Security Guard in Cary, NC

Here is a comprehensive career guide for Security Guards considering a move to Cary, North Carolina.

The Salary Picture: Where Cary Stands

As a local, I can tell you that Cary’s job market is competitive, and security is no exception. You’re looking at a median salary of $35,923/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $17.27/hour. This is slightly below the national average for security guards, which sits at $36,140/year. So, while Cary isn’t the highest-paying market in the country, it’s a stable one with steady demand.

Here’s how that pay breaks down by experience level. Keep in mind that these are estimates based on local market trends and the provided median data.

Experience Level	Estimated Hourly Rate	Estimated Annual Salary	Local Context
Entry-Level	$15.50 - $16.50	$32,240 - $34,320	Typically unarmed, retail, or basic patrol.
Mid-Level (2-5 yrs)	$17.00 - $18.50	$35,360 - $38,480	Unarmed with some specialized training or experience.
Senior (5-10 yrs)	$18.50 - $21.00	$38,480 - $43,680	Often armed, leads teams, or has niche certifications.
Expert/Supervisor	$21.00 - $25.00+	$43,680 - $52,000+	Site supervisor, management, or critical infrastructure.

How does this compare to other NC cities? Cary’s pay is on par with the Raleigh-Cary metro average. It’s generally higher than smaller towns like Fayetteville or Wilmington but slightly lower than the tech hubs of Charlotte or the Triad (Greensboro/Winston-Salem) for comparable roles. The 10-year job growth is only 3%, which is slower than the national average. This means the market isn’t exploding, but it’s also not declining. You’ll need to be persistent and have a clean record to stand out.

Insider Tip: The 357 jobs in the metro (Raleigh-Cary) are concentrated. Don’t just look for “Security Guard” on job boards. Search for “Loss Prevention Officer,” “Corporate Security,” “Hospital Security,” and “Event Security.” The highest-paying jobs are often with contract security firms servicing corporate campuses, not the generic mall postings.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get real about the numbers. $35,923/year is your gross salary. After federal, state (NC flat tax of 4.75%), and FICA taxes, your take-home pay will be closer to $30,000 - $31,000 annually, or about $2,500 - $2,583 per month.

Cary’s average 1BR rent is $1,176/month. That’s over 45% of your take-home pay if you’re at the median. That’s a red flag for financial comfort. Here’s a realistic monthly budget breakdown for a single person earning the median:

Category	Estimated Cost	Notes
Rent (1BR)	$1,176	The biggest hurdle. Finding a roommate is common.
Utilities (Elec/Gas/Water)	$150 - $200	Varies by season; older apartments can be drafty.
Groceries	$300 - $400	Shop at Harris Teeter or Aldi for best value.
Car Payment/Insurance	$400 - $600	Cary is car-dependent; public transit is limited.
Gas	$100 - $150	Commute to Raleigh or within Cary adds up.
Health Insurance	$150 - $300	If not provided by employer, this is a major cost.
Misc/Entertainment	$200	Dining out, gym, etc. Tight budget.
Total Expenses	~$2,476 - $3,026
Remaining/Savings	~$54 - $547	Very little room for savings or emergencies.

Can they afford to buy a home? On a $35,923 salary, it’s extremely difficult. The median home price in Cary is over $450,000. A 20% down payment is $90,000, and a monthly mortgage would be over $2,200—more than your entire take-home pay. Insider Tip: Many security guards I know in Cary live in neighboring towns like Apex, Holly Springs, or even Fuquay-Varina where rent is 10-15% lower. The commute to Cary jobs is manageable (20-30 minutes). Consider this if you’re set on the area.

Where the Jobs Are: Cary’s Major Employers

Cary’s economy is anchored by tech, healthcare, and education. Security jobs follow the money. Here are the major local employers you should target:

1. SAS Institute (Headquarters): A massive, sprawling corporate campus off I-40. They have a large, in-house security team for physical security, access control, and executive protection. They prefer to hire directly. Jobs are highly sought-after and often require a clean background and some tech-savviness (for badge systems).
2. WakeMed Cary Hospital: Located off US-1. Hospital security is a growing field. You’ll deal with a mix of patient safety, visitor management, and emergency response. Requires a calm demeanor and often specific HIPAA training. Hiring is steady.
3. Cary Police Department (CPD) Support: While not direct police hires, CPD uses civilian security for front desk, parking enforcement, and facility security at town buildings. Check the Town of Cary’s official job board. These are stable, government-adjacent roles.
4. RTP (Research Triangle Park) Proximity: While not in Cary, many RTP companies (like Cisco, IBM, LabCorp) have security needs. A 357-job metro figure includes these. Commuting to RTP is a 20-30 minute drive from most Cary neighborhoods. Contract firms like Securitas or Allied Universal often service these tech campuses.
5. Koka Booth Amphitheatre & Downtown Cary Events: Seasonal but excellent for networking. Event security for concerts and festivals. Pay is often per-event. A great way to get your foot in the door with local security companies. The annual Cary Scramble golf tournament and Downtown Park events are key.
6. Large Retail Centers: Cary Towne Center (though redeveloping) and Parkside Town Commons. Look for loss prevention roles with retailers like Target or Best Buy. Pay is usually at the lower end of the scale but offers experience.
7. Corporate Parks (e.g., Weston Parkway): A corridor of tech and biotech companies. Many use contract security guards for access control and patrols. Working here can lead to networking opportunities with higher-paying internal security roles.

Hiring Trends: The demand for armed security is rising for corporate campuses and healthcare facilities. Getting armed certification can increase your pay by $2-$4/hour. Also, technology integration (CCTV monitoring, access control systems) is a key skill. Mentioning basic IT knowledge on your resume is a plus.

Getting Licensed in NC

North Carolina has clear requirements set by the Private Protective Services Board (PPSB), under the NC Department of Justice.

Requirements:

• Must be 18 years old (21 for armed).
• No felony convictions.
• No misdemeanor convictions involving moral turpitude or domestic violence.
• Must complete a 16-hour training course from a PPSB-approved school for unarmed security.
• For armed security, you need an additional 4-hour course and must qualify with your firearm annually. You must also obtain a concealed carry permit (CCW) from your local sheriff’s office.
• Pass a background check and submit fingerprints.

Costs:

• Unarmed Training Course: $150 - $250 (varies by provider).
• Armed Training Course: $200 - $350 (on top of unarmed).
• Application Fee (PPSB): $100 (for initial license).
• Concealed Carry Permit: $90 (in Wake County).
• Total Startup Cost (Unarmed): ~$250 - $350
• Total Startup Cost (Armed): ~$540 - $790

Timeline: From starting training to having your license in hand, expect 4-6 weeks. The process involves course completion, submitting your application with the PPSB, waiting for background check approval, and receiving your license card in the mail.

Insider Tip: Use the PPSB’s online verification tool to check if a school is approved. Many local schools in Raleigh (a short drive from Cary) offer weekend courses. Avoid any “school” that promises a license without proper training—it’s illegal and will get you denied.

Best Neighborhoods for Security Guards

Where you live affects your commute, budget, and lifestyle. Cary is large, and traffic patterns matter.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Average 1BR Rent	Why It Works for a Security Guard
West Cary (Near I-40)	Corporate, convenient. 10-15 min commute to SAS/RTP jobs.	$1,250 - $1,400	Best for tech campus roles. Modern apartments. Higher rent, so budget carefully.
Downtown Cary	Walkable, charming, older. 10-20 min commute.	$1,100 - $1,300	Proximity to town jobs and events. Less car-dependent. Limited new apartment stock.
North Cary (Near RTP)	Established, suburban, quiet. 15-25 min commute.	$1,150 - $1,250	Older apartments, often more space for the price. Close to RTP for contract work.
South Cary (Aberdeen/Franklin Hills)	Family-oriented, newer builds. 15-30 min commute.	$1,200 - $1,350	Newer amenities, but commute to north side jobs is longer. Good for those with families.
Border Towns (Apex/Holly Springs)	Growing, more affordable. 20-35 min commute.	$1,050 - $1,200	Key Tip: Your best bet for affordability. Slightly longer commute, but significant rent savings.

Insider Tip: Traffic on I-40 and US-1 is brutal during rush hour (7-9 AM, 4-6 PM). If you get a job at SAS, living in West Cary or near 540 can cut your commute time in half compared to living in southern Cary. Factor in gas and vehicle wear.

The Long Game: Career Growth

With a 10-year job growth of 3%, advancement requires proactive effort. Don’t stay in an entry-level post forever.

• Specialty Premiums:

  • Armed Guard: +$2-$4/hour.
  • Executive Protection (Bodyguard): Requires additional training (often 40+ hours). Can command $25+/hour for high-net-worth clients in the Cary/Raleigh area.
  • Fire Inspector/Safety Officer: Requires state certification. Can lead to $50,000+ salaries.
  • CPTED (Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design): A niche but valuable certification for corporate security planners.

• Advancement Paths:

  1. Field Officer → Field Supervisor: Manages a team of guards. Requires leadership skills.
  2. Contract Guard → In-House Guard: Move from a contract firm (Allied, Securitas) to a direct hire at a company like SAS or WakeMed. Better benefits, higher pay.
  3. Security Guard → Police Officer: Many local police departments (Cary, Raleigh, Apex) have lateral entry programs for experienced security personnel. This is a common and stable career jump.
  4. Corporate Security → Risk Management: Move up into planning and strategy roles within a corporation.

• 10-Year Outlook: The field will slowly integrate more technology. Guards who can manage access control software, basic CCTV systems, and report writing digitally will have an edge. The 3% growth means internal promotion and specialization are your primary paths to higher income. Building a network in the corporate sector (SAS, RTP) is more valuable than chasing the highest hourly rate at a retail site.

The Verdict: Is Cary Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Stable, Diverse Job Market: 357 jobs in the metro with employers in tech, healthcare, and government.	Low Salary Growth: $35,923 median is tight, especially with $1,176/month rent. High cost of living relative to pay.
High Quality of Life: Safe, clean, excellent parks and public services.	High Competition: Need a clean record and certifications to stand out in a competitive market.
Proximity to Raleigh: Easy access to a larger job market and entertainment.	Car-Dependent: Public transit is limited; a reliable car is a must.
Career Growth Potential: Pathways to corporate security, supervision, and law enforcement.	Slow Industry Growth: 10-year growth of 3% means you must be proactive to advance.
Insider Network: A tight-knit security community, especially in the corporate sector.	Budgeting is Essential: On a median salary, you’ll need a roommate or to live in a border town.

Final Recommendation:
Cary is a good choice for security guards who are career-focused and willing to specialize. If you start with unarmed security, plan to get armed certified within 1-2 years to boost your income. Target jobs in the corporate sector (SAS, RTP) rather than retail for better pay and growth. Be prepared to live with a roommate or in a neighboring town like Apex to manage your budget. If you’re looking for a city with a low cost of living and easy entry, look elsewhere. If you’re looking for a stable, long-term career with a clear path to advancement in a high-quality-of-life area, Cary can work—but you need to play the long game strategically.

FAQs

1. Do I need a car in Cary?
Absolutely. Cary is a sprawling, suburban city. Public transportation (GoCary) exists but is not comprehensive for all shifts or locations. A reliable car is non-negotiable for commuting and finding affordable housing.

2. What’s the best way to find a security job in Cary?
Apply directly on company websites (SAS, WakeMed, Town of Cary). For contract work, use Indeed and filter for the Raleigh-Cary metro. Network at local events. The 357 jobs in the metro are often filled through word-of-mouth.

3. Can I get a security job with a minor misdemeanor?
It depends on the nature of the offense and the employer. The PPSB is strict on felonies and crimes involving moral turpitude. Some employers, especially for unarmed retail posts, may be more lenient than corporate campuses. Be honest on your application.

4. Is armed security worth the extra cost and hassle?
In Cary, yes. The pay premium ($2-$4/hour) can be the difference between struggling and being comfortable. It also opens doors to higher-paying jobs at corporate campuses and healthcare facilities. The $540-$790 startup cost pays for itself within a year.

5. How do I get into corporate security like at SAS?
Start with a contract firm that services their campus (like Allied Universal). Work there for a year, get a recommendation, and then apply for the in-house positions. Emphasize any tech skills, customer service experience, and your clean background. The competition is fierce, but the payoff is significant.