We surveyed 8,151 security guards to better understand the work environment and required skills of a typical security guard. Here are the results.
How much intelligence is required as a security guard?
Low
High
Working as a security guard typically doesn’t require the use of high levels of intelligence in daily tasks.
Can I learn to become a security guard?
Intrinsic Talent
Acquired Talent
A career as a security guard typically depends predominantly on qualities you can gain through experience, with a small aspect of skills you are born with.
Is it easy to get a job as a security guard?
Easy
Hard
It’s typically difficult to find a job as a security guard. If you’re curious about the numbers, check out the job market for security guards.
Do security guards work full-time or part-time?
72% of security guards work in full-time roles while 28% work part-time.
Is being a security guard stressful?
Low
High
Security guards tend not to find their jobs stressful, which likely contributes positively to career satisfaction.
Is being organized important as a security guard?
Low
High
Organization is not considered a particuarly important part of being a security guard.
How competitive is the workplace for security guards?
Low
High
Competition at work is not common for security guards.
Does being a security guard require frequent time pressure to complete tasks?
Low
High
Time pressure tends not to be a major contributor of stress for security guards.
Are security guards allowed to express themselves creatively?
Low
High
Security guards rarely get a chance to express themselves creatively.
Do security guards have control over the direction of their work?
Low
High
Security guards tend to have a set and inflexible work schedule that they are unable to deviate from too much.
Is being a security guard physically demanding?
Low
High
Being a security guard may occasionally require demanding physical activity, which may make it not a suitable career choice for everyone.
Are security guards exposed to a wide variety of work?
Low
High
Security guards tend to have a monotonous work routine, with little variety in their day-to-day tasks.
Does being a security guard require attention to detail?
Low
High
As in many careers, attention to detail is quite helpful for security guards.
Does being a good security guard require compassion and empathy?
Low
High
Being compassionate and empathetic is considered helpful to those looking to pursue careers as security guards.