Career Guide: Security Guards in Arlington, TX

As a career analyst who's spent years studying the Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) metroplex, I've watched Arlington evolve from a sleepy suburb into a powerhouse of entertainment, healthcare, and logistics. For security professionals, this isn't just another city—it's a strategic market with specific demands, unique employers, and a cost structure that requires careful planning. This guide cuts through the noise to give you the data and local insights you need to decide if Arlington is your next career move.

The Salary Picture: Where Arlington Stands

Let’s start with the hard numbers. The median salary for a Security Guard in Arlington is $36,497/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $17.55/hour. This sits slightly above the national average of $36,140/year, a modest but meaningful premium for a city with a higher cost of living. The metro area, encompassing all of Tarrant and Ellis counties, supports approximately 796 jobs specifically for security guards, indicating a steady, consistent demand.

Career progression isn't just about tenure; it's about specialization and responsibility. Here’s a realistic breakdown of salary progression based on experience in the local market:

Experience Level	Typical Responsibilities	Arlington Salary Range
Entry-Level	Static post duties, access control, basic patrols, incident reporting.	$30,000 - $34,000
Mid-Level	Armed guard, mobile patrol, supervisor-in-training, higher-risk sites.	$35,000 - $42,000
Senior	Shift supervisor, trainer, complex site management (e.g., data centers).	$42,000 - $52,000
Expert/Specialist	Executive protection, critical infrastructure, law enforcement liaison.	$52,000+

How does this compare to other Texas cities?

• Dallas: Higher earning potential ($38,000+ median) but significantly higher competition and cost of living.
• Fort Worth: Similar salary range to Arlington, with a slightly larger industrial/security market.
• Austin: Higher median ($37,500+) but the housing market is prohibitive for many.
• Houston: Industrial and energy sector jobs can push median pay higher ($38,500+), but the market is more volatile.

Arlington offers a "sweet spot"—a competitive wage within a manageable cost-of-living environment, away from the intense saturation of downtown Dallas or Austin.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

A $36,497/year salary in Texas is subject to federal tax (approx. 10-12% for this bracket) and no state income tax. After taxes, your take-home pay is roughly $2,700/month. Now, let's factor in the primary local expense: housing.

With the average 1BR rent in Arlington at $1,384/month and a Cost of Living Index of 103.3 (3.3% above the national average), your budget is tight but manageable. Here’s a realistic monthly budget breakdown:

Expense Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	% of Take-Home Pay
Housing (1BR Apt)	$1,384	51%
Utilities (Electric, Water, Internet)	$200	7%
Groceries & Household	$350	13%
Transportation (Gas/Car Payment)	$300	11%
Health Insurance/Personal Care	$200	7%
Misc. & Savings	$266	10%
TOTAL	$2,700	100%

Can you afford to buy a home? The short answer is challenging on a single Guard's salary. With a median home price in Arlington around $330,000 and a typical 20% down payment required for favorable terms, you're looking at a significant upfront investment. A 30-year mortgage at current rates would result in a monthly payment (including taxes and insurance) of $2,100-$2,300, which is unsustainable on a $36,497 salary. Homeownership is typically a longer-term goal, achievable only with dual incomes, significant promotion, or aggressive savings over 5-10 years.

Where the Jobs Are: Arlington's Major Employers

Arlington's economy is a unique blend of entertainment, healthcare, logistics, and education. Security roles are concentrated in these sectors. Here are the key players:

1. Texas Rangers / Globe Life Field: Home security and event security roles are massive here. Expect seasonal peaks (baseball season) and a need for crowd management, bag checks, and perimeter control. Hiring often starts in February for the March opener.
2. Six Flags Over Texas: This is a major employer. They hire hundreds of seasonal and permanent security staff for park operations, ride safety, and loss prevention. It's an excellent entry point for new guards, though pay may start at the lower end of the range.
3. Medical City Arlington & HCA Texas Healthcare: Hospital security is a stable, year-round field. Guards handle patient disputes, access control to sensitive areas (ER, maternity), and asset protection. These roles often require de-escalation training and can offer shifts that align with hospital 24/7 operations.
4. Amazon Fulfillment Centers (DFW7, DFW8): The logistics boom is real. Amazon facilities in and around Arlington (specifically in the Mid-Cities area) hire for internal security, gatehouse duties, and warehouse patrols. Shifts are often overnight, but the pay can be higher than median due to shift differentials.
5. Arlington Independent School District (AISD): School security officers are critical. Responsibilities include access control, monitoring cameras, and emergency response. These are often 10-month positions (following the academic calendar) and provide summers off—a huge perk for some.
6. General Motors Arlington Assembly Plant: A classic industrial security role. Guards protect one of GM's most important facilities, dealing with manufacturing equipment, raw materials, and finished vehicle inventory. It's a union-style environment with strong job security.

Hiring Trends: The market is stable. The 10-year job growth is only 3%, which tells us this isn't a boom industry but a consistent one. The biggest demand is for guards who can work flexible schedules (nights, weekends, holidays) and those willing to obtain an armed guard license, which can command a $3-$5/hour premium.

Getting Licensed in TX

Texas has clear, regulated requirements via the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), Private Security Bureau. The process is straightforward but requires an investment of time and money.

Requirements:

• Be at least 18 years old (21 for armed).
• Pass a fingerprint-based background check.
• Complete the required training (4 hours for unarmed, 15 hours for armed).
• Pass the state exam (unarmed or armed).

Costs & Timeline:

• Training Course: $85 - $150 (unarmed). $200 - $350 (armed), depending on the school.
• State Fees (DPS): $38 for the application fee (unarmed), $45 (armed).
• Fingerprinting: $30 - $50.
• Timeline: From start to finish, you can expect 4-6 weeks. Training is often available on weekends. The DPS processing time is typically 2-4 weeks after submitting a complete application.

Insider Tip: Many Arlington-based employers (like hospitals and schools) will pay for your armed guard training and licensing if you commit to them for a year. Always ask about this during the interview process.

Best Neighborhoods for Security Guards

Where you live in Arlington impacts your commute, rent, and lifestyle. The city is bisected by I-30, with the southern half being generally more affordable.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Avg. 1BR Rent	Best For
North Arlington (Viridian/ Hospitality District)	Newer, master-planned, near Rangers stadium. Easy access to DFW airport.	$1,500+	Guards working at Globe Life Field or the airport.
East Arlington (I-20 Corridor)	Established, middle-class, near Six Flags and major retail. Good highway access.	$1,250 - $1,400	A balanced choice for most employers.
South Arlington (Mansfield Hwy area)	More affordable, older stock, closer to southern job hubs (Amazon, GM).	$1,100 - $1,300	Those on a tighter budget or working southern industrial jobs.
West Arlington (I-30 corridor near Ft. Worth)	Quieter, more residential, longer commute to eastern jobs but closer to hospitals.	$1,200 - $1,450	Medical professionals or those who value a quieter home life.

Commute Reality: Traffic on I-30 and I-20 is heavy during rush hour (7-9 AM, 4-6 PM). A 10-mile drive can take 25-40 minutes. Living near your primary employer or a direct bus line is a major quality-of-life advantage.

The Long Game: Career Growth

With 10-year job growth at 3%, advancement requires proactive specialization.

Specialty Premiums:

• Armed Guard License: +$3-$5/hour. Essential for high-stakes sites like data centers, banks, and transportation hubs.
• Executive Protection: Requires advanced training in defensive driving, medical response, and threat assessment. Can push earnings to $60,000+ in the DFW area.
• Firearm Instruction: Becoming a certified instructor for the Texas DPS course is a lucrative side hustle.

Advancement Paths:

1. Technical: Guard → Site Supervisor → Operations Manager. Requires leadership and computer skills (for scheduling/reporting).
2. Specialized: Guard → Armed Guard → Critical Infrastructure Specialist (e.g., power plants, data centers).
3. Hybrid: Guard → Security Technician (installing/maintaining cameras and access systems). This path often leads to a career in Physical Security Engineering, with salaries $60,000-$80,000.

10-Year Outlook: The role won't disappear, but it will evolve. Basic static guards are increasingly being replaced by roving patrols and remote video monitoring. Your value will be in your judgment, communication, and ability to handle complex situations—not just standing post. Gaining tech skills (CCTV, access control systems) is your best bet for future-proofing your career.

The Verdict: Is Arlington Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Stable Job Market: Consistent demand from hospitals, schools, and entertainment.	Modest Pay Ceiling: $36,497 median limits savings and homeownership potential.
Manageable Cost of Living: Rent is high but more reasonable than Dallas/Austin.	High Rent Burden: $1,384/month consumes over 50% of take-home pay on median salary.
Diverse Employer Base: Not reliant on one industry; multiple sectors hiring.	Traffic Congestion: Commutes can be long and stressful, especially on I-30.
Central DFW Location: Easy access to other job markets (Dallas, Fort Worth) for future moves.	Limited Public Transit: You need a reliable car; public transport is not robust for shift work.
No State Income Tax: Helps stretch your $36,497 salary further.	Low Job Growth (3%): Fewer new opportunities; advancement is competitive.

Final Recommendation: Arlington is an excellent choice for a Security Guard who is debt-free, has a reliable vehicle, and is willing to specialize (start with unarmed, get armed certified within 2 years). It’s a stable, predictable market with a realistic cost of living. It is NOT a good fit for those seeking rapid wealth accumulation or who are uncomfortable with a tight monthly budget where housing consumes over half of their income. If you can handle the first 2-3 years of tight finances and commit to ongoing training, Arlington can be a solid foundation for a long-term career in the DFW security field.

FAQs

Q: Do I need my own car to work as a Security Guard in Arlington?
A: Yes, absolutely. Most posts are spread out, and shift work (often starting at 10 PM or 6 AM) has limited public transit options. A reliable vehicle is non-negotiable.

Q: Is the market competitive?
A: With 796 jobs in a metro of nearly 400,000, it's competitive but not oversaturated. The key is to get your license (armed, if possible) and be flexible with shifts. Specialized skills (CPR, first aid, de-escalation) make you stand out.

Q: How do I find jobs with the major employers?
A: Don't just look on generic job boards. Go directly to the career sites for Medical City Arlington, Arlington ISD, and Six Flags. For logistics jobs, search for "Amazon Security" or "GM Arlington Security." For event work, check the Texas Rangers' official site under "Guest Services" or "Security."

Q: Will my pay increase if I move from unarmed to armed?
A: Typically, yes. The armed license opens doors to higher-risk, higher-paying sites. Expect a starting rate of at least $20-$22/hour for armed positions, which would put you at $41,600 - $45,760/year, a significant step up from the median.

Q: What’s the biggest challenge for new guards in Arlington?
A: The first year is a financial grind. With $1,384/month rent and a $36,497 salary, budgeting is critical. The second biggest challenge is learning the specific protocols of your site—whether it's a hospital, a school, or a stadium. Listen, ask questions, and document everything.

Sources: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) Private Security Bureau, Zillow Rental Data for Arlington, TX, and local employer career pages.