Security Guard in Colorado Springs, CO

As a career analyst who’s spent years mapping out the professional landscape of Colorado Springs, I can tell you that this city offers a unique blend of opportunity and lifestyle for security professionals. It’s not just about the job; it’s about where you’ll live, what you’ll spend, and how you can grow. This guide is built on hard data and local insight, from the hiring rhythms at Penrose Hospital to the commute from Old Colorado City. Let’s get into the specifics of being a Security Guard in the Pikes Peak region.

The Salary Picture: Where Colorado Springs Stands

First, let's talk numbers. Understanding the local compensation landscape is critical before you make a move. The security field in Colorado Springs pays slightly below the national average but is competitive within the state. The median salary for a Security Guard in Colorado Springs is $35,858/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $17.24/hour. This is just under the national average of $36,140/year, a common scenario for a mid-sized city with a lower cost of living.

Experience is the single biggest factor in your earning potential. Here’s how salaries typically break down:

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary	Key Factors in Colorado Springs
Entry-Level	$30,000 - $33,000	Unarmed posts, retail, basic patrols. Often starts at $16.50 - $17.50/hour.
Mid-Level	$35,000 - $40,000	Armed certification, hospital security, corporate posts. Where the median $35,858 sits.
Senior-Level	$42,000 - $50,000+	Supervisory roles, specialized training (CPR, de-escalation), lead positions at major sites.
Expert/Management	$55,000+	Site manager, corporate security director, training coordinator for large firms.

When compared to other Colorado cities, Colorado Springs sits in the middle. Denver metro areas often pay $2-$4 more per hour due to higher cost of living and more corporate headquarters. However, the demand is also more saturated. In cities like Grand Junction or Fort Collins, you might find similar pay but with fewer major employers and less room for specialization.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

A salary is just a number until you see what’s left after essentials. Colorado has a flat state income tax of 4.4%, and federal taxes will take another chunk. For a gross annual salary of $35,858, your estimated take-home pay (after taxes) is roughly $29,500 - $30,000/year, or about $2,450 - $2,500/month.

Now, let’s layer in the biggest fixed cost: rent. The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Colorado Springs is $1,408/month. This is a critical data point. Let’s break down a hypothetical monthly budget for an individual earning the median salary:

Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Gross Monthly Income	$2,988	Based on $35,858/year
Estimated Taxes (Fed + CO)	~$538	A rough estimate for single filer
Net Take-Home Pay	~$2,450
Rent (1-BR Avg)	$1,408	57% of take-home pay
Utilities (Elec, Gas, Int)	$150 - $200	Highly variable by season
Groceries	$300 - $400
Car Payment/Insurance	$300 - $500	Essential for commuting in the Springs
Gas & Maintenance	$150 - $200
Health Insurance (if not employer-paid)	$200 - $400	A significant expense for many
Remaining Funds	$0 - $200	For savings, emergencies, entertainment

Insider Tip: The 57% rent-to-income ratio is high. Most financial advisors suggest keeping housing under 30% of your income. To make this work, you’ll likely need to find a roommate, live in a less trendy neighborhood, or secure a higher-paying role. Buying a home on this salary is extremely challenging. The median home price in Colorado Springs is now over $420,000. A 20% down payment is $84,000, and a monthly mortgage would be unsustainable on a single Security Guard's income. This is a renter's market for this profession unless you have a second income or substantial savings.

Where the Jobs Are: Colorado Springs's Major Employers

The security job market here is stable, driven by healthcare, military, and education. Jobs in the metro area number around 977, according to BLS data, indicating steady but not explosive demand. Here are the key players you should have on your radar:

1. UCHealth Memorial Hospital Central & St. Francis Medical Center: These are major healthcare hubs. Hospital security is a specialized field requiring de-escalation training. Hiring is continuous for both day and night shifts. Insider Tip: Positions at these facilities often pay at the higher end of the mid-level scale due to the critical environment.

2. The Broadmoor Hotel and Resort: A luxury landmark requiring high-end security for events, guest safety, and property patrols. This is a premium employer that looks for polished, professional guards. Hiring is more selective but offers excellent experience for a resume.

3. Peterson Space Force Base & Schriever Space Force Base: As the hub of the U.S. Space Force, these bases require a significant number of security personnel, often through government contractors like Lockheed Martin, Boeing, or specialized security firms. These are often armed positions with stringent background checks, offering higher pay and benefits.

4. Colorado Springs School District 11 & Academy School District 20: School security is a growing field. These positions focus on safety, access control, and emergency response. They typically follow a school-year schedule, which can be a pro or con depending on your lifestyle.

5. University of Colorado Colorado Springs (UCCS): Campus security roles are available for both daytime and overnight shifts. The environment is generally lower-intensity than a hospital or base, making it a good entry point.

6. Mall Security (The Citadel and Chapel Hills Mall): While retail security can be entry-level, these are large employers. They offer consistent hours and a path to supervisory roles. The Citadel, in particular, sees consistent foot traffic and event-based security needs.

7. Private Security Firms (e.g., Securitas, G4S, local firms): These companies contract with many of the above employers. Starting with a large firm can be a great way to get your foot in the door, gain experience, and get your armed certification paid for.

Hiring Trend: Demand is steady. The military and healthcare bases are recession-resistant. However, the 10-year job growth is projected at only 3%, which is slower than the national average for many professions. This means competition for the best-paying posts can be strong, and specializing is key to advancement.

Getting Licensed in CO

Colorado has straightforward licensing requirements, but you must follow them precisely. The state does not issue a generic "security guard license." Instead, you get certified for armed or unarmed status.

For Unarmed Security Guards:

• Requirement: You must be at least 18 years old, pass a background check, and complete a 16-hour "Unarmed Security Guard" training course from a state-certified school.
• Cost: The course typically costs $150 - $250. You pay this directly to the training school.
• Process: You don't apply to the state for a card. Your employer (the security company) will verify your training and background. You are legally permitted to work as an unarmed guard once you have the certificate and are hired.
• Timeline: You can complete the training over a weekend. The background check can take 1-3 weeks.

For Armed Security Guards:

• Requirement: All of the above, plus you must be at least 21 years old, complete an additional 8-hour armed training course, and pass a separate, more rigorous background check. You must also qualify with your firearm at a range.
• Cost: The armed course is an additional $200 - $350. Your employer will often pay for this if you are hired and commit to them.
• Process: You will work for a specific employer who holds an armed security license. You cannot be "freelance" armed. Your specific armed certification is tied to your employment.
• Timeline: Add another 1-2 weeks for the armed course and firearm qualification.

Insider Tip: Many large employers in Colorado Springs (like hospital systems) will hire you as unarmed and then sponsor your armed training after 6-12 months of solid performance. This is a cost-effective path.

Best Neighborhoods for Security Guards

Where you live affects your commute, rent, and lifestyle. Here’s a breakdown of neighborhoods that balance affordability and access to major employers.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Avg. 1-BR Rent	Best For
Old Colorado City	Historic, walkable, near The Broadmoor. Can be pricier but has older apartments. Commute to downtown/hospital is easy.	$1,350 - $1,550	Guards working downtown, at The Broadmoor, or at UCHealth Memorial.
Southeast Colorado Springs	More affordable, diverse. Close to Peterson SFB. Commute to central areas is 15-20 mins via I-25.	$1,100 - $1,300	Guards working at Peterson or Schriever bases. Budget-conscious.
Northgate/North Colorado Springs	Newer, suburban, near the Air Force Academy. Commute to central hospitals is 20-25 mins.	$1,400 - $1,600+	Guards working at Academy District 20 schools or Schriever SFB.
Downtown/Tejon Street	Urban, walkable, lots of nightlife. Can be noisy. Commute to hospital areas is very short.	$1,300 - $1,500	Guards who want a social scene and work close to home (e.g., hospital, downtown).
Westside (near 31st St)	Working-class, affordable, great food scene. Commute to central areas is 10-15 mins.	$1,000 - $1,250	The most budget-friendly option with a decent commute to most employers.

Insider Tip: Traffic on I-25 and Academy Blvd can be heavy during rush hours. If you work nights or weekends, commute times are negligible. If you work a 9-5 shift, living near your worksite or along a direct bus route (via Mountain Metro) is a huge quality-of-life win.

The Long Game: Career Growth

With a 10-year job growth projection of only 3%, climbing the ladder requires proactive specialization. Staying in an entry-level post forever will lead to wage stagnation.

Specialty Premiums (Pay Bumps):

• Armed Certification: This is the single biggest boost, often adding $3 - $5/hour to your base pay.
• CPR/AED/First Aid Instructor: Becoming a certified trainer can open doors to training roles within your company.
• Executive Protection: This is a niche field, often requiring military or law enforcement experience, but it pays significantly more.
• Fire System Monitoring & Access Control: Specializing in the technical side of security (alarms, CCTV, badge systems) is a highly marketable skill.

Advancement Paths:

1. Field Officer -> Field Supervisor: Takes 1-3 years. You'll manage a small team, handle schedules, and be the first point of contact for incidents. Pay can jump to $40,000 - $48,000.
2. Supervisor -> Site Manager: You'll be responsible for an entire location (e.g., a hospital, a mall). This requires strong administrative skills. Pay can reach $50,000 - $65,000+.
3. Corporate Security Path: After gaining experience, you can move into a corporate security analyst or coordinator role for a company (like Lockheed Martin or a local tech firm). This moves you away from direct patrols and into planning, risk assessment, and management.

10-Year Outlook: The market will remain stable, centered on military and healthcare. The rise in remote work may slightly reduce demand for some corporate security, but the need for on-site protection in critical infrastructure (like the Space Force bases) will ensure a baseline of jobs. Growth will come from taking on more responsibility, not from a booming number of new positions.

The Verdict: Is Colorado Springs Right for You?

This isn't just about a job; it's about a lifestyle choice. Here’s a balanced look at the pros and cons.

Pros	Cons
Stable, Essential Employers: Military and healthcare are recession-resistant.	Low Wage Growth: The $35,858 median and slow 3% growth mean you must actively seek advancement.
Lower Cost of Living (vs. Denver): Your dollar goes further than in the Front Range's largest city.	High Rent Relative to Income: Housing is the biggest financial strain for this profession.
Outdoor Recreation Access: Unparalleled hiking, biking, and scenery. Perfect for days off.	Car-Dependent City: Public transit is limited; a reliable vehicle is a must.
Clear Licensing Path: The process to get started is defined and achievable.	Competitive for Top-Tier Posts: The best-paying, most desirable jobs have strong competition.
Diverse Job Locations: Opportunities from luxury resorts to secure military bases.	Slower Pace: It's a smaller city with fewer "big city" amenities compared to Denver.

Final Recommendation:
Move to Colorado Springs if: You value outdoor lifestyle over high salary, you're willing to specialize (get armed certified quickly), and you can start with a roommate or a very tight budget. It's an excellent place to cut your teeth in security, gain valuable experience with major employers, and enjoy a high quality of life outside of work.

Reconsider if: Your primary goal is maximizing your annual income above all else, you have no savings to buffer the initial high rent costs, or you want a fast-paced, dense urban environment. For pure financial advancement, you might look to Denver first, then consider moving to the Springs later for a better lifestyle.

FAQs

Q: Can I work as a Security Guard in Colorado Springs with a criminal record?
A: It depends on the charge. Colorado law prohibits persons convicted of a felony from being armed. For unarmed guards, the employer has discretion. A violent felony, a recent drug conviction, or a history of theft will likely be disqualifying. Always be honest on your application and background check forms.

Q: Do I need my own car?
A: Yes, absolutely. Colorado Springs is a sprawling city with limited public transit. Most security jobs, especially shifts, are not on bus routes. You'll need a reliable vehicle for commuting, and for many roles (like mobile patrol), the company may require you to use your own car or a company vehicle.

Q: What's the biggest mistake new Security Guards make here?
A: Getting stuck in an entry-level retail post without seeking advancement. Retail security can be a fine start, but the pay is often the lowest. Use that experience to get your armed certification and apply for hospital, corporate, or government contractor roles within your first year.

Q: Is the market saturated?
A: It's competitive, but not saturated. There are always openings because of turnover (the job can be demanding). The key is to stand out with a clean record, good references, and specialized training. The 977 jobs in the metro tells us there's a steady churn and steady need.

Q: What's the weather like for working outdoors?
A: Colorado Springs has four distinct seasons. Summers are sunny and can be hot (80s-90s°F). Winters are cold with snow and ice (20s-30s°F, with some sub-zero nights). Spring and fall are mild. You'll need appropriate gear for all conditions, especially for outdoor patrol posts. Many posts are climate-controlled, but many are not.