Security Guard in Denton, TX

The Salary Picture: Where Denton Stands

Let's get straight to the numbers. As a Security Guard in Denton, you're not going to get rich, but you can build a solid, stable living. The median salary for Security Guards in the Denton metro area is $36,497 per year, which translates to an hourly rate of $17.55 per hour. This is slightly above the national average of $36,140 per year, a small but meaningful advantage that speaks to the region's demand for security services.

Here’s how your earning potential breaks down based on experience:

Experience Level	Typical Salary Range (Annual)	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$30,000 - $34,000	Basic patrols, access control, report writing
Mid-Level (3-5 years)	$35,000 - $40,000	Specialized posts (hospital, corporate), lead guard duties
Senior/Expert (5+ years)	$41,000 - $48,000+	Supervisory roles, armed guard, training, contract management

How does Denton stack up against other Texas cities?

• Dallas-Fort Worth: Pay is higher (median ~$38,000), but cost of living is significantly steeper. Commuting from Denton to DFW is a common strategy.
• Austin: Similar median pay, but housing costs are dramatically higher, making Denton's $1,500 average 1BR rent look very attractive.
• Houston: Comparable salary to Denton, but with a different job market mix (more industrial, port, and energy security).
• San Antonio: Slightly lower median pay, but also lower cost of living. Denton offers a middle ground.

Insider Tip: The 3% 10-year job growth for the metro area is modest but steady. It’s not a boomtown scenario, but it’s a reliable market. The 316 jobs in the metro figure is your baseline—there's always turnover and opportunity, especially near the I-35 corridor.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's do the math on a $36,497 salary. After federal, state (Texas has no state income tax), and FICA taxes, your monthly take-home pay will be approximately $2,350.

Now, let's build a monthly budget for a single Security Guard in Denton:

Expense Category	Estimated Cost	Notes
Rent (1BR Average)	$1,500	Aim for $1,300-$1,400 in older parts of the city to save.
Utilities	$150	Includes electricity, water, gas, internet.
Car Payment & Insurance	$250 - $350	Critical: Texas requires auto insurance. Public transit is limited.
Groceries	$300	Shop at Kroger, Albertsons, or local markets.
Fuel	$150 - $200	Depending on commute. Gas is cheaper than the national avg.
Miscellaneous/Entertainment	$200	Dining out, streaming, gym, etc.
Total Monthly Expenses	$2,550 - $2,700	This exceeds your take-home.

The Reality: A single Security Guard earning the median wage will need a roommate or a second income to live comfortably. You'll be budgeting tightly.

Can they afford to buy a home?
With a median home price in Denton County around $350,000, buying as a single person on this salary is a significant challenge. A 20% down payment is $70,000. Even with a 3-5% down payment, a mortgage, taxes, and insurance would push your monthly housing cost well over $2,000. It's not impossible long-term, especially if you partner with someone, but it requires aggressive saving and career advancement.

Where the Jobs Are: Denton's Major Employers

Denton's job market is anchored by education, healthcare, and logistics. Security roles are plentiful in these sectors. Here’s where to look:

1. Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Denton: A major healthcare employer. They hire for in-house security teams for patient safety, access control, and emergency response. Hiring trends show a steady need for guards with healthcare-specific training (HIPAA, de-escalation).
2. University of North Texas (UNT) & Texas Woman's University (TWU): Both universities employ dozens of security officers for campus patrols, event security, and dorm access. These are often state jobs with good benefits. UNT's large event calendar (football, concerts) means seasonal and part-time opportunities.
3. Denton County Facilities: The county government employs security for the Courthouse, Administrative Complex, and juvenile detention centers. These are stable, often unionized positions with clear advancement paths to supervisory roles.
4. Amazon & Logistics Hubs: The Denton area has seen growth in warehousing and distribution (e.g., Amazon's facility in nearby Fort Worth). These contracts often go to large security firms like G4S or Securitas, which hire for 24/7 posts. Pay can be at the lower end of the scale, but hours are consistent.
5. Independent School Districts (DISD, KISD, etc.): School districts hire security officers for campus safety, especially for after-school events and high school games. This is a growing area post-2020.
6. Retail & Shopping Centers: Northgate Mall (though in decline) and larger shopping plazas (like those on I-35) contract with security firms. This is a classic entry-level post but can be a stepping stone.
7. Private Corporate Campuses: Companies like Raytheon (in nearby McKinney) or local business parks often have dedicated security teams. These roles often require or prefer armed certification.

Insider Tip: The best jobs are often not publicly advertised on Indeed. Join the Security Guard Association of Texas (SGAT) and attend local meetings. Many employers post openings directly there. Also, build a relationship with a few local security contracting companies—they are the primary source for most posts.

Getting Licensed in Texas

Texas has a straightforward licensing process through the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), Private Security Bureau. It's not overly burdensome, but you must follow the steps precisely.

1. Basic Training (Level II): You must complete a 6-hour course from a licensed training school. Topics include laws, report writing, and use of force. Cost: $50 - $150.
2. Submit Application: You'll need to get fingerprinted (cost: ~$35) and submit your application to DPS with a $38.50 fee.
3. Background Check: This is mandatory and can take 4-8 weeks. You cannot have a felony conviction.
4. License in Hand: The entire process, from application to license, typically takes 6-10 weeks.

For Armed Security:
You must first get an unarmed license, then complete an additional 15-hour firearms course (cost: $150 - $300). The total time to get armed can be 3-4 months. Insider Tip: Many employers in Denton (hospitals, schools) prefer or require unarmed guards. Armed positions are more common in private corporate security and cash-handling roles.

Renewal: Your license is valid for two years. Renewal requires continuing education (4 hours) and a $50 renewal fee.

Best Neighborhoods for Security Guards

Given the budget constraints, your choice of neighborhood will impact your lifestyle. Here are four options, balancing commute and cost:

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Avg. 1BR Rent	Best For
East Denton	Older, more affordable, working-class. Close to I-35E for commuting to Dallas jobs.	$1,100 - $1,300	Budget-conscious guards who need quick highway access.
University Area	Lively, college-town energy. Close to UNT/TWU jobs. Can be noisy.	$1,300 - $1,600	Guards seeking campus jobs and a social scene.
South Denton	Newer developments, quieter, family-oriented. Closer to hospital and I-35W.	$1,400 - $1,700	Guards wanting a quieter home base, willing to drive for work.
Downtown Denton	Walkable, historic, vibrant nightlife. Limited parking, higher rent.	$1,400 - $1,800	Guards who value urban lifestyle and can walk to work (if employed downtown).

Insider Tip: Avoid the area immediately surrounding the courthouse if you work late shifts; parking can be a nightmare. For reliable, safe parking, look for apartments with dedicated lots, especially if you live in a uniformed role.

The Long Game: Career Growth

The 3% growth projection means you won't see explosive openings, but advancement is possible through specialization and credentials. Here’s the path:

1. Specialize to Increase Pay: Certifications add value. Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) or CPR/AED Instructor certifications can bump pay by $2-$4/hour, especially for hospital or event security. Fire Alarm Monitoring certification is another premium skill.
2. Move to Supervision or Management: After 3-5 years, you can aim for a Supervisor or Shift Manager role. This often involves scheduling, reporting, and client interaction. Pay can jump to $45,000-$55,000.
3. Corporate & Government Contracts: The most lucrative path is moving into specialized contract security for large corporations or government agencies. These roles often include benefits and higher pay scales.
4. Start Your Own Firm: Texas makes it relatively easy to start a security company (requires a company license and a licensed manager). The Denton market has room for specialized, local firms, but it requires business acumen and capital.

10-Year Outlook: Automation is a factor (more cameras, less roving patrol), but human judgment and response remain critical. The demand will be for guards who can handle complex situations—de-escalation, medical emergencies, and technical systems. The 3% growth suggests a stable, not speculative, career.

The Verdict: Is Denton Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Affordable relative to DFW/Austin.	Low median salary for the industry.
Stable job market with anchor employers (UT, hospitals).	Limited public transit—car is a must.
Strong community feel and local events.	Modest career growth (3%)—you must be proactive.
Close to Dallas for higher-paying opportunities.	Budget is tight on a single income.
No state income tax helps your take-home pay.	Competition for the best jobs can be local.

Final Recommendation: Denton is an excellent choice for a Security Guard who values stability, community, and a reasonable cost of living. It's not the place to make a fortune, but you can build a solid life. It's ideal for those with a partner, a roommate, or who are willing to specialize (e.g., get armed or EMT certified) to increase their earnings. If you're ambitious and want rapid growth, you might use Denton as a launchpad to gain experience before moving to a larger metro. For the long haul, it's a practical, livable market.

FAQs

1. Can I get a job as a Security Guard in Denton without prior experience?
Yes. The vast majority of entry-level positions are in retail, basic patrols, and event security. Your biggest asset will be a clean background and reliability. Complete the Level II licensing first to make yourself more attractive.

2. Is it worth commuting to the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex for a higher salary?
It depends. The salary increase (potentially $2,000-$5,000 more) must offset higher DFW rent ($1,800-$2,200 for a 1BR) and commute costs (gas, tolls, time). Many Denton residents do it successfully, but it requires careful budgeting and a reliable vehicle.

3. What's the hiring process like for hospital security vs. university security?
Hospital security (e.g., Texas Health) often involves a more rigorous interview, background check, and sometimes a physical fitness test due to the high-stress environment. University jobs may focus more on customer service and student interaction. Both value de-escalation training.

4. Do I need to know Spanish to work in Denton?
While not a formal requirement, it is a major asset. Denton has a significant Hispanic population. Being able to communicate with a broader range of people is invaluable in security, especially in healthcare, retail, and campus settings.

5. How can I find the best-paying jobs in Denton?
Network locally. Join the Security Guard Association of Texas Facebook group for Denton. Visit the Denton Workforce Solutions office in person. Contact contract security companies directly (G4S, Securitas, Allied Universal) and ask for their local hiring managers. The best jobs are often filled through referrals.