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Tactical Security Guard Jobs (NOW HIRING)

GardaWorld

Tactical Security Officer

Marion, IL

$20.50/hr

Ready to suit up as a Tactical Security Guard? What matters most in a role like this is your ability to read the environment, anticipate risk, and act accordingly. Tell us about how your keen sense ...

GardaWorld

Security Guard - Construction

Saint George, SC · On-site

$20.20/hr

Ready to suit up as a Tactical Security Guard. What matters most in a role like this is your ability to read the environment, anticipate risk, and act accordingly. Tell us about how your keen sense ...

GardaWorld

Tactical Security Officer

Appling, GA

$17.01/hr

Ready to suit up as a Tactical Security Guard? What matters most in a role like this is your ability to read the environment, anticipate risk, and act accordingly. Tell us about how your keen sense ...

GardaWorld

Tactical Security Officer

Chandler, AZ

$19.50/hr

Ready to suit up as a Tactical Security Guard? What matters most in a role like this is your ability to read the environment, anticipate risk, and act accordingly. Tell us about how your keen sense ...

GardaWorld

Tactical Security Officer

Chandler, AZ · On-site

$19.50/hr

Ready to suit up as a Tactical Security Guard? What matters most in a role like this is your ability to read the environment, anticipate risk, and act accordingly. Tell us about how your keen sense ...

GardaWorld

Tactical Security Officer

Middle River, MD

$20/hr

Ready to suit up as a Tactical Security Guard? What matters most in a role like this is your ability to read the environment, anticipate risk, and act accordingly. Tell us about how your keen sense ...

GardaWorld

Tactical Security Officer

Chandler, AZ

$19.50/hr

Ready to suit up as a Tactical Security Guard? What matters most in a role like this is your ability to read the environment, anticipate risk, and act accordingly. Tell us about how your keen sense ...

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Tactical Security Guard information

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How much do tactical security guard jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for tactical 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 Tactical Security Guards?

Tactical Security Guards are highly trained professionals responsible for protecting people, property, or assets in high-risk or sensitive environments. Unlike standard security guards, they often have specialized training in conflict de-escalation, firearms, emergency response, and advanced surveillance. They may work in settings such as government facilities, sensitive corporate sites, or during special events where a heightened security presence is required. Their duties include assessing threats, responding to emergencies, and ensuring overall site safety. Many have backgrounds in law enforcement or the military.

How to become an armed TSA agent?

To become an armed TSA agent, candidates must pass a background check, complete TSA training, and obtain the necessary firearms certification. Prior law enforcement or military experience can be advantageous, and applicants must meet age and fitness requirements set by TSA. The role involves security screening and patrolling airport environments, often requiring ongoing training and adherence to strict protocols.

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

AspectTactical Security GuardSecurity Officer
CredentialsSecurity license, specialized training in tactical responseSecurity license, general security training
Work EnvironmentHigh-risk areas, event security, tactical operationsRetail, commercial buildings, patrols
Employer & IndustryPrivate security firms, event security, government contractsCommercial properties, retail stores, offices

The Tactical Security Guard focuses on high-risk environments requiring tactical response skills, while the Security Officer typically works in lower-risk settings like retail or commercial properties. Both roles require security licensing, but the Tactical Security Guard's training emphasizes tactical and emergency response techniques.

What is a tactical security guard?

A tactical security guard is a trained security professional who uses specialized skills, equipment, and tactics to protect people and property in high-risk or complex environments. They often operate in situations requiring advanced threat assessment, surveillance, and quick response, and may hold certifications such as CPR or first aid. These guards are typically employed in settings like events, critical infrastructure, or areas with elevated security needs.

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

To thrive as a Tactical Security Guard, you need strong situational awareness, physical fitness, and knowledge of security protocols, often supported by relevant security licenses or military/law enforcement experience. Familiarity with surveillance systems, two-way radios, access control technologies, and possibly weapons certifications is typically required. Excellent judgment, calmness under pressure, and effective communication are critical soft skills for managing high-stress situations and interacting with clients or the public. These abilities ensure the safety and security of people and property, enabling quick, effective responses to threats or emergencies.

What is the highest paying security guard job?

The highest paying security guard jobs are often in executive protection or bodyguard roles, which require specialized training, certifications, and experience. These positions can pay significantly more, especially when working for high-net-worth clients or in high-risk environments, with salaries reaching six figures in some cases.

What qualifications do I need for armed response?

Tactical security guards performing armed response typically need a valid firearms license, specialized training in firearm use and safety, and often a security guard license or certification. Additional skills such as situational awareness, communication, and physical fitness are also important for this role.

What are some unique challenges faced by tactical security guards compared to traditional security roles?

Tactical security guards often work in higher-risk environments, such as protecting sensitive facilities, high-value assets, or responding to threats that require advanced training and quick decision-making. Unlike traditional security roles, they may need to use specialized equipment and coordinate closely with law enforcement or emergency response teams. The work can involve irregular hours, heightened vigilance, and frequent drills to ensure readiness for a variety of scenarios. Successful tactical security guards must be adaptable, physically fit, and comfortable operating under pressure.
More about Tactical Security Guard jobs
What cities are hiring for Tactical Security Guard jobs? Cities with the most Tactical Security Guard job openings:
What states have the most Tactical Security Guard jobs? States with the most job openings for Tactical Security Guard jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Tactical Security Guard jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Tactical Security Guard jobs are:
Tactical Security Guard jobs near you
Infographic showing various Tactical Security Guard job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, and 14% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $39,591 per year, or $19 per hour.
Tactical Security Officer

Tactical Security Officer

GardaWorld

Marion, IL

$20.50/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 26 days ago

GardaWorld rating

5.1

Company rating: 5.1 out of 10

Based on 388 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

79th of 102 rated security

Job description

Tactical Security Ambassador

GardaWorld Security Services is now hiring a Tactical Security Ambassador! Ready to suit up as a Tactical Security Guard? What matters most in a role like this is your ability to read the environment, anticipate risk, and act accordingly. Tell us about how your keen sense of observation is one of your greatest strengths.

As a Security Ambassador – Tactical, physical ability is essential as you will be moving around your entire shift, patrolling environments such as retail stores, airports, detention centers, etc.

What's in it for you:

  • Site location: Marion, IL
  • Set schedule: Full/Part-time Various shifts must be available for each shift could become full-time
  • Competitive hourly wage of $20.50 (DailyPay is available for GardaWorld employees!)
  • A comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision insurance plans, a 401(k) retirement savings plan with employer matching contributions, paid time off (PTO) policy, paid holidays, disability coverage, and life insurance options
  • Career growth opportunities at GardaWorld
  • Uniform provided at no cost

Responsibilities of Tactical Security Guard:

  • Patrol sensitive areas to spot any suspicious activity
  • Verify identities and control access to secure areas
  • React quickly to threats or incidents
  • Check the proper functioning of alarms and cameras
  • Document incidents and actions taken
  • Respond to alarms and conduct on-site checks
  • Collaborate with law enforcement during serious incidents
  • Ensure the safety and protection of individuals and property

Qualifications of Tactical Security Guard:

  • Be authorized to work in the U.S.
  • Be able to provide documentation of High School Diploma or GED
  • Be able to ace (and pass) an extensive screening process
  • First aid certification is an asset
  • Ability to stand and walk for the entire shift
  • If you have Security, Military, Law Enforcement experience – even better!
  • You have a state license if required
  • You must have at least 3 months of consecutive Security experience
  • Having a PERC license already is a plus
  • You must have a FOID certification
  • You must be Armed or be able to become Armed

In the United States, GardaWorld Security remains the only guarding security company to be Certified by Great Place to Work. Apply today – this could be more than a job! 26% of our corporate employees started as frontline workers.

If you're ambitious with an entrepreneurial spirit – someone who wants to be a GardaWorld Ambassador – a promising career awaits you!

GardaWorld Security is a global champion in sophisticated and tailored security solutions, employing and training highly skilled and dedicated professionals across the globe.

Not the job for you? Make sure to check out all our jobs! We also have concierge, surveillance, and even casual roles available. Employment is contingent on the successful completion of a background check and drug screening to be conducted after an offer of employment is extended.

It is the policy of GardaWorld Security Services to provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, veteran status, or disability in accordance with applicable federal laws. In addition, GardaWorld Security Services complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment including, but not limited to hiring, placement, assignment, promotion, termination, layoffs, recalls, transfers, leaves of absence, compensation, and training. It is also the policy of GardaWorld Security Services not to honor requests that employees be assigned on the basis of sex or any other classification protected by law, unless such request is based on a bona fide occupational qualification for that assignment. IL License #122.000183

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