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Guard Jobs in Columbus, GA (NOW HIRING)

Acceptable experience includes service in the Armed Services or Coast Guard that involved the performance of guard duties on a regular or intermittent basis.Education:Some federal jobs allow you to ...

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Guard information

See Columbus, GA salary details

$9

$15

$20

How much do guard jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for guard in Columbus, GA is $15.09, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.93 and $16.59 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a guard?

Guards are security professionals responsible for protecting people, property, and assets from theft, vandalism, and other potential threats. Their duties often include patrolling premises, monitoring surveillance equipment, checking identification, and responding to alarms or emergencies. Guards may work in a variety of settings, such as office buildings, malls, banks, and event venues. To be effective, they must remain vigilant, communicate clearly, and follow established safety protocols. Some positions may require special training or licensing depending on local regulations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a guard, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Guard, you need strong observational skills, physical fitness, and a high school diploma or equivalent, with some roles requiring additional security certifications. Familiarity with surveillance systems, access control technologies, and incident reporting software is typically necessary. Excellent communication, integrity, and the ability to remain calm under pressure are vital soft skills in this position. These abilities ensure the safety and security of people and property by enabling effective monitoring, quick response, and accurate reporting.

What are some common challenges faced by guards during their shifts, and how can they effectively handle them?

Guards often encounter challenges such as managing unexpected security incidents, maintaining vigilance during long or overnight shifts, and communicating effectively with both the public and emergency responders. To handle these situations, guards are trained to stay alert, follow established protocols, and use technology like surveillance systems to monitor their environment. Building strong observation and communication skills, as well as staying physically and mentally prepared, are key to ensuring both personal safety and effective incident response.

What is the difference between Guard vs Security Officer?

AspectGuardSecurity Officer
CredentialsBasic security training, sometimes licensedSimilar credentials, often with additional certifications
Work EnvironmentVaries from retail to industrial sitesSimilar environments, often in security firms or private properties
Employer & IndustryPrivate security companies, retail, eventsPrivate security firms, corporate, residential
Search & Comparison IntentOften searched interchangeably with Security OfficerCommonly compared to Guard for clarity

Both Guards and Security Officers perform security duties, but the term 'Security Officer' is often used in formal settings or specific industries. The roles overlap significantly in credentials and work environments, with minor differences in job titles depending on employer preferences.

Are guard jobs hard?

Guard jobs can be physically and mentally demanding, requiring vigilance, good observation skills, and the ability to handle stressful situations. The difficulty varies depending on the work environment, shift hours, and specific responsibilities, but they often involve standing for long periods and maintaining alertness. Proper training and certifications can help prepare for the job's challenges.

What are the duties of a guard?

A guard's duties include monitoring and patrolling assigned areas to prevent theft, vandalism, and unauthorized access, as well as checking identification and enforcing security policies. They may also operate surveillance equipment, write reports, and respond to emergencies, often requiring good observation skills and sometimes security certifications.

What are the most commonly searched types of Guard jobs in Columbus, GA?

The most popular types of Guard jobs in Columbus, GA are:

Infographic showing various Guard job openings in Columbus, GA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 59% Full Time, 38% Part Time, and 3% Temporary. Highlights an 96% In-person, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $31,393 per year, or $15.1 per hour.

Supervisory Security Guard

Columbus, GA


US Department of the Army
National Security • 10K+ employees

6.3

Company rating: 6.3 out of 10

Based on 495 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

44th of 49 rated military and defense

People enjoy working here

Paid breaks

Learn new skills


$55K/yr

Full-time

PTO

Re-posted 7 days ago


Job description

This is a Direct Hire Authority (DHA) solicitation utilizing the DHA for Certain Personnel of the DoD Workforce to recruit and appoint qualified candidates to positions in the competitive service.
About the Position: The U.S. Army Installation Management Command (IMCOM) handles the day-to-day operations of Army installations.Qualifications:****This is an open continuous announcement. We accept applications on an ongoing basis. Applications will be reviewed bi-weekly and referred for selection as vacancies occur within the organization. ****

Recruitment and relocation incentives may be authorized.

Salary negotiations for those candidates who are new to Federal service or have a break in service may be authorized.

Credit for prior non-Federal work experience and certain military service for determining annual leave accrual rate may be authorized.

Who May Apply: US Citizens
In order to qualify, you must meet the experience requirements described below. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student; social). You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Your resume must clearly describe your relevant experience; if qualifying based on education, your transcripts will be required as part of your application. Additional information about transcripts is in this document.
Specialized Experience: One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-07 grade level in the Federal service which includes: 1) Leading personnel who perform security procedures with a federal, state, municipal, local, or private protective organization; 2) Making work assignments to ensure that guard coverage is provided to patrol areas; and 3) Utilizing security monitoring systems and /or access control system to authorize entry. This definition of specialized experience is typical of work performed at the next lower grade/level position in the federal service (GS-07).
Such experience must have provided a knowledge of protective systems and techniques. Acceptable experience includes service in the Armed Services or Coast Guard that involved the performance of guard duties on a regular or intermittent basis.Education:Some federal jobs allow you to substitute your education for the required experience in order to qualify. For this job, you must meet the qualification requirement using experience alone -- no substitution of education for experience is permitted.Employment Type: OTHER

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Industry

National security, health care and social assistance, national security and international affairs and public administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Arlington, VA, US

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Benefits

Hours and flexibility

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