Security Guard in Arvada, CO

Here is a comprehensive career guide for Security Guards considering a move to Arvada, Colorado.

The Salary Picture: Where Arvada Stands

If you're looking at security work in Arvada, the first thing to grapple with is the pay. Let’s be direct: security isn't a field you get into to get rich. The numbers are what they are, and in Arvada, they're slightly better than the national average but still tight.

The median salary for a Security Guard in the area is $36,736/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $17.66/hour. This is marginally better than the national average of $36,140/year. In a metro area of 123,517 people, there are roughly 247 jobs for security guards, with a projected 10-year job growth of 3%. That growth is slow, but it’s consistent—in this field, stability is often more valuable than explosive growth.

To understand where you fit, here’s a breakdown of what you can expect based on experience:

Experience Level	Typical Hourly Rate	Typical Annual Salary	Notes
Entry-Level	$16.00 - $18.00	$33,280 - $37,440	Most common starting point. Often unarmed posts at retail or industrial sites.
Mid-Level	$18.00 - $21.00	$37,440 - $43,680	Requires 2-5 years of experience or a CDL. Armed guards or site supervisors.
Senior	$21.00 - $25.00	$43,680 - $52,000	Senior supervisors, specialized roles (data centers, executive protection).
Expert/Specialist	$25.00+	$52,000+	Management, security directors, or highly specialized industrial work.

How does this stack up against other Colorado cities? Arvada is a suburb with a lower cost of living than downtown Denver, but the pay for security work is comparable. You'll find similar wages in Lakewood and Westminster, but slightly lower than the Denver core, where the cost of living is higher. For a security guard, that makes Arvada a sensible choice—you’re not paying Denver premiums for the same paycheck.

Insider Tip: The $17.66 median isn't a ceiling. The difference between $17.66 and $21.00 often comes down to one thing: a commercial driver's license (CDL) or an armed guard certification. Those two credentials are the primary levers you can pull to move from the median into the mid-tier range.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s talk real numbers. A median salary of $36,736 is a gross figure. After federal taxes, Social Security, Medicare, and Colorado state income tax (which starts at 4.4%), your take-home pay will be closer to $29,000 - $30,000 annually, or about $2,400 - $2,500 per month.

Now, let’s look at the rent. The average 1-bedroom apartment in Arvada costs $1,635 per month. That’s 65% of your monthly take-home pay if you’re at the median wage. As you can see, this is an unsustainable ratio.

Here’s a realistic monthly budget breakdown for a security guard earning the median $36,736/year:

Expense Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Rent (1BR)	$1,635	Average for Arvada.
Utilities (Electric, Gas, Internet)	$150	Varies by season.
Groceries	$350	Based on a single person.
Car Payment/Insurance	$350	Essential in Arvada; public transit is limited.
Gas	$120	Commute to Denver or surrounding areas adds up.
Health Insurance	$200	If not provided by employer.
Remaining	-$405	This is a deficit.

This budget leaves you in the red every month. The reality is, a security guard earning the median salary cannot comfortably afford an average 1-bedroom apartment in Arvada alone.

Can they afford to buy a home? With the median home price in Arvada around $600,000, the answer is a hard no on a single security guard’s income. A 20% down payment is $120,000, and the mortgage payment would be far beyond your means. Homeownership is only feasible for security guards in Arvada if you have a dual-income household, have moved into a senior or specialist role, or are willing to live in a much older, smaller condo or a shared housing situation.

Insider Tip: To make the math work, you must either find a roommate (cutting rent to ~$800) or find employment with a large company that offers significant benefits like a housing allowance or subsidized rent, which is rare but exists in some industrial or corporate security roles.

Where the Jobs Are: Arvada's Major Employers

Arvada isn't a dense downtown core, but it has a diverse employment base for security. You’ll find jobs in healthcare, retail, industry, and municipal government. The hiring trend is steady, not booming, with most turnover happening at the large contract security firms.

1. SCL Health (now part of Intermountain Healthcare): Their campus in Arvada, which includes Lutheran Medical Center, is a major employer. They hire both in-house security officers and contract staff. Shifts are 24/7, often requiring experience in de-escalation and patient safety.
2. Amazon Fulfillment Center (DFE8): Located on the eastern edge of Arvada near I-76, this warehouse is a huge source of security jobs, typically contracted through firms like Securitas or Allied Universal. Demand is high, especially for overnight shifts. A CDL is a huge plus here for gatehouse duties.
3. Olde Town Arvada & Retail Corridors: The historic downtown and shopping areas like the Arvada Marketplace (Wadsworth & 80th) require retail loss prevention officers. These are often entry-level positions with a focus on deterring theft.
4. Lockheed Martin: While their main facility is in nearby Westminster/Broomfield, the security needs for a defense giant are significant. They hire cleared security personnel for access control and perimeter patrol. This is a pathway to higher pay ($22+/hr) but requires a clean background and often a security clearance.
5. Jefferson County Government: The Jefferson County Courthouse and administrative buildings in Arvada require court security officers and facility security. These are stable, public-sector jobs with good benefits, though pay may start at or near the median.
6. Xcel Energy: The Arvada area has significant energy infrastructure. Xcel contracts security for its substations and facilities. These roles often require specific training for hazardous sites and can pay above median.
7. Contract Security Firms (Allied Universal, Securitas, G4S): These are the backbone of the industry. They hold contracts for countless sites across Arvada—from small office parks to large data centers. They are the easiest place to get your foot in the door, but turnover is high.

Hiring Trends: The market is stable. There’s a constant need to fill shifts, especially the undesirable ones (graveyard, weekends). Specialized certifications (armed, CDL) make you instantly more marketable. The move toward integrated security (technology + patrols) means guards with basic tech literacy have an edge.

Getting Licensed in CO

Colorado’s requirements are straightforward but mandatory. The state does not license security guards directly, but it does regulate the training and firearms permits.

• Unarmed Security Guard: You must complete a state-approved 8-hour training course covering laws, use of force, and report writing. The course typically costs $75 - $150. After course completion, you can be hired by a licensed security company, which will then register you with the Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI). There is no state license card you carry; your employment with a licensed company is your authorization.
• Armed Security Guard: This is a significant step up. You need an additional 16 hours of firearms training (for a total of 24 hours) from a state-certified instructor. The cost for the armed course is usually $250 - $400. You must also obtain a Colorado Concealed Handgun Permit (CHP) from your local sheriff's office, which involves a background check, fingerprints, and a fee (approx. $52.50). The entire process can take 4-8 weeks.
• Timeline to Get Started: For an unarmed guard, you can be job-ready in 1-2 weeks. Start the course, get your certificate, and apply. For armed, plan for a longer timeline (6-10 weeks) to complete training, apply for your CHP, and receive the permit.

Insider Tip: Do not pay for your own training unless you are absolutely certain you want to work for a specific company. Many of the larger contract firms (Allied, Securitas) will provide and pay for your initial unarmed training upon hiring. For armed, you often must pay out of pocket, but some companies offer a tuition reimbursement after 6-12 months of employment.

Best Neighborhoods for Security Guards

Where you live in Arvada depends on your budget and where you get a job. Since most security jobs are shift work, proximity to major highways (I-70, I-76, US-36) is key.

1. Central Arvada (Olde Town): The heart of the city. You’re close to retail and restaurant jobs, and the Light Rail station is here for commuting to Denver. It’s walkable and vibrant, but also the most expensive. A 1BR here is $1,700+. Best for those with roommates or a partner.
2. West Arvada (Near 64th & Wadsworth): More residential, quieter. Closer to the foothills, which can be a nice lifestyle perk. Commutes to the Amazon center or industrial areas are easy. Rent for a 1BR is closer to the city average: $1,550 - $1,650.
3. East Arvada (Near 56th & Wadsworth/I-76): More affordable and closer to major employers like Lockheed Martin and the Amazon fulfillment center. Commutes to Denver are straightforward via I-76. It’s less charming but practical. 1BR apartments can be found in the $1,450 - $1,550 range.
4. Arvada Plaza (Northwest): A more industrial and commercial area with older apartment complexes. It’s very affordable and has excellent highway access (I-70, US-36). This is a smart choice for a guard on a tight budget. You can find 1BR units for $1,300 - $1,400, but the trade-off is a less walkable environment.
5. Westminster (Adjacent to Arvada): While not in Arvada, many security guards live here for the better housing value and still have a short commute. Areas near 120th & Federal offer newer apartments. 1BR rent is similar to Arvada but with more inventory.

Insider Tip: If you land a job at the Amazon facility or the industrial parks on the east side, living in East Arvada or Arvada Plaza will cut your commute from 30+ minutes to under 10, saving you significant time and gas money.

The Long Game: Career Growth

With a 10-year job growth of only 3%, you’re not looking at a field that expands rapidly. Growth comes from specialization and promotion, not new job creation.

• Specialty Premiums (How to earn more):

  • Armed Guard: Adds $3 - $6/hour to your base rate.
  • CDL (Commercial Driver’s License): Opens doors to mobile patrol, armored car services, and gatehouse duties at logistics hubs. Can add $2 - $4/hour.
  • Fire Watch/Hazardous Materials: Specialized certifications for construction sites or industrial facilities. Can be a $2 - $5/hour premium.
  • Executive Protection: Requires extensive experience, physical fitness, and often a law enforcement background. Pays $30+/hour but is a small, competitive niche.

• Advancement Paths:

  1. Field Officer → Site Supervisor: You oversee other guards at a specific location. Requires reliability, leadership, and report-writing skills. Pay bump to $19 - $24/hour.
  2. Field Officer → Mobile Officer: You patrol multiple sites in a company vehicle. Requires a clean driving record and often a CDL. Pay is similar to supervisor but less direct responsibility.
  3. Supervisor → Account Manager/Director: You manage contracts and client relationships for a security firm. This is an office-based role, moving away from the uniform. Pay can reach $55,000 - $75,000/year.
  4. Security Guard → Law Enforcement: Many use security experience as a stepping stone to apply for police or sheriff’s deputy positions. The experience in report writing and de-escalation is directly applicable.

10-Year Outlook: The security field will see more integration with technology—drones, cameras, and AI monitoring. The guard’s role will shift toward being a first responder and a tech operator. The guards who adapt to this will have the most job security and the best pay. The ones who don’t may find their roles diminished.

The Verdict: Is Arvada Right for You?

Arvada offers a mix of suburban comfort and access to the Denver metro job market, but it’s a challenging place for a single-earner security guard on the median salary.

Pros of Arvada for Security Guards	Cons of Arvada for Security Guards
Stable, diverse job market (healthcare, retail, industry).	Cost of Living is high relative to pay. Rent consumes a major portion of income.
Lower crime rate and a generally safe environment to work in.	Homeownership is out of reach for most in this field.
Proximity to Denver without the downtown price tag (for housing).	Public transportation is limited; a reliable car is a must.
Clear pathways to specialize (armed, CDL) for higher pay.	Job growth is slow; advancement depends on specialization.

Final Recommendation:

Arvada is a viable choice for a security guard if you:

• Are willing to start with a roommate to make the rent work.
• Are motivated to pursue an armed guard license or CDL to increase your earning potential.
• Are targeting specific employers like SCL Health or Lockheed Martin for their benefits and stability.
• See yourself in a long-term career path toward supervision or management.

Arvada is not a good choice if you:

• Are looking for a high-salary career right out of the gate.
• Expect to buy a home on a single security guard’s income in the near future.
• Are not willing to invest in additional training and certifications.
• Dislike shift work or the unpredictability of contract security.

The key to making it in Arvada as a security guard is to treat your first year as a stepping stone—get your foot in the door, earn your certifications, and work toward a specialized role that pays above the median.

FAQs

1. Can I survive in Arvada on $17.66/hour?
Yes, but it requires careful budgeting and likely a roommate. The math is tight. You will need to prioritize spending and avoid unnecessary debt. Public assistance programs may be necessary for some individuals or families.

2. Is the security market in Arvada competitive?
It's competitive for the best jobs (armed, corporate, government). For basic unarmed retail or warehouse posts, there is steady turnover, and hiring is constant. Being reliable and showing up on time will put you ahead of many applicants.

3. Do I need my own car to work security in Arvada?
Yes, overwhelmingly so. While there are a few jobs accessible by the Light Rail, the vast majority of security posts (warehouses, suburban offices, hospitals) are not transit-friendly. A reliable vehicle is a non-negotiable tool of the trade.

4. How long does it take to move from an unarmed guard to an armed guard in CO?
With the required training and CHP application, expect a timeline of 6-10 weeks from starting your course to being fully licensed and employable as an armed guard. Some employers may hire you while you complete the process.

5. What’s the best way to find a security job in Arvada?
Start with the large contract firms (Allied Universal, Securitas, GardaWorld) as they have the most openings. Check company websites directly and also use job boards like Indeed, filtering for "Arvada." For in-house positions (like at SCL Health or Jefferson County), go directly to the employer's career page. Networking with other guards can also uncover opportunities at smaller, less-advertised sites.