Security Guard in Burbank, CA

The Salary Picture: Where Burbank Stands

As a local who has seen Burbank grow from a sleepy studio town to a bustling media hub, I can tell you that security work here is stable but not lucrative. The data confirms it. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and local market analysis, the median salary for Security Guards in the Burbank area is $37,820/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $18.18/hour. This is slightly above the national average for the occupation, which sits at $36,140/year. The metro area supports roughly 205 jobs in this field, with a projected 10-year growth of 3%—slower than the national average, reflecting a mature market.

Here’s how experience typically translates into pay in this market:

Experience Level	Typical Annual Salary Range (Burbank)	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level	$33,000 - $38,000	Static post security, access control, basic patrols, reporting.
Mid-Career	$38,000 - $45,000	Supervising posts, handling incidents, training new guards, driving patrols.
Senior/Supervisor	$45,000 - $52,000+	Managing teams, client relations, advanced logistics, crisis response.
Expert/Specialist	$52,000+	Executive protection, cybersecurity-linked physical security, corporate investigations.

When you compare Burbank to other California cities, it sits in a peculiar middle ground. It’s significantly cheaper than Los Angeles or San Francisco, but it’s also more expensive than the Central Valley. For the same job, you might earn a few thousand more in downtown LA, but your rent would be at least 30% higher. The trade-off is often the commute; Burbank offers a more manageable lifestyle for security professionals who want access to the LA job market without the chaos of living in the core.

Insider Tip: The $18.18/hour figure is a median. I’ve seen guards at large corporate campuses in the Media District start at $19-$20/hour, especially if they have a clean driving record and can work overnight shifts. Conversely, smaller, independent posts (like a gated community in the hills) might start at $17.50/hour. Always negotiate based on your certifications and shift differential.

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The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Living on a security guard’s salary in Burbank is possible, but it requires careful budgeting. Let’s break down the monthly finances for someone earning the median salary of $37,820/year.

Monthly Take-Home Pay:
Assuming you file as single with one allowance (standard for many), your estimated monthly take-home pay after federal and state taxes (CA has a high state tax) will be approximately $2,450 - $2,550/month. We'll use $2,500/month for our budget.

Monthly Budget Breakdown:

• Average 1BR Rent: $2,252/month
• Utilities (Electric, Gas, Internet): $150 - $200
• Groceries: $300 - $400
• Car Payment/Insurance/Gas: $400 - $600 (Burbank is car-centric; public transit is limited)
• Health Insurance (if not employer-provided): $200 - $400
• Miscellaneous (Phone, Clothing, Personal): $150 - $250
• Total Estimated Expenses: $3,452 - $4,102

The Reality Check:
As you can see, the median salary does not comfortably cover a standard 1BR apartment for a single person. You will be in a deficit of roughly $950 - $1,600/month. This is the core challenge of living in Burbank on this wage.

Can they afford to buy a home?
No, not on this salary alone. With a median home price in Burbank well over $900,000, a $37,820/year income does not qualify for a mortgage. The standard rule of thumb (28% of gross income for housing) would allow for a monthly mortgage payment of about $890, which is impossible in this market. Homeownership for security guards in Burbank typically requires dual incomes, significant family help, or moving to a more affordable area like nearby Sun Valley or Pacoima.

Insider Tip: To make it work, most guards I know either: 1) Have roommates, 2) Live in a studio (which can be $1,800-$2,000/month), or 3) Live with family. It’s a common path to start your career here.

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Where the Jobs Are: Burbank's Major Employers

Burbank’s security job market is dominated by media, healthcare, and retail. The "Warner Bros. nexus" is real, and it's a major employer. Here are the key players:

1. Warner Bros. Discovery (Burbank Campus): The biggest single employer. They hire for both their own internal security and through contracted firms like Securitas and Allied Universal. Jobs range from gatehouse access control to studio lot patrols. Hiring is steady, with a focus on professionalism and customer service (as you'll be dealing with studio execs and stars).
2. Providence St. Joseph Medical Center: Located in the heart of Burbank, the hospital has a dedicated security team. Positions here are often 24/7 and require a higher level of training in de-escalation and medical emergency response. Pay can be slightly above median for the added responsibility.
3. The Burbank Town Center (Mall): Managed by a large contract company, this is a classic retail security post. It involves a lot of walking, monitoring cameras, and dealing with shoplifting. It’s a good entry-level position to gain experience in a dynamic environment.
4. Bob Hope Airport (Hollywood Burbank Airport): Security here is a mix of TSA-contracted roles and private security for parking lots, rental car facilities, and airport perimeters. These jobs often come with stricter background check requirements but can offer more stable, federal-level contracts.
5. Lockheed Martin (Adjacent in Sun Valley/Burbank area): While not always in Burbank proper, this massive aerospace facility is a primary employer for cleared security professionals. If you have or can obtain a security clearance, this is where the highest-paying, most stable jobs are found.
6. NBCUniversal (Universal Studios - nearby): A short drive away in Universal City, but a major source of jobs. Similar to Warner Bros., they hire for both in-house and contracted security for their theme park and studio operations.

Hiring Trends: There's a growing demand for guards with technology skills—CCTV monitoring, basic cybersecurity awareness for physical breaches, and familiarity with access control software like Lenel or Genetec. The days of just a flashlight and a radio are fading.

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Getting Licensed in CA

California has a clear but bureaucratic path to becoming a licensed security guard. The state’s Bureau of Security and Investigative Services (BSIS) oversees this.

Requirements & Costs:

1. Apply for a Guard Card: You must be at least 18, pass a criminal background check (fingerprinted through LiveScan), and submit an application to the BSIS. Cost: ~$50 for the application/fingerprinting.
2. Complete Mandatory Training: This is the biggest hurdle. You must complete a Power to Arrest course (8 hours) and a Weapons of Mass Destruction & Terrorism Awareness course (2 hours) before you can legally work. Many security companies will pay for this training after you're hired, but you can also pay for it upfront to be more competitive. Cost: $100 - $150 if you pay yourself.
3. Receive Your Guard Card: Once approved, you'll get a temporary card (good for 90 days) and your permanent card in the mail. You can start working immediately with the temporary card.

Timeline: From start to finish, it can take 3-6 weeks. This includes LiveScan processing (1-2 weeks), training (1-2 days), and BSIS processing (2-4 weeks).

Insider Tip: Get your CPR/AED certification (American Heart Association or Red Cross) before you apply. It’s often a preferred or required add-on for hospital, corporate, and airport jobs. It adds about $75 - $125 and a day of training, but it makes your resume stand out immediately.

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Best Neighborhoods for Security Guards

Security work often means odd hours, so commute and safety are huge factors. Here’s a local’s guide to where to live.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Est. 1BR Rent	Why It's Good for Guards
Magnolia Park	Classic Burbank, walkable, great for day shift posts.	$2,200 - $2,500	Close to Warner Bros., Providence Hospital, and the mall. Central for most jobs.
N. Hollywood (NoHo Arts District)	Urban, vibrant, on the Red Line.	$2,100 - $2,400	Excellent public transit access to downtown LA jobs. Younger vibe.
Sun Valley	More residential, industrial, affordable.	$1,800 - $2,100	Near the airport, Lockheed Martin, and more affordable. Longer commute to central Burbank.
Toluca Lake	Upscale, quiet, bordering Studio City.	$2,600+	Very safe, but expensive. Best for senior guards or those with roommates.
Burbank Hills (Above the 5)	Quiet, suburban, scenic.	$2,400 - $2,800	Great for night shift workers (quiet during the day for sleep). Less public transit.

Insider Tip: If you work a 10 PM - 6 AM shift, living near the 5 Freeway or 134 Freeway is a game-changer. You can get to any major post (Warner Bros., airport, hospitals) in 10-15 minutes without traffic. Sun Valley or the northern part of Burbank near the airport is ideal for night owls.

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The Long Game: Career Growth

With a 3% 10-year growth, the field isn’t exploding, but specialization is key to advancement.

• Specialty Premiums:

  • Armed Guard: Requires additional $150 - $200 in training and a separate BSIS permit. Can add $3 - $5/hour to your pay, especially for corporate or transportation posts.
  • Cleared Professional (DoD/DoE): Requires a security clearance (sponsorship by an employer like Lockheed). This is the highest premium, often pushing salaries to $60,000 - $80,000+ in the region.
  • Executive Protection: Requires extensive training (often outside CA) and networking. High-pay, high-stress niche.
  • Fire/Life Safety Director: A CA-specific certification for managing fire panels in high-rises. Can lead to supervisory roles in corporate settings.

• Advancement Paths: The typical path is Guard → Field Supervisor → Account Manager/Duty Manager. Moving into the corporate side of a security company (operations, scheduling, client relations) is a natural progression that doesn't require working the floor. Another path is to leverage your security experience to move into facilities management or corporate safety roles.

• 10-Year Outlook: The outlook is stable but not high-growth. Automation (AI cameras, automated access systems) will reduce the need for static, low-skill posts. The demand will shift toward guards who can interact with technology, handle complex incidents, and provide a higher level of customer service. Your long-term security (pun intended) lies in upskilling.

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The Verdict: Is Burbank Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Major Employers: Access to stable, well-known companies like Warner Bros. and Providence.	High Cost of Living: The $2,252/month rent is a massive burden on a $37,820/year salary.
Career Hub: Proximity to the entire LA entertainment and corporate security market.	Car Dependency: You will need a reliable car, adding to monthly expenses.
Manageable Size: Not as overwhelming as LA, but has amenities of a city.	Job Competition: The market is mature, with moderate competition for good posts.
Good Entry-Level Ground: Plenty of posts to gain experience and get your foot in the door.	Slow Growth: The 3% growth means you must be proactive to advance.

Final Recommendation:

Burbank is a high-potential but high-cost launchpad for a security career. It’s not a place to get rich, but it’s an excellent place to start and build experience. If you are willing to live with roommates or in a studio, and you’re motivated to specialize (armed, cleared, or tech-focused), Burbank offers a tangible career path.

I recommend Burbank for:

• The aspiring security professional who wants access to major employers.
• Someone who plans to use the LA metro area as a springboard to higher-paying specializations.
• Individuals who value a central location and are budget-conscious with housing.

I would shy away from Burbank if:

• You are looking for a low-cost, simple living environment.
• You expect rapid salary growth without significant upskilling.
• You are not prepared for a competitive job market and a high rent burden.

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FAQs

1. Can I survive in Burbank on a $37,820/year salary?
Yes, but it requires a frugal lifestyle. You will likely need a roommate, a studio apartment, or to live in a more affordable neighboring city like Sun Valley. Budgeting is non-negotiable.

2. Do most security companies in Burbank pay for training?
It’s a mixed bag. Large national companies (Allied, Securitas) often have training programs for new hires. Smaller local companies may expect you to have your guard card already. Always ask during the interview. It’s a sign of investment in their employees.

3. Are there many armed security jobs in Burbank?
Not a huge number, but they exist. Armed posts are typically at banks, some corporate campuses, and for cash-in-transit companies. The premium is worth it if you can handle the responsibility. Most armed guards in Burbank started as unarmed and then obtained their permit.

4. What’s the biggest challenge for new security guards in Burbank?
The first 3-6 months are about adapting to the shift work and the specific post culture. The second challenge is financial—managing the high cost of living while building experience. Patience and smart budgeting are key.

5. Is the job growth really only 3%?
Yes, according to BLS data. This doesn’t mean there are no jobs—it means the field is stable but not expanding rapidly. The key is to move within the field, not just wait for more jobs to appear. Specialize, get certified, and move into higher-paying niches.

Sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), California BSIS, local real estate market data (Zillow, RentCafe), and industry insights from security professionals in the Burbank/Los Angeles area.