Security Guard Career Guide: Federal Way, WA

As someone who’s spent a decade analyzing regional job markets and has lived in the South King County area, I can tell you that Federal Way is a unique beast for security professionals. It’s not a major downtown core like Seattle, but it’s a sprawling suburban hub with its own distinct set of opportunities and challenges, especially for security guards. This guide cuts through the fluff and gives you the data-driven, local insight you need to decide if this is the right move for your career.

The Salary Picture: Where Federal Way Stands

Let's get straight to the numbers. The security landscape here is defined by the median salary of $37,549 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $18.05. This is marginally better than the national average for security guards, which sits at $36,140/year. However, this small edge is immediately challenged by the cost of living.

Federal Way is part of the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue metro area, a high-cost region. There are approximately 195 security guard jobs in the metro, but competition is steady. The 10-year job growth is projected at a modest 3%, which is on par with national averages—it’s not a boomtown for the industry, but it’s stable.

Here’s a realistic breakdown of what you can expect to earn based on experience and specialization:

Experience Level	Annual Salary Range	Hourly Rate	Notes
Entry-Level	$33,000 - $37,500	$15.87 - $18.03	Armed vs. unarmed roles start here. Large contract firms like Securitas or G4S often set the base rate.
Mid-Career	$38,000 - $48,000	$18.27 - $23.08	Requires 3-5 years experience, often with a driving record, clear background, and reliability.
Senior/Lead	$49,000 - $60,000	$23.56 - $28.85	Supervisory roles, shift leads, or specialized posts (e.g., data centers, pharmaceutical).
Expert/Specialist	$61,000+	$29.33+	Armed guards in high-risk settings, executive protection, or management positions.

How does this compare to other WA cities? It’s a mixed bag. You’ll earn less than in Seattle proper (where the cost of living is even higher), but likely more than in a smaller city like Lakewood or University Place. The key is that the median salary of $37,549 is the baseline you see most often for standard post orders.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

This is where the rubber meets the road. The median salary of $37,549/year translates to roughly $2,675/month before taxes. After federal, state, and FICA taxes, a single filer can expect to take home approximately $2,100 - $2,200/month.

Now, factor in the rent. The average 1-bedroom apartment in Federal Way costs $1,864/month. With a Cost of Living Index of 113.0 (U.S. average is 100), your money simply doesn’t stretch as far as it would in most other parts of the country.

Monthly Budget Breakdown (Single Guard, Median Salary):

• Gross Monthly Income: ~$2,675
• Take-Home Pay: ~$2,150
• Rent (1BR Avg): -$1,864
• Remaining for Utilities, Groceries, Transport, Savings: $286

Can they afford to buy a home? Frankly, on a single security guard’s median income, it’s a significant stretch. The median home price in Federal Way is around $575,000. A 20% down payment is $115,000. A monthly mortgage payment, even with a low interest rate, would likely exceed $3,000—well above the take-home pay. Homeownership on this salary is only feasible with a dual-income household or if you're in a senior role earning $60,000+.

Insider Tip: Many guards here live with roommates, in neighboring cities like Auburn or Kent where rents are slightly lower (often $100-$200 less), or in older, more affordable apartment complexes in the 320th St corridor. Sharing a place is the most common way to make the math work.

Where the Jobs Are: Federal Way's Major Employers

Federal Way is a commercial and service hub. Security jobs aren't centered on a single "tech corridor" but are dispersed across several key sectors. Here’s where to look:

1. PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center (Federal Way Campus): A major employer of healthcare security. They need guards for ER access control, patient and staff safety, and parking lots. They often prefer candidates with de-escalation training and healthcare-specific experience. Hiring is steady due to constant patient flow.

2. Commonwealth of Kentucky (Federal Way Campus): This state office complex (part of WA DOL) requires contracted or in-house security for building access, visitor screening, and monitoring. These are often stable, 9-to-5 weekday posts.

3. The Commons Mall & Surrounding Retail: While the mall itself uses contract security, the real volume is in the surrounding big-box stores (Target, Best Buy, etc.). Retail loss prevention is a huge need here. These jobs often involve a lot of standing, floor patrols, and dealing with shoplifting incidents.

4. Data Centers (The "Silicon Forest" Edge): This is a growth area. While major data centers are in Quincy, Eastern WA, or South Seattle, there are smaller tech and logistics facilities in the Kent-Federal Way industrial belt (near the I-5 and I-405 interchanges). These require 24/7 armed security with clearances, offering some of the highest pay in the region.

5. Contract Giants (Securitas, G4S, Allied Universal): These firms hold contracts for a vast array of sites in Federal Way—office parks, light industrial, and educational institutions (like Highline College). They are the most common employer for new guards. Hiring Trend: They are often in a constant state of hiring due to high turnover, but it’s a good way to get your foot in the door.

6. Apartment Complex Management: Large, gated apartment communities in Federal Way (like those near the Dash Point area) often Hire their own security staff for overnight monitoring and gatehouse duties. These are quieter posts but require reliability.

7. Federal Way School District: Requires security for school events, after-hours building security, and sometimes day-to-day campus safety. This is a role that values people skills and a clean background check above all else.

Getting Licensed in WA

Washington State has clear, uncomplicated requirements for security guards. You do not need a state "guard card," but you must meet the following:

• Age: 18 years or older.
• Background Check: You must pass a fingerprint-based state and federal criminal history check. This is done through the Washington State Patrol (WSP).
• Training: No mandatory training is required for unarmed security. However, armed security is a different ballgame. You must complete a certified 8-hour firearms course and pass a shooting proficiency test.
• Cost: The fingerprint/background check fee is approximately $65. An armed guard course can cost $150 - $300.
• Timeline: The background check can take 2-4 weeks. Once cleared, you can start applying for jobs immediately if unarmed. An armed post requires the additional training and certification, which can be done in a weekend.

Insider Tip: Washington is an "open carry" state for security guards, meaning you can be hired armed by a company, but the company is responsible for providing your firearm and ensuring you're compliant. Always verify with the employer.

Best Neighborhoods for Security Guards

Your commute and lifestyle matter. Federal Way is spread out, so where you live can affect your job options.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Rent Estimate (1BR)	Why It's Good for a Guard
Central Federal Way	The core. Close to the mall, St. Joe's, and major employers. Very walkable to some jobs.	$1,750 - $2,000	Best for reducing commute. You can bike or take a short bus ride to large employers. Pros: Convenience. Cons: Higher rent, more traffic noise.
320th & Pacific Hwy S	Mixed commercial/residential. Grittier, busier. Direct access to I-5.	$1,500 - $1,800	Budget-friendly with access. You're near the action for retail security jobs. Commute is easy by car. Pros: Affordable. Cons: Can feel dated, less quiet.
Dash Point/Enchanted Hills	Residential, near the water and parks. More suburban feel. Commute requires a drive to I-5.	$1,850 - $2,200	For stability and family. If you have a stable post at a school or hospital, this is a quiet place to come home to. Pros: Calmer, scenic. Cons: Longer commute to most jobs.
Mirror Lake/Military Road	Older, established neighborhoods with single-family homes.	$1,700 - $1,900 (for older units)	The "commuter's" choice. Many guards live here and commute 10-15 minutes to posts in Kent or Auburn for better pay. Affordable housing stock.
Auburn (Just North)	Technically a different city, but it's a 5-minute drive to Federal Way jobs. More industrial, lower rents.	$1,400 - $1,650	The smart financial move. You get a lower rent and still have access to all Federal Way jobs. The commute is negligible. Best for your budget.

The Long Game: Career Growth

A security guard role in Federal Way can be a dead-end job or a springboard. It depends on your choices.

Specialty Premiums:

• Armed Guard: Adds $2 - $5/hour to your base rate, pushing you toward the higher end of the mid-career bracket.
• Clearance Jobs: If you can get a security role requiring a DoD or Secret clearance (often at tech contractors or government-adjacent sites), pay jumps significantly, often starting at $25+/hour.
• Executive Protection: This is a niche field. It requires advanced training, networking, and often a move to Seattle or Bellevue, but it can break the $70,000/year ceiling.

Advancement Paths:

1. Field Supervisor: Oversee a team of guards for a contract. Requires 3+ years of reliability and leadership skills.
2. Account Manager: Work for the security firm, managing client relationships and deployments. This moves you away from the field.
3. In-House Security Director: For large employers like hospitals or corporations. Requires experience plus business or management education.
4. Law Enforcement: Many guards use their experience as a stepping stone into police academies or federal agencies.

10-Year Outlook: The 3% growth means competition will remain steady. Automation (cameras, AI monitoring) may reduce some low-skill posts, but it increases demand for guards who can operate and interpret technology. Specialization is key. The guard who can manage a drone patrol or a complex access control system will have a job.

The Verdict: Is Federal Way Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Stable job market with diverse employers (retail, healthcare, industrial).	High cost of living relative to the median salary. Rent will eat your budget.
Good starting point for security careers; easy to get your first job.	Low growth trajectory. Don't expect rapid salary increases without specialization.
Central location between Seattle and Tacoma offers long-term mobility.	Traffic congestion on I-5 and I-405 during shifts can be a major stressor.
Natural beauty (Dash Point State Park, Puget Sound) is a lifestyle perk.	The job can be isolating, especially in overnight industrial posts.
No state-level guard license hurdle for unarmed work.	Advancement often requires leaving the city for higher-paying posts.

Final Recommendation: Federal Way is a viable launchpad for a security career, but a tough place to build a long-term life on a single guard's income. If you are starting out, willing to share housing, and can see yourself specializing (getting armed, seeking clearance jobs), it's a solid choice. If you're a mid-career guard with a family and no second income, the financial pressure will be intense. For the long haul, consider using Federal Way as a stepping stone to the higher-paying markets of Seattle or Bellevue once you have the experience.

FAQs

1. Is it hard to get a security job in Federal Way?
Not particularly. The high turnover in contract security means firms are often hiring. The key is a clean background check and reliability. Showing up on time for the interview is half the battle.

2. Do I need my own car?
Almost always, yes. Job sites are spread out, and public transit, while available, won't reliably get you to a 5 AM shift at an industrial park on time. A reliable vehicle is a non-negotiable tool of the trade.

3. Are there any "good" employers to work for directly?
Yes. Look for in-house positions at St. Joseph Medical Center or large apartment management companies. They often offer better benefits (health insurance, PTO) and more stable hours than contract firms, though they can be harder to get into.

4. What's the biggest challenge for a security guard in Federal Way?
The cost of living. It's the single biggest complaint I hear from working guards. The $1,864 average rent on a $18.05/hour wage is a constant strain. Budgeting from day one is essential.

5. Can I make a living here as a security guard?
Yes, but it requires careful financial management. You will likely need a roommate, a strict budget, and a plan to gain higher-paying certifications (like armed or technical security) within 2-3 years to move beyond the median salary. It's a career of progression, not a high-paying starting point.

Sources: Data synthesized from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I), and local rental market analysis. Salary figures are based on the specific data provided.