Security Guard in Auburn, WA

The Salary Picture: Where Auburn Stands

As a local who’s watched the security industry here for over a decade, I can tell you Auburn offers a stable, if modest, career path for security guards. The city sits at the crossroads of King and Pierce counties, with a mix of industrial, commercial, and suburban needs that keep guards busy. But let’s ground this in hard numbers.

The median salary for Security Guards in Auburn is $37,549/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $18.05/hour. Compared to the national average of $36,140/year, Auburn pays slightly better than the U.S. as a whole—a common trend in the Puget Sound region due to a higher cost of living. However, it’s crucial to understand that this median figure is a blend of all experience levels and shift types. The job market here is competitive, with 169 open positions in the greater metro area (a figure that fluctuates but has remained relatively steady). The 10-year job growth is projected at 3%, which is slower than many tech-adjacent fields but indicates consistent, if not explosive, demand.

To see how experience impacts your earning potential, here’s a breakdown based on local industry standards and BLS data for the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue metro area:

Experience Level	Typical Years	Estimated Annual Salary (Auburn)	Hourly Equivalent
Entry-Level	0-2 years	$34,000 - $37,549	$16.35 - $18.05
Mid-Level	2-5 years	$38,000 - $42,000	$18.27 - $20.20
Senior/Guard Lead	5-10 years	$42,500 - $48,000	$20.43 - $23.08
Expert/Specialized	10+ years	$48,000 - $55,000+	$23.08 - $26.44+

Note: These are estimates for standard armed/unarmed roles. Specialized roles (see "The Long Game" section) can command premiums.

How does Auburn compare to other WA cities?
Auburn pays less than Seattle proper (where the median is closer to $42,000) but is competitive with Tacoma ($37,000). It pays more than many smaller suburban cities in Pierce County. The key differentiator is the job volume: Auburn’s location near I-5 and I-405 creates a hub for logistics, manufacturing, and retail security, which supports more openings than purely residential towns.

Insider Tip: Don’t just look at the median. Many local employers (like those listed later) start guards at $18.50-$19.50/hour to compete for reliable talent. Your leverage increases if you have a clean driving record, first-aid/CPR certification, or experience with specific systems (like Lenel or Genetec).

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The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get brutally practical. The median salary of $37,549 is your gross annual income. As a single filer in Washington (no state income tax), your take-home after federal taxes, Social Security, and Medicare will be approximately $30,400 annually (roughly $2,533/month). Now, let’s factor in the local cost of living.

The average 1BR rent in Auburn is $1,864/month. The Cost of Living Index is 113.0 (US avg = 100), meaning everything from groceries to transportation is 13% more expensive than the national average. Here’s a realistic monthly budget for a security guard earning the median salary:

Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Take-Home Pay	$2,533	After federal taxes (WA has no state income tax)
Rent (1BR)	-$1,864	Average for a standard apartment
Utilities (Elec, Gas, Internet)	-$180	Higher in winter due to heating
Groceries	-$300	Based on USDA low-cost plan for one adult
Transportation (Gas/Insurance/Transit)	-$250	Assumes a used car; public transit is limited
Health Insurance (if not employer-provided)	-$200	Marketplace estimate
Misc. (Phone, Personal, Savings)	-$260	Extremely tight budget
Remaining	-$521	Deficit

Can they afford to buy a home? In short, not on this salary alone. The median home price in Auburn is approximately $550,000 (per recent NWMLS data). A 20% down payment is $110,000. With a $37,549 salary, your maximum mortgage payment (including taxes and insurance) would be around $1,050/month (based on a 31% debt-to-income ratio). A $440,000 loan at current rates would have a payment over $2,800/month, making homeownership impossible without a dual income, significant savings, or a substantial down payment.

Insider Tip: Many security guards in Auburn live with roommates or partners to split the $1,864 rent, which is the single biggest factor in making this salary work. Commuting from nearby Pierce County cities like Puyallup or Sumner can lower rent by $200-$300/month, but adds to your transportation costs and commute time.

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Where the Jobs Are: Auburn's Major Employers

Auburn’s security job market is driven by its industrial and commercial base. Here’s where the openings are, with specific local details:

1. Muckleshoot Casino: A massive employer in Auburn, with hundreds of security positions for both the casino floor and the attached hotel. They hire for everything from entry-level floor guards to surveillance specialists. They offer competitive pay and benefits, often starting above the median. Hiring Trend: Steady, with a focus on customer service and de-escalation skills.

2. Auburn Valley Health & Rehabilitation Center: Like most long-term care facilities, they need 24/7 security for patient safety, visitor management, and asset protection. This is a stable, predictable schedule. Hiring Trend: Consistent demand due to the aging population; they prioritize guards with healthcare facility experience.

3. Boeing Auburn Plant (Renton-based but major employer for the region): While the direct Boeing plant is in Auburn, security is often handled by third-party contractors (like Securitas or GardaWorld) who service the location and surrounding aerospace suppliers. These are high-clearance, specialized roles. Hiring Trend: Tied to aerospace production cycles; currently stable with defense contracts.

4. Walmart Distribution Center (Kent/Auburn border): One of the largest in the region. The security team handles warehouse access, loss prevention, and safety monitoring. It’s a fast-paced, industrial environment. Hiring Trend: High volume hiring, especially for overnight shifts. Often uses temp-to-hire agencies.

5. Auburn School District: District security officers are responsible for multiple schools, managing access control, responding to incidents, and ensuring student safety. This is a public-sector role with better benefits and summers off. Hiring Trend: Steady, with turnover creating openings. Preference for candidates with previous school or youth experience.

6. Pacific Plaza & Outlet Collection at Riverbend: These major retail centers need loss prevention and customer-facing security. Schedules are often tied to mall hours. Hiring Trend: Seasonal spikes during holidays; year-round base staff.

7. King County Metro (Auburn Transit Center): Security for public transit hubs is a specialized role, often contracted through companies like Transit Security Services. It requires handling transient populations and public disturbances. Hiring Trend: Growing, as the county invests in transit safety.

Insider Tip: The most reliable way to find these jobs is through direct company career pages, not just general job boards. For contract work, check local branches of national firms like Securitas, G4S, Allied Universal, and GardaWorld. They service most of the employers listed above.

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Getting Licensed in WA

Washington State has clear, mandatory requirements for security guards, administered by the Department of Licensing (DOL). It’s not optional.

1. Basic Requirements: You must be at least 18 years old, have no disqualifying criminal convictions (felonies or certain misdemeanors), and be able to pass a background check.
2. Training: You must complete a 16-hour foundational training course from a DOL-approved school. This covers state law, use of force, emergency procedures, and report writing. Cost: $150 - $250.
3. Application: You apply for your Unarmed Security Guard License through the DOL website. You’ll need proof of training, a passport-style photo, and pay a fee. Cost: $120 (for a 2-year license).
4. Timeline: From start to finish, you can get your license in 3-6 weeks. Training can be completed in a weekend. The DOL background check is the main variable.

For an Armed Guard License: It’s a separate, more complex process. You need:

• An Unarmed license first.
• 80 hours of additional armed training (including firearms safety, tactics, and law).
• A separate state armed guard application and fee ($200 for 2-year license).
• Total Cost: $1,000 - $1,500+ for training and fees.
• Timeline: 2-3 months minimum.

Insider Tip: Many employers in Auburn will pay for your initial training if you commit to working for them for a set period (e.g., 6-12 months). Always ask about this during interviews. The Washington State Security Guard Association (WSSGA) is a great resource for approved trainers and continuing education.

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Best Neighborhoods for Security Guards

Where you live in Auburn affects your commute, lifestyle, and budget. Here are 4-5 neighborhoods to consider:

1. Downtown Auburn: Avg. Rent: $1,950/month. The heart of the city. You’re close to the transit center, shops, and restaurants. Commute to most major employers is under 10 minutes. Best for those who want walkability and a central location. The apartments here are older but well-located.

2. Lea Hill: Avg. Rent: $1,750/month. A quieter, residential area northeast of downtown. It’s close to the Muckleshoot Casino and Green River Community College. Commute is easy via 15th NE. Good for families or those wanting more space and less noise. More single-family homes than apartments.

3. West Auburn (Pacific/Algona border): Avg. Rent: $1,700/month. Affordable and close to the Walmart Distribution Center and major freight corridors (I-5). It’s a blue-collar, industrial area. Commute to downtown Auburn is quick, but it’s farther from retail hubs. Ideal if you work in logistics or overnight shifts.

4. South Auburn (near Auburn-Enumclaw Rd): Avg. Rent: $1,800/month. A mix of older homes and new apartments. Close to the Muckleshoot Casino and the valley’s agricultural areas. Offers a suburban feel with easy access to SR 410 for trips to the mountains. A good balance for lifestyle and cost.

5. North Auburn (near Kent-Des Moines Rd): Avg. Rent: $1,900/month. More densely populated, with a higher proportion of apartments. Close to the Auburn Valley Health Center and the commercial strip on A St. NE. Commute to Kent or Seattle is easier here. Best for those who need access to a wider range of services.

Insider Tip: Traffic on I-5 and SR 18 can be brutal during rush hour. If your job is in West Auburn, living there saves significant commute time and gas money. Always visit a potential neighborhood at night, especially if you’ll be working late shifts, to get a feel for the area’s safety and vibe.

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The Long Game: Career Growth

A security career in Auburn doesn’t have to plateau at $37,549. The path to higher earnings is through specialization and advancement.

• Specialty Premiums:

  • Armed Guard: Adds a $3-$5/hour premium. High-risk sites (banks, cannabis facilities, armored transport) pay at the top end.
  • Executive Protection: While rare in Auburn itself, being in the Seattle metro opens doors to this lucrative field. Requires advanced training and networking.
  • Cybersecurity/Physical Security Integration: For tech-savvy guards. Understanding access control systems (like Lenel) and basic cybersecurity can lead to $50,000+ roles in corporate security.
  • Healthcare Security: Specialized training in patient de-escalation and HIPAA compliance can bump you to the $42,000-$48,000 range.

• Advancement Paths:

  1. Field Guard -> Shift Lead -> Site Supervisor: The most common path. Supervisors in Auburn can earn $48,000 - $58,000. Requires leadership skills and reliability.
  2. Corporate Security Officer: Move from contract work to an in-house role at a larger company (like a hospital or school district). Benefits are better, pay is more structured.
  3. Law Enforcement Support: Many use security as a stepping stone to police academies. Local departments like the Auburn Police Department value prior security experience.

• 10-Year Outlook: The 3% job growth is slow, but that means the field is stable, not disappearing. The real growth will be for guards who adapt. The demand for guards who can handle technology (CCTV, access control) and complex social situations (de-escalation, mental health awareness) will outpace demand for traditional "watchman" roles. The rise of hybrid work may slightly reduce demand for daytime office building guards but increase demand for retail and logistics security.

Insider Tip: Join the WSSGA. Attend their annual conference. Networking here is how you find the best-paying, least advertised jobs. Also, consider getting your CPR/AED/First Aid certification—it’s often a requirement for healthcare and school jobs and makes you a more attractive candidate.

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The Verdict: Is Auburn Right for You?

Here’s a clear-eyed look at the pros and cons of building a security career in Auburn.

Pros	Cons
Stable, consistent job market with diverse employers (casino, healthcare, logistics).	Salary growth is slow; you must specialize to earn significantly above the median.
Slightly better pay than national average and neighboring Tacoma.	High cost of living (rent $1,864/month), making it hard to save on a single income.
No state income tax, which helps your take-home pay.	Limited public transit, making a reliable car a near-necessity (adds to expenses).
Central location between Seattle and Tacoma, offering access to a wider regional job market.	Job growth is only 3%, indicating a saturated market with limited upward mobility without effort.
Clear licensing path with defined costs and timelines.	Competition from a large pool of candidates, especially for entry-level roles.

Final Recommendation:
Auburn is a practical, viable choice for a security guard at the start of their career or for someone seeking stability in a mid-sized city. It’s not a place for rapid wealth accumulation on a single guard’s salary, but it provides a solid foundation. If you are willing to specialize (get armed, work in healthcare), live with a roommate, and actively network, you can build a sustainable career here. It’s best suited for someone who values the Pacific Northwest lifestyle (access to nature, diverse communities) over high-cost urban centers like Seattle. If you’re solely focused on maximizing income, you might look at Seattle or Bellevue—but be prepared for a much higher cost of living and fiercer competition.

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FAQs

Q: How long does it take to get hired after getting my license?
A: It varies, but with an active license and a clean record, you can expect to land an interview within 2-4 weeks and a job within 1-2 months. Being flexible on shifts (especially overnights) dramatically speeds up the process.

Q: Is armed security worth the extra training cost?
A: In Auburn, yes, if you’re in it for the long haul. The starting pay for armed roles is often $22-$25/hour, adding $8,000-$12,000 to your annual income. The $1,500 investment in training pays for itself in under a year. However, it comes with greater liability and stress.

Q: What’s the biggest challenge for security guards in Auburn?
A: The cost of living. The gap between the median salary of $37,549 and the average rent of $1,864/month is the single biggest financial stressor. Budgeting and finding affordable housing (like a roommate situation) are non-negotiable for a comfortable life.

Q: Are there union jobs in security here?
A: Yes, but they are limited. Some roles