Security Guard in Flower Mound, TX

The Salary Picture: Where Flower Mound Stands

Flower Mound is a premier Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) suburb, and it shows in the security guard salary data. The market here is stable, with wages that slightly outperform the national average, though the cost of living adjustment is a key factor. For a Security Guard in Flower Mound, the median salary is $36,497/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $17.55/hour. This positions you just above the national average for the role, which sits at $36,140/year.

The job market is tight but present. There are approximately 158 security-related jobs in the metro area, with a 10-year job growth projection of 3%. This isn't a boom industry, but it's consistent. The growth is slower than the national average for many professions, reflecting a mature market where turnover is the primary driver of openings rather than massive expansion.

Experience-Level Breakdown

Your earnings will climb with experience and specialization. Here’s a realistic breakdown for the Flower Mound market:

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level	$28,000 - $32,000	Static post duties, basic patrols, access control. Often starts around $14.50 - $15.50/hour.
Mid-Level	$34,000 - $38,000	Mobile patrols, incident response, basic reporting. Aligned with the local median of $36,497/year.
Senior/Lead Guard	$40,000 - $45,000	Supervision, training, complex sites (healthcare, logistics), alarm response.
Expert/Specialist	$45,000+	Armed positions, executive protection, critical infrastructure (e.g., data centers), or in-house corporate security.

Comparison to Other Texas Cities

Flower Mound’s salary is competitive within the DFW metroplex. It’s not the highest paying, but it offers a balance of wage and lifestyle that’s attractive compared to Dallas proper or Houston.

City	Median Salary (Security Guard)	Notes
Flower Mound	$36,497	Slightly above national avg; strong suburban market.
Dallas	$35,800	Higher volume of jobs, but more competition and longer commutes.
Fort Worth	$35,200	Similar to Dallas, with a focus on industrial and healthcare security.
Austin	$37,500	Higher cost of living; tech sector drives demand for specialized roles.
Houston	$34,900	Large industrial and port security market; wages can be lower outside of specialized roles.

Insider Tip: Many security companies in Flower Mound service contracts across the DFW metro. A job listed for "Flower Mound" might require you to travel to Lewisville, Southlake, or even Irving. Always confirm the primary work location in the interview.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

A median salary of $36,497 translates to a monthly gross income of about $3,041. After federal taxes, FICA (Social Security and Medicare), and Texas state taxes (none), your take-home pay will be approximately $2,550 - $2,600 per month. Texas has no state income tax, which is a significant financial advantage.

The primary expense is housing. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Flower Mound is approximately $1,291/month. This is higher than the national average but typical for a desirable DFW suburb.

Monthly Budget Breakdown (Single Earner)

Expense Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Take-Home Pay	$2,575	After taxes
Rent (1BR)	$1,291	Average for Flower Mound
Utilities (Electric, Water, Internet)	$180 - $220	Varies by season; summer AC is a major cost.
Car Payment & Insurance	$350 - $500	Essential; public transport is limited.
Gas/Transport	$120 - $180	Commute to job sites can be 15-30 miles.
Groceries & Essentials	$300 - $400
Health Insurance	$150 - $300	If not provided by employer.
Miscellaneous/Entertainment	$150 - $200
Remaining for Savings/Debt	$0 - $134	Very tight; no room for error.

Can they afford to buy a home? On a single median salary, it's extremely challenging. The median home price in Flower Mound is over $500,000. A 20% down payment would be $100,000, and a mortgage would be unaffordable on a $36,497 income. Homeownership in Flower Mound typically requires a dual-income household or a significantly higher salary (often $70,000+). Renting is the realistic and common path for security guards in this area.

Insider Tip: Many security companies offer overtime, especially for special events or overnight shifts. This can boost your monthly income by $200-$500, which is crucial for managing expenses. Always ask about overtime opportunities during hiring.

Where the Jobs Are: Flower Mound's Major Employers

Flower Mound's economy is anchored by healthcare, retail, and professional services, with a significant presence of corporate campuses and logistics hubs. Security roles are tied to these sectors.

1. Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Flower Mound: A major employer. Security here is dynamic—patient, staff, and asset protection. Roles often involve access control, patrols, and emergency response. Hiring is steady due to the nature of healthcare facilities. They often use in-house security teams.

2. Mosaic Life Care (formerly TNH): A large senior living and healthcare campus. Security needs are high for resident safety and asset protection. This is a prime employer for guards seeking a consistent, day-shift-heavy schedule.

3. DFW International Airport (nearby): While not in Flower Mound proper, many guards live here and commute to DFW. The airport is one of the largest employers in the region, requiring thousands of security personnel (TSA, contracted, and airport-specific). It offers higher pay tiers for specialized roles.

4. Retail Centers (The Shops at Highland Village, Parker Square): These high-end retail areas employ security for loss prevention and customer safety. These are often entry-level to mid-level positions with varied shifts.

5. Corporate Campuses (Various): Companies like Fidelity Investments and Raytheon have large facilities in or near Flower Mound. They hire in-house security teams and contract with firms like Allied Universal or Securitas. These roles are more professional, often requiring business attire and strong customer service skills.

6. Logistics & Distribution Centers: The area around DFW Airport and along I-35E is a hub for Amazon, FedEx, and other logistics companies. These facilities require 24/7 security, offering consistent night and weekend shifts.

Hiring Trends: Hiring is consistent but not explosive. The 3% growth rate means jobs are filled by turnover. The best opportunities are in healthcare and corporate settings, which offer more stability and better benefits than retail or static posts.

Getting Licensed in Texas

Texas has straightforward but mandatory requirements for security guards. The process is managed by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), Private Security Bureau (PSB).

1. Licensing Requirements:

• Age: Must be at least 18 years old.
• Background Check: Clean criminal history is essential. Felonies and certain misdemeanors will disqualify you.
• Training: You must complete a 6-hour Level II (Non-Commissioned) Security Guard Training Course from a DPS-certified school. This covers legal authority, use of force, observation techniques, and report writing.
• Application: You apply directly to the DPS PSB, which includes submitting fingerprints.

2. Timeline and Cost:

• Training Course: Typically takes 1 day to complete. Cost ranges from $75 to $150.
• Application Fee: The state license application fee is $44.50 (as of 2023).
• Fingerprinting: Can be done at various locations; cost is about $15-$25.
• Total Estimated Cost: $135 - $220.
• Processing Time: After submitting your application and fingerprints, approval can take 60-90 days. You cannot work as a licensed guard until you receive your license.

3. For Armed Security:
If you want to carry a firearm, you must:

• Obtain a Level III (Armed) License.
• Complete an additional 45-hour course, including range qualification.
• Costs can exceed $500-$700 when including firearms, ammunition, and training.
• A valid CHL (Concealed Handgun License) or LTC (License to Carry) is also required, which is a separate application process.

Insider Tip: Many security companies in the DFW area will sponsor your Level II training if you commit to working for them for a set period (e.g., 6-12 months). This is a great way to get started with little upfront cost.

Best Neighborhoods for Security Guards

Choosing where to live in Flower Mound depends on your commute, budget, and lifestyle. Here are four areas to consider:

1. Central Flower Mound (Near FM 3040 & Spinks Rd):

   • Commute: Excellent. Central to most major employers (hospital, retail, corporate parks).
   • Lifestyle: Quiet, family-oriented, with easy access to parks and the Lewisville Lake. Good mix of apartments and single-family homes.
   • Rent Estimate: $1,250 - $1,400/month for a 1BR apartment.

2. The Corridor (South of FM 2499, near I-35E):

   • Commute: Best for those working near DFW Airport, in logistics, or commuting to Dallas. Easy highway access.
   • Lifestyle: More urban, with newer apartment complexes and shopping centers. Noisier due to highway proximity.
   • Rent Estimate: $1,150 - $1,300/month for a 1BR apartment.

3. Northern Flower Mound (Near FM 1171 & Dale Earnhardt Way):

   • Commute: Good for jobs in the northern part of the metro (e.g., Denton). Slightly longer drive to central Flower Mound.
   • Lifestyle: More suburban feel, with established neighborhoods and green spaces. Further from the main retail and healthcare hubs.
   • Rent Estimate: $1,200 - $1,350/month for a 1BR apartment.

4. The Lakefront Area (Near Lewisville Lake):

   • Commute: Scenic but can be longer, especially if you work south or east. Traffic on FM 3040 can be heavy.
   • Lifestyle: Premium location with access to water activities and trails. More expensive, often with older, larger apartments or townhomes.
   • Rent Estimate: $1,350 - $1,600+/month for a 1BR apartment.

Insider Tip: Look for apartments in the "Flower Mound" portion of these areas to avoid higher property taxes that come with being in the Lewisville or Denton independent school districts. This can save you hundreds per year in overall cost of living.

The Long Game: Career Growth

The 10-year job growth of 3% indicates that advancement won't come from new positions opening up, but from moving into higher-paying specialties or supervisory roles.

• Specialty Premiums:

  • Armed Security: Adds a $2-$5/hour premium, pushing hourly rates to $19.55 - $22.55/hour. Requires significant upfront investment.
  • Executive Protection: Highly specialized, often requires law enforcement or military background. Pay can exceed $50,000/year.
  • Critical Infrastructure (Data Centers, Power Plants): These roles, often found in the DFW area, offer higher pay due to the sensitivity of the sites.

• Advancement Paths:

  1. Field Supervisor: Overseeing a team of guards. Pay: $40,000 - $48,000/year.
  2. Account Manager: Managing client contracts and operations for a security firm. Pay: $50,000 - $65,000/year.
  3. In-House Corporate Security: Moving from a contracted guard to an employee of a company (like Fidelity or Texas Health). Benefits and pay are typically better.

10-Year Outlook: The industry is slowly integrating more technology (drones, AI-powered cameras, biometrics). The guard of the future will need to be tech-comfortable. The core human element—observation, judgment, and customer service—will remain irreplaceable. Job stability is high for those who are reliable and professional.

The Verdict: Is Flower Mound Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Above-average median salary for the role in Texas.	High cost of living relative to the salary; housing is a major burden.
No state income tax, boosting take-home pay.	Job growth is slow (3%); competition for the best roles (corporate, healthcare) is high.
Stable suburban lifestyle with excellent amenities and safety.	Car-dependent; a reliable vehicle is a non-negotiable expense.
Diverse employer base (healthcare, retail, logistics) offering varied shifts.	Homeownership is largely unrealistic on a single median security guard income.
Proximity to DFW Airport and major highways for networking and better-paying airport jobs.	Market is mature; advancement requires proactive specialization or shifting to management.

Final Recommendation:
Flower Mound is an excellent choice for security guards who value a safe, high-quality suburban environment and are willing to manage a tight budget. It is ideal for entry-to-mid-level guards seeking stability rather than rapid advancement. If your goal is to buy a home in the near future or you are seeking explosive career growth, you may find the financial ceiling here restrictive. However, if you can secure a role in healthcare or corporate security and are open to taking on overtime or specialized training (like an armed license), Flower Mound offers a stable and comfortable foundation for a long-term career in the security industry.

FAQs

1. Is it easy to find a security job in Flower Mound without experience?
Yes, but you'll likely start in retail or static posts. The key is to get your Texas Level II license first. Many companies hire entry-level guards who are already licensed, as it saves them training time and cost. Highlight reliability and customer service skills on your application.

2. Should I get an armed license to make more money?
It depends on your risk tolerance and investment. An armed license costs $500+ and requires ongoing training. The pay increase is real ($2-$5/hour more), but the jobs are fewer and carry greater liability. It's a worthwhile investment if you see a long-term future in the industry, especially for corporate or executive protection roles.

3. How does the cost of living in Flower Mound compare to Dallas?
While rent in Flower Mound is similar to Dallas neighborhoods like Oak Lawn or Uptown, your overall expenses (especially property taxes, if you buy) can be lower. The biggest trade-off is commute vs. cost. Living in Dallas might offer cheaper rent in some areas but a longer, more stressful commute to Flower Mound jobs, increasing fuel and vehicle wear costs.

4. What's the biggest challenge for a security guard in Flower Mound?
The biggest challenge is financial stretch. The median salary of $36,497 is stretched thin by housing and transportation costs. Success requires careful budgeting, potentially working overtime, and planning for career advancement rather than staying in an entry-level role long-term.

5. Are there union jobs for security guards in Flower Mound?
Unionization is rare for security guards in Texas and the DFW metro. Most positions are non-union, whether with large national firms (Allied, Securitas) or in-house corporate teams. Benefits and pay are determined by company policy and individual negotiation.