Security Guard Jobs Near You

Security guard jobs near you are posted every week, often with no degree required and training that can take days, not years. See what the job pays and how fast some employers tend to hire.

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Before you apply anywhere, a few facts about pay, shifts and licensing may change which posts you go after first.

• Fast hiring

  Many employers fill posts within days, and immediate hiring is common at sites that need coverage now.

• Real pay data

  The BLS median is about $18.28 an hour, with higher rates in large cities and on armed posts.

• Flexible shifts

  Day, overnight, weekend and part-time shifts tend to fit around school or a second job.

• Short training

  In California, an 8-hour course is enough to apply for a guard card, and work may begin soon after.

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• No degree required

  A high school diploma and a state license are usually enough to qualify for unarmed posts.

• Openings everywhere

  Hospitals, malls, offices and events tend to hire all year long in most cities.

• Extra earnings

  Overtime hours and shift differentials can noticeably raise a weekly paycheck.

• Career growth

  Lead officer and supervisor roles tend to open up as your experience and record grow.

More than 1.2 million people work as security guards in the United States, and turnover keeps employers recruiting all year. That is why searches for security guard jobs near me tend to show fresh listings almost every day, from office lobbies to hospitals and warehouses.

Most unarmed security officer jobs ask for three basics: a high school diploma or GED, a clean background check and a state license, often called a guard card. Requirements change by state, though, and the license usually decides how quickly you can start taking shifts.

Training is shorter than many people expect. California asks for an 8-hour course before applying, Florida requires 40 hours for its Class D license, and New York starts with an 8-hour pre-assignment class. Here is a quick look at how pay and requirements compare.

Topic	What to expect
Median hourly pay	About $18.28 (BLS, May 2025)
California training	8 hours before applying, 32 more within 6 months
Florida training	40 hours for the Class D license
New York training	8 hours pre-assignment, 16 more within 90 days

Pay varies more than most job seekers realize. The BLS reports a national median of about $38,020 a year, while the top 10% of guards earned around $58,840. Large metro areas, overnight shifts and posts at hospitals or government sites often pay above the national figure.

Flexibility is another reason this field attracts so many applicants. Part-time security jobs, weekend event work and overnight posts at quiet buildings are common, which can make the role a practical fit for students, parents, veterans and anyone balancing a second job.

The candidates who tend to get hired first usually share a few traits: a license in progress, open availability and a short, clear resume. Knowing which employers hire in your area, what each post pays and what the training involves can make the search far more efficient.

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