Security Guard in Aurora, CO

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

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As a career analyst who has watched the metro Denver job market for over a decade, I can tell you that Aurora is a unique beast. It’s not the glossy downtown Denver skyline, and it’s not the sleepy suburbs of Highlands Ranch. It’s a sprawling, diverse, and rapidly growing city that sits right at the heart of Colorado’s economic engine. For a Security Guard, that means opportunity—but it comes with a high cost of living and fierce competition.

If you’re considering Aurora, you need to look beyond the job posting and understand the ground truth: the rent, the commute, the specific employers, and the long-term path. This guide cuts through the fluff with data-driven insights and local knowledge to help you decide if this is the right move for your career.

The Salary Picture: Where Aurora Stands

The first thing to understand is that while Colorado has a strong economy, wages for security professionals haven’t always kept pace with the skyrocketing cost of living. The data tells a clear story.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and local market analysis, the median salary for a Security Guard in Aurora is $36,736 per year, which translates to an hourly rate of $17.66/hour. This is slightly above the national average of $36,140/year, but the margin is thin. With Aurora's Cost of Living Index at 105.5 (5.5% above the U.S. average), that slight advantage can be quickly eroded.

Here’s how experience typically breaks down in the local market:

Experience Level	Typical Annual Salary	Typical Hourly Rate
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$32,000 - $38,000	$15.38 - $18.27
Mid-Level (2-5 years)	$38,000 - $45,000	$18.27 - $21.63
Senior/Supervisor (5-10 years)	$45,000 - $55,000	$21.63 - $26.44
Expert/Specialist (10+ years, armed, etc.)	$55,000+	$26.44+

Insider Tip: The "Expert" tier is where you find the real money in Denver Metro. Armed guards, especially those with executive protection or K-9 experience, can command $25-$35/hour. The key is specialization.

How does Aurora compare to other Colorado cities?

• Denver: Salaries are 5-10% higher on average, but rent can be 15-20% higher for comparable units. The competition is also fiercer.
• Colorado Springs: Salaries are roughly comparable to Aurora, but the cost of living (especially housing) is significantly lower. It’s a more budget-friendly option if you can tolerate a longer commute from Aurora.
• Boulder: Salaries are higher—often $40,000+ median—but the cost of living is astronomical. It’s generally not a viable option for security guards without significant supplemental income.

The Bottom Line: Aurora offers a middle-ground salary. It’s not the highest in the state, but it’s also not the most expensive place to live. The key financial challenge is the rent-to-income ratio, which we’ll break down next.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s run the numbers for a single person earning the Aurora median of $36,736. After federal taxes, Colorado state tax (4.4%), and FICA, the take-home pay is roughly $2,150/month.

Monthly Budget Breakdown for an Aurora Security Guard:

Category	Estimated Cost	% of Take-Home Pay
Average 1BR Rent	$1,835	85%
Utilities (Electric, Gas, Internet)	$150	7%
Groceries	$300	14%
Car Payment/Insurance/Gas	$400	19%
Health Insurance (if not provided)	$250	12%
Savings/Discretionary	-$785	-36%

Can they afford to buy a home?
Absolutely not on the median salary. With the median home price in Aurora hovering around $500,000, a 20% down payment is $100,000. A 30-year mortgage at current rates would be over $2,500/month before property taxes and insurance—more than the entire take-home pay. Homeownership is a distant dream unless you have a dual-income household, a significant inheritance, or you move into a supervisory role paying $60,000+.

Insider Tip: Many local security guards live with roommates or in older, more affordable apartment complexes in areas like East Aurora or Central Aurora, where you can find 1BR units for $1,400-$1,600. The trade-off is a longer commute to the more lucrative jobs in the Downtown Denver or Cherry Creek corridors.

Where the Jobs Are: Aurora's Major Employers

Aurora isn't a single job market; it's several distinct ecosystems. Security jobs are concentrated in a few key sectors. Here are the major local employers you need to know:

1. UCHealth University of Colorado Hospital (Anschutz Medical Campus):

   • The Details: This is one of the largest employers in the state. The campus is massive and requires 24/7 security for patient safety, asset protection, and access control. They hire large numbers of in-house security officers.
   • Hiring Trend: Steady. They prioritize candidates with healthcare-specific experience and de-escalation training. Pay is competitive, often starting above the median, with excellent benefits.

2. Children's Hospital Colorado (Anschutz Medical Campus):

   • The Details: Similar to UCHealth, but with a heightened focus on pediatric safety and emotional security. The environment is sensitive and requires a specific temperament.
   • Hiring Trend: Steady. They often seek guards with experience in family or child-centric environments.

3. Denver International Airport (DEN):

   • The Details: While not in Aurora proper, DEN is a massive employment hub just northeast of the city. Thousands of Aurora residents work there. Security roles range from TSA (federal) to private contractors for airlines, retail, and parking.
   • Hiring Trend: Very high. The airport is constantly expanding. These jobs often pay more than the city median but require rigorous background checks and flexibility for odd hours.

4. City of Aurora Government:

   • The Details: The City of Aurora employs its own security for municipal buildings, courts, and events. These are often union jobs (AFSCME) with structured pay scales and strong benefits.
   • Hiring Trend: Moderate. Positions are competitive and often posted on the official city careers website. They prioritize local residents.

5. Major Retail Centers (The Gardens on Havana, Southlands):

   • The Details: These large shopping districts require loss prevention and on-site security. Contracts are often held by large firms like Securitas, Allied Universal, or G4S.
   • Hiring Trend: Consistent, but often with lower starting pay. It’s a good entry point but may not offer long-term growth without moving into management.

6. Corporate Campuses (E-470 Corridor):

   • The Details: The area along E-470 (east of I-225) is dotted with tech, finance, and logistics corporate campuses. Companies like Lockheed Martin (in nearby Littleton) and various data centers contract for 24/7 guard services.
   • Hiring Trend: Growing. These are often "site-specific" contracts that value technical knowledge (badge systems, CCTV) and professionalism.

Insider Tip: The biggest employers for contract security are the major firms like Allied Universal and Securitas. They hold contracts for most of the locations listed above. Getting your foot in the door with one of these firms and proving yourself can lead to assignment at the best sites.

Getting Licensed in CO

Colorado’s licensing is straightforward but non-negotiable. You cannot legally work as a security guard without it.

1. State Requirements: You must be at least 18, pass a background check, and complete a Certified Basic Security Officer (CBSO) course. This is an 8-hour course covering Colorado statutes, use of force, and ethics.
2. Cost: The course typically costs $75-$150. The state application fee is $87.50. Budget roughly $200-$250 total to get licensed.
3. Timeline: You can often complete the course in a single day. Once you submit your application with proof of training and a background check (fingerprinting), processing can take 4-6 weeks. Plan ahead.
4. Armed License (D-Permit): This requires an additional 16 hours of firearms training from a certified instructor, a more extensive background check, and a higher fee ($150+). The timeline adds another month.

Insider Tip: Many employers, especially hospitals and government entities, will pay for your initial training if you’re hired. Ask about this during interviews. It’s a common benefit that saves you upfront costs.

Best Neighborhoods for Security Guards

Where you live in Aurora directly impacts your commute, rent, and lifestyle. Here’s a breakdown of four key areas:

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Avg. 1BR Rent	Best For...
Central Aurora	Older, dense, diverse. Easy access to I-225 and major employers.	$1,500 - $1,700	Budget-conscious guards who want a short commute to hospitals and retail.
East Aurora (near E-470)	Newer, suburban, family-oriented. Closer to corporate campuses and DEN airport.	$1,700 - $2,000	Guards with a car seeking higher-paying corporate or airport jobs.
North Aurora	Quiet, residential, more single-family homes. Commute to downtown Denver is longer.	$1,600 - $1,900	Those seeking a quieter lifestyle and willing to drive for work.
South Aurora (near Southlands)	Modern, retail-heavy, good schools. Commute to most major employers is 20-30 mins.	$1,750 - $2,100	Guards who value a suburban feel and don’t mind a moderate commute.

Insider Tip: Avoid the immediate area around Colfax Avenue in Central Aurora unless you are comfortable with a high-crime environment. While rents are lowest here, the stress level and property crime risk can be high. Look for apartments north or south of Colfax for a better balance.

The Long Game: Career Growth

A security guard’s career in Aurora isn’t just about patrolling. The path to higher earnings is through specialization and advancement.

• Specialty Premiums:

  • Armed Guard (D-Permit): Adds $3-$7/hour to your base rate.
  • Executive Protection: Requires networking and experience. Pay can jump to $35-$50/hour for contract work.
  • K-9 Handler: A specialized, high-demand skill that commands a premium.
  • Fire Inspector/Alarm Tech: Combining security with technical skills can lead to roles in $60,000+ range.

• Advancement Paths:

  • Supervisor: Manages a team, handles scheduling. Typically pays $45k - $55k.
  • Account Manager (for a security firm): Manages client relationships and contracts. $55k - $70k+.
  • Law Enforcement Path: Many guards use the experience as a stepping stone to local police departments (APD, DPD, Sheriff’s Office), where starting pay is often $60,000+ with a pension.

• 10-Year Outlook: The BLS projects only 3% job growth nationally for security guards, which is slower than average. However, in a growing metro like Denver-Aurora, the number of jobs is still increasing due to population growth. The key is to avoid being a "warm body" guard. Specialize, get certified in CPR/AED/First Aid, and learn access control systems to stay relevant and competitive.

The Verdict: Is Aurora Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Proximity to Major Employers: Unbeatable access to hospitals, the airport, and corporate hubs.	High Cost of Living: Rent is a massive burden on the median salary.
Diverse Job Market: Multiple sectors (healthcare, aviation, government) offer stability.	Traffic & Commute: I-225 and I-70 can be brutal, adding unpaid time to your day.
Gateway to Denver Metro: Easy to access higher-paying jobs in Denver or tech hubs in the western suburbs.	Competitive Market: The sheer number of applicants can drive down entry-level wages.
Colorado Lifestyle: Access to mountains, parks, and outdoor activities on your days off.	Limited Homeownership Potential: On a single security guard's income, buying a home is extremely difficult.

Final Recommendation:
Aurora is a viable, but challenging, launchpad for a security guard in Colorado. It’s a smart choice if:

• You are willing to specialize early (get armed, get healthcare experience).
• You can tolerate a roommate or a modest apartment to manage rent.
• You see it as a stepping stone to a higher-paying role in law enforcement or corporate security.

If you are looking for a place where you can live comfortably alone on a guard’s salary and buy a home in a few years, Aurora is not that place. You would be better served looking at the Colorado Springs or Pueblo markets. But if you’re motivated, Aurora offers the jobs and the opportunities to climb the ladder—if you can handle the financial pressure.

FAQs

Q: Is it better to work for a security company or directly for a hospital?
A: Directly for a hospital (like UCHealth) is generally better for benefits, pay stability, and career growth. Contract security (Allied, Securitas) offers more variety and flexibility if you like changing sites. For long-term stability in Aurora, the hospital route is superior.

Q: Do I need my own car to work as a security guard in Aurora?
A: Yes, absolutely. Public transit (RTD) is limited and slow, especially for getting to the Anschutz campus or the airport. Most jobs require you to be on-call or have a reliable way to get to various sites. A car is a non-negotiable tool of the trade.

Q: What’s the biggest mistake new security guards make in Aurora?
A: Taking the first low-paying contract job and staying there for years without upskilling. The market rewards specialization. If you’re not pursuing an armed permit, medical training, or a supervisory role after 2-3 years, your wages will stagnate.

Q: How does the altitude affect the job?
A: It’s a real factor, especially for guards coming from sea level. The air is thinner and drier. You’ll dehydrate faster, and physical patrols can feel more exhausting initially. Give yourself 2-3 weeks to acclimate before taking on demanding roles.

Q: Are there union jobs for security guards in Aurora?
A: Yes, primarily with the City of Aurora and some with UCHealth (though they are often in-house, not unionized in the traditional sense). Union jobs offer better pay scales and job security but are competitive and often require experience. Check AFSCME and Teamsters job boards.