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Contract Security Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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How much do contract security jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for contract security in the United States is $19.03, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.38 and $18.75 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a contract security officer?

Contract security officers are security professionals who are employed by a private security company and assigned to work at client sites under a contractual agreement. Unlike in-house security staff, they are not direct employees of the organization they protect but are hired through a third-party service provider. Their responsibilities can include patrolling properties, monitoring surveillance equipment, controlling access points, and responding to security incidents. Clients often choose contract security for flexibility, cost-effectiveness, and access to trained personnel. These officers must meet the licensing and training requirements set by their jurisdiction.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a contract security officer?

To thrive as a Contract Security Officer, you need a solid understanding of security protocols, surveillance techniques, and often a high school diploma or security guard license. Familiarity with CCTV systems, access control software, and incident reporting tools is typically required. Strong observation skills, professionalism, and effective communication are critical soft skills for interacting with the public and responding to incidents. These abilities are essential to ensure safety, prevent security breaches, and deliver reliable service to clients and property owners.

What are some of the most common challenges faced by contract security personnel, and how can they be addressed?

Contract security personnel often face challenges such as adapting to new client sites, managing varying security protocols, and working irregular hours. Adapting quickly to different environments and understanding site-specific procedures is crucial for success. Building strong communication skills and maintaining flexibility can help overcome these challenges, as well as regularly participating in training to stay updated on security best practices. Many companies also offer mentorship or team support to help new hires acclimate.

What is the difference between Contract Security vs Security Guard?

AspectContract SecuritySecurity Guard
CredentialsSecurity license, sometimes specialized certificationsSecurity license, basic training
Work EnvironmentContract-based, varied locations, short-term assignmentsPermanent or temporary positions, fixed locations
Employer & Industry UsageSecurity firms, contracted servicesPrivate companies, retail, events
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Contract Security professionals typically work on short-term contracts for various clients, often requiring specialized certifications. Security Guards usually hold a standard license and work in fixed locations like retail stores or events. Both roles involve security duties but differ mainly in employment type and work setting.

More about Contract Security jobs

What cities are hiring for Contract Security jobs?

Cities with the most Contract Security job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Security jobs?

The most popular types of Security jobs are:

What states have the most Contract Security jobs?

States with the most job openings for Contract Security jobs include:

Infographic showing various Contract Security job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,591 per year, or $19 per hour.

Armed Contract Security Officer - West Paducah, KY

West Paducah, KY

Walden Security
Investigation and Physical Security Services • 5 - 10K employees

$15.25 - $19.50/hr

Full-time

Posted 16 days ago


Walden Security rating

6.0

Company rating: 6.0 out of 10

Based on 54 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

SUMMARY

CSOs protect industrial or commercial property against fire, theft, vandalism, and illegal entry by performing the following duties.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

  • This job has no supervisory responsibilities. 
  • Contract Security Officers are subject to supervision from Contract Security Supervisors (CSSs).

COMPETENCY
To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies (minimum of 5):

  • Problem Solving - Identifies and resolves problems promptly; gathers and analyzes information skillfully; develops alternative solutions; works well in group problem-solving situations; uses reason even when dealing with emotional topics.
  • Technical Skills - Assesses own strengths and weaknesses; Pursues training and development opportunities; Strives to continuously build knowledge and skills; Shares expertise with others.
  • Customer Service - Manages difficult or emotional customer situations; Responds promptly to customer needs; Solicits customer feedback to improve service; Responds to requests for service and assistance; Meets commitments.
  • Interpersonal Skills - Focuses on solving conflict, not blaming; maintains confidentiality; listens to others without interrupting; keeps emotions under control; remains open to others' ideas and tries new things.
  • Oral Communication - Speaks very clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations; listens and gets clarification; responds well to questions; demonstrates group presentation skills; participates in various meetings.
  • Written Communication - Writes clearly and informatively; Edits work for spelling and grammar; Varies writing style to meet needs; Presents numerical data effectively; Able to read and interpret written information.
  • Teamwork - Balances team and individual responsibilities; Exhibits objectivity and openness to others' views; Gives and welcomes feedback; Contributes to building a positive team spirit; Puts success of team above own interests; Able to build morale and group commitments to goals and objectives; Supports everyone's efforts to succeed.
  • Diversity- Demonstrates knowledge of EEO policy; Shows respect and sensitivity for cultural differences; Educates others on the value of diversity; Promotes a harassment- free environment; Builds a diverse workforce.
  • Ethics - Treats people with respect; Keeps commitments; inspires the trust of others; Works with integrity and ethically; Upholds organizational values.
  • Organizational Support – Follows policies and procedures; Completes administrative tasks correctly and on time; supports organization's goals and values; Benefits organization through outside activities; Supports affirmative action and respects diversity.
  • Judgement – Displays willingness to make decisions; Exhibits sound and accurate judgement; Supports and explains reasoning for decisions; Includes appropriate people in decision-making process; Makes
    timely decisions.
  • Professionalism – Approaches others in a tactful manner; Reacts well under pressure; Treats others with respect and consideration regardless of their status or position; accepts responsibility for own actions; Follows through on commitments.
  • Quality - Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness; Looks for ways to improve and promote quality; Applies feedback to improve performance; Monitors own work to ensure quality.
  • Safety and Security - Observes safety and security procedures; Determines appropriate action beyond guidelines; Reports potentially unsafe conditions; Uses equipment and materials properly.
  • Adaptability - Adapts to changes in the work environment; Manages competing demands; Changes approach or method to best fit the situation; Able to deal with frequent change, delays, or unexpected
    events; adapts to new product introduction, emergent business needs, and business evolution.
  • Attendance/Punctuality - Is consistently at work and on time; Ensures work responsibilities are covered when absent; Arrives at meetings and appointments on time.
  • Dependability - follows instructions, responds to management direction; takes responsibility for own actions; keeps commitments; commits to long hours of work when necessary to reach goals; completes tasks on time or notifies appropriate person with an alternate plan. Goal- and detail-oriented.
  • Initiative - Volunteers readily; Undertakes self-development activities; Seeks increased responsibilities; Takes independent actions and calculated risks; Looks for and takes advantage of opportunities; Asks for and offers help when needed.

QUALIFICATIONS
All security armed security personnel must meet at least one of the experience/education requirements listed below:

  • Three years of security experience within the past five years. 
  • Three years of military or National Guard (active duty or reserve).
  • Associate's degree or higher in a security-related or law enforcement-related field. 
  • Successful completion of a police officer's basic training academy. 
  • Candidates who do not meet one of these requirements but have equivalent education and/or experience must have special approval. 

OTHER QUALIFICATIONS

  • Where applicable:
    • State Security Officer License;
    • Certification in the use of weapons
    • State Armed License if required;
    • CPR/AED/First Aid Certification may be needed.
  • Vehicle operators must be at least 25 years of age and have a driving record with no more than one moving violation
  • Ability to pass a drug screen and criminal background check.

PSYCHOLOGICAL REQUIREMENTS

Contractor personnel shall undergo and successfully pass an approved psychological evaluation before assignment.  Employees should demonstrate mental alertness and the capability to exercise good judgment and implement instructions.  Evaluation shall show that Contractor personnel have no emotional instability that would interfere with the effective performance of assigned duties in an armed capacity.

BACKGROUND CHECK

A comprehensive background check, including a credit check, shall be performed on all candidates before consideration for work under this contract.  Background checks should include employment history, education level, credit, and criminal history.  Applicants with outstanding warrants, violent criminal history, domestic violence, stalking or harassment, theft, fraud, DUI, reckless driving, or patterns of immoral behavior shall not be considered. 

LANGUAGE SKILLS

  • Ability to read and comprehend simple instructions, short correspondence, and memos using the English language.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS 

  • Ability to calculate figures and amounts with basic addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division with accuracy.

REASONING ABILITY

  • Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form.
  • Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations.

COMPUTER SKILLS 

  • Some posts may require an individual to know about Internet programs, Word Processing software, or other software as required.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

  • CPR/AED/First Aid Certification
  • Current/valid state driver's license

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

  • Personnel shall undergo and successfully pass an approved physical evaluation before assignment. The evaluation shall show that personnel are in good physical condition, have appropriate endurance, are able to protect themselves and others, are able to effectively use firearms and other equipment, are able to function in all applicable environments and climates, and are able to withstand sudden emotional stress and physical exertion.  
  • Personnel may be required to run, jump, climb, or crawl.
  • Required Abilities: CSOs shall be physically able to perform tasks and/or functions, including, but not limited to, those listed below: 
    • Frequent and prolonged walking, standing, sitting, and stooping up to 12 hours per day, either indoors or outdoors, during daytime or nighttime.  Outdoor posts may require an individual to withstand extreme heat, humidity, cold, and/or severe weather (e.g., snow, sleet, rain, hail, wind). 
    • Frequent contact with the general public, law enforcement, and the dispatch center, requiring an ability to speak clearly and distinctly, and remain calm in stressful situations. 
    • Ability to remain on post up to four consecutive hours without sitting, eating, or relieving bladder/bowels. 
    • Ability to remain alert for up to 12 hours, with the ability to mentally and physically react quickly to a variety of unexpected situations.  Use of senses (sight, hearing, smell, touch) 

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