Security guards
SOC Code: 33-9032
Security guards carries a 31% AI exposure score (Medium automation risk), with a median annual wage of $38,370 and +0.4% projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034 (BLS), affecting approximately 1,262,100 workers. Full task breakdown, skills, and employer data are below.
Proportion of tasks susceptible to AI automation (O*NET analysis)
AI Exposure vs Industry Growth
Total occupations tracked
832
Covering all SOC major groups
Data currency
2024
BLS Employment Projections
AI exposure avg
40%
Fleet-wide median across all roles
Composite score weighing O*NET task data completeness, BLS projection methodology, and cross-validation with employer risk grades.
Employment Projections
Occupation Insight
Security guards (SOC 33-9032) carries an AI exposure score of 31%, placing it in the Medium automation-risk tier. This score is computed from O*NET Database 30.0 task-level analysis, where each task an occupation performs is evaluated against current generative AI, robotic process automation, and machine-learning capabilities. A score below 40% reflects tasks anchored in physical dexterity, unstructured environments, or high-touch human interaction that current AI cannot reliably replicate.
The economic context matters alongside the risk score. BLS counted approximately 1,262,100 workers in this occupation in 2024, and projects a +0.4% change through 2034 — modest growth that keeps the occupation viable even as tasks evolve. Median annual compensation stands at $38,370, reflecting both skill scarcity and the value employers place on the tasks that remain difficult to automate. Entry typically requires High school diploma or equivalent, plus None of related experience.
For career planners, this profile should be read alongside the task, skill, and knowledge breakdowns below and the list of employers whose workforce composition includes Security guards. Adjacent occupations shown further down offer lateral moves that preserve industry knowledge while potentially reducing exposure. Pair the AI exposure score with the BLS employment projection and wage percentiles above for a complete career assessment.
Education & Entry Requirements
Top Tasks (O*NET)
- 1. Lock doors and gates of entrances and exits to secure buildings.
- 2. Patrol industrial or commercial premises to prevent and detect signs of intrusion and ensure security of doors, windows, and gates.
- 3. Respond to medical emergencies by administering basic first aid or by obtaining assistance from paramedics.
- 4. Answer alarms and investigate disturbances.
- 5. Circulate among visitors, patrons, or employees to preserve order and protect property.
- 6. Monitor and authorize entrance and departure of employees, visitors, and other persons to guard against theft and maintain security of premises.
- 7. Write reports of daily activities and irregularities, such as equipment or property damage, theft, presence of unauthorized persons, or unusual occurrences.
- 8. Warn persons of rule infractions or violations, and apprehend or evict violators from premises, using force when necessary.
- 9. Answer telephone calls to take messages, answer questions, and provide information during non-business hours or when switchboard is closed.
- 10. Call police or fire departments in cases of emergency, such as fire or presence of unauthorized persons.
Key Skills Required
- Active Listening
- Monitoring
- Speaking
- Critical Thinking
- Coordination
- Reading Comprehension
- Social Perceptiveness
- Judgment and Decision Making
- Active Learning
- Persuasion
Knowledge Areas
- Public Safety and Security
- Customer and Personal Service
- English Language
- Computers and Electronics
- Administration and Management
- Education and Training
- Telecommunications
- Administrative
- Law and Government
- Therapy and Counseling
Frequently Asked Questions
Will AI replace Security guards?
Security guards has an AI exposure score of 31%, indicating a medium level of automation risk. The majority of tasks in this role require human judgment, creativity, or physical presence that AI cannot easily replicate.
What is the job outlook for Security guards?
According to BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034, Security guards is projected to grow by 0.4% over the decade. Current employment stands at approximately 1,262,100 workers.
What skills are needed for Security guards?
Key skills for Security guards include Active Listening, Monitoring, Speaking, and others. Typical entry-level education is High school diploma or equivalent.
How much do Security guards earn?
The median annual wage for Security guards is $38,370, according to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Actual earnings vary by location, experience, industry, and employer. The BLS publishes detailed wage percentiles by region in its Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program.
What education is required for Security guards?
The typical entry-level education for Security guards is High school diploma or equivalent. Employers generally expect None of related work experience. On-the-job training typically involves Short-term on-the-job training. Requirements can vary by employer and specialization.
Which companies employ Security guards?
Security guards roles exist across many industries and employers. Workforce composition is estimated from BLS industry-occupation employment distributions matched to SEC-registered public companies.
AI Exposure Rating
Medium automation risk based on 10 analyzed tasks. Most tasks require human judgment and are resistant to automation.
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Data sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections 2024–2034 and O*NET Database 30.0. Employment figures are rounded. Wage data from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics (OES).