Security Jobs: Exploring the Growing Career Field
The field of security jobs is rapidly growing, as companies and organizations seek to protect their assets and personnel from both physical and digital threats. Security jobs encompass a wide range of roles, from traditional security guard positions to cybersecurity experts. In this article, we’ll explore the various types of security jobs available, the qualifications required for these positions, and where to find security job opportunities.
Types of Security Jobs
Security jobs encompass a wide range of positions that can be broken down into different categories. Here are some examples of the various types of security jobs:
Physical Security: Physical security is concerned with protecting physical assets and personnel through various measures such as access control, surveillance, and security patrols. Examples of physical security jobs include security guards, loss prevention specialists, and personal bodyguards.
Cybersecurity: As digital threats become more prevalent, the need for cybersecurity experts is growing. Cybersecurity jobs are focused on protecting digital assets, including information and technology systems. Examples of cybersecurity jobs include security analysts, penetration testers, and network security engineers.
Investigations: The investigation is a field of security jobs that includes roles such as private investigators and internal investigators. These roles are focused on investigating potential threats, such as fraud, theft, or other criminal activity.
Emergency Management: Emergency management security jobs are focused on preparing for and responding to emergencies, such as natural disasters or terrorist attacks. These roles include emergency managers, disaster preparedness specialists, and crisis management professionals.
Qualifications Required for Security Jobs
The qualifications required for security jobs vary depending on the type of position. Here are some examples of the qualifications that may be required for different types of security jobs:
Physical Security: Physical security jobs such as security guards typically do not require a college degree, but may require completion of a formal training program and state licensure. Security guards must also pass background checks and drug tests.
Cybersecurity: Cybersecurity jobs often require a college degree in a related field such as computer science, information technology, or cybersecurity. Certifications such as the Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) may also be required for certain positions.
Investigations: Investigative security jobs often require a degree in criminal justice, law enforcement, or a related field. Private investigators must also obtain state licensure.
Emergency Management: Emergency management security jobs may require a degree in emergency management or a related field, as well as certification in emergency management or disaster preparedness.
Where to Find Security Job Opportunities
There are many resources for finding security job opportunities. Here are some examples:
Job Boards: There are numerous job boards, both general and specialized, that are dedicated to advertising security job opportunities. Some of the most popular job boards for security jobs include Indeed, Glassdoor, and CyberSN.
Networking: Networking is an effective way to find job opportunities in the security field. Attend industry events, join professional organizations, and connect with people in the industry to learn about job openings.
Recruitment Agencies: Recruitment agencies can connect job seekers with potential employers in the security field. These agencies can help match candidates with job openings that fit their skills and qualifications.
Government Resources: The federal government employs thousands of security professionals in various fields. The Department of Homeland Security, Department of Defense, and Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) are just a few examples of government agencies that may have security job openings available.
Salary Expectations for Security Jobs
The salary expectations for security jobs can vary widely depending on the type of position, the level of experience, and the industry. Here are some examples of the average salaries for different types of security jobs:
Physical Security: The average salary for a security guard is around $29,000 per year, but this can vary depending on factors such as location and experience. Loss prevention specialists can earn an average salary of around $40,000 per year.
Cybersecurity: The average salary for cybersecurity professionals can range from $75,000 per year for entry-level positions to over $150,000 per year for more senior positions such as chief information security officers.
Investigations: The average salary for a private investigator is around $50,000 per year, but this can vary depending on client demand and level of experience.
Emergency Management: The average salary for emergency management professionals can vary widely depending on the industry. The average salary for an emergency manager in government is around $70,000 per year, while emergency management positions in healthcare or transportation can earn upwards of $100,000 per year.
Conclusion
The field of security jobs is rapidly growing, creating a range of career opportunities for the security-minded individual. Whether you’re interested in physical security, cybersecurity, investigations, or emergency management, there are numerous jobs available with varying education and experience requirements. By networking, using job boards, and exploring government resources, you can find the security job that’s right for you and start your career in this growing field.
How to Get Security Jobs
Security jobs are very widespread due to the variety of employers available. One of the most common positions held is a security guard or security officer who patrols and inspects an area in order to protect it against theft, terrorism, fire, vandalism, and other illegal activity. Their objective in many security jobs is to enforce the laws and prevent criminal activity within an employer’s property.
Depending on the employer, the responsibilities within security jobs can vary. Some examples include
• Department Stores
o Protecting merchandise, money, equipment people
o Theft prevention by a customer or employee, apprehend and detain suspects before police arrive
• Office buildings, hospitals, banks
o Protect the staff, customers, and properties
o Maintain order
• Sea, rail, air terminals, and other transportation facilities
o Protect cargo, property, equipment, and people
o Screen visitors or passengers for dangerous objects such as explosives or weapons
o Prevent theft
o Observe for criminals or suspicious behavior
• Public buildings such as art galleries or museums
o Protect exhibits
• Government buildings, data processing centers, factories, laboratories, military bases
o Protect information, computer codes, defense secrets, or products
• Sports Stadiums, universities, or parks
o Supervise parking or seating, crowed control, direct traffic
• Gaming Surveillance Officers
o Work for casinos where they observe casino operations to prevent theft, cheating, and to ensure compliance with laws and regulations
• Armored Car Guards
o Protect valuables and money during transit
Training for Security Jobs
While there are often no specific education requirements, many jobs prefer those with a high school diploma or some sort of certification. Most positions often have on the job training, which can be more or less rigorous depending on the employer, such as those who are armed guards. Security jobs that require heavy security often provide extensive formal training for their employees, for example, for those in position at a nuclear power plant.
Most states require some sort of licensing for security jobs. The requirements often include being at least 18 years old, passing a background check, passing many drug tests, and having the proper classroom training, and other licensing and certification depending on position. Many states also require ongoing training in order to retain a license for different security jobs.
Employment prospects for Security Jobs
While some of the higher paying jobs can be competitive, security jobs are quite favorable, as job openings are growing more quickly than the average employment growth. Between 2008 and 2018 there is an expected 14% growth in the field with about 152,500 new jobs projected. Not only are full time jobs available, but many part time jobs are opening up, which is attractive for those seeking part time work or second jobs.
The median annual wages for security jobs in May 2008 were $23,460. These median values varied depending on the field:
• Local government: $27,660
• Traveler accommodation: $25,660
• Medical and surgical hospitals: $29,020
• Elementary and secondary schools: $27,980
• Investigation and security services: $22,170
More information on security jobs can be found through local security firms and guard firms, as well as through State employment service offices. Licensing information can also be found through the State police department or the State licensing commission.  Information on local jurisdiction’s licensing requirements can also be found through a local government authority.
