Career Guide: Security Guard in Amarillo, TX

Amarillo isn't just the capital of the Texas Panhandle; it's a strategic crossroads for logistics, healthcare, and agriculture. For security guards, this means a steady demand for patrols, access control, and loss prevention. If you're considering a move here, you need the straight facts. This guide is built on real data and local insight—not sales pitches. Let's get to work.

The Salary Picture: Where Amarillo Stands

The security field in Amarillo pays below the national average, but the cost of living makes it workable. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and local job market data, the median salary for Security Guards in Amarillo is $35,142 per year. On an hourly basis, that's $16.9 per hour. For context, the national average for Security Guards is $36,140 per year. Amarillo's figure sits slightly below the national line, a common trend for non-coastal, mid-sized Texas cities.

Here’s how that breaks down by experience level. These are realistic estimates based on local job postings and industry standards.

Experience Level	Annual Salary Range (Amarillo)	Hourly Equivalent
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$28,000 - $32,000	$13.46 - $15.38
Mid-Level (2-5 years)	$33,000 - $38,000	$15.87 - $18.27
Senior (5-10 years)	$38,000 - $45,000	$18.27 - $21.63
Expert/Supervisor (10+ years)	$45,000 - $52,000+	$21.63 - $24.99+

Insider Tip: Many local security companies (like ACS or Securitas) have tiered pay structures. Getting a specialized certification (more on that later) can bump you from the entry-level bracket into the mid-level range immediately, even with limited experience.

Comparison to Other Texas Cities:

• Dallas-Fort Worth: Median salary ~$37,500. Higher pay, but cost of living is 15-20% higher.
• Houston: Median salary ~$36,800. Similar pay, but significantly higher rent and traffic.
• San Antonio: Median salary ~$35,800. Very close to Amarillo, but with a larger metro population (2.5M) and more competition.
• Lubbock: Median salary ~$34,500. Amarillo pays slightly more than its closest peer city to the south.

Bottom Line: Amarillo offers competitive pay for the region when adjusted for cost of living. You won't get rich, but you can build a stable life.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's get brutally practical. A median salary of $35,142 means a monthly gross of about $2,928. After federal taxes, FICA (7.65%), and Texas's lack of state income tax, your take-home pay will be roughly $2,400 - $2,500 per month.

Monthly Budget Breakdown for a Security Guard Earning the Median:

Category	Estimated Cost	Notes
Gross Monthly Pay	$2,928	Based on $35,142/year
Estimated Take-Home	$2,450	After taxes & deductions
Rent (1BR Average)	$879	Citywide average
Utilities (Electric, Gas, Internet)	$150	Varies by season (AC/heating)
Car Payment & Insurance	$350	Essential in Amarillo; public transit is limited
Food & Groceries	$300	Cooking at home is key
Fuel	$150	Average commute is 10-15 miles
Health Insurance	$200	If not covered by employer
Misc. & Savings	$421	Leftover for savings, entertainment, etc.

Can you afford to buy a home? The median home price in Amarillo is around $225,000. With a median salary of $35,142, you'd be at the upper edge of what lenders typically recommend (3x your annual income is $105,426, which is far below the home price). This is challenging. However, Texas has first-time homebuyer programs (like the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs loans) that can help with down payments. It's not impossible, but you'd likely need a dual-income household or a significant down payment to make the mortgage manageable.

Insider Tip: Rent in Amarillo is highly variable. You can find a 1BR for $700-$750 in the older parts of the city (like the San Jacinto or Hillside neighborhoods), but they may be older builds. The $879 average is a good baseline for a decent apartment in a safe area like Southwest Amarillo or near the medical district.

Where the Jobs Are: Amarillo's Major Employers

Amarillo's job market for security is driven by key industries: healthcare, logistics, and agriculture. Here are the major local employers:

1. Baptist St. Anthony's Health System (BSA) / Northwest Texas Healthcare System: These are the two large hospital systems. They need constant security for patient safety, access control, and asset protection. Hiring is steady, often through in-house teams or contracted companies like Allied Universal. They value experience in healthcare security, which can pay a premium.
2. Tyson Foods (Beef Plant): A massive employer on the city's east side. Requires 24/7 security for access control, perimeter patrols, and loss prevention. Shifts are often overnight and on weekends. Insider Tip: This is a union shop; pay and benefits can be better than some smaller contracts.
3. Omni Oil & Gas / Phillips 66 (Logistics Hubs): With the Panhandle's energy sector, refineries and logistics terminals need robust perimeter security. These jobs often require additional certifications (like HAZMAT) and pay above the median. Check for postings with Securitas or direct hires.
4. Amarillo College / WTAMU (West Texas A&M University): The college district and the university (in nearby Canyon) hire security for campus safety, event security, and building access. These are often part-time or shift-based roles, good for students or those seeking supplemental income.
5. Retail Giants (Walmart, Target, Market Street): Loss prevention is a consistent need. These are often entry-level positions but can lead to supervisor roles. Insider Tip: Market Street (the upscale grocery) in Southwest Amarillo is known for a more professional retail security environment.
6. City of Amarillo & Potter/Randall County: Municipal government hires security for public buildings, courts, and events. These are competitive, often requiring a clean background and sometimes prior military or law enforcement experience. Check the City of Amarillo's official jobs portal.
7. Private Security Firms: Companies like Allied Universal, Securitas, and local firms like Amarillo Security hold major contracts. They are the primary source for contract security jobs. Hiring trends show a consistent need for warm bodies for static posts, but turnover is high. Specialized roles (armed, foot patrol) are more stable.

Hiring Trend: The 10-year job growth for Security Guards in Amarillo is 3%, which is slower than the national average. This means competition for the best posts (like hospitals or government) is steady, not booming. The bulk of openings will be for contract security at industrial sites and retail.

Getting Licensed in TX

Texas has straightforward licensing through the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), Private Security Bureau (PSB). You do not need a state license for unarmed security in Texas, but many employers require it.

For Unarmed Security (most common):

• No state license required. However, employers will require you to complete a 6-hour Level II Non-Commissioned Security Officer training course. This covers laws, ethics, and report writing.
• Cost: $75 - $150 for the course, often paid for by the employer upon hiring.
• Timeline: You can complete this in one day. You can start applying for jobs immediately after.

For Armed Security:

• License Required: You need a Level III Commissioned Security Officer license.
• Requirements: 30 hours of training (includes firearms, laws, and tactics), passing a state exam, and a clean background check. You must also qualify with your firearm at a range.
• Cost: $400 - $600 for the full course, plus firearm and ammunition costs.
• Timeline: 2-4 weeks to complete training and receive your license from the DPS.
• Insider Tip: Armed positions pay significantly more (often $20-$25/hour), but come with higher liability and stress. Most armed jobs in Amarillo are at banks, jewelry stores, or high-value logistics.

Background Check: All employers will run a background check. A DWI or non-violent felony from the past 5-7 years may be disqualifying for many positions, especially in healthcare or government.

Best Neighborhoods for Security Guards

Commute matters. Amarillo is spread out, and you'll likely need a car. Here are neighborhoods that balance safety, commute, and affordability.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	1BR Rent Estimate	Best For...
Southwest Amarillo	Safe, family-oriented, near shopping (Southgate Mall). Commute to medical district is 10-15 min.	$900 - $1,100	Stability, safety, easy access to major employers.
Medical District	Central, walkable to BSA hospital. Older, established area.	$750 - $950	Minimal commute for hospital security jobs.
San Jacinto	Historic, artsy, near Amarillo College. Gentrifying, but mixed safety.	$650 - $850	Budget-conscious, short commutes to downtown/college.
Hillside	Quiet, residential, north of I-40. Moderate commute to all major areas.	$700 - $900	A balance of affordability and safety.
Northwest Amarillo	Newer subdivisions, more expensive. Far from central employers.	$1,000 - $1,300	If you work at a west-side industrial site (like Phillips 66).

Insider Tip: Avoid the Boulevard and East Amarillo areas east of the railroad tracks. While rents are lower, crime rates are higher, and the commute to major employers can be over 20 minutes with traffic.

The Long Game: Career Growth

With a 10-year job growth of 3%, advancement requires proactive steps. Don't just settle for a static post.

Specialty Premiums (How to Earn More):

• Armed Security: As noted, a $3-$7/hour premium over unarmed.
• HAZMAT/Industrial Sites: Specialized training for petrochemical sites can add $2-$4/hour.
• Corporate Security Officer: Moving from contract work to an in-house role at a large company (like BSA or Tyson) often comes with better benefits and a path to management.
• Executive Protection: Requires extensive training and networking, but is a high-end niche.

Advancement Paths:

1. Security Guard → Field Supervisor: Overseeing a team of guards. Pay jumps to $38,000 - $45,000.
2. Field Supervisor → Operations Manager: Managing multiple contracts for a security firm. Pay can reach $50,000 - $65,000.
3. Security Guard → Law Enforcement: Many use security experience as a stepping stone to the Amarillo Police Department or Potter County Sheriff's Office. They value prior experience and clean backgrounds.

10-Year Outlook: The need for security will remain, but automation (cameras, access systems) may reduce some manual posts. The growth will be in technology-assisted security—guards who can operate systems, write detailed reports, and handle complex situations. Getting certified in CPR/AED and First Aid is a minimal investment with high value.

The Verdict: Is Amarillo Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Very Low Cost of Living (Index: 90.8 vs US 100). Your paycheck goes further.	Low Median Salary ($35,142). Top earnings are capped unless you specialize.
Stable, Diverse Employer Base (Hospitals, Ag, Logistics).	3% Job Growth is slow. Competition for best jobs is steady.
Short, Easy Commutes (Avg 15-20 mins). No major traffic hell.	Car-Dependent City. Public transit is very limited.
Strong Sense of Community. Easy to get to know people.	Limited Nightlife & Culture. It's a quiet, family-oriented city.
Friendly State for Gun Owners (if pursuing armed security).	Extreme Weather (blizzards, tornadoes, 100°F+ summers).

Final Recommendation: Amarillo is an excellent choice for security guards who prioritize low cost of living and stability over high salaries. It's ideal for:

• Newcomers looking to establish themselves in a manageable market.
• Those seeking a predictable, low-stress environment (compared to big cities).
• Specialists willing to pursue armed or industrial certifications for higher pay.

If your goal is rapid career growth and a six-figure salary, look to Dallas or Houston. If you want a balanced life where a $16.9/hour job can support a comfortable lifestyle, Amarillo deserves serious consideration.

FAQs

1. Do I need my own car for security work in Amarillo?
Yes. The city is spread out, and most shifts start early or end late. Employers rarely provide transportation. A reliable vehicle is a non-negotiable tool of the trade.

2. How long does it take to get hired after completing training?
For unarmed positions, you can be hired in as little as 1-2 weeks. Armed positions take longer due to licensing (2-4 weeks). The fastest path is to apply for contract security jobs (Allied, Securitas) while you're in training.

3. Is the weather a problem for security work?
It can be. You'll work in all conditions. Summers are brutally hot (often over 100°F), and winter can bring blizzards that shut down the city. Employers provide some gear, but invest in quality boots and layers. Your patrol vehicle will have AC/heat, but foot patrols in extreme weather are tough.

4. Can I make a career out of security in Amarillo?
Yes, but it requires a plan. The median salary is a starting point. To build a career, you must move into supervision, get armed or specialized certifications, or transition to an in-house corporate security role. The path is there, but you must actively pursue it.

5. What's the biggest mistake new security guards make in Amarillo?
Taking the first low-paying, static post without a growth plan. Many get comfortable on a night shift at a warehouse and stagnate. Use that time to network with supervisors, get additional certifications, and apply for better internal postings. The opportunities for advancement exist, but they won't be handed to you.

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Data Sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, Texas Department of Public Safety Private Security Bureau, Amarillo Board of Realtors (for rent data), local job postings from Indeed, Glassdoor, and company career pages. All salary numbers are based on provided data.