How to Find the Highest-Paying Armed Security Jobs in Your City

Working in armed security is appealing for many reasons. As opposed to unarmed security jobs, many feel they can better protect people, property, and themselves when they can carry a weapon. Not only that, but the typical training and background required for these positions often mean the pay is higher.

While armed security jobs are popular among ex-military and law enforcement personnel, this job field is open to anyone. Depending on which state you live in, requirements may vary, but there are training and certificate programs open to those with nothing more than a high school diploma.

If you’ve decided that an armed security job is right for you, the next step is to find one. In this article, we outline what opportunities exist in this field and how to find the best-paying opportunities in your city.

A wide variety of armed security jobs exist, and the scale runs from the relatively safe to more risky professions. A summary of some of the more common armed security jobs is listed below.

Armed couriers transport and deliver items, including cash, jewelry, important documents, or other valuables. Because of the value of what they transport, the vehicles are often armored, and the couriers are armed. They are responsible for getting the valuables securely from one place to another. Armed specialists have a similar role, except the items they protect are not transported.

Basic security guards are responsible for guarding a building or complex. They may be armed or unarmed, and their job duties generally consist of patrolling the grounds, making sure nothing is wrong, and that no one is attempting to vandalize or break in.

Bodyguards are directly responsible for guarding a person. This may include escorting the client as they travel to and attend events or keeping watch outside of their home or office. The clients may be very high-profile politically or professionally, such as actors or singers.

This position involves guarding a checkpoint, either in the airport security lines or at the entrance of a court building. They are responsible for sending people through metal detectors, X-raying or inspecting bags, performing physical searches, and responding quickly to a crisis or threat.

Those who work in surveillance are often responsible for monitoring video feeds. This is usually for a business such as a casino, or it may be for a large private residence. They must be on the lookout for illegal or problematic activities and act quickly if a situation arises.

These are security officers who may work in law enforcement roles but operate under the authority of a nongovernmental entity. Sometimes, they will work under contract with the government, however.

This profession is well-known thanks to many TV series, but it’s worth noting that this can be one of the more risky armed security professions. Bounty hunters are responsible for tracking down criminals, those who have not paid their bail, or have violated their parole conditions.

Armed couriers can often find work with one of the major national armored car companies, including Brinks, GardaWorld Cash Services, and Loomis — all members of the National Armored Car Association.

Armored truck drivers typically earn between $24,660 and $37,740 each year. Armored car services exist in all major U.S. cities, so all you need to do is check the career pages on the company websites to begin your job search. In addition to the large national companies, you can see if there are local armed courier services in your area and check for openings with them, as well.

While government jobs will be discussed in more detail in the next section, note that there are armed courier jobs available through the U.S. Department of State, and these may pay even better than working for a private company.

The U.S. government regularly contracts with citizens for armed guard roles of various types. These can include roles in prisons, security checkpoints, government buildings, military centers, and even jobs with the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) or Department of Homeland Security.

Transportation Security Administration (TSA) workers keep the nation’s airports secure and are responsible for screening passengers and their baggage. They must also determine potential risks and act accordingly. TSA jobs often begin between $25,518 and $38,277, with the possibility of a promotion to positions that make as much as six figures. These jobs can be applied for online through the TSA website.

You can work for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), which starts at around $33,829 per year and goes up from there. These jobs involve preventing, detecting, and responding to potential terrorist acts.

If you qualify and are hired, a job as a CIA agent can pay very well at $46,750 to $74,000 for CIA security professionals, and even more for protective agents or special agents.

Additional government agencies to look into include:

• U.S. Department of Homeland Security
• Drug Enforcement Administration
• Federal Air Marshal Service
• U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement
• IRS Criminal Investigation
• U.S. Secret Service
• U.S. Coast Guard
• U.S. Marshals Service

Also, consider looking into the possibility of becoming a corrections officer or prison guard, which earns a median salary of $45,180. You can contact the Department of Corrections in your state to see what jobs may be available locally.

Private security companies can be a great doorway into armed security jobs. A good place to start is to check the job listings or career pages for some of the top national security companies to see what openings might be available in your area:

• G4S is a multinational company with a wide range of security-related career opportunities. They provide security for government sectors and corporations. Their clients include GlaxoSmithKline and the U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
• Allied Universal employs more than 200,000 individuals in the security field. They offer commercial security services to manufacturing facilities, college campuses, and other similar facilities.
• Securitas is another large multinational provider of commercial security services.

In addition, you can search for private security companies in your local area and see what openings they might have. Security guards earn a median salary of around $29,680, but those working in armed security can expect higher.

Bodyguard salaries vary widely, but many make more than $70,000 a year. This is one of the more challenging armed security jobs because you have to be constantly vigilant, know how to identify a threat before something happens, then act quickly to protect your client and get them to a safe place in an emergency.

To break into this field, you often need to attend a training program and receive a license from your state. When it’s time to look for bodyguard jobs, it can also help to connect with a bodyguard staffing agency. Just a few agencies are:

• USPA Nationwide Security
• Lasorsa and Associates
• Private Bodyguard Service

Additional bodyguard agencies may be available in your area. You may also gain access to these jobs by attending bodyguard training.

Finding the right job can be challenging. If you’re looking to make your way in the armed security industry, consider starting your search at Joblist. By answering a few short questions, we can quickly connect you with a list of job opportunities personalized to you. Once you build your list, you can revisit it any time when you begin applying for positions.

Check out our list of local security guard roles, armed security officer roles, and armed guard roles to get started today.