"Being able to be on alert 24/7, resolve conflicts, possess strong communication skills, and have strong situational awareness can seem like a lot of responsibility for one person, but it's what helps keep our
community and organization safe, which is why I've been serving as a security guard for eight years. Although there are periods when there are no alerts to respond to, which is what all security guards hope for, there are times when quick thinking, being calm under pressure, and maintaining control of the situation are needed. But by monitoring, observing, and anticipating potential threats, I can help prevent problems before they occur. I pride myself on this responsibility.

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Job Description

SOC Code: 33-9032

Security Guards guard, patrol, or monitor premises to prevent theft, violence, or infractions of rules. May
operate x-ray and metal detector equipment*

*Source: This information is based on O*NET™ data. O*NET is a trademark registered to the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration.

Top Job Skills:

• Customer service
• Stand for long periods of time
• Welcome patrons
• Documenting observations
• Investigate disturbances

General Work Activities 

• Interacting With Others
  • Provide first aid or rescue assistance in emergencies
  • Warn individuals about rule violations or safety concerns
  • Answer telephones to direct calls or provide information
  • Refer patients to other healthcare practitioners or health resources
• Information Input
  • Patrol properties to maintain safety
  • Investigate illegal or suspicious activities
  • Monitor access or flow of people to prevent problems
• Work Output
  • Block physical access to restricted areas
  • Prevent unauthorized individuals from entering restricted areas
  • Use weapons or physical force to maintain security
  • Operate surveillance equipment to detect suspicious or illegal activities

Source: SC Works Online Services (SCWOS)

*All data is factual, but names, Images, and quotations have been adapted to protect the Identity of employees and businesses.

Job Statistics

 

 

 

 

Examples of Workforce Areas with Job Openings

• Midlands
• Trident
• Upstate
• Catawba
• Greenville
• Lower Savannah

Source: SC Works Online Services. Ask an SC Works representative for more information about postings in your area.

Examples of Employers with Job Openings

• Allied Universal
• Walden Security
• Security Management of South Carolina, LLC
• GardaWorld
• McLeod Health
• Securitas Security Services USA, Inc.

Source: SC Works Online Services. Ask an SC Works representative for more information about postings in your area

Related Occupations

• First-Line Supervisors of Security Workers
• Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers
• Transportation Security Screeners
• Parking Enforcement Workers
• Transit and Railroad Police

NOTE: All data based on state averages. Information may vary depending on region, experience, and specific employment situation. Last Updated: 2025

Learn More with SCWOS

SC Works Online Services (SCWOS) is the state’s largest job database and provides all of South Carolina's job postings from all major sites, including Monster and Career Builder, in one resource. SCWOS has thousands of positions listed by employers all over the state. To access SCWOS, visit jobs.scworks.org.

Find in-depth breakdowns of occupational statistics such as necessary job certifications, job skills and abilities, current job openings, overview of general work activities, and more by visiting O*NET.org.