Security Guard in Fayetteville, AR

The Salary Picture: Where Fayetteville Stands

As a local who’s watched this market for years, I can tell you straight up: Fayetteville’s security job market is stable but not booming. The median salary for Security Guards here is $35,164/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $16.91/hour. That’s slightly below the national average of $36,140/year, but the lower cost of living helps balance it out. The metro area has about 203 jobs, and the 10-year job growth is projected at 3%, which is slower than national averages but steady. This isn't a city where demand is exploding, but it's a reliable market for those who know where to look.

Here’s how pay scales with experience, based on local job postings and industry data:

Experience Level	Years of Experience	Fayetteville Salary Range	Hourly Rate
Entry-Level	0-2 years	$28,000 - $32,000	$13.46 - $15.38
Mid-Level	2-5 years	$32,000 - $38,000	$15.38 - $18.27
Senior-Level	5-10 years	$38,000 - $45,000	$18.27 - $21.63
Expert/Supervisor	10+ years	$45,000+	$21.63+

When you compare us to other Arkansas cities, Fayetteville sits in the middle. The higher-paying market is in Little Rock, where the median is closer to $37,500, driven by state government and major corporate campuses. In Northwest Arkansas (Bentonville, Rogers, Springdale), security pay is slightly higher—often $17-$19/hour—due to the corporate presence of Walmart and Tyson, but the competition is fiercer. Fayetteville offers a blend of university-driven stability and lower competition than its neighbors.

Insider Tip: Don't just look at the median. The $35,164 figure is pulled from a mix of public and private sector roles. If you can land a job with the University of Arkansas Police Department (UAPD) or a major medical facility like Arkansas Children’s Northwest, you’ll often start at the mid-level range immediately, thanks to union contracts and structured pay scales.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get real about the budget. With a median salary of $35,164, your monthly take-home pay after federal and state taxes (assuming single filer, standard deduction) will be roughly $2,300 - $2,400. Here’s a sample monthly budget breakdown for a single Security Guard earning the median salary:

Expense Category	Estimated Cost	Notes
Rent (1BR Apartment)	$924	Average for metro area
Utilities (Electric/Gas/Water)	$150	Varies by season
Car Payment/Insurance	$350	Assumes used car, full coverage
Groceries	$250
Gas/Transportation	$150
Health Insurance (if not employer-paid)	$200
Total Essential Expenses	$2,024
Remaining Discretionary	$276 - $376

This budget is tight but manageable. The key is finding an apartment under the $924 average—neighborhoods like Mission Boulevard or areas near the university can offer one-bedrooms for $750-$850.

Can you afford to buy a home? It’s a stretch on this salary. The median home price in Fayetteville is around $275,000. With a $35,164 income, your debt-to-income ratio would be too high for most conventional loans. You’d need a significant down payment (20%+), or to look at USDA or FHA loans, which are popular in this region. A more realistic goal is to continue renting while building skills and experience to move into a supervisory role ($45,000+) before considering a purchase. Renting in Fayetteville is the smart financial move for most security guards at the start of their careers.

Where the Jobs Are: Fayetteville's Major Employers

Fayetteville’s security job market is anchored by a few key sectors: education, healthcare, and retail. Unlike major metros, you won’t find a massive corporate headquarters scene, but you will find reliable employers with consistent turnover.

1. University of Arkansas (UAPD & Facilities): The largest employer in the region. The University of Arkansas Police Department (UAPD) hires security officers for campus patrols, event security (at Bud Walton Arena and Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium), and building access control. They post jobs on the university’s career portal. Hiring trends are seasonal, with a surge in applications before the fall semester.
2. Arkansas Children’s Northwest: This major pediatric hospital in Springdale (just north of Fayetteville) hires security officers for 24/7 campus coverage. The role is patient-facing and requires a calm demeanor. They offer competitive benefits, which can offset the lower hourly rate. Hiring is steady due to the hospital’s expansion.
3. Washington Regional Medical Center: Located in Fayetteville proper, this is the region’s other major hospital. Their security team handles everything from parking enforcement to emergency response. They prioritize candidates with prior experience and often promote from within.
4. City of Fayetteville: The municipal government hires security for facilities like the Police Department headquarters, City Hall, and special events (like the Fayetteville Farmer’s Market). These are often full-time, unionized positions with excellent benefits. Check the City’s HR portal directly.
5. Walmart Home Office (Bentonville, 30-minute commute): While technically in Bentonville, many Fayetteville residents commute. Walmart’s global security team hires for corporate campus protection, travel security, and cybersecurity-adjacent roles. This is a path to higher pay ($20+/hour) but requires a clean background and often prior military or law enforcement experience.
6. Fayetteville Public Schools: The district hires security officers for high schools and middle schools. This is a daytime, school-year schedule role, ideal for those with families. Pay starts around $15-$16/hour, but it’s stable and includes school breaks.
7. Private Contract Firms (G4S, Securitas): These firms service local businesses, construction sites, and retail plazas. Jobs are often posted on Indeed. They offer flexibility but can have less job security and fewer benefits than direct-hire roles.

Insider Tip: Always check the "Careers" section of a company’s website, not just job boards. For the University of Arkansas and City of Fayetteville, this is the only way to apply. For contract firms, Indeed is your best bet.

Getting Licensed in AR

Arkansas has straightforward licensing requirements for security guards, managed by the Arkansas State Police (ASP). You cannot work as an armed guard without a separate, more intensive license.

Unarmed Security Guard License:

• Requirement: You must be at least 18, a U.S. citizen or legal resident, and have no felony convictions or certain misdemeanors (like theft or violence).
• Training: Arkansas does not mandate a state-approved training course for unarmed guards, unlike many states. However, most employers require 8-16 hours of basic training (in observation, reporting, and emergency procedures). This is a critical differentiator.
• Cost: The application fee to the Arkansas State Police is $50. You’ll also need fingerprints (approx. $10-$15). Training costs, if required by your employer, are often covered or reimbursed.
• Timeline: The application process with the ASP can take 4-6 weeks. Background checks are thorough. You can start applying for jobs while your license is pending, but you cannot begin work until it’s approved.

Armed Security Guard License:

• Requirement: Must be 21, have a clean background, and hold a valid Arkansas Concealed Carry Handgun License (CCHL).
• Training: You must complete 16 hours of state-approved firearms training from a certified instructor.
• Cost: CCHL class (~$100), firearms training (~$150-$250), plus the ASP armed license fee ($75).
• Timeline: Getting the CCHL alone can take 60-90 days. The entire process is 3-4 months.

Insider Tip: For unarmed roles, employers will often pay for your initial training. For armed roles, you typically need to invest in the training yourself. The armed market in Fayetteville is smaller but pays significantly more ($20-$28/hour). It’s best to gain 1-2 years of unarmed experience first.

Best Neighborhoods for Security Guards

Where you live in Fayetteville affects your commute, budget, and lifestyle. Here’s a breakdown of neighborhoods that balance affordability for a $35,164 salary with reasonable commutes to major employers.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Avg. 1BR Rent	Best For
Mission Boulevard / North Fayetteville	Residential, quiet, near highway access. 10-15 min drive to U of A, 15-20 min to hospitals.	$750 - $900	Budget-conscious, those who want a quiet home base.
Dickson Street / Downtown	Walkable, vibrant, college-town energy. Can be noisy. 5-10 min to U of A, 10 min to downtown offices.	$900 - $1,200	Young professionals who want nightlife and walkability.
South Fayetteville / Mission Point	Family-oriented, newer apartments, near shopping. 15-20 min to U of A, 20 min to hospitals.	$850 - $1,000	Those seeking a suburban feel with a moderate commute.
East Fayetteville / Wedington	Established, wooded, and quiet. 15-20 min to most employers, easy access to I-49 for commutes to Bentonville.	$800 - $950	Security guards with families or who prefer a peaceful environment.
University District	Collegiate, high density of rentals. 5-10 min walk to U of A, 15 min to other employers.	$700 - $950	Students or those who prioritize a short commute above all else.

Insider Tip: For the best value, look for rentals in the Mission Boulevard corridor. You’ll find older, well-maintained apartment complexes and duplexes that are $100-$200 below the city average. The commute to the university or Washington Regional is still manageable under 15 minutes via truck traffic routes.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Stagnating at the $16.91/hour median isn’t inevitable. The key is specialization and advancement.

• Specialty Premiums:

  • Armed Guard: The biggest pay jump. In Fayetteville, armed guards can earn $20-$28/hour, a premium of 18-65% over the unarmed median. This is common at the university (for certain posts), hospitals, and corporate sites.
  • Event Security: Work for the Fayetteville Music Hall or Walmart AMP (in nearby Rogers) can pay higher hourly rates for weekend/evening shifts, though it’s not steady.
  • Executive Protection: A niche market. Requires extensive experience, often military or law enforcement background. Local opportunities are rare but exist for wealthy individuals or visiting executives.

• Advancement Paths:

  1. From Guard to Supervisor: The most common path. After 2-3 years of solid performance, you can apply for shift supervisor, site supervisor, or account manager positions within contract firms. This moves you to a salary (often $42,000-$50,000).
  2. From Contract to Direct-Hire: Moving from a contract firm to a direct-hire position with the University, a hospital, or the City often comes with better benefits, union protection, and clearer pay scales.
  3. Into Law Enforcement or Investigations: Many security guards use their experience as a stepping stone. The Fayetteville Police Department and Washington County Sheriff’s Office recruit from the security field. Your experience, even unarmed, is a significant advantage.
  4. Certifications: Pursuing certifications from the International Foundation for Protection Officers (IFPO) or ASIS can boost your resume, though they may not directly increase pay in the local market immediately.

10-Year Outlook: The 3% job growth means the field won’t explode, but it won’t disappear. Automation (like surveillance tech) may reduce some guard posts, but it will increase demand for tech-savvy guards who can monitor systems. The aging population will also drive demand for security in healthcare settings. Your best bet is to become indispensable in a niche (e.g., hospital security, university event management) rather than being a generic guard.

The Verdict: Is Fayetteville Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Low Cost of Living: Your $35,164 salary stretches further here than in most U.S. cities.	Low Median Wage: The $16.91/hour ceiling is real. You must hustle for advancement.
Stable Employers: The U of A, hospitals, and city government provide steady, benefits-backed jobs.	Limited Job Volume: With only 203 jobs in the metro, competition for the best roles is competitive.
Vibrant City Feel: A college town with culture, sports, and outdoor access without big-city chaos.	Slower Growth: The 3% growth rate means fewer new opportunities than in booming cities.
Pathways to Advancement: Clear routes to supervisor roles and law enforcement.	Car-Dependent: Most commutes require a reliable vehicle. Public transit is limited.
Lower Barriers to Entry: No state-mandated training for unarmed roles gets you working faster.	Armed Guard Market is Niche: The higher pay requires a significant personal investment in training.

Final Recommendation: Fayetteville is an excellent choice for a security guard who values stability, a lower cost of living, and a good quality of life over rapid career growth or the highest possible wages. It’s ideal for someone who is patient, willing to specialize (e.g., get armed or medical facility training), and sees security as a long-term, reliable career rather than a quick-income job. If your primary goal is to maximize your hourly wage immediately, consider commuting to Bentonville or looking at Little Rock. If you want a balanced life in a growing, pleasant city where a $35,164 salary can afford a comfortable apartment and a manageable lifestyle, Fayetteville is a solid bet.

FAQs

Q: Can I get a security job in Fayetteville with no experience?
A: Yes. Many entry-level positions at contract firms (like Securitas) or for event security require no prior experience. However, for direct-hire roles at the University or hospitals, 1-2 years of experience is often preferred. Starting with a contract firm is a common way to build your resume.

Q: How long does it take to get an Arkansas security license?
A: From submitting your application to the Arkansas State Police to receiving your license, expect 4-6 weeks. You can work for up to 90 days while your application is pending, but you must be under the direct supervision of a licensed guard.

Q: Is it worth getting armed in Fayetteville?
A: It can be, if you are willing to invest in the training and are targeting higher-paying jobs. The armed market is smaller but pays a significant premium. It’s best to gain 1-2 years of unarmed experience first to see if the field is a good fit.

Q: What’s the best way to find a security job here?
A: For government and university jobs, use their official career portals (uark.edu/jobs, fayetteville-ar.gov/jobs). For private sector and contract work, Indeed and LinkedIn are effective. Always tailor your resume to highlight reliability, observation skills, and any customer service experience.

Q: Do security guards in Fayetteville usually get benefits?
A: It varies. Direct-hire roles with the University, hospitals, and the City usually offer full benefits (health, retirement). Contract firm roles often start with minimal benefits, though some offer them after a probationary period. Always ask about benefits during an interview.