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Security Guard Jobs in Decatur, AL (NOW HIRING)

The Security Professional Flex Officer will serve and safeguard clients in a range of industries such as Healthcare, Education, Finance and more. Join a leading team where flexibility meets ...

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Cleared American Guard (CAG)

Huntsville, AL · On-site

$15.75 - $19.25/hr

Perform other security related duties as required by the SSM such as roving patrols, personnel and ... or greater Cleared American Guard training course. With Site Security Management approval ...

Security Officer

Huntsville, AL · On-site

$16.88/hr

GDI is looking for unarmed security guards at Parkway Place Mall in Huntsville, AL. GDI provides best in class integrated, high level, facility maintenance services to The United States and Canada.

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Live Sports Security

Huntsville, AL · On-site

$13 - $16/hr

Southern Jamm Security is seeking professional, dependable, and customer-focused Live Sports Security Officers to join our growing team in the Florence, Alabama area. Officers will work live sporting ...

Unarmed Security Officer

Huntsville, AL · On-site

$15.25 - $18/hr

Security Officer At Prosegur, we make our world safer by taking care of people and businesses while ... Guard, patrol, and monitor industrial or commercial premises to prevent safety hazards, theft ...

... Guard, you work with your team to ensure the safe and secure pickup and delivery of cash, coins ... Loomis will pay for security and firearms qualifications, licensing and permitting. Working ...

... Guard, you work with your team to ensure the safe and secure pickup and delivery of cash, coins ... Loomis will pay for security and firearms qualifications, licensing and permitting. Working ...

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Security Guard information

See Decatur, AL salary details

$10

$17

$22

How much do security guard jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for security guard in Decatur, AL is $17.02, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.75 and $16.78 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What security guard gets paid the most?

Security guards working in specialized roles such as executive protection, armed security, or those with advanced certifications like firearms training tend to earn higher salaries. Additionally, security personnel in high-risk environments or working for private corporations and government agencies often receive higher pay compared to standard security roles.

How to get hired as a security guard?

To get hired as a security guard, applicants typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, pass a background check, and obtain any required state or local licensing or certification. Relevant skills include observation, communication, and sometimes first aid or CPR training. Employers often prefer prior security or law enforcement experience and may require physical fitness assessments.

How much does it cost to get a security license?

The cost to obtain a security license varies by state but generally ranges from $50 to $150, covering application fees, background checks, and training requirements. In many cases, security guards must complete a training course and pass a licensing exam before applying for the license.

How much does a security guard get an hour?

The average hourly wage for a security guard in the United States is around $15 to $20, depending on experience, location, and the employer. Security guards working in high-risk areas or with specialized skills may earn higher wages, and some work overnight or on weekends, which can affect pay rates.

What Does a Security Guard Do?

Security Guards work in various organizations to provide site or inventory monitoring and crime prevention activities. This may include actively patrolling an area on foot or in a security vehicle, or standing guard at key entrances or exits. In other cases, Security Guards may monitor security video footage and check credentials for those entering a facility. In an emergency they help direct emergency vehicles and police; they may also administer basic first aid. Security Guards keep accurate logs of daily or nightly activities and report any concerns to their supervisor. Ultimately, a Security Guard seeks to de-escalate a conflict whenever possible, but on occasion, they may need to restrain an individual. A job as a Security Guard likely demands non-traditional hours; some facilities require security for nights, weekends, and holidays.

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 keen sense of observation, basic security procedures knowledge, and typically a high school diploma or equivalent, often supplemented by relevant licensing. Familiarity with surveillance systems, alarm panels, and incident reporting software is commonly required. Strong communication, alertness, and reliability are standout soft skills for this role. These abilities are crucial to effectively protect people and property, respond to emergencies, and maintain a secure environment.

What are Security Guards?

Security guards are professionals responsible for protecting property, assets, and people from theft, vandalism, and other potential dangers. They monitor surveillance equipment, patrol assigned areas, and enforce rules and regulations to maintain safety. Security guards may work in a variety of settings, including businesses, schools, hospitals, and public events. In addition to preventing crime, they often respond to emergencies and provide assistance to visitors or employees as needed.

What is the difference between Security Guard vs Security Officer?

AspectSecurity GuardSecurity Officer
CertificationsSecurity Guard license, sometimes specialized trainingSecurity Guard license, often similar certifications
Work EnvironmentPrivate properties, retail stores, eventsCorporate buildings, government facilities, industrial sites
Employer & IndustryPrivate security firms, retail, event managementCorporations, government agencies, industrial companies

Security Guards and Security Officers often share similar certifications and work environments, but Security Officers typically work in more formal settings like corporate or government facilities. Both roles focus on maintaining safety and security, with the main difference being the specific work environment and employer type.

What are some common challenges Security Guards face during their shifts, and how are these typically managed?

Security Guards often encounter challenges such as managing unauthorized access, handling emergencies, and dealing with difficult individuals. These situations require strong observation skills, quick decision-making, and adherence to established protocols. Most employers provide regular training and clear guidelines to help guards respond effectively and safely. Team communication and support from supervisors are also essential in ensuring that challenges are managed professionally and incidents are reported accurately.
What are the most commonly searched types of Security Guard jobs in Decatur, AL? The most popular types of Security Guard jobs in Decatur, AL are:
What are popular job titles related to Security Guard jobs in Decatur, AL? For Security Guard jobs in Decatur, AL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities near Decatur, AL are hiring for Security Guard jobs? Cities near Decatur, AL with the most Security Guard job openings:
Infographic showing various Security Guard job openings in Decatur, AL as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, and 50% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $35,408 per year, or $17 per hour.
Lead Security Guard

$50K/yr

Other

PTO

Re-posted 26 days ago


U.S. Department Of Defense rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 535 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

25th of 46 rated military and defense


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 CitizensIn 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) Verifying identification through identification cards, badges, and automated records; 2) Inspecting containers, personal property, documents on private, commercial and/or government vehicles; and 3) Exercising crowd control in situations that may become violent or unruly. This definition of specialized experience is typical of work performed at the next lower grade/level position in the federal service (GS-06).
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

What U.S. Department Of Defense employees say

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