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Hiring Security Guard Jobs (NOW HIRING)

PACWEST Security Services

Security Guards

Riverside, CA · On-site

$18 - $19.50/hr

Need a guard card? We can help! Please see hiring Branch office for full details. Pay varies by ... PACWEST Security Services 2990 Inland Empire Blvd #104 Ontario, CA 91764 CA License PPO 120836 ...

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How much do hiring security guard jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for hiring security guard 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 are the main responsibilities of a security guard?

A security guard is responsible for protecting property, assets, and people by maintaining a safe and secure environment. Their duties typically include monitoring surveillance equipment, patrolling premises, checking for suspicious activity, and responding to emergencies or security breaches. Security guards may also control access to buildings, enforce rules, and provide assistance to visitors or employees. In some cases, they may write reports and communicate with law enforcement if necessary.

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

To thrive as a Security Guard, you need a solid understanding of security protocols, surveillance techniques, and typically a high school diploma or equivalent, with additional training or licensure depending on local regulations. Familiarity with security systems, CCTV monitoring, and emergency communication tools is commonly required. Strong observation skills, integrity, and effective communication set outstanding security guards apart. These skills ensure the safety of people and property, enable quick response to incidents, and foster trust within the environment they protect.

What are some common challenges security guards face during a typical shift, and how can they effectively handle them?

Security guards often encounter challenges such as staying alert during long or overnight shifts, responding calmly to emergencies, and managing conflicts with the public or unauthorized individuals. Effective communication, thorough knowledge of protocols, and regular training can help guards address these situations professionally. Additionally, teamwork with other guards and coordination with supervisors are important for ensuring safety and resolving incidents efficiently.

What is the difference between Hiring Security Guard vs Security Officer?

AspectHiring Security GuardSecurity Officer
CredentialsSecurity guard license, background checkSecurity guard license, sometimes additional certifications
Work EnvironmentCommercial, retail, residential propertiesCommercial, industrial, event venues
Employer & Industry UsagePrivate security firms, businessesSecurity companies, government contracts
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Hiring security guards and security officers often overlap, but security officers may have additional certifications and work in more specialized environments. Both roles focus on safety and security, but the term "security officer" can imply a higher level of training or specific duties. Employers and industries frequently use these titles interchangeably, but understanding the differences helps in making informed hiring decisions.

More about Hiring Security Guard jobs
What cities are hiring for Hiring Security Guard jobs? Cities with the most Hiring Security Guard job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Hiring Security Guard jobs? The most popular types of Hiring Security Guard jobs are:
What states have the most Hiring Security Guard jobs? States with the most job openings for Hiring Security Guard jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Hiring Security Guard jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Hiring Security Guard jobs are:
Hiring Security Guard jobs near you
Infographic showing various Hiring Security Guard job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 79% Full Time, and 20% Part Time. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,591 per year, or $19 per hour.
Security Guard

Security Guard

The Port Authority of NY & NJ

Farmington, NY • On-site

$20.54/hr

Other

Posted 2 days ago

Port Authority Of New York And New Jersey rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 28 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

207th of 700 rated public administrative organizations

Job description

Security Guard Position at The Port Authority of NY & NJ

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey is hiring security guards! Working under close supervision, the security guard observes activity at a particular post and reports any unusual activities to the supervisor. Security guards perform routine monitoring, reporting duties, and follow specific guidelines for observing and reporting incidents.

Responsibilities:

  • Security guards are responsible for reporting malfunctions of equipment that may impact the security or well-being of the facility to supervisor and/or facility management. In addition, they verify pedestrian and vehicle authorization for access through an assigned post and may be required to monitor CCTVs or other similar equipment and report irregularities as observed. Security guards will perform other related duties, as required.
  • The port authority's security guards are assigned to various locations within New York and New Jersey including downtown Manhattan, jersey city, holland and lincoln tunnels.
  • This is a 24-hour, 7 days-a-week operation that will involve working rotating shifts and/or irregular shifts and holidays.
  • Security guards interact with the traveling public, port authority facilities' and outside agencies' staff with courtesy and professionalism.
  • Qualified candidates will be invited to participate in an assessment process.

Minimum qualifications:

  • Candidates must present the following qualifications to be considered:
  • high school diploma or GED from an accredited institution.
  • valid driver's license.
  • a minimum of 2 years' experience in any one or any combination of the following fields: security guard/watchman, police officer -or- the united states military in a police military security position - or - college credits from an accredited institution of higher learning in criminal justice -or- police science at the equivalent rate of 32 credits per year.

Desired qualifications:

the security officer registration act (sora) license

selection process:

only candidates who qualify on both the written exam and oral interview will be under further consideration. Selected applicants will be subject to a comprehensive background check.

compensation & benefits:

the port authority of new york and new jersey offers a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package and a professional environment that supports development and recognizes achievement. The starting salary for the security guard position is $20.54/hourly (subject to collective bargaining agreement).

about the port authority:

founded in 1921, the port authority of new york and new jersey builds, operates, and maintains many of the most important transportation and trade infrastructure assets in the country. The agency's network of aviation, ground, rail, and seaport facilities is among the busiest in the country, supports more than 550,000 regional jobs, and generates more than twenty three billion in annual wages and eighty billion in annual economic activity. The port authority also owns and manages the 16-acre world trade center site, where the 1,776-foot-tall one world trade center is now the tallest skyscraper in the western hemisphere. Equal opportunity employer the port authority of new york & new jersey/port authority trans-hudson (path) is an equal opportunity employer. It is the port authority's policy, in accordance with the americans with disabilities act (ada) and other applicable laws, to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified persons with disabilities who are employees or applicants for employment and who request the port authority do so, unless providing the requested accommodation would result in an undue hardship to the port authority. Job applicants may request a reasonable accommodation (1) if they claim a disability is affecting the interview process, or (2) to ensure that if they are selected for a position, they can perform the essential job functions. To submit a request, please contact the recruiter or email the human resources department's disability accommodation coordinator at ADA_Accommodations@panynj.gov. The port authority will treat any request for reasonable accommodation by a job applicant confidentially.

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