Here is a comprehensive career guide for Security Guards considering a move to Fort Worth, Texas.

The Fort Worth Security Guard Career Guide: A Local's Analysis

As a career analyst who has watched the security industry in Fort Worth evolve over the last decade, I can tell you this city offers a stable, if not flashy, career path for security professionals. It’s a city of logistics, healthcare, and industry—sectors that don’t shut down when the sun goes down. But let’s get one thing straight from the start: this isn't a get-rich-quick industry. It's a steady grind. If you’re willing to do the work, Fort Worth provides a solid floor to stand on, but you need to understand the numbers, the neighborhoods, and the specific employers to make it work financially.

The Salary Picture: Where Fort Worth Stands

The security industry in Fort Worth pays slightly above the national average, but the cost of living here is creeping up faster than wages. Understanding the salary bands is crucial before you pack your bags.

Salary Data Breakdown
First, let’s look at the raw numbers for Fort Worth (BLS Metro Area 19100):

• Median Salary: $36,497/year
• Hourly Rate: $17.55/hour
• National Average: $36,140/year
• Jobs in Metro: 1,953 (as of the latest available data)
• 10-Year Job Growth: 3% (This is slower than the national average for all occupations, indicating a mature, stable market rather than a booming one).

Experience-Level Breakdown Table
While the median is a useful benchmark, your actual pay will depend heavily on your experience and the specific type of security work you land. Here’s a realistic breakdown for the Fort Worth area:

Experience Level	Years of Experience	Typical Annual Salary Range	Common Roles
Entry-Level	0-2 years	$30,000 - $34,000	Retail Loss Prevention, Corporate Front Desk, Gate Guard
Mid-Level	2-5 years	$35,000 - $42,000	Armed Guard (state licensed), Hospital Security, Industrial Site
Senior-Level	5-10 years	$43,000 - $52,000	Shift Supervisor, Specialized Event Security (e.g., Dickies Arena)
Expert/Management	10+ years	$53,000+	Site Manager, Training Coordinator, Corporate Security Director

Comparison to Other Texas Cities
Fort Worth sits in the middle of the pack for Texas security guard salaries—better than the Rio Grande Valley but behind the major tech and oil hubs.

• Dallas: Slightly higher. The sheer density of corporate HQs and high-end retail in Uptown and the Arts District drives wages up by about 5-7%.
• Houston: Comparable. The petrochemical and port security sectors offer higher premiums for armed and hazmat-certified guards, but the base pay for general security is similar.
• Austin: Higher. The tech sector and event security (SXSW, ACL) in Austin command higher hourly rates, roughly $18.50 - $20.00/hour on average.
• San Antonio: Slightly lower. The massive military and healthcare presence keeps demand steady, but pay tends to run 2-4% below Fort Worth.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s be real: $36,497 sounds like a manageable number until you factor in Texas's high property taxes and Fort Worth's rising rent. You need to see the math to know if this is sustainable.

The Numbers
If you earn the median salary of $36,497, your take-home pay after federal taxes, FICA (Social Security/Medicare), and a conservative estimate for state taxes (Texas has no income tax, but property taxes are high, often passed through in rent) will be roughly $2,300 - $2,400 per month.

Monthly Budget Breakdown for a Security Guard Earning $36,497

• Gross Monthly Income: $3,041
• Estimated Take-Home Pay: $2,350 (approx.)
• Average 1BR Rent (Fort Worth Metro): $1,384/month
• Remaining for Utilities, Food, Transport, Savings: $966/month

Can They Afford to Buy a Home?
At this salary level, homeownership in Fort Worth is increasingly difficult without a dual income or significant savings. The median home price in Fort Worth hovers around $325,000. With a $36,497 salary, a lender would likely cap your mortgage at around $1,100/month (including taxes and insurance). This puts you in the market for condos or older homes in neighborhoods significantly farther from the city core. Renting is the default reality for most entry-to-mid-level guards in the current market.

Where the Jobs Are: Fort Worth's Major Employers

Fort Worth’s economy is unique. It’s not just about downtown office buildings. The jobs are scattered across the metro, often in industrial corridors and medical districts. Here are the heavy hitters.

1. Texas Health Resources (THR): With massive facilities like Texas Health Harris Methodist Fort Worth (near downtown) and Texas Health HEB (Bedford), THR is a top employer for healthcare security. These are 24/7 operations requiring constant coverage. Hiring Trend: Steady demand, often looking for guards with de-escalation training.
2. Lockheed Martin (Aeronautics): Located in West Fort Worth (White Settlement area), this is a high-security aerospace facility. It requires cleared guards (U.S. citizenship, background checks). Pay here is often above the median due to the sensitivity of the work. Hiring Trend: Consistent, but specialized.
3. BNSF Railway: Fort Worth is a major rail hub. BNSF employs security for their massive intermodal terminals and headquarters. This is industrial security—patrolling yards, monitoring gates, and protecting assets. Hiring Trend: Tied to the logistics boom; very stable.
4. Amazon Fulfillment Centers: The Fort Worth metro has several large Amazon facilities (e.g., in Denton County and South Fort Worth). They hire for internal security and loss prevention. The work is fast-paced and physically demanding. Hiring Trend: High turnover, but always hiring.
5. Fort Worth Independent School District (FWISD): School security is a growing sector. With over 140 campuses, FWISD employs security officers (often unarmed) to manage access control and safety. Hiring Trend: Increasing focus on school safety post-pandemic.
6. City of Fort Worth (Municipal Security): The city employs security for municipal buildings, the Fort Worth Water Gardens, and special events. These are civil service positions with good benefits but require a competitive hiring process. Hiring Trend: Stable, with openings tied to retirements.
7. Private Security Firms (Securitas, G4S, Allied Universal): These national firms hold contracts for the Fort Worth Stockyards, Sundance Square, and various corporate office parks. They are the largest employers of entry-level guards. Hiring Trend: High volume hiring, but often lower starting wages.

Getting Licensed in TX

Texas has clear, manageable requirements for security guards, administered by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), Private Security Bureau (PSB).

Requirements and Costs:

1. Initial Licensing (Non-Commissioned/Unarmed): You must be at least 18, have no disqualifying criminal convictions, and pass a background check.

   • Training: You need to complete a 6-hour Level II training course (classroom and range). This covers legal authority, use of force, and firearms proficiency if you are applying for armed commission.
   • Cost: Training courses range from $100 to $250 depending on the provider. The state application fee is $19 for a new license.
   • Timeline: The course takes 1-2 days. The state processing time is typically 2-4 weeks.

2. Armed (Commissioned) License: You must be 21, complete a 16-hour course (Level III), and pass a proficiency demonstration.

   • Cost: Training costs $350 - $500. The state fee is $39.
   • Timeline: The course is usually a 2-day weekend class. State processing is similar, 2-4 weeks.

Insider Tip: Many large employers (like Lockheed or Texas Health) will pay for your initial training if you agree to work for them for a set period. Ask about this during interviews.

Best Neighborhoods for Security Guards

Your commute and quality of life depend heavily on where you live, especially if you work odd hours. Here’s a local’s look at four key areas.

1. North Fort Worth (Alliance/Keller):

   • Vibe: Suburban, family-oriented, rapidly growing.
   • Commute: Easy access to I-35W. Great for jobs at Lockheed Martin or Amazon in Denton County.
   • Rent Estimate (1BR): $1,450 - $1,600/month (slightly above metro average).
   • Best For: Guards with families or those working north-side industrial jobs.

2. East Fort Worth (Arlington Heights/Eagle Mountain Lake):

   • Vibe: Working-class roots, mix of older homes and new apartments. Close to the stockyards and downtown.
   • Commute: Strategic for jobs downtown, at BNSF, or in the Stockyards. Avoids the worst of the I-35W bottleneck.
   • Rent Estimate (1BR): $1,200 - $1,400/month.
   • Best For: Guards working event security or municipal jobs. Good value.

3. South Fort Worth (Burleson/Crowley):

   • Vibe: More rural/suburban feel. Quiet, less traffic, but further from the core.
   • Commute: Good for jobs at the southern industrial parks or Texas Health HEB (in Bedford/HEB area).
   • Rent Estimate (1BR): $1,100 - $1,300/month (most affordable).
   • Best For: Guards prioritizing lower rent and don't mind a longer commute.

4. Downtown/Midtown:

   • Vibe: Urban, walkable, nightlife. More expensive.
   • Commute: Walk or bike to many downtown corporate security jobs. Easy access to the TRE (train) for commuting to Dallas.
   • Rent Estimate (1BR): $1,600 - $2,000+ /month.
   • Best For: Single guards working downtown corporate shifts who want to eliminate a commute.

The Long Game: Career Growth

With a 3% 10-year growth rate, the field isn't exploding, but advancement is possible for those who specialize.

Specialty Premiums:

• Armed Guard: Adds a $2 - $5/hour premium over unarmed rates.
• Incident Commander/EMT: Having emergency medical training can bump pay by $1 - $3/hour.
• Cleared (Top Secret): Working at defense contractors like Lockheed adds a significant premium, potentially pushing salaries over $60,000 for mid-level roles.

Advancement Paths:
The typical path is: Guard → Shift Supervisor → Site Manager → Regional Manager. The key to moving up is obtaining certifications: ASIS’s Certified Protection Professional (CPP) or CPP’s Physical Security Professional (PSP). These are highly respected and can double your salary over time, moving you from the field into corporate security planning and management.

10-Year Outlook:
Automation (AI cameras, drone patrols) will reduce the need for roving guards but increase demand for guards who can monitor systems and respond to tech alerts. The growth in healthcare and logistics (two of Fort Worth’s strongest sectors) will sustain demand. The outlook is stable but competitive.

The Verdict: Is Fort Worth Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Stable Job Market: Essential services (healthcare, logistics) don’t stop.	Stagnant Pay Growth: 3% growth means wages don't rise quickly with experience.
Lower Cost of Living (vs. Austin/Dallas): Your dollar goes further here than in neighboring metros.	High Rent Burden: Rent eats up nearly 60% of the median take-home pay.
Diverse Opportunities: From high-tech defense to old-school stockyards, you can change industries without leaving the city.	Traffic & Commutes: Fort Worth sprawls. A long commute in a cheap apartment can be a false economy.
No State Income Tax: Helps keep more of your paycheck.	High Property Taxes: Increases cost of living indirectly, especially if you ever buy a home.

Final Recommendation:
Fort Worth is a solid choice for security guards who value stability over high earnings. It’s ideal for those who can secure an armed commission or a clearance, as that’s where the financial upside lives. If you are entry-level and willing to start at $17.55/hour, you can live here, but you’ll need roommates or a very tight budget. For the mid-to-senior level guard looking to plant roots in a growing metro with a manageable cost of living, Fort Worth is a sensible, if not glamorous, destination.

FAQs

1. Do I need a car in Fort Worth?
Yes, absolutely. Public transportation (The T) is limited and doesn’t run 24/7, which is a problem for overnight shifts. Most security jobs are in industrial or suburban areas not served by the TEXRail or bus lines.

2. Is the 3% job growth really that low?
Yes, according to BLS data. This reflects a mature market. Growth comes from replacing retirees, not creating thousands of new roles. Your best bet is to target expanding sectors like healthcare and logistics, which are growing faster than the general economy.

3. How do armed guards fare in Fort Worth?
Much better financially. The demand is high for armored car guards (Brinks, Garda) and corporate armed guards. The initial training investment pays for itself within 6-12 months via higher hourly wages.

4. What’s the biggest mistake newcomers make?
Taking the first job offered without considering the commute. A $17.55/hour job that requires a 45-minute drive each way in Fort Worth traffic can be a net loss when you factor in gas and vehicle wear. Prioritize location.

5. Are there unions for security guards in Fort Worth?
Union presence is limited. Some municipal and school district jobs may be unionized, but the vast majority of private security work is non-union. Focus on developing specialized skills rather than relying on collective bargaining for wage increases.

Sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, Texas Department of Public Safety Private Security Bureau, Zillow Rental Market Data, U.S. Census Bureau Metro Population Estimates.