Security Guard in Dallas, TX

The Salary Picture: Where Dallas Stands

If you’re looking at security work in Dallas, the numbers tell a straightforward story. The median salary for security guards here is $36,497/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $17.55/hour. This sits just slightly above the national average of $36,140/year, but don’t let that margin fool you—Dallas’s cost of living eats into that advantage.

Here’s how pay typically stacks up by experience level in the Dallas metro, based on local job postings and BLS data for the region:

Experience Level	Typical Annual Salary (Dallas)	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level	$28,000 - $33,000	Patrolling, access control, basic observation, writing reports.
Mid-Level	$34,000 - $39,000	Supervising posts, handling incidents, training new guards, specialized sites (data centers, hospitals).
Senior/Lead	$40,000 - $48,000	Site management, coordinating with police/fire, incident command, client relations.
Expert/Specialist	$50,000+	Government contracts, executive protection, critical infrastructure (energy, water), security systems integration.

Compared to other Texas cities: Dallas’s pay is competitive with Fort Worth (median $35,900) and Houston ($36,800), but lags behind Austin ($38,200), where tech-sector spillover drives higher wages. San Antonio sits lower at $34,100. The Dallas job market is robust, with 2,605 security guard positions currently in the metro, but growth is modest at 3% over 10 years, per BLS projections—steady, but not explosive.

Insider Tip: In Dallas, your highest-paying gigs are often at corporate campuses in Las Colinas, data centers in Richardson, or specialized posts at medical centers like Parkland or UT Southwestern. Shift differentials for nights and weekends can add $1.50-$2.50/hour, pushing your effective hourly rate closer to $19-$20.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get real about the budget. With a median salary of $36,497, your monthly take-home pay after federal taxes, FICA, and Texas’s state tax (which is 0%—a major perk) is approximately $2,450-$2,550. Texas’s lack of state income tax is a significant financial boost compared to states like California or New York.

Now, factor in the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Dallas: $1,500/month. This leaves you with roughly $950-$1,050/month for all other expenses (utilities, groceries, car insurance, gas, healthcare, etc.). The Cost of Living Index for Dallas is 103.3, meaning it’s about 3.3% more expensive than the national average. Housing is the primary driver, as the metro population of 1,302,859 keeps demand high.

Monthly Budget Breakdown (Single Guard, Median Salary)

Category	Estimated Cost	Notes
Rent (1BR)	$1,500	Median average; can be lower with roommates.
Utilities	$150 - $200	Electricity, water, internet. Summer AC bills spike.
Groceries	$300	Basic shopping; no frills.
Car Insurance	$150 - $200	Dallas has high premiums due to traffic and accident rates.
Gas/Transport	$150 - $200	Texas is car-dependent; public transit (DART) is limited.
Healthcare	$150 - $200	Based on ACA marketplace plans; may be employer-subsidized.
Miscellaneous	$200	Phone, personal care, occasional entertainment.
Total	$2,600 - $2,800	This exceeds the take-home pay of $2,550.

Can you afford to buy a home? On a single median salary, it’s a steep climb. The median home price in Dallas County is around $320,000. A 20% down payment is $64,000. With a monthly mortgage payment (including taxes and insurance) likely exceeding $1,800, buying a home on a $36,497 salary is not feasible without a significant second income or substantial savings. Most guards in this wage bracket rent, often with roommates, or live in more affordable suburbs.

Where the Jobs Are: Dallas's Major Employers

The Dallas security market is a mix of large national firms and local specialties. Here are key employers and their hiring trends:

1. Allied Universal: The largest player. They hold contracts for major corporate campuses (e.g., AT&T in Downtown Dallas, Toyota in Plano). They hire frequently but turnover is high; it’s a good entry point. Hiring Trend: Steady, with a focus on commercial and retail.
2. Securitas: A major competitor, strong in industrial and logistics. They patrol warehouses and distribution centers in South Dallas and along I-35E. Hiring Trend: Growing, especially for bilingual guards (English/Spanish).
3. G4S (now part of Allied Universal): Specializes in government and critical infrastructure. Look for posts at Dallas Love Field, the Federal Courthouse, and water treatment facilities. Hiring Trend: Stable, requires high clearance and reliability.
4. Amerisafe: A Texas-based company with a strong reputation. They focus on construction sites, event security (like at Fair Park), and smaller businesses. Hiring Trend: Consistent, often posting on local job boards like Dallas Workforce.
5. UT Southwestern Medical Center: One of the largest employers in the region. In-house security team for the massive campus in Dallas’s Medical District. Requires specific training but offers better benefits and pay ($38,000-$45,000 range). Hiring Trend: Slow but steady; internal promotions are common.
6. Dallas Independent School District (DISD): School security officers (often called “Safety Monitors”). Pay is similar ($35,000-$37,000), but with a school-year schedule and summers off. Hiring Trend: High turnover, especially in high-need schools; frequent postings.
7. Dallas Cowboys/AT&T Stadium (Arlington): Event security for the massive stadium. Seasonal but can lead to full-time roles. Pay during events can be $20-$25/hour. Hiring Trend: Seasonal spikes for NFL season and concerts.

Insider Tip: The most stable, best-paying jobs are in-house (like at UT Southwestern or a large corporation) rather than with contract firms. In-house roles often come with better benefits, training, and a clearer path to advancement. Check the “Careers” pages of these employers directly, not just big job boards.

Getting Licensed in TX

Texas has clear, mandatory licensing through the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) Private Security Bureau. It’s not optional, and getting caught without it means fines and job loss.

Step-by-Step Licensing Process:

1. Basic Training: Complete a 6-hour Department of Public Safety (DPS)-approved course. This covers Texas laws, use of force, and report writing. Cost: $50-$150. Providers are everywhere; look for ones in Dallas like “Security Training Center of Texas.”
2. Application: Submit an application to the DPS Private Security Bureau with fingerprints. The application fee is $44. Background checks are mandatory (no felonies or certain misdemeanors).
3. License Fees: The license itself costs $20 for two years, plus a $3.75 surcharge. Total: $23.75.
4. Timeline: From start to finish, you’re looking at 4-8 weeks. The DPS processing time is the main variable. You can work under a temporary “Guard Card” while waiting for the full license if you’re already hired.

Important Note: Texas does not require armed security licensing for standard posts. To carry a firearm, you need an additional Level III Commissioned Officer license (40+ hours of training, firearm proficiency), which is a separate, more complex process. Most entry-level jobs are unarmed.

Best Neighborhoods for Security Guards

Location matters for your commute and budget. Here are 4-5 neighborhoods that are practical for security guards, considering rent and job proximity.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Avg. 1BR Rent	Pros & Cons
Oak Cliff (North)	Urban, diverse, close to Downtown. 15-20 min commute to major employers.	$1,200 - $1,400	Pro: Affordable rents, good food scene. Con: Older buildings, some areas have higher crime rates (which, ironically, can mean more security jobs).
Mesquite	Suburban, east of Dallas. 25-30 min commute to downtown.	$1,100 - $1,300	Pro: Very affordable, family-friendly, close to I-30. Con: Longer commute, less nightlife.
Irving/Las Colinas	Corporate, modern. 20-35 min commute depending on traffic.	$1,500 - $1,700	Pro: High concentration of security jobs (corporate campuses), good amenities. Con: Rents are higher; traffic on 635 can be brutal.
Downtown Dallas	Walkable, high-energy. Many jobs are within walking distance.	$1,800 - $2,200	Pro: Zero commute for many jobs, vibrant nightlife. Con: Rent is not affordable on a median salary; best if you have a roommate.
Richardson	Established, tech corridor. 25-30 min commute.	$1,300 - $1,500	Pro: Home to many data centers and tech firms needing security. Good public transit access (DART). Con: Rents are rising.

Insider Tip: If you’re working a night shift in Irving or Downtown, consider living in a nearby suburb like Grand Prairie or Duncanville to save on rent. The commute against traffic can be manageable.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Security in Dallas isn’t a dead-end job, but growth requires intention. The 10-year job growth of 3% means competition for promotions will be steady.

Specialty Premiums:

• Armed Guard (Level III): Adds $3-$5/hour to your base rate. Essential for banks, armored transport, and high-risk sites.
• Executive Protection: Highly specialized. Training and networking are key. Pay can exceed $70,000/year for top-tier jobs.
• Critical Infrastructure: Working at power plants, airports (DFW/DAL), or water treatment facilities. Requires clearances and often pays 15-20% above median.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish): A huge asset in Dallas. Can add a $1-$2/hour premium and open doors to more client-facing roles.

Advancement Paths:

1. Field Guard → Site Supervisor: Manage a team at a single location. Requires leadership skills and experience. Pay bump to $40,000-$45,000.
2. Field Guard → Operations Manager: Oversee multiple sites for a contract company. Requires logistics and client management. Pay can reach $50,000-$60,000.
3. Specialize → Trainer/Consultant: Use your experience to train new hires or consult for small businesses. Can be lucrative but requires building a reputation.

10-Year Outlook: The core demand for physical security will remain, but the field is slowly integrating technology. Guards who learn basic access control systems, CCTV operation, and report writing software will have an edge. The growth isn’t in numbers, but in complexity. The guard who can also manage a gate, monitor a camera bank, and de-escalate a situation is the one who gets promoted.

The Verdict: Is Dallas Right for You?

Pros	Cons
No state income tax boosts your take-home pay.	High housing costs relative to salary; renting is the norm.
Large, diverse job market (2,605 positions).	Car dependency adds significant transportation costs.
Competitive median wage ($36,497) vs. national average.	Modest job growth (3%) means advancement requires hustle.
Pathways to specialties (armed, executive, critical sites).	Summertime heat (100°F+) can make patrolling grueling.
Vibrant city with cultural amenities and sports.	Traffic is notoriously bad, impacting commute times.

Final Recommendation: Dallas is a solid choice for an experienced security guard who is financially prepared to manage housing costs, likely by starting with a roommate. It’s less ideal for a first-year guard expecting to buy a home quickly. Your success hinges on targeting in-house positions (UT Southwestern, corporations) and pursuing certifications like armed guard licensing to increase your value. If you’re willing to specialize and navigate the commute, the Texas tax advantage and steady demand make it a viable, if not lucrative, career move.

FAQs

Q: How long does it take to get my Texas Security License?
A: The entire process, from training to receiving your card, typically takes 4 to 8 weeks. The DPS background check is the longest variable. You can start working under a temporary license while waiting.

Q: Is the Dallas market oversaturated with security guards?
A: Not oversaturated, but competitive. With 2,605 jobs, there’s demand, but the 3% growth rate means you need a clean record, reliable transportation, and a willingness to work undesirable shifts (nights/weekends) to land a good post.

Q: Do I need my own car to be a security guard in Dallas?
A: Yes, absolutely. Dallas is spread out, and many posts (warehouses, corporate parks) are not accessible by DART. Even if you work downtown, you’ll likely need a car to commute from affordable housing.

Q: What’s the best way to find a job quickly?
A: Skip the big national job boards first. Go directly to the career pages of local employers like UT Southwestern, Amerisafe, and DISD. Also, visit local security company offices in person (e.g., Allied Universal’s Dallas branch) and ask for the hiring manager. Networking at security industry events (check Meetup) helps.

Q: Can I live in Dallas on a starting salary of $30,000?
A: It’s very tight. With a $30,000 salary, your take-home is roughly $2,050/month. After a $1,200 rent (a 1BR in a more affordable area), you have $850 for everything else. A roommate or living in a suburb like Mesquite is almost necessary to make it work comfortably. Budgeting is non-negotiable.