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Security industry report
Private security in
the United States
Understand the industry. Find the employers. Plan your next step.
Research checked
Security work spans contracted guarding and teams employed directly by organisations. A national search is useful for comparing employers; the actual opportunity is local, with a specific site, shift pattern and state requirements. The employers below are examples with official recruitment routes. Their order does not represent a ranking.
The industry at a glanceThe industry at a glance
Guarding and patrol workplaces
11,104employer establishmentsReference period: 2023
Census NAICS 561612, security guards and patrol services, national total across all legal forms. One company can operate several establishments. This excludes businesses without employees.
U.S. Census Bureau: County Business Patterns 2023 national dataSecurity-guard employment
1,283,470jobsReference period: May 2025
BLS OEWS occupation 33-9032 across industries. Employment estimates cover security guards, including in-house roles; they are a different population from the guarding-business count.
BLS: Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025Median annual security-guard pay
38,020USD per yearReference period: May 2025
National occupational median for security guards. Local pay, hours and role requirements vary; this is gross annual pay, not take-home income.
BLS: Security Guards and Gambling Surveillance OfficersDistinct security companies
No verified figureReference period: Unverified
A comparable current count of unique guard companies was not verified. The Census workplace total must retain its establishment label.
U.S. Census Bureau: County Business Patterns 2023 national dataHow to read this report
Every figure keeps its source date and definition. Company, establishment, licence and workforce counts describe different populations. Figures from different countries may not be comparable.
Employers to explore
Selected employers with official recruitment pages. Listings are unranked and do not imply a partnership, an active vacancy or a job offer.
Allied Universal
Search these job titles
- Security Officer
- Security Officer / Access Control
- Event Security
Online applications and local branch applications are available. The recruitment team may invite applicants to assessments, telephone screening or interviews.
Application route
- Choose a local opening and select Apply Now.
- Create an email-based profile and complete the application.
- Check email or text for next steps.
Securitas USA
Search these job titles
- Security Officer
- Security Guard
The published recruitment process includes an online application, interviews and background checks. Read each vacancy for site and state requirements.
Application route
- Open Explore Job Opportunities.
- Select the location and vacancy.
- Submit the application and follow interview instructions.
GardaWorld Security USA
Search these job titles
- Concierge Security Officer
- Response Security Officer
- Surveillance Security Officer
Its US search can filter location, job family and category, including officer, supervisor and flexible assignments.
Application route
- Search by city, state or ZIP.
- Read the duties and requirements.
- Select View Details & Apply and follow the application.
Prosegur USA
Search these job titles
- Unarmed Security Officer
- Armed Security Officer
- Security Operations Center Officer
The US careers page links directly to Prosegur’s applicant system. Its listings cover different sites and armed or unarmed roles.
Application route
- Open Explore Career Opportunities.
- Choose a job title and location.
- Review the requirements and use the application option.
How hiring works
Use this as a starting point. Requirements depend on the role, employer and work location. Check the current vacancy and regulator before applying or paying for training.
Your career guideChoose a local role
Compare the exact worksite, shifts and duties before applying. Armed work, reception, patrol and surveillance roles have different requirements.
View sourceCheck the requirements
Read the employer’s vacancy and the guide for your state. Ask the recruiter about any licence or training you still need before starting.
View sourceApply and prepare for the interview
Use the official employer route. Keep your contact details current and be ready to discuss availability, customer service and relevant experience.
View sourceConfirm the offer and onboarding
Ask the recruiter to confirm the site, pay, schedule, training and start arrangements. Hiring time can depend on licensing and other checks.
View source
Sources & research notes
- The 2023 Census establishment figure is historical and excludes businesses without employees. It is not a count of unique companies or available jobs.
- The BLS workforce and pay figures use May 2025 occupational data; they cannot be added to the establishment figure.
- Employer examples are unranked and do not imply a recruitment partnership. Vacancy availability and application steps can change.
- This report supports job research. State-specific eligibility, licensing and armed-role requirements need their own current checks.
External sources may be in a different language.
- U.S. Census Bureau: County Business Patterns 2023 national data
- BLS: Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 20252026-05-15
- BLS: Security Guards and Gambling Surveillance Officers
- Allied Universal: applicant frequently asked questions
- Allied Universal: job search
- Securitas USA: recruitment questions
- Securitas USA: careers
- GardaWorld Security USA: job search
- Prosegur USA: careers
- Prosegur official applicant system: job results
Turn your research into a next step.
Check the local entry route, then compare vacancies and employer requirements.