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How much do institutional security officer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for institutional security officer in the United States is $17.15, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.38 and $18.27 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the three types of security officers?

Security officers can be classified into three main types: proprietary officers employed directly by an organization, contract officers hired through security firms, and specialized officers such as armed security or mobile patrol officers. Each type has different training requirements and job responsibilities depending on the security environment. For institutional security officers, understanding these categories helps determine the appropriate role and qualifications.

What is the highest paid security officer job?

The highest paid security officer roles are often executive security or close protection officers, especially those working for high-net-worth individuals or corporations. These positions typically require specialized training, certifications, and experience, and can offer higher salaries due to the level of responsibility and risk involved.

Why do people quit security jobs?

People often leave security officer positions due to low pay, irregular or long hours, limited advancement opportunities, and high-stress environments. Job dissatisfaction can also stem from inadequate training, lack of support, or safety concerns on the job.

What are the 5 C's in security?

The 5 C's in security are commonly considered to be Custody, Control, Content, Conduct, and Communication. For an Institutional Security Officer, understanding these principles helps ensure the protection of assets, information, and personnel within a secure environment. These concepts guide security protocols and risk management strategies.

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

AspectInstitutional Security OfficerSecurity Guard
CredentialsMay require specialized training or certifications, such as security licensesTypically requires basic security or guard licenses
Work EnvironmentHospitals, schools, government buildings, and other institutionsRetail stores, malls, events, and general property protection
Employer & IndustryEducational, healthcare, government sectorsPrivate security companies, retail, commercial properties

Institutional Security Officers focus on protecting specific institutions like hospitals or schools, often requiring specialized training. Security Guards generally provide general security services across various settings. Both roles involve safeguarding property and people but differ in environment and credentials.

What are Institutional Security Officers?

Institutional Security Officers are professionals responsible for maintaining the safety and security of people, property, and information within institutions such as hospitals, universities, government buildings, or correctional facilities. They monitor premises, enforce rules, respond to emergencies, and collaborate with law enforcement when necessary. Their duties often include conducting patrols, checking identification, managing access control, and writing incident reports. Effective Institutional Security Officers possess strong observation skills, good communication, and the ability to handle stressful situations. They play a critical role in creating a safe environment for staff, visitors, and the public.

What are some common challenges Institutional Security Officers face in maintaining safety within their assigned facilities?

Institutional Security Officers often encounter challenges such as managing high-stress situations, responding to emergencies, and ensuring compliance with security protocols among staff and visitors. They must remain vigilant to detect potential threats or policy violations, sometimes in unpredictable environments. Effective communication and collaboration with team members and other departments are essential, as is adaptability to rapidly changing circumstances. Regular training and strong situational awareness help officers overcome these challenges and maintain a safe, secure environment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Institutional Security Officer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Institutional Security Officer, you need a solid understanding of security protocols, emergency response procedures, and a high school diploma or equivalent, often accompanied by relevant security training or certifications. Familiarity with surveillance systems, access control technology, and incident reporting software is typically required. Exceptional observation skills, integrity, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for managing incidents and interacting with the public. These competencies ensure the safety of people and property, quick response to emergencies, and maintenance of a secure institutional environment.
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What job categories do people searching Institutional Security Officer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Institutional Security Officer jobs are:
Institutional Security Officer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Institutional Security Officer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 96% Full Time, and 4% Part Time. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,678 per year, or $17.2 per hour.
Institutional Security Officer III

Institutional Security Officer III

Massachusetts Bay Community College

Wellesley, MA

$17.50 - $20.75/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted yesterday

Job description

Institutional Security Officer III

MassBay fosters educational excellence and academic success to prepare students for local and global citizenship, to promote their personal growth, to meet critical workforce demands of communities, and to contribute to the region's economic development. Massachusetts Bay Community College is served by a cadre of employees of varied backgrounds and experiences. We invite all individuals to consider joining our community. Located in Greater Boston, MassBay is a comprehensive, open-access community college, offering associate degrees and certificate programs on three campuses in Wellesley Hills, Framingham, and Ashland, Massachusetts.

Position Summary:

The ideal candidate will join a vibrant educational community and have a desire and ability to serve a population of students with various needs and backgrounds.

A part of the public safety department’s responsibility is to ensure and maintain a secure campus environment; provide protection and security of persons, facilities, and property; patrol campus buildings and adjacent areas; conduct surveillance of assigned areas; determine the extent of violations and take appropriate action; take steps to remedy or control emergency situations; prepare and review a variety of information-gathering forms and reports; provide direction and general information to the public; and perform related work as required.

Key Responsibilities and Duties:

  • Patrol an assigned area on foot; make periodic rounds and security checks of buildings and grounds; conduct surveillance of assigned areas; determine the extent of violations; notify appropriate authorities; and take whatever action is necessary in accordance with authorized procedures;
  • Take steps to effectively handle or control emergency situations by administering first aid, summoning assistance, and participating in searches;
  • Prepare general reports and logs;
  • Inspect firefighting and other safety apparatus (e.g., fire extinguishers, sprinkler systems, alarm systems, fire lanes, emergency exits) in accordance with established agency procedures to safeguard the facility's property and the lives of its occupants;
  • Respond to inquiries on such matters as travel routes, parking, etc., and provides information concerning pertinent rules and regulations to students and the general public;
  • Screen persons for identification, purpose of visit, or required authorization; participate in searches for missing persons or property; operate two-way radios and/or base station address systems; lock or unlock doors, gates, etc.; direct or control traffic; raise or lower flags; assess road conditions to determine need for emergency snow removal or sanding; and maintain records;
  • Serve as extra "event staff" for purposes of providing security;
  • Operate computer aided record management system;
  • Operate a variety of wireless and telecommunication equipment;
  • Coordinate the responses to and provide support to field staff in the performance of their duties during emergencies;
  • Maintain a variety of logs and journals as required;
  • Operate and monitor CCTV equipment, security systems, access control and fire alarm systems;
  • Perform record keeping and other support type services that will require the use of a variety of office equipment including but not limited to computers, copy/fax/ scanning equipment and related;
  • Perform police duties at college-related functions;
  • Prepare reports on investigations conducted and noteworthy incidents occurring during tours of duty;
  • Pass on all important information regarding incidents that happen on tour of duty;
  • Operate such equipment as two-way radios, radio-telephone interconnect, facsimile machines, base stations, emergency and medical equipment and office machines;
  • Cooperate and share information with related agencies;
  • This position is designated in the role of an essential employee. In the event campuses are closed or classes are cancelled or both due to adverse weather conditions, designated essential personnel shall be required to work during the duration of the cancellation;
  • Perform other related work as required. The Human Resource Division Classification Specification for this position is available at http://www.mass.edu/forfacstaff/classificationspecs/home.asp or in the Human Resources Department.

This list is not to be considered all-inclusive. A supervisor may assign other duties as required to meet the needs and foster the mission of the College. All employees of MassBay are expected to work collegially and collaboratively within a community that values and celebrates the variety of student experience.

Minimum Qualifications:

Applicants must have at least (A) one year of full-time, or equivalent part-time, experience in law enforcement, in a governmental police force or in work involving the protection or security of buildings, equipment or people as the major duty, or (B) any equivalent combination of the required experience and the substitutions below.

Substitutions:

  • An Associate's or higher degree with a major in police science, law enforcement or criminal justice may be substituted for the required experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Sensitivity and commitment to the goals of Affirmative Action;
  • Experience working in a community college or similar environment;
  • Demonstrated commitment to working with students in need;
  • Candidates will be required to pass a CORI/SORI and/or a national background check as a condition of employment;
  • High School Diploma or equivalency;
  • Ability to gather information through observing and questioning individuals and examining records and documents;
  • Ability to operate two-way radios is required;
  • Ability to prepare general reports;
  • Ability to exercise sound judgment and discretion, handling confidential information;
  • Ability to follow oral and written instructions;
  • Ability to accurately record information provided orally;
  • Ability to communicate effectively in oral expression;
  • Ability to maintain a calm manner in stressful and emergency situations;
  • Ability to understand, apply and explain the rules, regulations, policies, procedures, guidelines, etc. governing operation of the department and operation of the college, to speak clearly and distinctly and to communicate effectively;
  • Ability to lift heavy objects or people;
  • Ability to stand and/or walk for prolonged periods of time;
  • Ability to enter data into the department report management system programs;
  • Basic knowledge of Microsoft Office and email;
  • Successful experience interacting with people from various backgrounds;
  • Excellent interpersonal skills;
  • Ability to monitor and operate CCTV and alarm systems;
  • Previous security of equivalent military experience.

Additional Information:

Salary Range: AFSCME Unit II, Grade 13 Step 1 $50,246.56 annually. Appointments from outside the bargaining unit begin at Step 1 of the range. As a Massachusetts State Employee, you are offered an outstanding suite of benefits adding value to your salary.

  • Array of choices for health insurance plans to meet individual/ family needs
  • Affordable Dental Insurance and vision discount program
  • 12 paid State/ Federal holidays
  • Generous sick, vacation, and personal time
  • Flexible Spending Plans to reduce your taxable income
  • Low-cost basic and optional life insurance
  • Defined Benefit Pension Plan, providing a fixed, pre-established benefit for employees at retirement
  • Thinking to save more money towards retirement: consider Deferred Compensation plans i.e., 457(b) or 403(b).
  • Tuition Benefits for employees and dependents at state colleges and universities
  • Free Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • Eligibility towards Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)
  • Free gym and parking on campus

Need more info: https://www.massbay.edu/employment/benefits

Classification: Please find the link to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Human Resources Division Classification Specification for the position, https://www.mass.edu/forfacstaff/classificationspecs/home.asp. Source of Funding: State Appropriation

Deadline: May 2nd, 2026, or after that until filled. To Apply: Please include a letter of interest and resume with your online application. Final candidates are required to provide sealed transcripts and official certifications. Hiring is contingent upon a successful CORI clearance. Massachusetts Bay Community College is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, religion, age, veteran status, genetic information, gender identity or sexual orientation in its programs and activities as required by Title IX of the Educational

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