The Complete Career Guide for Security Guards in Des Moines, IA

If you're a security guard considering a move to Des Moines, you're looking at a stable, affordable market with a unique blend of government, corporate, and healthcare security needs. As a local, I can tell you this isn't a city where you'll be chasing high-end, Hollywood-style security gigs, but it's a solid, reliable place to build a career without getting priced out of housing. This guide breaks down the reality of the job market here, from your paycheck to your best commuting routes.

The Salary Picture: Where Des Moines Stands

Let's cut right to the chase: security work in Des Moines pays close to the national average but offers a lower cost of living, which is the real key. The median salary for a Security Guard in Des Moines is $35,348 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $16.99. For context, the national average for the role is $36,140/year. You're slightly under the national figure, but the financial math works in your favor here.

Experience and specialization drive your earnings. Here’s a realistic breakdown for the Des Moines market:

Experience Level	Typical Yearly Salary Range	What to Expect in Des Moines
Entry-Level	$28,000 - $32,000	Unarmed posts at retail, basic corporate buildings, or event security. Often starts at or just above the state's minimum wage.
Mid-Level	$33,000 - $38,000	Unarmed posts with more responsibility (e.g., access control, patrols). This is where the median $35,348 sits.
Senior	$38,000 - $45,000	Armed positions, lead guard roles, or specialized in healthcare/financial security. Requires additional certifications.
Expert	$45,000+	Corporate security management, executive protection, or corporate security director roles. Highly competitive.

How Des Moines Compares to Other Iowa Cities:
Des Moines is the state's largest metro, so it has the most volume of jobs. However, salaries are fairly consistent across major Iowa metros due to the relatively low cost of living. You might find a slightly higher starting wage in the Quad Cities (Davenport/Bettendorf) due to industrial security, or in Iowa City due to the university and hospital systems, but the overall financial picture in Des Moines is strong because of its affordability.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

A median salary of $35,348 sounds modest, but in Des Moines, it's livable. Let's break down the monthly math for a single person.

• Gross Monthly Income: $2,946 ($35,348 / 12)
• Estimated Taxes (State & Federal): ~$550/month (using standard deductions)
• Net Monthly Take-Home: ~$2,396

Now, for housing. The average 1BR rent in Des Moines is $899/month. This is key. With your take-home pay, rent would consume about 38% of your net income. While that's slightly above the recommended 30% rule, it's very common for single-income professionals in secure housing markets. It's manageable, especially with a roommate or by choosing a slightly cheaper neighborhood (more on that later).

Can you afford to buy a home?
Potentially, but not immediately on a single guard's income. Let's run the numbers:

• Median Home Price in Des Moines Metro: ~$220,000
• Estimated Monthly Mortgage (with taxes/insurance): ~$1,500
• Affordability Gap: After mortgage, you'd have ~$896 left for all other expenses (utilities, food, car, savings). This is tight but possible for a highly disciplined budget, especially with a dual-income household. The easier path is to start renting, build savings, and potentially buy in 3-5 years, possibly with a partner.

Where the Jobs Are: Des Moines's Major Employers

Security jobs in Des Moines are dominated by three sectors: corporate, healthcare, and government. Here are the specific employers you should target, with insider details on their hiring trends.

1. Principal Financial Group: Their massive downtown headquarters is a security hub. They hire both in-house security officers and contract guards through companies like Allied Universal. The work is professional, with a strong focus on access control, visitor management, and internal patrols. Hiring is steady, often through their career page or via contractors. Insider Tip: Knowing the downtown street grid and emergency protocols for the building is a plus.

2. UnityPoint Health & MercyOne Des Moines: These two healthcare giants are the largest employers in the metro. Hospital security is a major niche—unarmed but often stressful, dealing with patient disputes, behavioral health, and protecting sensitive areas. UnityPoint's Methodist and MercyOne's Iowa Lutheran are major sites. They often use internal teams and contractors like Securitas. Hiring is year-round due to turnover and expansion.

3. The State of Iowa: The state government employs hundreds of security guards for capitol building security, state office buildings (like the Lucas State Office Building), and the Judicial Branch. These are often union positions (AFSCME) with state benefits. Hiring is periodic and competitive, posted on the state's career board. It's a stable, pension-eligible path.

4. MidAmerican Energy: Their downtown tower and service centers require security for both corporate offices and critical infrastructure. They value reliability and often promote from within. They use a mix of in-house and contract staff. The work is less public-facing than retail but requires understanding of utility security protocols.

5. Des Moines Public Schools (DMPS): School security is a growing field. While many positions are for "School Resource Officers" (often a separate, sworn role), there are also security officer positions for after-hours patrols, event security, and facility management. Hiring is tied to the school calendar.

6. Contract Security Firms: The big players here are Allied Universal, Securitas, and G4S. They service the majority of the corporate accounts listed above. They are the best place to start for entry-level roles, as they provide training and placement. Insider Tip: Building a reputation with a contract firm can lead to direct-hire offers from their clients after 1-2 years.

Hiring Trends: Post-pandemic, there's a slight shift toward more technology-integrated roles (monitoring cameras, using mobile apps for patrols). However, the core need for warm bodies at posts remains strong. The healthcare and corporate sectors are the most consistent hirers.

Getting Licensed in Iowa

Iowa has specific, mandatory requirements to work as a security guard. It's not a difficult process, but you must follow the steps.

1. Basic Requirements: You must be at least 18 (21 for armed positions), have no felony convictions, and be legally eligible to work in the U.S.
2. Training: Iowa requires 8 hours of basic security training from a state-approved school. This covers laws of arrest, use of force, ethics, and report writing. The cost is typically $100 - $200. Major providers include the Des Moines Police Department's Training Academy and various private security schools in the metro.
3. Licensing Application: After training, you apply for a Private Security Officer License through the Iowa Department of Public Safety, Division of Criminal and Juvenile Justice Planning (DCJP). The application fee is $75. The process can take 4-6 weeks.
4. Armed Certification: To work armed, you must complete an additional 12-hour course (total 20 hours) and pass a range qualification. The armed license fee is $100. This adds cost and time but unlocks higher-paying positions (starting in the mid-$40,000s).

Timeline: You can be job-ready in about 2-3 months: 1 month to complete training and get licensed, and 1-2 months for the job search.

Best Neighborhoods for Security Guards

Your choice of neighborhood affects your commute, rent, and lifestyle. Here are four solid options for a security guard earning the median.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Rent Estimate (1BR)	Best For...
Downtown/ East Village	Walkable, urban. Direct access to corporate jobs. Commute is a short walk or bike ride.	$1,100 - $1,400	The young professional who wants zero commute and city energy. It's pricier, but you save on a car payment.
Beaverdale	Quiet, residential, family-friendly. Easy drive to downtown, MercyOne, or the western suburbs.	$850 - $1,050	The guard who wants balance. Affordable, safe, and a central location for multiple job markets.
South Side (Greenwood/ Park Ave)	Diverse, affordable, with a growing food scene. Close to downtown and UnityPoint Methodist.	$750 - $950	The budget-conscious guard. You get the city's best value, with a 15-minute commute to most major employers.
Ankeny (North Suburb)	Family-oriented, clean, with excellent schools. A 20-minute drive to downtown.	$900 - $1,100	The guard with a family or who prioritizes suburban safety and space. Many security jobs are in the northern corporate parks.

The Long Game: Career Growth

A security guard role in Des Moines is a stable entry point, but advancement requires proactive steps. Your 10-year outlook looks like this:

• Years 1-3: Gain experience, build a reliable reputation, and get licensed for armed work if desired. Salary: $35k -> $42k.
• Years 4-7: Move into a Lead Guard or Supervisor role, or specialize. Specialties in Des Moines that pay premiums:
  • Executive Protection: For corporate or political figures. Requires advanced training and networking.
  • Cybersecurity Physical Security: Protecting data centers for companies like Equifax or Principal.
  • Healthcare Security Management: Overseeing hospital security teams.
• Years 8-10: Transition into a Security Manager for a corporate client or a Director of Security for a hospital system. These roles are often $70,000+.

10-Year Outlook: The 10-year job growth of 3% is below national averages, indicating a stable but not rapidly expanding field. However, Des Moines's economy is resilient. The growth will be in promotion and specialization rather than new entry-level posts. The rise of smart city technology in Des Moines (like the smart streetlights downtown) will also create hybrid tech-security roles.

The Verdict: Is Des Moines Right for You?

Deciding to move for a career is a big choice. Here’s a clear breakdown.

Pros	Cons
Affordable Cost of Living: Your $35,348 salary goes much further here than in larger metros.	Limited High-End Roles: Fewer opportunities for ultra-high-paying, elite security positions compared to coastal cities.
Stable Job Market: Strong corporate, healthcare, and government sectors provide consistent demand.	Below-Average Salary Growth: The 3% job growth suggests you must actively seek promotions to increase earnings.
Manageable Commutes: You can live affordably and still be within 20-30 minutes of most major employers.	Less Glamorous Work: Most of the work is routine, observation-based, and public-facing, not action-packed.
Good Career Stepping Stone: A great place to gain 2-3 years of experience before moving to a larger market or into management.	Winters are Harsh: Patrolling or standing post in a Des Moines winter (-10°F wind chills) is a real physical challenge.

Final Recommendation: Des Moines is an excellent choice for a security guard who values stability, affordability, and a reasonable work-life balance. It's not the place for someone seeking to make $100k in their first five years, but it's ideal for someone who wants a solid, reliable career in a city where their paycheck covers a comfortable life. If you're willing to specialize and climb the ladder, you can build a very sustainable future here.

FAQs

1. Do I need a car in Des Moines?
For most security jobs, yes. While downtown jobs are walkable, most posts (at hospitals, schools, corporate parks) are spread across the metro. Public transit (DART) exists but is less reliable for shift work. A car is a practical necessity for about 80% of the jobs.

2. What's the competition like for jobs?
Moderate. There are always openings due to the nature of the industry, but for the best-paying corporate or government jobs, competition is stronger. Having a clean record, the required license, and a professional resume will set you apart. Many contract firms are perpetually hiring for entry-level roles.

3. Can I work armed immediately?
No. You must first get your unarmed license and gain experience. Most armed positions require you to be at least 21 and to have completed the 12-hour armed course. Employers like hospitals or corporate clients will often require 1-2 years of unarmed experience before considering you for an armed post.

4. How does the weather impact the job?
Significantly. Des Moines has hot, humid summers and very cold, windy winters. If you're working a post that requires you to be outside or in a lobby with frequent door openings, you'll need a proper coat in winter and a cooling vest in summer. Factor this into your wardrobe budget.

5. Is there a union presence?
Yes, primarily in government and healthcare. The state of Iowa employees are represented by AFSCME, and some hospital security teams are unionized. Union jobs typically offer better benefits, pensions, and incremental wage increases, which can make them a long-term goal.