what is a security guard?
As a security guard, you protect a business or non-profit organisation from thieves, assailants, trespassers and other perpetrators. Your responsibilities as a guard vary depending on your job description. For example, if you work as a security guard (or bouncer) at a nightclub, you block entry for underage people, violent customers and anyone who may cause harm. If you work at a museum, you stand inside the building to ensure visitors don't steal or deface the artwork. You keep the mining equipment safe when you work at a mining site.
Other general responsibilities of a security guard may include inspecting packages and removing people who harass other visitors. While most security guard jobs require you to write reports, the position comes with different levels of legitimate authority. For instance, some guards monitor security cameras and intervene for signs of trouble. Some security guards call police officers, ambulances and firefighters in an emergency.
Security guards who patrol their assigned grounds might detain people who break the law. Some guards check everyone who enters a building to ensure they have valid IDs. Working as a security guard may also involve violent situations. While a museum guard doesn't often deal with violent visitors, a security guard working at a nightclub might deal with drunk or aggressive customers.
Security guards working at banks, airports, stadiums and other high-risk areas need the training to protect themselves and other visitors. Depending on your job description, you guard customers, employees, merchandise, cash or business interests, even if it means putting yourself in danger.
security guard jobsaverage security guard salary
A security guard takes home an average salary of $65,000 per year. Security guards with minimal tasks or are new to the role get a remuneration package of $60,000 annually. Experience and additional expertise increase your take-home salary to over $70,000 annually. The remuneration package depends on your experience level and the complexity of your responsibilities. For instance, you are likely to earn more if you are a security guard for a building that requires top-level security.
The job requirements also affect your remuneration. For instance, security guards who are required to carry firearms need additional training and often earn more. Some states and regions have higher salaries in metro areas to reflect the cost of living, while security guards in smaller cities have a lesser wage.
Want to know more about what you will earn as a security guard? Check out what you are worth with our salary checker.
types of security guards
Nearly every industry has a position for security guards. Some security guards work at arenas, stadiums and other event venues to direct parking and traffic and keep crowds under control. Some types of security guards include:
• government contract security guards: you protect and secure government buildings and employees if you are a government contract security guard. The job requires you to be highly trained to guard courthouses or military command centres.
• in-house security guards: as a security guard, you can be hired in-house by a company instead of working through a security agency. You work in various settings, from hotels and hospitals to museums and nightclubs.
• bodyguards: You are highly trained as a personal security guard assigned to protect a dignitary, celebrity or VIP. You assess threats in your surroundings and defend the person under your protection if required.
working as a security guard
Working as a security guard mainly involves protecting individuals or buildings. Find out more about the role by checking the duties and work schedules involved.
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security guard job description
Some of the tasks of a security guard include:
• observing and reporting: your responsibility as a security guard is to monitor and report incidents on the premises you protect. That means you patrol the building and perform security checks. You must be aware of potential threats when you are a personal protection agent. In the case of an emergency or a crime, it helps to recall the preceding events.
• being visible: as a security guard, you position yourself in a busy public area to create a feeling of safety. Your presence can prevent someone from attempting anything illegal, like theft.
• maintaining order: as a security guard, you maintain order on a property. For instance, you enforce company rules and policies like stopping fights between workers and diffusing situations involving disgruntled clients or employees. You also control access to the building and monitor surveillance systems for unauthorised access and activity.
• helping guests: when you are stationed at the entrance of a building, your job involves assisting guests. You provide them with relevant information and give directions.
• protecting property: as a security guard, you protect your employer's property. That involves detecting chemical leaks and anything out of the ordinary that is a risk to the property.
• enforcing safety precautions: as a security guard, you are responsible for implementing safety precautions according to the company policy. For instance, in case of fire, you direct people to the exits while waiting for firefighters and law enforcement services.
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work environment
The work environment varies according to your position. Many guards work in fully heated or air-conditioned buildings. Some guards walk around during their shifts, while others stand or sit in a single location. The environment varies according to your position; a museum is calm and quiet, while a stadium is full of loud fans.
Some guards work outside and are exposed to all weather. You'll work in a small booth outside if you work as a security guard directing parking or traffic.
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who are your colleagues?
Depending on your employer and industry, your colleagues might include gatekeepers, janitors and security officers. You might also be working close to security supervisors and cleaners, as well as other specialists that could consist of, but not be limited to, investigators, police officers and operations managers.
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work schedule
Many businesses need 24-hour security even if they're not open 24 hours a day. As a result, you get evening, early morning and overnight shifts as a security guard. Other businesses only need guarding during opening hours. You often work during evenings, weekends and holidays to secure the perimeter of a business.
Depending on the situation, you might find a job that offers day shifts and weekends off. However, most security guard positions require much flexibility, and your hours can be unpredictable. If you're dealing with a large crowd, an upcoming event or a significant incident, your employer might ask you to work overtime.
Security guards usually work eight-hour shifts at most 40 hours a week. Some jobs come with hourly pay, while others have a salary that doesn't change no matter how many hours you work. Most security guard roles are full-time with shift schedules, but you can also get part-time jobs. For instance, your services may only be required in the evening if you work at a nightclub.
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job outlook
Security guards have a positive job outlook. No matter how advanced technology gets, businesses and government facilities need guards to protect their interests. Without security guards, businesses are vulnerable to theft, shoplifting, assault, illegal parking and trespass. Security guards are particularly in demand in locations with high levels of security, like government buildings and military bases. Police officers can only be in one place at a time, so security guards watch the premises and call emergency services if an incident occurs.
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advantages of finding a security guard job through randstad
Finding your security guard job through Randstad provides essential benefits, such as:
• a wide variety of training and development opportunities
• an experienced contact person to provide help if needed
• a range of opportunities in your area
• get paid weekly or monthly, depending on the job
• temporary and permanent contracts
Want a permanent contract? A temporary job as a security guard is often a stepping stone to an attractive permanent career. Thousands of people earn a permanent contract with great employers every year thanks to a temporary job found through Randstad. What's more, many companies recruit their permanent employees through Randstad too.
education and skills
You require the following qualifications to become a security guard:
• vet qualification: complete a VET course with a registered training organisation to become a security guard. You can find relevant courses for security guards, depending on the security work you are interested in. Most employers hire candidates with a Certificate II in security operations.
• security licence: the licensing requirements for security guards depending on the state you work in. You can apply for a security licence if the territory or state requires a licence. Most employers will also require a police criminal record check.
• more qualifications: to progress to high-paying security roles, improve your security risk management qualifications or receive additional firearms training.
security guard skills and competencies
Some of the qualities of a security guard include the following:
• observational skills: as a security guard, a significant part of your work day is to observe your surroundings for suspicious activities. It is important to be alert and focused to notice changes in your surroundings. Your excellent observational skills help you detect irregularities and determine the right action.
• honesty and integrity: you are responsible for securing valuable properties, so honesty and trustworthiness are crucial when protecting your employer's property.
• teamwork skills: as a security guard, you work in teams during shifts and practical cooperation is required. You also need interpersonal skills to communicate with other team members.
• communication skills: as a security guard, you require exceptional communication skills as the organisation's public face. Your job involves greeting visitors and directing them courteously.
FAQs about working as a security guard
Here, you will find the answers to the most frequently asked questions about the security guard profession.
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what skills should a security guard have?
As a security guard, you require good written and verbal communication skills. You communicate with visitors, write reports, and work as a team. Interpersonal skills are helpful to help you collaborate with your colleagues. The ability to follow instructions is also valuable for the role.
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what is the remuneration of a security guard?
As a security guard, your salary ranges from $60,000 to $70,000 annually. When you have minimal experience, you start with the lowest salary, which increases gradually as you gain experience. The work you do or the organisation you work for may influence your remuneration.
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what qualifications do you need to be a security guard in Australia?
You can become a security guard in Australia with a VET qualification. Any certificate in security operations prepares you for the role. Some states may require an additional licence and first aid training.
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how many hours do security guards work in Australia?
As a security guard in Australia, you will likely work shifts of eight to 12 hours over approximately 20 to 40 hours weekly, depending on the organisation.
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how do I apply for a security guard vacancy?
Applying for a security guard job is easy: create a Randstad profile and search our job offers for vacancies in your area. Then send us your CV and cover letter. Need help with your application? Check out all our job search tips here.
