If you’re interested in pursuing a job within the security sector, you can browse the different ranks below, and find out which ones pay the most:

Security guard

An entry level position, security guards are not licensed to carry weapons, and as such, the level of training and pay, required is lower than other security roles.

Unarmed security officer

Requiring 80 hours of training and/or a college degree, unarmed security officers can carry weapons of self-defense, but not firearms. They are typically paid more than regular security guards.

Armed security officer

Typically paid more than an unarmed security guard, while they do have similar roles, armed officers are trained in the use of firearms and other weapons of self-defense. This means that the role comes with a higher training requirement.

Public safety officer

An entry level role, public safety officers have a greater number of responsibilities than a standard security guard, with a higher training requirement that includes a college degree and law enforcement training. This role is one of the highest paying below that of a senior security officer.

Senior security officer

With more experience in the security field, these officers are paid more and undergo more training, some of which enables them to assist in a range of emergency and security-related situations.

Sergeant

Sergeants have a supervisory role over lower ranking security personnel, and generally have more experience and training than a senior security officer. They are also qualified and able to manage and supervise others.

Corporal

With even more training and experience than senior security officers, corporals usually manage and train both supervisors and other security personnel.

Lieutenant

Receiving higher training and a higher salary than other security roles, lieutenants act as middlemen between higher command levels and lower ranking levels.

Captain or Director

Responsible for a location’s security personnel, captains or directors oversee every lower rank of supervisors, officers and security guards.

Major, lieutenant commander or deputy chief

While the title may vary, each role is classed as a higher-level management or director position, and those holding the position are responsible for managing and supervising a regional group of locations or a security department for a particular company.

Commander or chief

This role is held by the director of all security personnel within an organization, agency or company, and commanders or chiefs are typically responsible for managing and directing all lower ranks of security personnel, hence, they are the highest paid of all security roles.

As you can see, there are a variety of roles within the security industry to aspire to, and for anyone seeking to pursue such a career, basic armed guard training is as good a place to start as any. Begin by finding an accredited training facility in your area and enquire as to what courses they run, and which ones you might be eligible for, or interested in.

Code 4 Security Training Center is a certified training establishment that helps people achieve their career goals in the security industry with special training programs. They offer licensed security professional courses including Guard Card Training, Firearm Training, Baton Permit, Handcuff and Arrest Training, Live Scan and more.