Security Guards

What the job really is

Guard, patrol, or monitor premises to prevent theft, violence, or infractions of rules. May operate x-ray and metal detector equipment.

At a glance

• Sector: Protective Service
• O*NET-SOC code: 33-9032
• O*NET job zone: 2 — some preparation
• Work sample tasks on file: 12
• Tools and technologies listed: 12

What you actually do

Work sample tasks recorded for this occupation:

• Lock doors and gates of entrances and exits to secure buildings.
• Patrol industrial or commercial premises to prevent and detect signs of intrusion and ensure security of doors, windows, and gates.
• Respond to medical emergencies by administering basic first aid or by obtaining assistance from paramedics.
• Answer alarms and investigate disturbances.
• Circulate among visitors, patrons, or employees to preserve order and protect property.
• 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.
• Warn persons of rule infractions or violations, and apprehend or evict violators from premises, using force when necessary.
• Answer telephone calls to take messages, answer questions, and provide information during non-business hours or when switchboard is closed.
• Call police or fire departments in cases of emergency, such as fire or presence of unauthorized persons.
• Operate detecting devices to screen individuals and prevent passage of prohibited articles into restricted areas.
• Inspect and adjust security systems, equipment, or machinery to ensure operational use and to detect evidence of tampering.

Tools and technology

Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Office software, Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft SharePoint, Microsoft Word, Corel WordPerfect Office Suite, Desktop computers, Digital video cameras, FaceTime, First aid kits, Flashlights, IBM Lotus 1-2-3

What employers expect you to already be comfortable with.

Where this job leads

Related occupations — the usual moves up and sideways:

• First-Line Supervisors of Security Workers
• Transit and Railroad Police
• Transportation Security Screeners
• Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers
• Parking Enforcement Workers
• Public Safety Telecommunicators
• Retail Loss Prevention Specialists
• Correctional Officers and Jailers

Getting in

O*NET assigns this occupation job zone 2 (some preparation). The related occupations above are the realistic routes in and out.

Find openings

Browse the verified job sources directory, or explore more occupations.

Check this against the source

O*NET OnLine: Security Guards — the authoritative public-domain profile this page is derived from, including the full task list, reported skills and the wage estimates for your region.

Derived and rewritten from the public-domain O*NET database (U.S. Department of Labor / Employment and Training Administration). Figures are observations, not promises — always confirm salary, licensing and visa requirements with the employer and the relevant authority.