Highest-Paying Security Jobs and Certifications Required to Get Hired

For those with the fortitude, a career in the security industry can be highly desirable. There is the satisfaction that comes with knowing you provide protection and keep others, as well as their property, safe from harm.

Often, those with military or law enforcement backgrounds are drawn to this field, but this industry hires all sorts of people, and there are a multitude of training programs across the country for those interested.

The entrance requirements for security jobs run the gamut, with some requiring nothing more than a high school diploma and others requiring licensing, certification, and college degrees. Even for a specific job title, these requirements can vary from state to state.

The pay for different types of security jobs may also vary greatly between employers and from location to location. The numbers given in this article are ballpark figures. Be sure to investigate salaries for these positions in your area and look into what specific employers tend to pay. For numbers more specific to your area, consider doing a personalized search on Joblist.

One of the most common positions in the security industry is that of a security guard or security officer. Depending on the location and employer, these titles may be used interchangeably, or the latter title is sometimes used to designate a slightly higher position.

Security guards may be either armed or unarmed and are generally responsible for protecting the premises they are assigned to. This can include monitoring video feeds, patrolling by car or by foot, and responding to situations as they arise.

Requirements for security guard positions are often little more than a high school diploma, although many states require some sort of registration, especially for armed guards. Typically, you must be at least 18 years of age — but 21 if armed — pass a background check, and attend a specialized course to become licensed. To see the specific requirements for your state, visit SecurityGuard-License.org.

If you’re just starting in this field, the wages may not be very high. The median salary as of 2019 was $29,680 per year. But entry into this field is fairly easy, and there is room to work your way up into management positions down the road, which can pay considerably more.

Those who start as security guards or officers can work their way to a supervisory position in time. Depending on the position, several years of experience in the profession, as well as an associate, bachelor’s, or even a master’s degree may be required.

Those in these types of positions are responsible for overseeing other employees, planning and developing security procedures, and reporting to others above them.

With a management position comes higher pay. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, first-line security supervisors earn a median salary of $50,490, with the top 10% earning $81,380.

You can also work for the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) as a screener or security officer with little more than a high school diploma. They only require that you are a U.S. citizen that is at least 18 years old. Additionally, you must pass a drug screening, medical evaluation, and background check.

Transportation security officers are typically responsible for screening passengers, baggage, and cargo at airport checkpoints, including using screening equipment such as X-ray machines and other technology.

The starting salary for TSA security officers is between $24,334 and $36,558 per year, with a lot of room to move upward in pay and position. The median salary reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics in 2019 was $40,580.

The TSA is part of the larger U.S. Department of Homeland Security — another potential source of security jobs, including careers in the U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Federal Protective Service, and the U.S. Coast Guard. In addition to paying reasonably well, government jobs often come with job security and excellent benefits.

If you are interested in working in corrections or a court setting, consider becoming a correctional officer or a bailiff. The requirements for these job positions vary by state and depend on whether you are working for a federal prison.

To become a corrections officer or bailiff at the state level, often, only a high school diploma is required, but you will enter a training program upon hire that may last several months. The training program will cover topics such as self-defense, local policies, regulations, and security procedures. Your state’s requirements can be found on the International Association of Directors of Law Enforcement Standards and Training portal.

If you would like to work for a federal prison, entry-level officers must possess a bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience. The median salary as of 2019 for correctional officers and bailiffs was $45,300 per year.

Bounty hunters aren’t explicitly allowed in every state. In some states, bail bond agents or private investigators take on this role. In other states, the private bail system no longer exists, and law enforcement performs fugitive recovery. However, in most states, it exists as a profession, although licensing and regulation vary.

When those suspected of a crime are let out on bail but fail to appear in court, the full amount of their bail becomes due, and a warrant for their arrest is issued. Bounty hunters often contract with a bail bond agent to locate and arrest these individuals. In return, the bounty hunter receives a portion of the bond’s value (usually between 10% and 25%).

Those with prior experience in law enforcement, the military, or similar professions may require no additional training to become bounty hunters. Others may need to obtain a two-year criminal justice degree first. Some places even offer training specifically for bounty hunters.

While many states have no explicit requirements to enter this profession, training is usually needed to be successful. The training and licensing requirements for each state can be found on the How to Become a Bounty Hunter website.

Bounty hunter income can also vary considerably from state to state. The Bounty Hunter Edu website offers a breakdown of typical bounty hunter salaries by state. Most states seem to average over $40,000 for bounty hunter salaries, with some considerably higher.

Bodyguards or personal protection officers are responsible for keeping a person safe. They often accompany the person to events, stand watch in the vicinity of their home, must always be on the lookout for potential threats, and be immediately ready to react when needed. Clients are often celebrities or heads of state.

Licensing requirements vary by state, so you should check with any state authorities to see what might be required. In general, certifications required of security guards are also required for bodyguards.

However, those who hire bodyguards often want more than the bare minimum. Prospective hires with a military or police background are often preferred, although there are many bodyguard training programs that anyone can attend to become highly qualified.

Bodyguard salaries can vary widely, but many make more than $70,000 a year.

At the higher end of the bodyguard profession are those with the title “Executive Protection Agent.” Often, more extensive education and training programs are required to be at the top of the field, and these jobs require more planning, coordination, preventative measures, and travel. Those in this career often command six-figure incomes.

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