The Complete Career Guide for Security Guards in Frisco, TX

As a career analyst who’s lived in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex for over a decade, I’ve watched Frisco evolve from a quiet suburb into a booming, self-contained city. If you’re a security guard considering a move here, you’re looking at a market that’s stable but competitive, with a cost of living that’s higher than the national average. This guide cuts through the fluff and gives you the data-driven reality of what it’s like to build a security career in Frisco.

The Salary Picture: Where Frisco Stands

Let’s start with the numbers that matter. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and local market data, the median salary for Security Guards in Frisco is $36,497/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $17.55/hour. This is slightly above the national average of $36,140/year, but it’s crucial to understand what that means in the context of Frisco’s economy.

Frisco’s job market is heavily tied to retail, corporate campuses, and healthcare, which creates a consistent demand for security personnel. However, the jobs in the metro area are around 450, indicating a moderately sized but not massive market. The 10-year job growth is projected at 3%, which is slower than the national average for the profession, suggesting that while demand exists, it’s not explosive.

Experience-Level Breakdown

Here’s a realistic breakdown of what you can expect to earn based on your experience level in the Frisco market. This is derived from local job postings and industry averages.

Experience Level	Annual Salary Range (Frisco)	Hourly Rate Equivalent	Typical Roles
Entry-Level	$31,000 - $34,000	$14.90 - $16.35	Retail patrol, basic site coverage, event staff
Mid-Level	$36,500 - $40,000	$17.55 - $19.23	Corporate campus guard, hospital security, lead officer
Senior-Level	$42,000 - $48,000	$20.20 - $23.08	Supervisor, site manager, specialized roles (fire watch)
Expert/Specialist	$50,000+	$24.04+	Security director, trainer, executive protection (rare in Frisco)

Insider Tip: The jump from entry-level to mid-level is significant. Certifications (like a CPR/AED or a TEEX course) and a clean driving record can immediately push you into the mid-level range. Don’t settle for the low end if you have prior experience or relevant training.

Comparison to Other TX Cities

Frisco’s salary is competitive within the Dallas-Fort Worth metro, but it’s not the highest.

• Dallas: Median salary $37,200. More jobs (over 5,000), but higher competition and a longer commute.
• Austin: Median salary $37,800. Tech sector drives higher pay for corporate security, but the cost of living is significantly higher.
• Houston: Median salary $35,500. Similar cost of living to Frisco, but with more industrial and port-related security jobs.
• Plano: Median salary $36,800. Frisco’s direct neighbor with a very similar job market and pay scale.

The Bottom Line: Frisco offers a stable, mid-range salary. You won’t get rich, but you’ll earn a wage that’s comparable to other major Texas suburbs.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

The median salary of $36,497 is a gross figure. To understand if you can live comfortably on it in Frisco, we need to calculate the net take-home pay and factor in the city’s high rent.

For a single filer in Texas (no state income tax), the federal income tax and FICA (Social Security & Medicare) on $36,497 would be roughly $5,500 - $6,000 annually. Your estimated monthly take-home pay is approximately $2,500.

Monthly Budget Breakdown for a Security Guard in Frisco

Expense Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Gross Monthly Pay	$3,041	Based on $36,497 annual salary
Estimated Taxes/Deductions	($540)	Federal, FICA, other
Net Take-Home Pay	$2,501	Your actual paycheck
Average 1BR Rent	($1,291)	Frisco average, per data
Utilities (Electric, Water, Internet)	($180)	Average for a 1BR apartment
Groceries	($350)	Basic grocery budget for one
Car Payment/Insurance/Gas	($400)	Essential in Frisco, no real public transit
Health Insurance (if not provided)	($250)	This is a major variable
Phone Bill	($60)
Other (Clothing, Personal Care)	($150)
Total Expenses	$2,681
Monthly Deficit/Surplus	($180)	You are in the red.

Can they afford to buy a home? On a single income of $36,497, it is extremely difficult to buy a home in Frisco. The median home price in Frisco is over $550,000. A conventional mortgage would require a down payment of $110,000+ and a monthly payment far exceeding the rent. For a security guard in Frisco, homeownership is a long-term goal that likely requires a dual-income household, significant savings, or moving to a neighboring, less expensive city like McKinney or Prosper.

Where the Jobs Are: Frisco's Major Employers

Frisco’s economy is diverse, but security jobs are concentrated in a few key sectors. Here’s where to focus your applications.

1. Frisco ISD (Independent School District): With over 70 campuses, Frisco ISD is a massive employer of security guards for school resource officer (SRO) positions and after-hours facility patrols. Jobs are year-round and offer stable hours. Hiring is often tied to the school calendar, with peaks in late summer.
2. Baylor Scott & White Medical Center – Frisco: A major hospital requires 24/7 security for patient safety, asset protection, and emergency response. These roles often pay at the mid-to-senior level and may require prior healthcare security experience or certifications.
3. The Star in Frisco (Dallas Cowboys World Headquarters): This mixed-use complex includes corporate offices, a hotel, restaurants, and public spaces. Security is high-profile and often requires a professional appearance and demeanor. They hire both directly and through contract companies like Securitas.
4. Stonebriar Centre & The Star District: These large retail and entertainment hubs need constant security for loss prevention, crowd control, and overnight patrols. The hours can be irregular (nights, weekends, holidays), but there’s always demand.
5. Corporate Campuses (Toyota, Liberty Mutual, Keurig Dr Pepper): Frisco’s “North Platinum Corridor” is lined with major corporations. They hire in-house security teams for access control, executive protection, and facility monitoring. These are often the best-paying jobs and require a higher level of professionalism.
6. Event Venues (Comerica Center, Ford Center at The Star): Frisco hosts numerous concerts, sports events, and conventions. Security work here is often gig-based through contractors like Allied Universal or G4S. It’s perfect for supplemental income but less stable.
7. City of Frisco: The city government hires security for municipal buildings, parks, and special events. Check the City of Frisco’s careers page directly for these postings.

Hiring Trend: There’s a growing preference for guards with technology skills. Familiarity with CCTV systems, access control software (like Lenel or Genetec), and basic report-writing on digital platforms will set you apart.

Getting Licensed in TX

Texas has straightforward but mandatory licensing requirements for security guards. You cannot work legally without this.

1. Training: You must complete a Level II Security Officer Training Course from a licensed school. This is typically a 6-8 hour course covering legal authority, use of force, emergency procedures, and report writing. Cost ranges from $75 to $150.

2. Background Check: You must submit fingerprints to the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) through a Live Scan provider. The fee is $38.25 (fingerprinting) + $45 (state license application). The background check must be clean; felonies or certain misdemeanors will disqualify you.

3. Application: Submit your training certificate, fingerprints, and application to the Texas Private Security Bureau (part of DPS). The state fee is $45.

4. Timeline: From start to finish, it usually takes 3 to 6 weeks to get your license. The state’s website (https://www.dps.texas.gov/section/private-security) is the official source.

Insider Tip: Some employers, like large contract companies (Allied, Securitas), will often reimburse the training cost if you commit to working for them for a set period. Always ask about this during the interview.

Best Neighborhoods for Security Guards

Where you live in Frisco impacts your commute and budget. Here are the best options, from most to least affordable.

1. East Frisco (near 121 & Custer Rd): This area has older apartment complexes and is more affordable. Average 1BR rent: $1,150 - $1,250. It’s centrally located, with easy access to major employers like Baylor Scott & White and downtown Frisco. Commute to most jobs is under 15 minutes.
2. West Frisco (near the DNT & Lebanon Rd): Newer, more expensive apartments and townhomes. Average 1BR rent: $1,350 - $1,500. Closer to The Star and corporate campuses. The commute is short if you work in that corridor, but rent will stretch your budget.
3. Central Frisco (near Stonebriar Centre): The heart of the action. Rent is high. Average 1BR rent: $1,400 - $1,600. You’re walking distance to shopping and dining, but you’ll pay for it. Ideal for those who want to minimize car use (though you’ll still need one).
4. The Edge (Frisco’s Southern Border, near 423): This area borders Plano and McKinney. Rent is slightly lower. Average 1BR rent: $1,200 - $1,300. Commute to Frisco jobs is easy via 121 or 75. You get a bit more space for your money.
5. North Frisco (near Prosper/El Dorado): The newest and fastest-growing part of the city. Rents are high and rising. Average 1BR rent: $1,400+. Only consider this if you land a job at one of the new corporate campuses or schools in this area.

Commute Reality: Frisco is a car-dependent city. Public transit (DART) does not serve Frisco directly. Your commute will involve driving on US-75 (Central Expressway) or the Dallas North Tollway (DNT), both of which experience heavy congestion during rush hours. Factor in a 20-30 minute commute for most jobs, even within the city.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Staying an entry-level guard forever is a fast track to financial stress. Here’s how to advance.

• Specialty Premiums:

  • Armed Guard: Requires an additional Level III license (40+ hours of training, ~$500). You can earn $3-$5 more per hour. However, demand in Frisco is limited mostly to high-risk sites like banks or specific corporate roles.
  • Fire Watch: A niche certification that can lead to higher-paying, short-term contracts on construction sites.
  • Executive Protection: Very rare in Frisco itself; typically requires moving to Dallas or traveling.

• Advancement Paths:

  1. From Guard to Supervisor: Takes 2-4 years. Requires strong communication and leadership skills. You’ll manage schedules and other guards.
  2. From Supervisor to Site Manager: Oversees an entire facility (like a hospital or corporate campus). Requires budgeting and client relations skills.
  3. Transition to Corporate Security: Moving from contract security to an in-house team at a company like Toyota or Liberty Mutual. This often comes with better benefits and a clearer career ladder.

• 10-Year Outlook: With a 3% growth rate, the field is stable but not booming. The key to long-term success is specialization and moving into supervisory or management roles. The real growth is in technology integration—security professionals who can manage complex surveillance systems and data analytics will be in high demand.

The Verdict: Is Frisco Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Stable job market with diverse employers (schools, hospitals, corporations).	High cost of living, especially rent. $36,497 is a challenging single-income salary.
Safe, family-friendly city with excellent amenities and public services.	Car-dependent. You will spend a significant portion of your income on transportation.
Short commutes once you live and work within the city.	Competitive job market. You need a clean record and good references to stand out.
Above-average pay compared to smaller Texas towns.	Limited specialty opportunities (armed, executive) compared to Dallas.
Growth potential for those who pursue management and tech skills.	Slower job growth (3%) means you must be proactive in career advancement.

Final Recommendation:
Frisco is an excellent choice for a security guard if you meet one of two profiles:

1. You are a mid-career professional with experience and certifications, seeking to move into a supervisory or in-house corporate role. The salary can support a comfortable lifestyle, especially with a partner’s income.
2. You are willing to start at entry-level but have a clear plan to upskill (get CPR, Level II, then Level III) and move up quickly. You’ll need to be frugal and likely share housing initially.

If you are a new guard with no experience, Frisco will be a financial struggle on a single income. Consider starting in a lower-cost nearby city (like McKinney or Denton) and commuting to Frisco for work until you build experience and raise your pay grade.

FAQs

Q: Is it easy to find a job as a security guard in Frisco?
A: Yes, there is steady demand, especially for contract guards. However, the best jobs (in-house at corporations or schools) are competitive. Having your Texas license before you apply is a huge advantage.

Q: Do I need my own car?
A: Absolutely. Public transit is not viable for most security jobs in Frisco. You need reliable transportation to get to various sites, especially for contract work that may post you at different locations.

Q: What’s the biggest mistake new security guards make in Frisco?
A: Accepting the first offer at the lowest rate. The market has a range. With a clean background and basic certification, you should aim for the $17.55/hour median or higher. Don’t undervalue your labor.

Q: Can I make a career out of security in Frisco?
A: Yes, but not by staying in an entry-level post. You must actively pursue certifications, seek supervisory roles, and consider in-house corporate security. The path to a $50,000+ salary is clear but requires dedication.

Q: How does the cost of living in Frisco compare to Dallas?
A: Frisco’s rent is comparable to or slightly higher than many Dallas suburbs, but with a lower salary. You get more square footage and a safer environment in Frisco, but you pay for it with a longer commute if you work in Dallas. For a security guard, living in Frisco and working in Frisco is the optimal scenario to keep costs manageable.