Security Guard in Edmond, OK

The Salary Picture: Where Edmond Stands

Let's get straight to the numbers. As a Security Guard in Edmond, the financial reality is clear: you're looking at a median salary of $35,164/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $16.91/hour. This is slightly below the national average for the role, which sits at $36,140/year. It's a tight margin, but one that's common for the region.

The job market here is stable but not booming. For the Oklahoma City Metro area (which includes Edmond), there are approximately 196 security guard jobs available. The 10-year job growth projection is a modest 3%. This isn't a field seeing explosive expansion, but it offers consistent, reliable employment, especially in a city like Edmond with steady institutional and commercial needs.

To give you a clearer picture of your earning potential, here’s a breakdown by experience level. These are estimates based on local data and industry standards, reflecting how your pay typically progresses in this field.

Experience-Level Breakdown

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary	Key Responsibilities in Edmond
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$28,000 - $32,000	Static posts at schools, retail centers, or office parks. Basic patrols.
Mid-Level (3-7 years)	$35,000 - $40,000	Shift lead, patrol officer at corporate campuses (e.g., Tinker AFB contractors), event security.
Senior (8-12 years)	$40,000 - $48,000	Site supervisor, corporate security manager, specialist roles (fire watch, armed).
Expert (12+ years)	$48,000+	Security director for large employers, consultant, or law enforcement transition.

Comparison to Other Oklahoma Cities

Compared to the rest of the state, Edmond's security guard wages are right in the middle of the pack. It's not as high as the premium paid in downtown Oklahoma City for specialized, armed roles, but it's more stable and often comes with better benefits than more volatile markets. Cities like Tulsa may have slightly lower median wages but a similar cost of living.

Insider Tip: The $16.91/hour figure is your baseline. You can consistently earn $2-$4 more per hour by pursuing armed certification (a significant investment but with high return) or by moving into supervisory roles at larger commercial sites like the University of Central Oklahoma or major distribution centers along the I-35 corridor.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's do the math on that $35,164 median salary. After federal, state, and FICA taxes, your monthly take-home pay will be roughly $2,200 - $2,300. This is a conservative estimate.

Now, factor in rent. The average 1-bedroom apartment in Edmond costs $773/month. That's about 35% of your net monthly income, which is on the high end of what's considered affordable (typically 30%). It's manageable, but tight.

Monthly Budget Breakdown for an Security Guard Earning $35,164

Category	Estimated Cost	Notes
Net Monthly Income	~$2,250	After taxes
Rent (1BR Avg.)	$773	Largest single expense
Utilities (Elec, Gas, Internet)	$180	Varies by season
Car Payment/Insurance	$300	Essential in Edmond; limited public transit
Gas	$120	Commutes can be 10-20 miles
Groceries	$250
Health Insurance	$150	If not covered by employer
Remaining	$477	For savings, debt, entertainment, emergencies

Can they afford to buy a home? On a single $35,164 income, it's a major stretch. The median home price in Edmond is over $250,000. With a 10% down payment ($25,000) and a mortgage, your monthly housing cost would likely exceed $1,500, which is unsustainable on this salary. Homeownership typically requires dual incomes, a significant career advancement, or moving to a neighboring, more affordable suburb like Guthrie or Jones.

Where the Jobs Are: Edmond's Major Employers

Edmond's security needs are driven by education, healthcare, corporate, and government-related contractors. Here are the key players and hiring trends.

1. University of Central Oklahoma (UCO): The largest employer in the city. UCO employs its own security department for campus patrols, event security (especially for Broncho athletics), and access control. Hiring is seasonal, often ramping up before the fall and spring semesters. Benefits for full-time staff are a major plus.
2. Edmond Public Schools: The district hires security personnel for high-school events and for its growing list of school resource officers (often in partnership with the Edmond Police Department). This role requires strong interpersonal skills with teens. Hiring is primarily through the school district's HR portal.
3. Mercy Hospital / INTEGRIS Health: Both major healthcare systems have facilities in Edmond. Hospitals require 24/7 security for patient safety, asset protection, and emergency response. This is a high-stress but stable environment. Shifts are round-the-clock, offering overnight differentials. They often prefer candidates with experience or military background.
4. Corporate Campuses (e.g., Love's Travel Stops, OG&E): While Love's is headquartered in Oklahoma City, its operations are nearby, and many corporate offices in the Edmond area have dedicated security teams. These are often the highest-paying non-government roles, focusing on executive protection, access control, and cybersecurity liaison.
5. Tinker Air Force Base (Contractors): While the base is in Midwest City, many defense contractors (like Northrop Grumman, Boeing) have facilities and projects in the Edmond/OKC corridor. These jobs often require a DoD security clearance, which can boost pay by $5-$10/hour. It's a long-term career path.
6. Downtown Edmond & Retail Centers: Smaller businesses, restaurants, and the massive Mitch Park/Mountain Creek area hire for event security and overnight patrols. These are often part-time or contract gigs through companies like Securitas or Allied Universal, which manage many local contracts.
7. Private Security Firms: Companies like GardaWorld and Allied Universal are the dominant contractors in the area, servicing everything from retail to construction sites. They offer a pathway to get your foot in the door and gain diverse experience.

Hiring Trends: The trend is toward specialization. Generic patrol guards are common, but those with CPR/AED certification, de-escalation training, or armed licensing are more competitive. There's also a growing need for security in the booming healthcare and education sectors, driven by safety concerns.

Getting Licensed in OK

Oklahoma has clear, state-mandated requirements for security guards. You cannot legally work as an armed guard without this process.

Unarmed Security Guard:

• Requirement: Must be at least 18 years old. No state license is required for unarmed guards, but employers must perform a background check.
• Cost: The background check fee is typically covered by the employer. You may pay for your own training (often 8-16 hours) which can cost $100-$300.
• Timeline: You can be hired and start training immediately. The background check usually takes 1-2 weeks.

Armed Security Guard (The Key Upgrade):

• Requirement: Must be at least 21 years old. Must complete an Oklahoma Council on Law Enforcement Education and Training (CLEET)-approved armed guard course (40 hours). Must pass a state shooting proficiency test.
• Cost: The course fee is $400 - $600. This includes range fees and materials. You'll also need to purchase a firearm and holster (approx. $500-$800).
• Timeline: The course typically takes 5-7 days. After completion, you submit your certification to the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI). The license is issued in a few weeks. Total time from decision to armed guard: 2-3 months.

Insider Tip: Many employers, especially hospitals and corporate campuses, will sponsor your armed training if you commit to working for them for a set period (e.g., one year). It's worth asking about during interviews.

Best Neighborhoods for Security Guards

Where you live in Edmond affects your commute, lifestyle, and budget. Here’s a local’s guide.

1. Central Edmond (Downtown & Eastside): The heart of the city. Close to UCO, Mercy Hospital, and downtown businesses. Walkable to shops and restaurants. Rent for a 1BR: $750-$850. Best for a short commute (5-10 minutes) and an active social life. Parking can be tight in older buildings.
2. South Edmond (near I-35 & Covell Road): Newer developments, many apartment complexes. Easy access to major employers (Love's, corporate parks) and Oklahoma City. Rent for a 1BR: $800-$950. Commutes are easy (10-15 minutes to most jobs) but you'll rely on a car. More chain restaurants and big-box stores.
3. West Edmond (near Mitch Park & Memorial Road): Family-oriented, excellent schools, close to the massive Mitch Park recreational area. Rent for a 1BR: $750-$900. Commute to southside employers is longer (15-20 minutes). Offers a quieter, suburban feel with lots of green space.
4. North Edmond (near the County Line & Waterloo Road): More affordable, with older apartment complexes and townhomes. Rent for a 1BR: $650-$800. Commutes can be 15-20 minutes to central/south Edmond. Good for saving money on rent, but fewer nearby amenities. You'll be close to the Oklahoma City limits and must be alert to traffic on I-35.
5. Guthrie (Just North of Edmond): This is a satellite option. Historic charm, significantly lower rent. Rent for a 1BR: $600-$750. Commute to Edmond jobs is 20-30 minutes. It's a good trade-off if you prioritize housing costs over a short commute and don't mind the drive.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Stagnation is a risk in this field if you don't plan ahead. Here’s how to advance.

• Specialty Premiums:

  • Armed Guard: Immediate pay increase of $3-$5/hour.
  • Fire Watch/Alarm Response: Specialized training can add $1-$2/hour.
  • Corporate Security Specialist: Requires knowledge of access control systems and incident reporting software. Can lead to salaried positions ($45k+).
  • Executive Protection: A niche field. Requires extensive training, physical fitness, and networking. High pay but limited local opportunities; often requires travel.

• Advancement Paths:

  1. Field to Office: Move from a guard post to a site supervisor, then to a regional manager for a security company (e.g., Allied Universal).
  2. Government/Contract: Gain experience and a clearance to move into federal contracting (Tinker AFB, federal buildings).
  3. Law Enforcement: Many security guards use the experience as a stepping stone to apply for the Edmond Police Department or Oklahoma County Sheriff's Office. The Edmond PD is competitive; they value community policing experience and customer service skills gained in security.

• 10-Year Outlook: The 3% growth rate indicates slow, steady demand. The biggest opportunities will be in specialized, licensed roles and in sectors with inherent risk (healthcare, education). The rise of technology (drones, AI monitoring) may change some patrol duties, but human presence for response and judgment will remain critical.

The Verdict: Is Edmond Right for You?

Edmond offers a stable environment for security guards, with a cost of living below the national average and a community-oriented atmosphere. However, the salary must be weighed against your financial goals.

Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
Stable job market with large institutional employers (schools, hospitals).	Median salary ($35,164) is tight for a single person, especially with rent.
Low cost of living (91.0 index) means your dollar goes further.	Low job growth (3%) means competition for promotions can be stiff.
Short commutes are the norm, even in the metro area.	Limited public transportation increases reliance on a personal vehicle.
Family-friendly and safe, with good public schools and parks.	Specialized roles (armed, federal) require significant upfront investment in training.
Proximity to OKC offers access to a larger job and training market.	Social scene is quieter compared to a major city; less nightlife variety.

Final Recommendation: Edmond is an excellent choice for security guards who value stability, community, and a manageable pace of life over high-octane career growth or luxury living. It's ideal for a young professional starting out (especially if they can get armed training sponsored), a family looking for a safe base, or someone transitioning from military/law enforcement. If your primary goal is to maximize income quickly, you may find higher wages in downtown OKC or by pursuing federal contracts. For a balanced, sustainable career in security, Edmond is a solid, data-backed choice.

FAQs

1. Do I need a car to work as a security guard in Edmond?
Yes, absolutely. Edmond is a car-dependent city. Public transit (Embark) is limited and not reliable for shift work. Most security posts are spread out, and you'll likely need to commute between sites. Budget for a reliable vehicle and insurance.

2. Is it easier to get hired with military or police experience?
Yes, it's a significant advantage. Employers value the discipline, training, and background checks that come with that experience. It can often bypass the need for some initial training and place you in a higher starting pay bracket. The Edmond Police Department and many corporate employers specifically recruit veterans.

3. What's the best way to find a security job in Edmond?
Start with the major employers' career pages (UCO, Edmond Public Schools, Mercy/INTEGRIS). For contract work, check the job boards on the websites of Allied Universal and Securitas. Networking at local security trainings or veteran events in OKC can also lead to opportunities. Indeed and LinkedIn are also frequently used.

4. Can I work as a guard while pursuing a degree at UCO?
Yes, it's a common path. Many students work part-time security jobs on campus or at nearby retail centers. The flexible shifts (especially overnight or weekend posts) can accommodate class schedules. It's a practical way to gain relevant experience while studying.

5. How does the cost of living in Edmond compare to Oklahoma City proper?
Edmond is generally more expensive than the Oklahoma City metro average due to its reputation for good schools and safety. However, it's still significantly more affordable than national averages. You'll pay a premium for housing in Edmond compared to areas like Moore or Midwest City, but you gain a quieter, more suburban lifestyle.