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Private Security Jobs in Merced, CA (NOW HIRING)

Vallarta Supermarkets

Security Officer D4

Merced, CA · On-site

$20 - $22.50/hr

Remain in compliance with local, state, federal, and BSIS regulations for Proprietary Private Security. Keep all Licensing up to date. * Respond to emergencies and provide necessary assistance to ...

Starpro Security

Unarmed Security Officer

Los Banos, CA · On-site

$18 - $20/hr

Unarmed Security Guard Location: Los Banos, CA Company: Star Pro Security Patrol Pay: $18-20/hour (Part-Time or Full-Time) Schedule: Saturday-Sunday 11:00pm-7:00am OR Sat-Sun 7am-3pm, Mon-Tues 3pm ...

Star Pro Security

Unarmed Security Officer

Los Banos, CA · On-site

$18 - $20/hr

Unarmed Security Guard Location: Los Banos, CA Company: Star Pro Security Patrol Pay: $18-20/hour (Part-Time or Full-Time) Schedule: Saturday-Sunday 11:00pm-7:00am OR Sat-Sun 7am-3pm, Mon-Tues 3pm ...

U.S. Navy

Military Security Officer

Ballico, CA

$18.25 - $23.25/hr

Security & Law Enforcement (Master-at-Arms) Category / Component: Enlisted Active This role is open to both entry-level applicants and candidates with prior experience. Those with a background in Law ...

U.S. Navy

Military Security Officer

El Nido, CA

$18.75 - $23.75/hr

Security & Law Enforcement (Master-at-Arms) Category / Component: Enlisted Active This role is open to both entry-level applicants and candidates with prior experience. Those with a background in Law ...

U.S. Navy

Military Security Officer

Merced, CA

$18.75 - $23.75/hr

Security & Law Enforcement (Master-at-Arms) Category / Component: Enlisted Active This role is open to both entry-level applicants and candidates with prior experience. Those with a background in Law ...

U.S. Navy

Military Security Officer

Merced, CA

$17 - $21.50/hr

Security & Law Enforcement (Master-at-Arms) Category / Component: Enlisted Active This role is open to both entry-level applicants and candidates with prior experience. Those with a background in Law ...

U.S. Navy

Military Security Officer

Santa Nella, CA

$19.25 - $24.25/hr

Security & Law Enforcement (Master-at-Arms) Category / Component: Enlisted Active This role is open to both entry-level applicants and candidates with prior experience. Those with a background in Law ...

U.S. Navy

Military Security Officer

Turlock, CA

$18 - $23/hr

Security & Law Enforcement (Master-at-Arms) Category / Component: Enlisted Active This role is open to both entry-level applicants and candidates with prior experience. Those with a background in Law ...

U.S. Navy

Military Security Officer

Le Grand, CA

$21 - $26.50/hr

Security & Law Enforcement (Master-at-Arms) Category / Component: Enlisted Active This role is open to both entry-level applicants and candidates with prior experience. Those with a background in Law ...

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Private Security information

See Merced, CA salary details

$12

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$26

How much do private security jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average hourly pay for private security in Merced, CA is $20.10, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.25 and $19.81 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a private security officer?

Private security officers are individuals employed by private organizations or individuals to protect people, property, and assets. They perform a range of duties such as patrolling premises, monitoring surveillance equipment, controlling access points, and responding to emergencies. Unlike police officers, private security personnel do not have the same legal authority but play a crucial role in crime prevention and maintaining safety in various settings, including businesses, events, and residential areas. Their responsibilities and powers are typically defined by their employer and local laws.

What are private security jobs?

Private security professionals protect people, property, businesses, event venues, or private homes. Private security workers work for companies and individuals instead of public agencies. Your duties involve using security techniques to protect assets and people or to control entry and access to a venue. Jobs titles in this field include armed and unarmed security guards, surveillance specialists, security managers, and security equipment technicians.

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

To thrive as a Private Security Officer, you need situational awareness, attention to detail, and a basic understanding of security protocols, typically supported by a high school diploma and, in many areas, a security guard license. Familiarity with surveillance systems, access control tools, and incident reporting software is commonly required. Strong communication, integrity, and the ability to remain calm under pressure are essential soft skills. These skills ensure effective risk prevention, quick response to incidents, and the safety of people and property.

What are some common challenges faced by private security professionals, and how can they be effectively managed?

Private security professionals often encounter challenges such as managing unpredictable situations, maintaining vigilance during long or overnight shifts, and ensuring effective communication with both clients and law enforcement. Adapting to changing environments—such as different client sites or varying crowd sizes—requires flexibility and strong situational awareness. Building solid teamwork and regularly participating in training can help address these challenges by keeping skills sharp and ensuring everyone is prepared to respond quickly and professionally to incidents.

What is the difference between Private Security vs Security Guard?

AspectPrivate SecuritySecurity Guard
CredentialsSecurity license, training, sometimes specialized certificationsSecurity license, basic training
Work EnvironmentCorporate, residential, event security, sometimes executive protectionRetail stores, malls, parking lots, public events
Employer & IndustryPrivate companies, organizations, individualsSecurity firms, private properties, public venues

Private Security and Security Guards both focus on safety and protection, but Private Security often involves more specialized roles, higher credentials, and working in corporate or executive settings. Security Guards typically work in public or retail environments with basic security training. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or security service.

How do I get a job in private security?

To get a job in private security, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, pass a background check, and obtain relevant certifications such as a security guard license. Experience in law enforcement, military, or related fields can be advantageous, and strong observation and communication skills are essential for success in the role.

How much do you get paid for private security?

Private security officers typically earn between $12 and $25 per hour, depending on experience, location, and the specific employer. Salaries can also vary based on certifications, such as CPR or first aid, and whether the role involves armed or unarmed security work.
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For Private Security jobs in Merced, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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Private Security jobs near you
Infographic showing various Private Security job openings in Merced, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 7% As Needed, 72% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 7% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $41,809 per year, or $20.1 per hour.

Security Officer D4

Merced, CA • On-site

Vallarta Supermarkets
Supermarkets and Grocery Stores • 5 - 10K employees

5.8

Company rating: 5.8 out of 10

Based on 43 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

75th of 123 rated grocery stores

Recommended by students

Paid breaks

Respectful managers

Learn more about Vallarta Supermarketsexternal

$20 - $22.50/hr

Full-time

Posted 11 days ago

Job description

Title: Security Officer.
Classification: Non-Exempt.
Reports To: District Security Manager.
Pay Range $20.00 - $22.50.

The compensation range provided is in compliance with state-specific laws. Factors that may be used to determine your actual rate of pay include your specific skills, years of experience, and other factors.

Job Description:
Position Summary: The Security Officer's responsibility is to ensure the safety and security of our premises, assets, team members, and visitors. Patrolling the premises, investigating suspicious behavior, and enforcing company policies. Deter crime by remaining alert, vigilant, and highly visible. Must possess excellent people skills and provide extraordinary customer service. Security Officers must be able to evaluate situations successfully, always remain calm, have full control of situations, and manage themselves professionally and with high integrity.
General Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Provide security to the business as well as its occupants, team members, customers, and vendors. 
  • Secure premises and personnel by patrolling the property and always staying visible.
  • Provide extraordinary customer service to customers, team members, and vendors. Greeting and smiling all the time.
  • Be vigilant and alert. Identify possible exposure to the security of everyone in the business such as fights and any other disturbances. 
  • Prevent losses and damage by reporting irregularities, informing violators of policy and procedures, and restraining trespassers where applicable.
  • Writing activity and incident reports as needed by recording observations, information, occurrences, and surveillance activities.
  • Contacting local authorities when needed. Maintain a Professional relationship and Communication with Law Enforcement, Fire Departments, and emergency medical personnel.
  • Contribute and assist the Asset Protection team's efforts in preventing theft and losses to control shrink.
  • Assist the Asset Protection teams as needed in the execution of shoplifting arrest, and or any crimes committed against the company.
  • Adhere and enforce all company policies, procedures, and operating standards.
  • Remain in compliance with local, state, federal, and BSIS regulations for Proprietary Private Security. Keep all Licensing up to date.
  • Respond to emergencies and provide necessary assistance to Team Members and/or customers.
  • Follow procedures for various initiatives, including fire prevention, and property damage.
  • Firewatch patrol as necessary.
  • Use company-provided cell phones to stay in contact with other security personnel and the Asset Protection Team.
  • Stay vigilant when there are money tills being transported.
  • Inspect perimeter doors to ensure locks are in place and working properly at the end of the day.
  • Report any safety issues and concerns.
  • Report Graffiti.

Knowledge and Skills:
  • Promoting a positive, desirable, and safe atmosphere within the stores, warehouses, offices, and properties.
  • Adaptable to quick changes, multitask, and work well under pressure.
  • Knowledge of the BSIS Power to Arrest training manual.
  • Outstanding oral and written communication skills, with the ability to communicate professionally and effectively to diverse individuals and groups.
  • Positive attitude and a good team player.
  • Excellent observations skills.

Required Education and Experience:
  • High School Diploma and/or equivalent.
  • Prior Security Guard experience preferable.
  • Customer Service experience.
  • Basic understanding of Spanish and English language; reading, writing, and speaking.

Physical Demands:
  • May also have to do some light lifting of supplies and materials from time to time.
  • Requires prolonged standing.
  • This position requires travel between locations in the district based on business needs, multi store location position must be available to travel.
  • Typical physical demands or activities include up to 6 to 8 hours of standing/walking. Occasional climbing, bending, stooping, kneeling, reaching, and at times using reasonable physical contact in order to execute an arrest within the company guidelines and law.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work:
  • This is non-exempt level position; schedule would be based on a business necessity and coordinated through the reporting Security District Manager.
  • Available to a flexible schedule based on business needs.
  • Open to work nights, weekends, and holidays.

https://vallartasupermarkets.clearcompany.com/careers/jobs/69098ea0-e5a1-7ae1-3d1b-e545e50388a5/apply?source=3764322-CS-58810

This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive, and employees may perform other duties as directed. All employees are expected to perform any reasonable task or request that is consistent with fulfilling company goals and objectives. Vallarta Supermarkets is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to inclusion and diversity.

We welcome people of different backgrounds, experiences, abilities, and perspectives and will consider all qualified applicants for employment in accordance with all state, local, and federal laws. Vallarta Supermarkets participates in the E-verify. program.
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About Vallarta Supermarkets

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

For more than 35 years, Vallarta Supermarkets has been bringing families together over fresh and authentic food. When you enter Vallarta, you know right away that it’s about more than food shopping — it’s about celebrating. Celebrating the food, culture, colors, and vibrant energy of Mexico and Latin America. Vallarta offers a feast for ALL your senses. You can smell the sweet aromas from the bakery, hear the rhythms of the music playing, and different languages spoken all around you.

Industry

Supermarkets and grocery stores

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Los Angeles, CA, US

Year founded

1985

Social media

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What Vallarta Supermarkets employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

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