Security Guard in Everett, WA

Here is a comprehensive career guide for Security Guards considering a move to Everett, Washington.

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The Salary Picture: Where Everett Stands

As a local, I can tell you that Everett’s job market for security personnel is stable but modest. The city’s industrial roots and proximity to major military and aerospace hubs create a steady demand for guards, but the wages reflect the regional cost of living, not the high-end tech salaries seen in nearby Seattle.

The median annual salary for a Security Guard in Everett is $37,549/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $18.05/hour. This is slightly higher than the national average of $36,140/year, but it’s crucial to understand that this median figure includes all experience levels and shifts. In the Everett metro area, there are approximately 222 security guard positions available, with a 10-year job growth projection of 3%. This indicates a slow but steady demand, largely replacement-based rather than explosive growth.

To give you a clearer picture, here’s how pay breaks down by experience level in the local market:

Experience Level	Estimated Hourly Rate	Estimated Annual Salary (Full-Time)
Entry-Level	$16.50 - $18.25	$34,320 - $37,960
Mid-Level (2-5 yrs)	$18.25 - $20.50	$37,960 - $42,640
Senior/Supervisor	$20.50 - $24.00	$42,640 - $49,920
Expert/Specialized	$24.00+	$49,920+

Insider Tip: The upper-end pay for "Expert" guards is typically found in specialized roles like armed security for finance institutions, executive protection, or highly regulated facilities like the Port of Everett or key manufacturing sites. These roles often require additional certifications and carry more responsibility.

Comparison to Other WA Cities

Everett’s salary sits in the middle of the pack for Washington State. Seattle and Bellevue command higher wages (often $20-$23/hour for mid-level roles) due to higher cost of living and intense competition. However, cities like Tacoma or Spokane might offer slightly lower median wages. The trade-off in Everett is a more manageable commute and slightly less cutthroat competition than the Seattle core, while still providing access to the broader Puget Sound job market.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s be real: The salary data looks fine on paper, but Everett’s cost of living is a significant factor. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment is $1,864/month, and the city’s Cost of Living Index is 113.0 (where the U.S. average is 100). This means everything from groceries to utilities is about 13% more expensive than the national average.

Let’s run the numbers for a Security Guard earning the median salary of $37,549/year.

Monthly Budget Breakdown (Pre-Tax & Post-Tax Estimates):

• Gross Monthly Income: $3,129

• Estimated Taxes (Federal, State, FICA): ~$650

• Net Take-Home Pay: ~$2,479

• Rent (1BR Average): -$1,864

• Utilities (Electric, Gas, Internet): -$200

• Groceries & Essentials: -$300

• Car Payment/Insurance/Gas: -$250

• Health Insurance (if not employer-sponsored): -$150

• Remaining for Savings/Discretionary: -$285

The math is tight. After essential expenses, a guard earning the median salary has less than $300 left over for savings, entertainment, or unexpected costs. Sharing an apartment or living with family is a common strategy to improve this margin.

Can they afford to buy a home?
With a median home price in Everett hovering around $550,000, a $37,549 salary is a significant stretch. A 20% down payment would be $110,000. Even with an FHA loan (3.5% down, ~$19,250), the monthly mortgage, taxes, and insurance would likely exceed $3,000, far surpassing the take-home pay. Homeownership on this salary alone is not feasible without dual income or substantial savings for a larger down payment.

Where the Jobs Are: Everett's Major Employers

Everett’s security job landscape is directly tied to its major employers. Here are the key local players you should target:

1. Providence Regional Medical Center Everett: This is one of the largest employers in Snohomish County. They hire a significant number of security officers for hospital safety, patient and staff protection, and asset protection. Jobs here offer stable schedules and benefits.
2. Port of Everett: A major economic engine. The port requires security for its maritime operations, industrial tenants, and the waterfront district. This can include gatehouse duties, perimeter patrols, and event security.
3. Boeing Everett Factory: While many security roles are contracted, the sheer size of the facility creates steady demand. Contractors like Securitas or ABM often post openings for access control, perimeter patrols, and internal security. Insider Tip: Having your TWIC (Transportation Worker Identification Credential) card can be a major advantage here.
4. City of Everett: The city employs security for municipal buildings, parks (especially during events), and parking facilities. Check the City of Everett’s official careers page.
5. Snohomish County Government: Similar to the City, the county needs security for its courthouse, administrative buildings, and other facilities.
6. Major Retail & Industrial Parks: The large retail corridors (like Evergreen Way and the Silver Lake area) and industrial parks near I-5 and Highway 526 have a constant need for loss prevention and site security, often through third-party contractors like Allied Universal or GardaWorld.
7. Everett School District: School security is a growing field. Positions may include monitoring school premises, managing access control, and ensuring a safe environment for students and staff.

Hiring Trends: Demand is consistent for swing and night shifts across all employers. Hospital and port security often offer slightly higher starting wages due to the nature of the environment. There is a growing need for guards who are comfortable with basic technology (CCTV, access control systems).

Getting Licensed in WA

Washington State has clear requirements for security guards, enforced by the Department of Public Safety and Consumer Protection.

1. Basic Training: You must complete an approved 8-hour Basic Security Guard Training course. This covers legal responsibilities, communication, and emergency procedures. Approved providers are listed on the state's website.
2. Application & Background Check: After training, you apply for your license through the state. This involves a fingerprint-based background check.
3. Armed Guard Certification (Optional but lucrative): If you want to be armed, you need an additional 16-hour firearms training course from a certified instructor, plus a separate state application and background check.
4. Costs & Timeline:
   • Basic Training Course: Typically $125 - $200.
   • State Application Fee: $120 (for unarmed).
   • Armed Certification Course: $300 - $500.
   • Timeline: From starting training to receiving your license, expect 4-6 weeks if you complete training immediately and the background check is straightforward.

Key Resource: The Washington State Department of Public Safety and Consumer Protection’s security guard program website is the definitive source for forms, approved trainers, and fee schedules.

Best Neighborhoods for Security Guards

Choosing where to live impacts your commute, budget, and lifestyle. Here are 4-5 neighborhoods to consider, with rent estimates that are generally below the city average.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Estimated 1BR Rent	Best For
North Central	Residential, established. Easy access to I-5 for jobs in Marysville or south Everett.	$1,550 - $1,750	Guards working at Providence or downtown.
Glacier View	Situated near the Boeing factory and Paine Field. Newer apartments, more suburban feel.	$1,600 - $1,800	Guards working at Boeing or industrial sites.
Bayside	Close to the waterfront, Port, and downtown. Walkable, with more entertainment options.	$1,700 - $1,900	Guards working at the Port or city events.
Southwest Everett	More affordable, near the Mukilteo ferry and Silver Lake retail. Can be older housing stock.	$1,400 - $1,650	Budget-conscious guards with a car.
Mill Creek (technically adjacent)	A master-planned community, very safe, with great amenities. Commute into Everett is easy.	$1,800 - $2,000+	Those prioritizing lifestyle and safety, willing to pay a bit more.

Insider Tip: Traffic on I-5 and Highway 526 can be brutal. If you work at Providence or downtown, living in North Central or Bayside can cut your commute dramatically compared to living further south in Lynnwood or Edmonds.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Stagnation is a real risk in this field if you don’t have a plan. The 3% 10-year job growth means you need to be proactive.

• Specialty Premiums: The fastest way to boost your income is specialization.
  • Armed Guard: Can add $3-$5/hour to your base rate immediately.
  • TWIC Card: Essential for port or airport-related work, often with a pay bump.
  • Firefighter/EMT Certification: Combining security with emergency response skills makes you invaluable, especially at hospitals or large industrial sites.
• Advancement Paths:
  1. Shift Supervisor: Manages a team, handles schedules, reports. Pay: $22-$26/hour.
  2. Account Manager/Client Manager: Works for a contract company (e.g., Allied, Securitas) to manage the client relationship and site operations. Pay: $50,000 - $65,000/year.
  3. In-House Security Manager: For large employers like Providence or the Port. Requires experience and often a degree in criminal justice or business. Pay: $65,000+.
  4. Move into Law Enforcement: Many guards use the experience as a stepping stone to become police officers or sheriff’s deputies with the Everett Police Department or Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office.

10-Year Outlook: The role will become more tech-integrated. Guards who are proficient with digital reporting systems, CCTV monitoring, and basic IT troubleshooting will have an edge. The demand for warm bodies on static posts will remain, but the value is shifting to guards who can handle crisis de-escalation and operate technology.

The Verdict: Is Everett Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Stable Job Market: Tied to resilient industries (healthcare, aerospace, maritime).	Tight Margins: The median salary makes solo living and saving challenging.
Manageable Commute: Unlike Seattle, most jobs are within a 20-minute drive.	Cost of Living: Rent and general expenses are higher than the national average.
Diverse Employers: Options from hospitals to ports to schools.	Modest Growth: Career advancement requires proactive specialization.
Access to Nature: Proximity to hiking, water, and mountains is a major lifestyle perk.	Weather: The famous Pacific Northwest gray and drizzle can be a mental hurdle.

Final Recommendation:
Everett is a solid, practical choice for Security Guards who are strategic about their career. It’s not a place to get rich quickly, but it offers a stable foundation with a realistic cost structure. It’s ideal for someone willing to start at the median wage but with a clear plan to gain certifications (armed, TWIC) and advance to supervision or specialization within 2-3 years.

If you’re looking for rapid wage growth or a low cost of living, Everett may not be the best fit. But if you value a stable job market, a community vibe, and easy access to the Puget Sound’s natural beauty, it’s a worthy contender.

FAQs

1. Is the security job market saturated in Everett?
It’s competitive but not saturated. With 222 jobs in the metro and steady turnover, there are openings. The key is to be willing to work shifts others avoid (nights, weekends) and to get licensed quickly.

2. Do I need my own car?
Absolutely. Everett is spread out, and many security posts are not on public transit lines. A reliable car is a non-negotiable requirement for this job here.

3. Can I get a job with just the basic license?
Yes, for entry-level unarmed positions. However, to reach the median salary of $37,549 or higher, you’ll likely need to specialize (armed, TWIC) or gain experience at a high-security site.

4. What’s the biggest challenge for new security guards in Everett?
The first 6 months can be tough financially. Adjusting your budget to the $18.05/hour starting rate and the $1,864/month rent is the primary hurdle. Many new guards take on a roommate or live further out to manage costs.

5. Are there opportunities for overtime?
Yes. Overtime is common, especially at the hospital, during port events, or for contract guards covering multiple sites. It’s a common way to boost income beyond the $37,549 median.

Data Sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Washington State Department of Public Safety and Consumer Protection, S&P Global Market Intelligence (rent & home price data).