🛡️ $50,000+ Security Guard Jobs: Where to Find Them & What to Expect in 2025
Looking for a stable, well-paying job that doesn’t require a college degree? In 2025, more Americans than ever are turning to security guard jobs — and many positions now offer $50,000 or more per year, along with benefits, fixed schedules, and on-the-job training.
Whether you're just starting out or switching careers later in life, this field offers solid opportunities in every major city across the U.S.
🔥 Why Security Guard Jobs Are in High Demand
Businesses of all sizes are investing more in commercial security and surveillance, leading to a surge in demand for qualified guards. From retail stores to warehouses and gated communities, employers are actively hiring for full-time roles with predictable hours and strong pay.
Common sectors hiring include:
- Office and building security
- Event and crowd control
- 24/7 monitoring and alarm response
- Residential patrol and access control
Many of these roles are filled through trusted security and surveillance companies that work with local businesses.
📍 Top 5 Cities Hiring Security Guards in 2025
Looking for the best-paying locations? These five U.S. cities have the highest job volume and top-tier salaries for security guards this year:
| City | Average Salary | Why Hiring is High |
|---|---|---|
| New York, NY | $54,000 – $65,000 | Offices, retail stores, and apartment buildings need 24/7 protection |
| Los Angeles, CA | $52,000 – $60,000 | Demand from gated communities, studio lots, and downtown facilities |
| Houston, TX | $50,000 – $58,000 | Logistics centers and corporate sites require licensed guards |
| Chicago, IL | $51,000 – $60,000 | High-volume hiring for hospitals, events, and city buildings |
| Miami, FL | $48,000 – $56,000 | Hotels, malls, and tourist zones keep local security teams busy |
🤝 A Career Path That’s Friendly to All Ages
Security roles are not just for young professionals — they’re also ideal for older adults seeking a second career or returning to work after retirement. In fact, many security guard positions are well-suited for individuals over 40 or 50.
Here’s why:
- 🕒 Set Shifts, No Heavy Labor – You can choose day or night schedules with low physical demands.
- 🛠️ Training Provided – No prior experience? Most employers offer short training programs to help you get started.
- 👤 No Degree Required – Life experience and dependability are often valued more than academic credentials.
- 🧓 Employer-Friendly to Mature Workers – Calm presence and reliability are highly sought after traits.
This makes the security industry one of the few fields where age is an advantage, not a limitation.
🧰 What Do Security Guards Actually Do?
While duties vary by location and employer, most security roles involve:
- Monitoring surveillance cameras and alarm systems
- Patrolling buildings, parking lots, or gated areas
- Verifying entry access and responding to unusual activity
- Communicating with law enforcement if needed
- Writing simple daily incident reports
- Checking equipment or doors during off-hours
Some advanced roles may involve supervising other guards, operating access control software, or handling emergency protocols.
If you prefer calm, structured work with clear responsibilities, this field offers just that — and more.
🔎 How to Find the Right Security Job
The best-paying jobs are often offered by local security companies with strong reputations and stable commercial contracts. Many of these firms are actively hiring now, offering full-time roles with benefits, training support, and growth opportunities.
When exploring roles, look for positions that:
- Offer clear weekly schedules and fixed locations
- Mention on-the-job training or licensing assistance
- Serve commercial clients such as offices or warehouses
- Provide long-term employment support and promotion potential
Whether you're aiming to work with a national firm like Securitas or a local commercial security provider, focus on employers who support their staff — not just fill shifts.
🚀 Is This the Right Time to Apply?
Absolutely. With salaries rising and many employers offering $50,000 or more, the security industry is one of the most accessible and rewarding paths for workers of all backgrounds.
If you're dependable, observant, and ready for structured work, now is the time to explore this growing field. Whether you're in New York, Houston, or Los Angeles, security guard companies are actively hiring for roles that offer more than just a paycheck — they offer stability, respect, and a future.