10 Top Armed Security Jobs - Security Degree Hub

The top armed security jobs are for protection specialists comfortable protecting life and property on a regular basis. To say that people are employed in armed security jobs can mean a lot of very different things. The responsibilities these professionals have to vary widely, as does the training that is required to perform the jobs as well as the requirements of their employers.

These security specialists are everything from those who are paid by small private firms and who may be armed to protect certain persons and property all the way up to highly paid professionals who are paid large sums of money to protect important people and large amounts of money and property. This article is a guide to all of the levels of people who are in this category.

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Top Armed Security Jobs

1. Armed Carriers
2. Armed Specialists
3. Basic Security Officers
4. Bodyguards or Personal Protection Specialists
5. Bounty Hunter
6. Private Detectives and Investigators
7. Private Police
8. Screeners
9. Security Specialists
10. Surveillance Officers

1. Armed Carrier

An armed carrier, also known as an armored driver or armed courier, is the individual who delivers confidential documentation, goods, or currency from one location to another. Sometimes, the goods are gold or jewelry. This particular individual may deliver currency for a financial institution. This individual may work for retailers or government agencies. An armed carrier is responsible for delivering the items or money safely.

This is one of the highest paying armed security jobs because of the importance of the items or data a person has to transport. It classifies among the other high paying armed security jobs, so it has stringent requirements for who may obtain a position. For instance, in addition to having a driver’s license in good standing, possibly a commercial driver’s license, an employer may prefer to have an individual who is at least 21 years of age. Those interested in this job will need to pass a criminal background check and usually a drug screening. Since a person must be trustworthy when handling valuable goods, the hiring process may consist of a credit check.

2. Armed Specialists

Armed security specialists are another one of the highest-paid armed security jobs. An armed specialist has the responsibility of protecting either people or possessions from theft or loss. This person earns the ability to carry a firearm or at least have access to one for protection of him or herself as well as others. To obtain the licensure to carry a firearm, this person must go through additional training outside of general job training. This particular person puts him or herself at risk, which is why it is one of the high-paying armed security jobs.

During the course of the workday, this individual may have to patrol an area either in a vehicle or on foot. The individual is looking for suspicious activity. Often, this is the person who gives permission to individuals to enter a property. This person may need to report any incidents to the owner or another person in charge of the establishment’s affairs. Sometimes, an armed security specialist provides assistance to customers, visitors, employees, or anyone else legally allowed on the premises.

3. Basic Security Officers

Basic security officers make the list of highest-paid armed security jobs, and it doesn’t require an extensive amount of education. A person may earn their high school diploma or its equivalent and enter into this field. Therefore, the individual doesn’t have any student loan debt to repay, which is one reason why this is one of the highest paying armed security jobs.

Generally, this individual works under a general manager or supervisor and has the responsibility of guarding the premises. This individual has to patrol the property and may need to watch the surveillance footage. The job may require a person to inspect a building and possibly equipment. As an armed security guard, a person may need to record observations. In some cases, this person may need to respond to emergencies and may need to address issues like theft, assault, and even safety issues like fire.

4. Bodyguards or Personal Protection Specialists

A bodyguard is an individual who is in charge of protecting another individual. Often, this type of security guard protects wealthy individuals, celebrities, or public officials. For instance, a bodyguard may protect a governor or other head of the government. Sometimes, these individuals work in a group. Bodyguards may earn the benefit of getting to travel along with high-profile individuals. It’s possible that this person may need to drive an armored vehicle.

Since this can be a risky position, it’s one of the high paying armed security jobs. This job is highly dangerous because crazed fans and even those who are completely against the high-profile individual could potentially harm him or her. Sometimes, the behavior people exhibit when getting around celebrities and other well-recognized individuals is unpredictable.

5. Bounty Hunter

Bounty hunters weren’t considered to be part of official law enforcement until 1873. Today, they still have a similar job as the olden days in the Wild West; they capture criminals for a bounty, which is a sum of money. Nowadays, they’re usually known as bail enforcement agents, and they retrieve people who try to jump bail.

This is one of the highest-paid armed security jobs, but it’s a dangerous one. A person doesn’t really know what a criminal is going to do once he or she apprehends the criminal. In many cases, they wear a bullet-proof vest to keep safe. This individual tends to carry a two-way radio to communicate with other bail enforcement agents or the head of the operation. While many of them carry a firearm, they might also carry tasers, pepper spray, and batons for protection. Although this is one of the highest paying armed security jobs, this individual usually receives a commission as opposed to salaried or hourly pay. The amount is based on the amount of bond the person is skipping out on.

6. Private Detectives and Investigators

armed security jobs - PI or investigator

Individuals who become private detectives or investigators perform surveillance on potential criminals or those who might be committing fraud. They may get involved in evaluating individuals for personal matters as well. Sometimes, the private investigator or detective is the person who investigates computer crimes or searches for missing people. Some other responsibilities of this job that classifies as one of the highest paying armed security jobs include interviewing people, gathering evidence, and searching through court records.

As one of the high-paying armed security jobs, individuals who decide to become a private detective or investigator earn a median pay of $50,090 per year, which is the same as $24.08 per hour. Generally, a person only needs to have a high school diploma or its equivalent. However, it could benefit a person to earn an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in criminal justice. However, a person who wants to partake in one of the highest armed security jobs may receive on-the-job training. A person may need to obtain certain licensure to work as a private investigator or detective. Often, the individuals who take on roles in this field retire from federal intelligence, the military, or law enforcement. It’s also possible that someone who was once a claims adjuster, paralegal, process server, or account collector may desire to pursue this career path.

7. Private Police

A private police officer made the list for the highest-paid armed security jobs. Individuals who pursue this career have similar responsibilities to a regular, government-hired police officer. However, these individuals work for a company that’s controlled by a non-government organization. Police officers who have employment, not through the government may take on one of the high-paying armed security jobs. It could be beneficial for off-duty officers to take on this role.

A private police officer enforces the law, monitors traffic, and takes steps to prevent crime. Additionally, a private officer may apprehend a suspect. Keep in mind, taking on a job as a private police officer has its share of advantages. For instance, companies offer their services at a lower rate than standard police enforcement agencies, so a person can work on a contract basis as a private police officer.

8. Security Screeners

Security screeners rank as one of the highest paying armed security jobs. These individuals are the ones who screen belongings and a person when they enter a location, such as at the airport. These individuals are vital in the process of keeping individuals safe, so this job ranks as one of the highest-paid armed security jobs.

A screener has the responsibility of using an X-ray machine to evaluate a person’s belongings. They may use a specialized handheld device to check a person’s body for metal. They also perform physical and visual searches. To obtain one of the high-paying armed security jobs like this one, a person must be able to make quick decisions and have sound judgment. Often, a screener has to respond in the event of a crisis.

9. Security Specialists

A security specialist position classifies as one of the highest paying armed security jobs. However, any position deemed as a security specialist is part of law enforcement. An individual who takes on this role benefits from one of the highest-paid armed security jobs and has the responsibility of protecting either information, property, or people. The person’s job may entail safeguarding data and securing computers in addition to information systems.

Although people don’t need to have a degree beyond a high school education to obtain a job in this field, many individuals who enter one of these high paying armed security jobs begin in the military and desire to remain employed in an aspect of law enforcement. Those who want to specialize in a particular area may want to obtain a degree in IT or cybersecurity.

10. Surveillance Officers

Surveillance officers have some of the highest paying armed security jobs. Their responsibility is to provide surveillance for businesses. For instance, a person may be able to find the highest-paid armed security jobs as surveillance officers in casinos. A person may need to understand how to use video and audio surveillance equipment. The security officer will need to gain an understanding of what classifies as a violation for that particular industry or business. The person looks for illegal activity and needs to monitor an establishment for intruders.

Individuals may take on a role as a surveillance officer with only a high school diploma or GED. However, the minimum of an associate’s degree in a law enforcement-related major is preferred. These individuals may need to obtain certain training or certification through their place of employment.

Is There a Lot of Demand for Armed Security Jobs?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), careers in security are supposed to grow from 2018 until 2028 by four percent. This is about as fast as the average job. While this doesn’t sound like jobs in armed security are going to increase in demand over the next decade, it does show that armed security jobs will still be in demand in the future.

In 2018, there were 1.1 million jobs in security. The places that hired armed security guards most often were investigations and armored car services as well as healthcare and social services. When considering armed security jobs near me, a person needs to factor in where he or she lives. For instance, Washington DC, Nevada, Hawaii, New York, and Maryland have the most demand for this job.

However, positions are available throughout the US, especially in areas where event security is a big industry (like tourist areas). People may even find part-time armed security jobs near me. However, people will find more full-time positions than part-time armed security guard jobs near me.

Why is Armed Security Important?

Armed security jobs help protect individuals, but before anyone considers this as a possible career path, he or she should understand how in-demand this job is. This ensures when a person searches for armed security guard jobs that there’s job potential once a person receives the necessary training. Additionally, it’s important for people to consider where these jobs are since most people will want to look for armed security jobs near me. For those who want to work in security management, a degree in security studies may be important.

What Kind of Education Do I Need for an Armed Security Career?

To become a security guard, a person must be at least 18 years of age. Additionally, the person must be able to pass a background check and complete the necessary on-site training. Armed security guards must register with the government authority in charge of weapons.

It’s also important to understand other armed security job requirements, such as educational requirements. To obtain an armed security job, a person may want to consider earning either an associate’s or a bachelor’s. Although there aren’t any specific armed security job requirements, individuals may want to consider earning a degree in criminal justice, security, or law enforcement. A criminal justice degree educates a person about how the criminal justice system works as well as a look at how the minds of criminals work. On the other hand, a security degree can prepare a person to handle issues related to security. Individuals may choose from different areas of security, such as security management or homeland security. The option of a law enforcement degree is beneficial as well because it gives students skills and education related to investigations and security.

Are Government Armed Security Jobs Better than Private Security?

Those who want to enter into armed personal security jobs will realize they have the option of private armed security jobs and government armed security jobs. Generally, government armed security jobs pay more than private armed security jobs. However, it’s often more difficult to land government armed personal security jobs. Individuals who take on government positions tend to receive quality benefits.

When a person takes on a position within the government, they often receive the ability to learn about different scopes of practice that make the government. In other words, there might be room for cross-department learning opportunities. For those looking for contractor jobs, these are usually private sector positions.

Is Military Service a Benefit in Getting an Armed Security Job?

Military experience and service can benefit a person who is looking for a job. On the other hand, it’s possible for a person to get a security job within the military. In fact, you might be able to find a job on a ship. Security jobs on Navy ships are common. Another potential role is an airport security job. These security professionals keep people in the airport safe. They also help to minimize drug smuggling and illegal immigration.

Another option is armed security overseas jobs. If a person lands an overseas job, often they work in the location where the army is stationed. It’s also possible to find armed security jobs oversees for facilities, banks, corporations, and museums.

One benefit of many armed security jobs is that there are armed security jobs for veterans. These armed security jobs for veterans may be through the military, government, or even in the private sector. Often, places value the fact that a person has experience in the military. Additionally, companies who hired for armed security positions realize veterans have a difficult time finding a position outside the military once they’re no longer serving active duty or in training. Offering positions to these individuals improves the quality of life of veterans.

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