Overview
Responsibilities
T-A-S-K
Education
Income & Employability
Video Resources
Related Careers

Description

Guard, patrol, or monitor premises to prevent theft, violence, or infractions of rules. May operate x-ray and metal detector equipment.

Interests

  • Realistic
  • Conventional

Learn More about Interests

Work Values

  • Support
  • Relationships
  • Independence

Learn More about Work Values

Work Styles

  • Integrity
  • Dependability
  • Self-Control
  • Concern for Others
  • Cooperation

Learn More about Work Styles

Tasks

  • Lock doors and gates of entrances and exits to secure buildings.
  • Patrol industrial or commercial premises to prevent and detect signs of intrusion and ensure security of doors, windows, and gates.
  • Respond to medical emergencies by administering basic first aid or by obtaining assistance from paramedics.
  • Answer alarms and investigate disturbances.
  • Circulate among visitors, patrons, or employees to preserve order and protect property.

Work Activities

  • Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
  • Getting Information
  • Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
  • Documenting/Recording Information
  • Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships

Detailed Work Activities

  • Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
  • Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
  • Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
  • Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
  • Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
  • Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
  • Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
  • Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
  • Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
  • Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.

Technology Skills

  • Spreadsheet software
  • Video conferencing software
  • Office suite software
  • Transaction security and virus protection software
  • Electronic mail software

Abilities

  • Problem Sensitivity
  • Far Vision
  • Oral Comprehension
  • Near Vision
  • Oral Expression

Skills

  • Active Listening
  • Monitoring
  • Speaking
  • Coordination
  • Critical Thinking

Knowledge

  • Public Safety and Security
  • Customer and Personal Service
  • English Language
  • Computers and Electronics
  • Administration and Management

Most Common Education Level

The “Most Common Education Level” refers to the level of education held by the majority of workers in a given occupation. For example, if the highest percentage of workers in a role have an Associate’s Degree, that suggests this is the typical educational requirement. Knowing this helps you plan how many years of education you may need to pursue that career.

Certificates

Certifying Organization

Under Secretary of Defense for Intelligence

Type

Core

Certifying Organization

National Sheriffs' Association

Type

Core

Certifying Organization

International Foundation for Protection Officers

Type

Core

Certifying Organization

Under Secretary of Defense for Intelligence

Type

Core

Certifying Organization

National Sheriffs' Association

Type

Advanced

Income Percentile

The income percentiles show how earnings are distributed within a profession. The 10th percentile means that 10% of workers earned less than that amount. The median (50th percentile) indicates that half of workers earned more, and half earned less. The 90th percentile reflects what the top 10% of earners in the field make.

Income PercentileAnnual Income
Low (10%)$33,996
Median (50%)$39,228
High (90%)$50,341

Income by Experience

This table shows how income typically grows with experience—from entry level (0–2 years), to mid-level (3–5 years), to senior level (6–8 years), to expert level (8+ years).

ExperienceIncome
Entry Level $40,936
Mid Level $40,228
Senior Level $39,768
Expert Level $74,455

Employability

There are currently 1,229,600 jobs in this career path. Over the next 10 years, that number is expected to increase to 1,256,300 positions, reflecting a projected growth of 2%.

The Projected Job Growth figure refers to the expected increase or decrease in employment within a specific career field over a certain period of time.

Projected Job Growth of 2%

Related Careers

The career information and data on this site incorporates information from O*NET Web Services, Lightcast, CareerOneStop, and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). For more details regarding the data sources and the specific information sourced, click here.

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