Security Guard in Enterprise CDP, NV

The Salary Picture: Where Enterprise CDP Stands

Let's get straight to the numbers, because as a local, I can tell you that the cost of living here can catch newcomers off guard. For Security Guards in Enterprise CDP, the financial reality is defined by one key figure: the median salary of $35,858/year. That translates to an hourly rate of $17.24/hour. For context, this is slightly below the national average for the role, which sits at $36,140/year. The metro area, which includes the broader Las Vegas Valley, has a healthy demand for your skills, with 487 jobs currently listed in the metro. However, the long-term growth is modest, with a projected 10-year job growth rate of 3%. This isn't a booming field, but it's a stable one, especially given the constant need for security in a major tourist and logistics hub like ours.

Here’s how that $35,858 breaks down by experience level in our local market. These are realistic estimates based on what I've seen with local firms and conversations with guards.

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary	Estimated Hourly Rate
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$30,000 - $33,000	$14.42 - $15.87
Mid-Career (2-5 years)	$35,858 (Median)	$17.24
Senior (5-10 years)	$38,000 - $42,000	$18.27 - $20.19
Expert/Specialist (10+ years)	$45,000 - $55,000+	$21.63 - $26.44+

When you compare this to other Nevada cities, Enterprise CDP sits in a unique position. It's part of the Clark County metro, so wages are generally on par with Las Vegas and Henderson. However, it's notably lower than the specialized roles you might find in the state's capital, Carson City, or the tourism-heavy areas near Lake Tahoe, where security for high-end resorts can command a premium. For a standard Security Guard role, Enterprise CDP and the surrounding valley offer a consistent, if not spectacular, wage floor.

Insider Tip: The $17.24/hour median is your baseline. Many local companies, like those servicing the industrial parks near the airport, offer shift differentials for nights and weekends that can bump your effective hourly rate by $1-$2. Always ask about this during interviews.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Living on $35,858/year requires a tight budget. The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Enterprise CDP is $1,314/month. The overall Cost of Living Index here is 97.4, meaning it's slightly cheaper than the U.S. average, but housing costs are the biggest pressure point.

Let's break down the monthly budget for a Security Guard earning the median salary.

Category	Monthly Cost	Notes
Gross Monthly Income	$2,988	($35,858 / 12)
Estimated Taxes	-$600	(FICA, Federal, State - approx. 20% effective rate)
Net Monthly Income	$2,388
Rent (1BR Avg)	-$1,314
Utilities (Electric, Gas, Water)	-$200	AC is a must in summer; bills spike.
Groceries	-$350
Car Payment/Insurance/Gas	-$350	(Assumes a used car; public transit is limited)
Health Insurance	-$200	(If not employer-sponsored)
Miscellaneous/Personal	-$150
Remaining / Savings	-$24

As you can see, the math is razor-thin. After essential expenses, a guard earning the median salary has very little left for savings, emergencies, or discretionary spending. This is the reality.

Can they afford to buy a home? On a single $35,858 income, it's extremely challenging. The median home price in the Enterprise area far exceeds what a lender would approve for that income level. Homeownership typically becomes feasible with a dual-income household, a significant down payment, or a move into a senior/expert role earning closer to $45,000+. For now, renting is the default, and budgeting for rent increases is a necessity.

Where the Jobs Are: Enterprise CDP's Major Employers

Enterprise CDP doesn't have a traditional downtown; it's a sprawling community of residential areas, industrial parks, and commercial corridors. The security jobs are tied directly to the major local employers. Here are the places where you should be looking:

1. Las Vegas Airport (LAS) - Harry Reid International: Located on the east side of Enterprise, the airport is a massive employer. Security roles here can be with the TSA (federal, requires citizenship) or through private contractors like Allied Universal or Securitas for perimeter, parking, and terminal security. Hiring is consistent, but competition is high.

2. Industrial Parks (Las Vegas Beltway Corridor): The vast industrial and logistics parks along I-215, near the airport and the Sunset Station area, are full of manufacturing, distribution, and warehouse facilities. Companies like Amazon, FedEx, and smaller logistics firms hire in-house guards or use third-party services. This is a steady source of day-shift and swing-shift work.

3. Corporate Campuses & Medical Centers: The Summerlin Hospital Medical Center (just north of Enterprise in the Summerlin area) and corporate offices for companies like Switch (data centers) require 24/7 security. These roles often offer better benefits and more stable hours.

4. Hospitality & Entertainment (The Strip Adjacent): While the main Strip is in Paradise, many of the back-of-house operations, staff facilities, and parking structures are in Enterprise. Companies managing events, hotels, and concert venues (like those tied to T-Mobile Arena or MGM Resorts properties) hire security for specific functions.

5. Retail & Shopping Centers: Large shopping centers like The District at Green Valley Ranch (just over the line in Henderson) and Town Square Las Vegas (in neighboring Paradise) are major employers. Think Bass Pro Shops, Whole Foods, and major retailers that need loss prevention and on-site security.

Hiring Trend Insight: Post-pandemic, there's a growing demand for security in healthcare and data centers. The industrial/logistics sector is also expanding. Traditional retail security is stable but not growing. Insider Tip: The highest turnover and thus highest hiring are in the retail and hospitality sectors. For stability, target industrial or healthcare security.

Getting Licensed in NV

Nevada’s requirements are straightforward but mandatory. The Nevada Private Investigators Licensing Board (PILB) oversees all security personnel. You cannot legally work without the proper registration.

Step-by-Step:

1. Get a Job Offer First: In Nevada, the employer must sponsor your application. You can't start the process independently. Secure a conditional job offer from a licensed security company or employer.
2. Submit to a Background Check: Your employer will initiate this. It includes a criminal history check with the FBI and Nevada State Police.
3. Complete the Application: Your employer will provide the PILB application. You'll need proof of training (see below), a passport-style photo, and applicable fees.
4. Pay the Fees: The registration fee is $60 (non-refundable). The application fee is $100. There's also a fingerprint processing fee. Total initial cost is approximately $180-$200.
5. Receive Your Card: Once approved (typically 4-8 weeks), you'll receive your Nevada Security Guard registration card. It's valid for one year and must be renewed annually (with a lower renewal fee).

Training Requirements: Nevada does not require a state-approved training course for basic security registration. However, most employers will provide on-the-job training. For more advanced roles (e.g., armed security), you'll need a 16-hour armed guard course from a certified instructor, which can cost $300-$500.

Timeline: From job offer to holding your card, expect 4 to 10 weeks. Budget for the initial cost of ~$200.

Pro Tip: Getting your card before applying can make you stand out. While not required for the initial registration, a CPR/First Aid certification (cost ~$50-$75) is highly valued by employers and can be a deciding factor.

Best Neighborhoods for Security Guards

Living in Enterprise CDP means choosing a neighborhood that balances commute, cost, and lifestyle. Here’s a local’s breakdown:

1. The Springs (Southern Enterprise): This is a large master-planned community. It's quiet, family-oriented, and has affordable rental options. You're close to the I-215 and the industrial parks. Commute: Excellent for jobs in the southern industrial corridor or airport. Rent Estimate: $1,200 - $1,450 for a 1BR.

2. Sun City Summerlin (55+ Communities): While age-restricted, the surrounding areas (like The Vistas or The Cliffs) are not and offer similar benefits—well-maintained, safe, and close to the Summerlin hospital and corporate campuses. Commute: Great for healthcare and corporate security jobs. Rent Estimate: $1,300 - $1,500 for a 1BR in adjacent, non-restricted areas.

3. Green Valley (Henderson - Adjacent): Technically in Henderson but a short drive from Enterprise. It's more established, with a vibrant downtown (The District), good schools, and a slightly higher cost. Commute: Good for jobs in Henderson and the southern Strip area. Rent Estimate: $1,400 - $1,600 for a 1BR.

4. Mountain's Edge (Southwest Enterprise): A newer development with a mix of apartments and single-family homes. It's more remote, offering larger spaces for the price but a longer commute to the airport/industrial core. Commute: Best for those working from home or with later shifts. Rent Estimate: $1,150 - $1,350 for a 1BR.

5. The Strip Corridor (Paradise/Enterprise Border): Living near the Strip (e.g., near Tropicana or Flamingo) means higher rent and more noise, but you can walk or bike to work if you're in hospitality security. Commute: Minimal if you work on the Strip; otherwise, traffic is a nightmare. Rent Estimate: $1,500 - $1,800+ for a 1BR.

Insider Tip: The $1,314 average rent is just that—an average. You can find cheaper in older apartments off Decatur Blvd or Las Vegas Blvd, but do your research on safety. The Springs and Mountain's Edge offer the best value for newcomers.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Stagnation is a real risk in this field if you don't plan. The 3% job growth for the region tells you that promotions will come from within, not from a flood of new openings.

Specialty Premiums & Advancement Paths:

• Armed Security: This is the fastest way to increase your pay. With the proper training and licensing, you can expect to earn $22-$28/hour or more, especially at casinos, banks, or armored car services.
• Executive Protection: This requires networking, advanced training (often in defensive driving, emergency medicine), and a clean record. Pay can reach $60,000-$80,000+, but it's a highly competitive niche.
• Supervisory/Management: Moving into a shift supervisor, operations manager, or director of security role at a large facility (like the airport or a major casino) can push your salary into the $50,000-$70,000+ range. This often requires a degree or extensive experience.
• Government Roles: Positions with the Nevada Department of Public Safety or federal agencies (after gaining experience) offer better benefits and pensions, though the hiring process is long.

10-Year Outlook: The core need for security guards will remain. However, the industry is slowly adopting more technology—drones, AI-powered cameras, and digital reporting. Guards who are tech-savvy and can manage these systems will have a long-term advantage. The 3% growth is stable, but advancement will be based on specialization and leadership, not mass hiring.

The Verdict: Is Enterprise CDP Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Stable Job Market: Steady demand from tourism, logistics, and healthcare.	Low Median Salary: $35,858 makes budgeting tight, especially with rising rent.
Mild Winters: A major quality-of-life upgrade for those from colder climates.	Summer Heat: Triple-digit temps from June-September can be brutal for outdoor patrols.
Networking Hub: Proximity to Las Vegas offers countless opportunities for side gigs or career pivots.	High Competition: For the best jobs (airport, corporate), you're competing with a large pool.
No State Income Tax: Helps your take-home pay go further.	Car Dependency: Excellent public transit is limited; a reliable vehicle is a necessity.
Diverse Employers: From casinos to data centers, you aren't tied to one industry.	Modest Growth: The 3% 10-year outlook means you must be proactive about career advancement.

Final Recommendation: Enterprise CDP is a viable entry point for a Security Guard, but not a long-term financial home run on a single guard's income. It's ideal if you have a side hustle, are part of a dual-income household, or are using the role as a stepping stone to a specialized, higher-paying field (like armed security or executive protection). The cost of living is manageable with strict budgeting, and the job stability is real. If your primary goal is rapid wealth accumulation, this might not be the place. If your goal is steady work, a decent quality of life, and a path to specialization, it’s a solid choice.

FAQs

1. Do I need to be a U.S. citizen to work as a Security Guard in Nevada?
No. Nevada requires you to be a lawfully present alien with a valid Social Security Number and work authorization. However, for federal security jobs (like at the airport with TSA), you must be a U.S. citizen.

2. How long does it take to get my security guard license in Nevada?
Once your employer submits your application to the PILB, processing typically takes 4-8 weeks. The biggest delay is often the background check. You can start working under your employer's supervision while the application is pending.

3. Is the rent really that high? Can I find a place for under $1,200?
Yes, but it's challenging. Older apartment complexes off the main corridors (e.g., near Decatur or Las Vegas Blvd) might have 1BRs in the $1,100-$1,250 range. You'll need to trade off on space, amenities, or location. Always check crime maps and read recent reviews.

4. What's the best way to get a job at the airport?
Apply directly to the major contractors like Allied Universal or Securitas. They post openings on their websites and major job boards. Having a clean driving record, no felonies, and the ability to pass a deep background check is critical. Networking with current guards can also help.

5. Can I make a living wage as a single person on the median salary?
It's very difficult. The math shows you'll be living paycheck-to-paycheck. To make it work, you'd likely need to live with roommates, have a very low car payment, or pick up overtime. Most guards supplement their income or have a partner to help with costs.