Security Guard Jobs for Seniors: Start Your Career, $17.68 - 22.56 an hour - No Experience Requiredand Flexible Scheduling
Are you 45 or older, currently unemployed, and looking for a stable job that values life experience? Salaries start at approximately $17.68 - $22.56 per hour, with shifts covering daytime, evening, and weekends,The U.S. security industry offers growing opportunities, competitive pay, flexible work hours, and benefits tailored for mature workers.
🔍 Why Security Guard Jobs Are Ideal for Workers 45+
Low Physical Strain Security roles today often involve minimal physical exertion:
Patrolling with golf carts or electric scooters
Sitting or standing at climate-controlled monitoring stations
Flexible workstations to reduce fatigue
Security guard pay by industry
Here’s a quick look at how pay can vary depending on where you work:
Healthcare and hospital security: Guards working in hospitals often deal with high-stress situations and strict protocols. Pay typically ranges from $28,000 to $50,500 per year, with higher wages in larger cities or trauma centers.
Corporate security: These roles can involve monitoring offices, handling employee badge access, or managing lobby security. Salaries usually land between $29,000 and $46,500 annually, but can climb if you're in a high-rise or finance-related building.
Retail and mall security: This tends to be on the lower end of the pay scale. Expect around $24,000 to $52,000 per year, depending on experience and location. These jobs often focus on theft prevention and crowd monitoring.
Event security: Pay can vary a lot. Some events only offer hourly gigs at $16 to $18 an hour, but large venues or high-profile events might pay $20+ per hour, especially for overnight or crowd-control shifts.
Armed security guards: These jobs usually pay more because of the added risk and training involved, plus there’s just more requirements to become armed security. Armed guards working for private companies often earn $25,000 to $58,000+ annually, especially if they’re licensed and working in high-demand sectors like banking, cannabis, or executive protection.
What are the work hours?
Security is a 24/7 industry with 1st, 2nd, and 3rd shifts giving employees the flexibility to balance work/life needs.
🎁 Benefits That Support Mature Workers
•Medical / Dental / Vision Insurance
•Company Paid Life Insurance (Full Time)
•401k (Full Time)
•Employee Assistance Programs
•Service Recognition Awards
•Referral Bonuses
•Industry Specialized Training
•Career Advancement Opportunities
•Company Discounts & Perks
🏢 Top Employers Actively Hiring Seniors
Leading security companies prioritize hiring older workers:
Allied Universal Hiring over 75,000 full and part time employees every year
🚀 No Experience? No Problem!
The security industry welcomes career changers with no prior experience:
Paid “earn-while-you-learn” training programs covering surveillance technology, emergency response, and conflict resolution
93% of trainees receive immediate job placement after training
Rapid advancement opportunities-60% of supervisors started as rookies within 18 months
Flexible scheduling options to accommodate personal needs
📝 How to Get Started in 3 Easy Steps
Step 1: Prepare Your Experience Resume
Highlight your years of work history, volunteer activities, and community involvement-skills like budgeting, conflict resolution, and reliability matter.
Step 2: Choose Your Application Path
Apply online via USAJobs, Indeed, LinkedIn, or Monster, or attend local AARP career fairs held weekly.
Step 3: Ace the Interview
Emphasize your life skills:
“Managing household budgets for decades makes me perfect for access control.”
“Raising children taught me conflict resolution.”
“Retired but ready to contribute!”
Employment Trends
Employment of security guards is expected to increase by 3% from 2020 to 2030.That might sound small, but it still adds up to over 162,000 job openings per year, mostly from guards switching careers or retiring.
The top five states for security guard employment in the US are California, New York, Texas, Florida, and Illinois.
Most security guard companies are small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
There are around 13,000 businesses in the US security guard industry.
❓ FAQs for Senior Applicants
Q: Are there any upper age limits for security personnel?
A: No, there are no upper age limits, but individuals must meet the physical requirements necessary to perform their duties effectively.
Q: How can I ensure my hiring practices comply with age discrimination laws?
A: Implement clear, age-neutral job descriptions and maintain stringent non-discrimination policies throughout the recruitment and hiring process.
Q: Can older individuals apply for security positions?
A: Absolutely, as long as they meet the physical and professional standards required for the position, individuals of any age are encouraged to apply.
Security guard jobs offer a stable, well-paying career path for Americans 45 and older who are unemployed or seeking a career change. With flexible hours, competitive pay, comprehensive benefits, and government support, this industry is rolling out the red carpet for mature workers ready to protect their communities and secure their futures.
Don’t let age hold you back-your experience is your greatest asset. Join the growing ranks of senior security professionals who have found purpose, income, and satisfaction in this rewarding field.