Security Officer Job Description Template
Fill in your company, location, pay and requirements to get a complete security officer job description you can post anywhere. Copy it, download it as text or save it as a PDF.
Your job description
[Company name] is hiring: Security Officer ([Job type])
Location: [City], [State]
Pay: $[Pay from] to $[Pay to] [Pay per]
Schedule: [Schedule]
Job summary
[Company name] is hiring a security officer in [City], [State] to protect people and property: patrolling, controlling access and responding calmly when something goes wrong.
Responsibilities
- Patrol the property on foot or by vehicle and check doors, gates and alarms
- Control access: check IDs and badges, and sign visitors and vehicles in and out
- Watch security cameras and alarm systems and respond to alerts
- Write clear, accurate incident reports and daily activity logs
- Calm disputes and contact police, fire or medical services when needed
- Help visitors and staff with directions and questions
Requirements
- [License]
- [Experience] of experience in security, law enforcement, the military or customer service
- Able to pass a background check and drug screen
- Clear written and spoken English for reports and radio calls
- Authorized to work in the United States
- [Anything else the job needs]
Preferred
- CPR and First Aid certification
- Experience with access control or CCTV systems
Physical demands and work environment
Standing and walking for most of the shift, climbing stairs, and working outdoors in all weather. Nights, weekends and holidays may be part of the schedule.
Pay and benefits
$[Pay from] to $[Pay to] [Pay per], depending on license and post. Benefits: [Benefits].
Schedule
[Job type]. [Schedule].
Equal opportunity employer
[Company name] is an equal opportunity employer. We consider all applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.
How to apply
[How to apply]
Typical pay
Unarmed security officers are commonly offered about $16 to $22 an hour in 2026; armed officers more. Check local pay before you post.
Pay range checklist
- Give both ends of the range you would really pay, not "up to" or "competitive".
- Use the pay unit candidates expect: an hour for hourly jobs, a mile or a week for drivers.
- Mention overtime, shift differentials, per diem or bonuses separately from the base range.
- Check your state's minimum wage and any city minimum wage.
- Keep the same range in every copy of the posting.
- Check whether your state requires a range: pay transparency laws by state.
Tips for a security officer posting
- Say whether the post is armed or unarmed and which state license is needed; most states license security officers.
- Put the pay in the first lines. Postings with a clear rate or range get more applicants, and many states now require a range.
- List only the requirements you would really turn someone away for. Each extra "must have" cuts the number of people who apply.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a security officer need a license?
In most states, yes: a state security guard license or registration, and a separate license for armed posts. Requirements and training hours differ by state, so name the one your post needs.
What should a security officer job description include?
Armed or unarmed, the license needed, the type of site, patrol and access-control duties, the shift and the pay.
Can I copy this security officer job description?
Yes. It is free to copy, edit and post on your website or any job board. Fill in your details above, then copy the text or download it.
Do I have to list a pay range in a security officer posting?
15 states require a good-faith pay range in job postings for employers above a set size, and more require it on request. Even where it is not required, a clear range gets more applicants.
See security officer jobs on TownTasks
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