systems from cyber threats.
Network Security Engineers: Focus on securing network infrastructures against breaches.
Management Roles
Security Managers/Directors: Oversee security operations within organizations.
Risk Management Professionals: Assess risks and develop strategies to mitigate them.
Law Enforcement
While police officers are part of public law enforcement rather than private security, they often collaborate with private security firms on various initiatives.
Each occupation requires different skills and qualifications ranging from high school diplomas to advanced degrees in criminal justice or cybersecurity fields.
In summary:
The pay scale varies widely across different roles within the security industry.
There are numerous distinct occupations within this field that cater to various aspects of safety and protection.
Thus, considering all these factors:
The average pay in the security industry varies by occupation but generally ranges from approximately $31,000 for entry-level positions like security guards to over $100,000 for specialized roles such as cybersecurity analysts or management positions. There are many different occupations within the field including physical security roles (like guards), investigative roles (like private investigators), cybersecurity roles (like analysts), management roles (like directors), and law enforcement collaborations (like police officers).
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS): This government agency provides comprehensive data on employment statistics including wages across various industries including those related to security professions.
PayScale.com: A reliable source that aggregates salary information based on user-reported data across diverse job titles including those in the security sector.
Indeed.com Salary Research: This platform offers insights into salary trends based on job postings and employee reviews specifically tailored to various occupations including those in the field of security.
Probability that this answer is correct: 95%
God Bless You!
JC.
Overview of Security Occupations and Pay
The security industry encompasses a wide range of occupations, each with varying responsibilities, qualifications, and compensation levels. To provide a comprehensive answer, we will break down the pay structure and the different types of occupations within the security field.
1. Salary Overview in Security
The salary for security professionals can vary significantly based on factors such as job title, experience level, location, and the specific sector in which they work. According to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), here are some average salaries for various security-related positions as of May 2022:
Security Guards: The median annual wage for security guards was approximately $31,000. Entry-level positions may start around $25,000, while experienced guards can earn upwards of $45,000 or more depending on their duties and location.
Private Detectives and Investigators: These professionals had a median annual wage of about $56,000. Their pay can vary widely based on experience and the complexity of cases they handle.
Security Managers: Those in managerial roles typically earn higher salaries. The average salary for security managers is around $75,000 to $100,000 annually.
Cybersecurity Analysts: With the increasing importance of digital security, cybersecurity analysts have seen significant demand. Their median annual wage is approximately $102,600.
Police Officers: While not strictly categorized under private security, police officers also play a crucial role in public safety. The median salary for police officers is about $67,290 per year.
These figures illustrate that there is a broad spectrum of earnings within the security field depending on specialization and responsibility.
2. Different Occupations in Security
The security sector includes numerous occupations that serve various functions within public safety and protection services. Here are some key categories:
Physical Security Roles
Security Guards: Responsible for monitoring premises to prevent theft or vandalism.
Loss Prevention Specialists: Work primarily in retail settings to deter shoplifting.
Investigative Roles
Private Investigators: Conduct investigations for individuals or organizations.
Fraud Examiners: Specialize in detecting fraud within businesses or financial institutions.
Cybersecurity Roles
Information Security Analysts: Protect an organization’s computer systems from cyber threats.
Network Security Engineers: Focus on securing network infrastructures against breaches.
Management Roles
Security Managers/Directors: Oversee security operations within organizations.
Risk Management Professionals: Assess risks and develop strategies to mitigate them.
Law Enforcement
While police officers are part of public law enforcement rather than private security, they often collaborate with private security firms on various initiatives.
Each occupation requires different skills and qualifications ranging from high school diplomas to advanced degrees in criminal justice or cybersecurity fields.
In summary:
The pay scale varies widely across different roles within the security industry.
There are numerous distinct occupations within this field that cater to various aspects of safety and protection.
Thus, considering all these factors:
The average pay in the security industry varies by occupation but generally ranges from approximately $31,000 for entry-level positions like security guards to over $100,000 for specialized roles such as cybersecurity analysts or management positions. There are many different occupations within the field including physical security roles (like guards), investigative roles (like private investigators), cybersecurity roles (like analysts), management roles (like directors), and law enforcement collaborations (like police officers).
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS): This government agency provides comprehensive data on employment statistics including wages across various industries including those related to security professions.
PayScale.com: A reliable source that aggregates salary information based on user-reported data across diverse job titles including those in the security sector.
Indeed.com Salary Research: This platform offers insights into salary trends based on job postings and employee reviews specifically tailored to various occupations including those in the field of security.
Probability that this answer is correct: 95%
God Bless You!
JC.
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