Security Guard in Fort Collins, CO

The Salary Picture: Where Fort Collins Stands

As a local who’s watched the security industry evolve here over the last decade, I can tell you that Fort Collins offers a stable, if modest, living. The key is understanding the local market, which is heavily influenced by Colorado State University (CSU) and a growing biotech corridor, rather than the high-security demands of a major metro like Denver.

The median salary for a Security Guard in Fort Collins is $35,771/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $17.2/hour. This is slightly below the national average of $36,140/year, a common trend in mid-sized college towns where the lower cost of living often correlates with lower wages. The metro area has 340 security guard jobs, and the 10-year job growth is projected at 3%. This isn't explosive growth, but it's steady, reflecting a stable demand from universities, hospitals, and corporate campuses.

Experience plays a significant role in your earning potential. Here’s a realistic breakdown:

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary	Key Responsibilities & Notes
Entry-Level	$30,000 - $35,000	Basic patrols, access control, incident reporting. Often starts at large events or as a "warm body" at a corporate site.
Mid-Level	$35,000 - $42,000	You might supervise a small team, handle more complex incidents, or gain a certification (like CPR). This is where the $35,771 median sits.
Senior-Level	$42,000 - $50,000	Shift supervisor, field trainer, or post commander at a key site like a hospital or data center. May require additional certifications.
Expert/Management	$50,000+	Operations manager, client account manager, or director of security for a local institution. Often requires a degree and extensive experience.

Compared to other Colorado cities, Fort Collins is a middle-ground option. It pays more than rural areas but significantly less than Denver's metro area, where the cost of living is also much higher. Boulder's security wages can be higher due to its tech and affluent residential market, but the rent is typically 30-40% above Fort Collins. For a security guard considering a move, Fort Collins strikes a balance between opportunity and affordability.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's talk real numbers. With a median salary of $35,771, your take-home pay after federal, state, and FICA taxes will be approximately $28,000 - $29,000 annually. That translates to roughly $2,300 - $2,400 per month.

The average 1-bedroom rent in Fort Collins is $1,350/month. That means housing alone eats up about 58-60% of your net monthly income. This is the central challenge for a security guard in this city: rent is manageable on paper, but leaves little room for error or savings.

Here’s a sample monthly budget for a single guard earning the median:

Category	Estimated Cost	Notes
Rent (1BR)	$1,350	The biggest expense; varies by neighborhood.
Utilities (Elec, Gas, Internet)	$150	Fort Collins Utilities is a municipal system, often more stable.
Groceries	$300	Shopping at Sprouts or Trader Joe's can help.
Car Payment/Insurance	$300	A used car is common; public transit (Transfort) is viable but limited for some shifts.
Fuel	$100	Commuting to Loveland, Greeley, or across town.
Health Insurance	$150	If not provided by employer; this is a rough marketplace estimate.
Miscellaneous/Entertainment	$150	Coffee shop, a beer at a local brewery, streaming services.
Total	$2,500	This already exceeds the $2,300-$2,400 net income.

Insider Tip: This budget shows the tight margin. Most successful guards I know either have a roommate, live in a smaller studio, or work overtime to make the numbers work. It's a constant balancing act.

Can they afford to buy a home? With the median salary of $35,771, qualifying for a mortgage on even a modest condo in Fort Collins (where the median home price is over $500,000) is extremely difficult. Most security guards rent, often sharing a house in neighborhoods like Westside or Midtown to make it affordable. Homeownership on a single security guard's income in this market is not a realistic short-term goal.

Where the Jobs Are: Fort Collins's Major Employers

The security job market here is fragmented. There are a few large employers and many smaller regional companies. Here are the key players:

1. Colorado State University (CSU): The largest employer in the city. They hire directly through CSU Police for campus security and access control roles. Jobs are year-round but peak during the academic year. Hiring trends are stable, with a focus on reliable, customer-service-oriented guards. Insider Tip: Knowing the campus layout and having a calm demeanor is crucial here—dealing with students, staff, and visitors requires a different skill set than industrial security.

2. UCHealth Poudre Valley Hospital: A major employer in healthcare security. They need guards for patient safety, asset protection, and emergency response. This is a 24/7 operation, offering shift differentials. Hiring is steady as healthcare security is a growing niche. Insider Tip: Healthcare security requires de-escalation skills and patience. It's not for everyone, but it's a respected specialty with good benefits.

3. Local Security Companies (e.g., Loomis, Securitas, local firms like Front Range Security): These companies contract with businesses across Northern Colorado. Jobs range from patrolling corporate parks in Timberline to overnight shifts at manufacturing plants in Loveland or Greeley. This is where you'll find the bulk of the 340 jobs. Turnover can be higher, making it easier for new guards to get a foot in the door.

4. High-Tech/Biotech Campuses (e.g., OtterBox, Woodward): These are premier posts. They often require higher clearance, background checks, and sometimes armed certification. Pay can be at the higher end of the spectrum due to the sensitive nature of the facilities. Hiring is less frequent but more competitive when a post opens.

5. Fort Collins Police Services (City Contract): The city often contracts with security firms for events, construction sites, and municipal buildings. These jobs are sporadic but great for networking. The 3% job growth is partly driven by this type of contract work.

6. Event Venues (The Aggie Theatre, Budweiser Events Center): Part-time, event-based security. This is a great side hustle or entry point. It's seasonal and irregular, but you meet people and get a feel for the industry.

7. Residential Communities (e.g., The Overlook, senior living facilities): Gated communities and senior living complexes hire for access control and overnight patrols. These are often quieter posts but require a professional demeanor.

Getting Licensed in CO

Colorado does not have a state-mandated license for unarmed security guards. This lowers the barrier to entry and is a key reason why the market is accessible.

Requirements & Costs:

• No State License: You do not need a state-issued security guard license to work unarmed in Colorado. Your employer will handle their own hiring and training requirements.
• Firearm License (if applicable): If you want to be an armed guard, you must obtain a Firearm Permit from the Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI). This requires a background check, fingerprinting, and proof of training from a certified firearms instructor. The cost for the CBI permit is around $150-$200.
• Certifications: Most employers will require or prefer:
  • Valid Driver's License.
  • CPR/AED Certification (often provided on the job or required for a small fee, ~$75).
  • First Aid Training.
  • For armed positions, a 16-hour firearms course (cost: $250-$400).

Timeline to Get Started:

1. Week 1: Secure your Driver's License. Apply to multiple companies (Loomis, Securitas, local firms) and CSU/UCHealth directly.
2. Week 2: Undergo the client/employer's background check and drug screen (standard for all posts).
3. Week 3: Most companies will put you through their in-house orientation (24-40 hours), which covers state laws, company policies, and specific post procedures.
4. Month 1: You can be on a post (usually a low-profile patrol or event) within 3-4 weeks of applying. Unarmed, entry-level roles have a very fast hiring cycle.

Insider Tip: Start unarmed to learn the ropes. If you're interested in armed work, build a relationship with a company that offers in-house training for the CBI firearm permit. It's easier to get trained by your employer than to seek it out independently.

Best Neighborhoods for Security Guards

Where you live affects your commute, budget, and lifestyle. Here’s a local's guide:

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Avg. 1BR Rent Estimate	Best For
Midtown	Central, walkable, mix of older homes and apartments. Close to CSU, downtown, and major bus lines.	$1,250 - $1,400	Guards working at CSU, downtown bars, or the hospital. Easy bike commute.
Westside	Historic, charming, slightly more affordable. Family-oriented, quieter. A bit farther from the core, but a straight shot to the highway.	$1,100 - $1,300	Budget-conscious guards, those with a car. Easy access to I-25 for Loveland/Greeley shifts.
Timberline	Commercial corridor with apartment complexes and shopping. Very convenient for guards working at corporate parks or retail.	$1,300 - $1,500	Guards who value a short commute to work sites and don't mind a more suburban, less "walkable" vibe.
Downtown/ Old Town	The most expensive and vibrant area. Walkable to everything, but rent is high.	$1,500+	Best for guards working downtown events or bars who can split a place with roommates.
Southwest (near Horsetooth Reservoir)	Affluent, scenic, but isolated from the core job market. Few security jobs are located here.	$1,450+	Not ideal for commuting to most security posts unless you work from home or in a very specific post.

Commute Insight: Traffic in Fort Collins is relatively light compared to Denver. A 10-15 minute commute is standard. However, if you take a job in Loveland or Greeley, factor in 20-30 minutes on I-25.

The Long Game: Career Growth

With a 3% job growth, advancement is about niche specialization, not jumping between companies.

• Specialty Premiums:

  • Armed Guard: Can add $3-$5/hour to your base rate. The CBI permit is the key.
  • Healthcare Security (UCHealth): Often pays a premium over standard contract work, with better benefits and a career path.
  • Supervisor/Field Trainer: A $5,000-$8,000 annual bump.
  • Clearance Work (if applicable): If you can get a Department of Energy or military clearance (limited in FC, but possible with contractors), your pay can jump significantly.

• Advancement Paths:

  1. Patrol Officer → Field Supervisor → Operations Manager. The classic corporate ladder at a large firm.
  2. Contract Guard → In-House Security (CSU/UCHealth). Moving from a third-party provider to the direct employer often means better pay, benefits, and job security.
  3. Unarmed → Armed → Law Enforcement. Many local police departments (Fort Collins PD, Larimer County Sheriff) recruit from experienced security guards. This requires additional training and is a long-term goal.

• 10-Year Outlook: The 3% growth will be steady. The biggest opportunities will be in healthcare security (aging population) and corporate campus security (tech/biotech growth). The rise of gig platforms for event security will continue, but for a stable career, in-house or supervisory roles are the goal. By year 10, a dedicated guard with certifications and a supervisor role could be earning $50,000-$60,000 in the Fort Collins market.

The Verdict: Is Fort Collins Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Stable Job Market: Steady employment from universities, hospitals, and tech.	Low Median Salary: $35,771 makes budgeting tight.
Manageable Cost of Living: Index of 96.6 vs. US 100. Not a budget-buster.	Rent Burden: $1,350/month rent takes a huge chunk of income.
Quality of Life: Outdoor access, clean city, good community.	Limited High-Paying Opportunities: Hard to break into six figures in security here.
Low Barrier to Entry: No state license for unarmed work.	Job Growth is Modest (3%): Not a boomtown for this profession.
Path to Specialization: Clear paths to armed, healthcare, or supervisory roles.	Competitive for Prime Posts: The best jobs (CSU, UCHealth) are competitive.

Final Recommendation:
Fort Collins is an excellent choice for an entry-level security guard or someone with 1-3 years of experience looking for a stable role in a great community. It's a "foot in the door" city. You can get started quickly, learn the trade, and specialize without the extreme pressures of a major metro.

It is not recommended for someone looking for rapid financial growth or who expects to buy a home on a single guard's income in the near future. The path here is steady growth, not instant advancement.

If you're willing to live frugally (roommates, careful budgeting), take on certifications (CPR, armed), and climb the ladder to supervisor or in-house roles, Fort Collins can be a sustainable, rewarding home for a security professional.

FAQs

Q: Do I really need a security guard license to work in Fort Collins?
A: No. Colorado does not require a state license for unarmed security guards. Your employer will provide all necessary training and certifications. For armed work, you will need a CBI Firearm Permit.

Q: What's the best way to find a job quickly?
A: Apply directly to the biggest employers first: CSU Police and UCHealth Poudre Valley Hospital. Simultaneously, apply to the major contract companies (Securitas, Loomis) and local firms like Front Range Security. Event-based work can be a fast entry point. Tailor your resume to highlight reliability and customer service.

Q: Is it worth getting an armed permit in Fort Collins?
A: It depends on your goals. If you want to work at high-value corporate or biotech sites, it can be a career move, adding $3-$5/hour to your pay. However, it requires a financial and time investment (training, permit fees, background check). Start unarmed to see if the industry is a fit before committing.

Q: How difficult is the commute if I work in Loveland or Greeley?
A: Not bad. Fort Collins is centrally located. Commuting south to Loveland or north to Greeley on I-25 takes about 20-30 minutes. Traffic is minimal compared to Denver. Many guards live in Fort Collins for the lifestyle and commute to higher-paying posts in neighboring cities.

Q: Can I survive on the median salary of $35,771?
A: Yes, but with careful planning. It requires a strict budget. Most guards manage by sharing housing, avoiding luxury expenses, and sometimes working overtime. It’s a modest living, but it's possible in Fort Collins where the cost of living is below the national average. The key is to view it as a starting point, not an end point, and pursue specialized certifications and promotions to increase your earnings over time.