Security Guard in Denver, CO

Here is a comprehensive career guide for Security Guards considering a move to Denver, CO.

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The Salary Picture: Where Denver Stands

Let's cut to the chase: security is a steady field in Denver. The city's growth has created demand, but it's not a get-rich-quick industry. The median salary for Security Guards in Denver is $36,736/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $17.66/hour. This is slightly above the national average of $36,140/year, a small but meaningful premium that reflects Denver's cost of living.

Your actual earnings will depend heavily on experience, specialization, and the employer. Here’s a realistic breakdown of what you can expect at different career stages in the local market:

Level	Experience	Salary Range (Yearly)	Common Roles in Denver
Entry-Level	0-2 years	$31,000 - $35,500	Unarmed guard, retail loss prevention, basic site patrol.
Mid-Level	2-5 years	$36,000 - $42,000	Armed guard, corporate campus security, event security.
Senior	5-10 years	$43,000 - $52,000	Site supervisor, lead guard, specialized protection (e.g., data centers).
Expert	10+ years	$52,000 - $65,000+	Manager, corporate security director, executive protection specialist.

How does Denver compare to other Colorado cities?
Denver is the hub, but not always the highest payer. Colorado Springs, with its strong military and government contractor presence, often sees slightly higher salaries for armed and specialized roles. Boulder, despite a higher cost of living, can be competitive due to the tech and university sectors. However, Denver offers the highest volume of jobs (1,433 in the metro area), providing more opportunities for advancement and varied work environments.

Insider Tip: The 10-year job growth is projected at 3%, which is stable but not explosive. This means the market isn't flooded with new entrants, but competition for the best-paying, most desirable jobs (like at major hospitals or tech campuses) will remain steady.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

The salary number is one thing; your bank account is another. Denver's cost of living is a significant factor. The Cost of Living Index is 105.5 (compared to the US average of 100), and the average 1BR rent is $1,835/month. Let's run the numbers for an entry-to-mid-level security guard earning the median salary of $36,736/year.

Monthly Budget Breakdown (Security Guard, $36,736/year)

Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Gross Pay	$3,061	($36,736 / 12)
Taxes (Est. 20%)	-$612	Federal, State, FICA. This is a rough estimate; your actual rate may vary.
Net Pay	$2,449
Rent (1BR Average)	-$1,835	This is a major chunk. Sharing a place or finding a studio is common.
Utilities	-$150	Electricity, gas, water, internet.
Groceries	-$300
Transportation	-$150	Gas, insurance, RTD bus/light rail pass.
Health Insurance	-$150	Employer-sponsored plans vary.
Misc. & Savings	-$134	Phone, personal care, emergency fund.

Can they afford to buy a home?
Frankly, on this salary alone, buying a home in Denver is a significant challenge. The median home price in the Denver metro area is well over $500,000. A down payment alone would be daunting. To purchase even a modest condo, a security guard would likely need a dual-income household, substantial savings from a previous career, or to move into a supervisory role ($52,000+) for several years and save aggressively. For most in this field, renting is the practical, immediate reality.

Where the Jobs Are: Denver's Major Employers

Denver's security job market is diverse, but a handful of major employers dominate the landscape. Here’s who’s hiring and what to expect:

1. Allied Universal & Securitas: These are the two largest national security firms with a massive presence in Denver. They service countless corporate offices, retail complexes, and industrial sites. Hiring Trend: They are constantly recruiting for both armed and unarmed positions. High turnover means there's always an opening, but the pay is often on the lower end of the scale. Good for getting your foot in the door.

2. UCHealth & SCL Health (now part of Intermountain): Major hospital systems are huge employers. They need security for patient safety, asset protection, and crowd control. Hiring Trend: These are highly sought-after jobs. They offer better pay, benefits, and a more professional environment than retail security. You'll need strong de-escalation skills and often a CPR/AED certification.

3. City and County of Denver (Government): Working directly for the city offers stability and good benefits. Roles include security for municipal buildings, courts, and public facilities like the Denver Zoo or Art Museum. Hiring Trend: These jobs are competitive. They often require a clean background check, a valid Colorado driver's license, and sometimes Spanish language proficiency. Check the City of Denver's official job board regularly.

4. Denver International Airport (DEN): DEN is a city in itself and a major employer. Security roles range from TSA support contractors (e.g., with Covenant Aviation Security) to airport facility patrols and baggage handling security. Hiring Trend: Hiring is tied to airport flight volumes and federal contracts. It's a 24/7 operation, so shift work is guaranteed. The airport is a long commute for most, located northeast of downtown.

5. Tech Campuses (Google, Salesforce, etc.): Boulder and the Denver Tech Center (south Denver) host security teams for major tech firms. These roles focus on access control, visitor management, and emergency response in a corporate setting. Hiring Trend: These positions are premier, often requiring a clean record, professional demeanor, and sometimes prior experience in corporate security. They pay at the higher end of the scale.

6. Denver Public Schools (DPS): School security is a growing field. Guards are stationed at middle and high schools to maintain a safe learning environment. Hiring Trend: This is a mission-driven role with a schedule that follows the school year. It requires patience and the ability to work with youth.

Getting Licensed in Colorado

Colorado has a clear, state-regulated process for security guards. It's straightforward but requires specific steps.

State Requirements: All security guards in Colorado must be licensed by the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA), Division of Private Security.

1. Training: You must complete a 16-hour basic security guard training course from a DORA-approved school. This covers Colorado law, use of force, emergency procedures, and ethics. Cost: $100 - $250.
2. Armed vs. Unarmed: If you want to be an armed guard, you must complete an additional 16 hours of firearms training and pass a shooting proficiency test. Cost: $200 - $400.
3. Application: Submit an application to DORA, which includes fingerprints and a background check. There is an application fee. Cost: ~$100.
4. Timeline: From start to finish, if you have no delays, you can be licensed as an unarmed guard in 2-4 weeks. With firearms training, it may take 4-8 weeks total.

Insider Tip: Many larger employers (like Allied Universal) will hire you and then pay for or reimburse your training costs. It's a smart move to ask about this during your interview. If you're paying out of pocket, shop around for training schools. Some community colleges offer affordable options.

Best Neighborhoods for Security Guards

Where you live affects your commute, lifestyle, and budget. Here are four neighborhoods that offer a good balance for security guards working in various parts of the city.

• Aurora (East Denver Metro): This is a popular, more affordable area. It's home to Anschutz Medical Campus, a major employer for security guards. You can find 1BR apartments for $1,400 - $1,600/month. The commute to downtown Denver is about 20-30 minutes via I-225. It's diverse, with lots of shopping and amenities, but traffic on I-225 can be heavy during rush hour.
• Capitol Hill (Central Denver): If you work downtown or at a hospital like St. Joseph (now part of SCL Health), living in Capitol Hill puts you on the Light Rail or a short bus ride away. It's a dense, walkable neighborhood with an urban vibe. Rent is higher ($1,700 - $2,000 for a 1BR), but you can save on transportation. It's great for those who want to be in the heart of the city.
• Westwood (Southwest Denver): A more affordable, culturally rich neighborhood. It's close to the Barnum and West Colfax areas, with easy access to the Federal Center and downtown via the Light Rail (W Line). You can find 1BR apartments for $1,300 - $1,500/month. It's a great option for those working at city facilities or downtown events.
• Thornton (North Metro): If you work at DEN Airport or the northern industrial parks, Thornton is a great choice. It's a classic suburb with a lower cost of living. You can find a 1BR for $1,500 - $1,700/month. The commute to the airport is straightforward via I-70. It's family-friendly but less walkable.

The Long Game: Career Growth

A security guard job is often a starting point. Here’s how to grow your career and income in Denver:

• Specialty Premiums:

  • Armed Guard: This is the biggest pay jump. You can expect to earn $3-$5 more per hour than unarmed counterparts.
  • Executive Protection: Highly specialized, requiring physical fitness, defensive driving, and tactical training. Can pay $75,000-$100,000+ but is a small, competitive niche.
  • Fire Inspector/Safety Officer: With additional certifications, you can shift into fire and life safety roles, often at large campuses or hospitals.

• Advancement Paths:

  1. Guard to Supervisor: Master your role, show leadership, and get your DORA Supervisor registration (requires 32 hours of training). This is the fastest path to a pay raise.
  2. Supervisor to Manager: Move into operations, managing multiple sites and staff. This role often pays $60,000+.
  3. Corporate Security: Transition from contract security to an in-house role at a company (like a tech firm or hospital). These jobs often have better benefits and a path into risk management.

• 10-Year Outlook: With the 3% growth, the field remains stable. The biggest opportunities will be in specialized sectors: healthcare security, data center protection, and corporate risk management. Guards who invest in ongoing training, soft skills (conflict resolution), and technology (CCTV, access control systems) will be the most valuable and best-paid.

The Verdict: Is Denver Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Stable Job Market: With 1,433 jobs in the metro, you can find work.	High Cost of Living: The $1,835/month rent on a $36,736 salary is a tight squeeze.
Career Pathways: Clear paths to higher pay through licensing and specialization.	Weather: Winters are mild by Colorado standards but can be unpredictable with snow and ice, affecting commutes.
Diverse Work Environments: From hospitals to tech campuses to airports.	Traffic: Commutes can be long, especially from suburbs to downtown or the airport.
Outdoor Access: If you enjoy the outdoors, Denver's mountains and parks are unbeatable for your days off.	Competition for Top Jobs: The best roles (hospitals, corporate) are competitive and may require experience.

Final Recommendation:
Denver is a viable and rewarding city for a security guard who is strategic about their career. It's not the place for an entry-level guard expecting a luxurious lifestyle on a single income. However, for a guard willing to start in a contract role, get licensed (especially armed), and work towards a supervisory or specialized position, Denver offers a stable career ladder and a high quality of life. If you can manage the housing costs (through roommates or living in a more affordable suburb), the professional opportunities make it a strong contender.

FAQs

Q: Do I need a car to work as a security guard in Denver?
A: Highly recommended. While the Light Rail (RTD) system is good, many security sites (industrial parks, hospitals, corporate campuses) are not directly on a train line. Public transit can add significant time to your commute. A reliable car is a major advantage.

Q: Can I get a security job without any prior experience?
A: Yes. Many large contract firms (Allied, Securitas) hire entry-level guards and will put you through the required 16-hour training. It's the most common way to break into the field. Highlight any customer service experience you have on your resume.

Q: What's the difference between working for a contract company vs. an in-house team?
A: Contract companies (like Allied) offer variety and easier entry but often have lower pay and less job stability (contracts can change). In-house teams (like at a hospital or tech company) usually offer better pay, benefits, and a unified team culture, but are harder to get into without experience.

Q: Is Denver's weather a big issue for security work?
A: It can be. You'll be working outdoors year-round, so you need proper gear. The biggest issue is snow and ice, which can make patrolling dangerous and commutes slow. Most employers provide or recommend specific winter footwear. The summer is fantastic, with long, sunny days.

Q: How do I find the best-paying security jobs in Denver?
A: Go beyond job boards. Network on LinkedIn with local security managers. Check the career pages directly for UCHealth, Denver Health, the City and County of Denver, and major tech companies. Specializing (getting armed, CPR/AED certified, or pursuing a degree in criminal justice) will immediately open doors to higher-paying roles.