How to Land a High-Paying Security Job

It’s true – most security jobs are not that great when you consider the paycheck. That, however, doesn’t meant that thre aren’t security jobs out there that can put some food on the table – and a little dessert as well. They are well hidden, but by no means impossible to find. So where are all the well-paid security jobs? First, let’s take a look a what might be some good things to have in order before you start looking for that holy grail.

– Get yourself some experience.

Security and Money...go hand in hand?

We’re not talking decades of security experience here, but a couple of years. Just the fact that you’re reading this tells us that you might have that already, but we’ll mention it none the less. Work for a security company, work for the military or some law enforcement agency. Who knows, you might like that enough to stay there, but just in case you don’t – read on.

– Plan.

We get tired of writing that, same as you probably get tired of reading it. The plan you need for this is tiny, though. Simply put; Find out what you want. Want to be a body guard? Fine. Want to be a security officer (but a well paid one)? Fine. Whatever you want, just make sure you’ve got it figured out. After that, you can go on to the next bullets.

– Physical limitations

There are some things you should think about if you plan on finding yourself a well-paid security job. The first of those were in the top bullet, and the next one comes here. Physical limitations. Most bodyguards, for example, have to be over 6 feet tall, and pass rigorous physical tests. Get in shape, if you’re out of it – there’s not much you can do about your height, but having other physical traits that are beneficial can make up for that, in some cases.

Make sure you get a doctor to look at you before you start down the path to transforming your personal fitness levels. Sudden changes in physical activity levels can be a great strain on the body, and you need to know what levels you’re up to in the beginning. As you progress, that’ll change, of course.

On to the good stuff, yeah? We’ll keep it short and sweet.

Well Paid Security Jobs – The Real Deal

– Bodyguards. The pay depends on experience and who, what, where of course, but most professional bodyguards make $70,000 and upwards per year. Those who are well established and meet specific requirements for specialized jobs can make upwards of $100,000 per year.

– Mercenary. Okay, this isn’t really a “security job” as such, or it would have been at the top of the list. A mercenary can earn between $150,000 and $250,000, which is staggering. This kind of job does have stricter requirements – check out our page on how to become one if you’ve ever considered it.

– Private Security. Big security companies don’t really pay all that well. Wells Fargo, Loomis, Securitas – they’re all the same. Large private companies will often have their own security, however, and they will be better payers. There’s no real way of listing a mean salary for this one, however – it all depends on the company.

– Certification. There are some nice certifications out there. ASIS International is the leading authority on this, and on average, the people who hold their CPP -certification earn about $95,000 a year. That’s pretty good.

– Normal Security? Even for the years that you need to rack up in order to get a CPP-certification, for example, you don’t have to be Paul Blart. Get a license to carry a concealed weapon (if you’re in a country that allows that kind of thing), and work armed security. That’ll get you a good jump on the basic security guard salary.

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18 thoughts on “How to Land a High-Paying Security Job

  1. Good article.

    One thing that I’ve found works very well is differentiation. Differentiation in your skill set to the next person and differentiation (if you’re a sole proprietor) in the services you offer in the geographic area that you offer it compared to the next company.

    1. That’s excellent advice, Michael. Making yourself stand out should definitely be on the lost of priorities if one wants to land that high-paying job.
      Thanks!

  2. I am just finishing 3 years of my serves in the idf as a paratrooper. Anybody have good ideas for good pay job in security ? Tnx

  3. As I know best paid Security Officer with basic cert 2 or 3 Job in Australia is Airport security (on EBA, not on Award pay). We get $31/hour and casuals get $2 more on top of that. Free all sorts of training.

  4. I have 10 years military experience will that help me to land one of these jobs, preferably a proffesional bodyguard

  5. I’m looking for a job as any of the following mercenary body Guard, or security officer. I have four years of service in and am looking ahead two years so when my enlistment is over I can go straight to work. Any tips on who I should start contacting?

  6. I have security, law enforcement (as a Sergeant), basic computer technician and automotive repair experience. I think that’s pretty well diversified.

  7. I am very interested in body guard and other security offers .since I completed school I have being working security so I want to do good from it . from R . South Africa .

  8. I’m 6’4 300 lb guy with no felonies and an 8 year vet at Texas Department of Criminal Justice looking to get into private security, is it worth a try?

  9. Iv have read your guys post very good l want to do this kind of work doing course next year level 2.3

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