Security Guard in Georgetown, TX

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

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The Salary Picture: Where Georgetown Stands

As a local, I can tell you that Georgetown isn't the booming metropolis of Austin, but that can be a good thing for security work. The demand is steady, the cost of living is manageable, and the community is tight-knit. Let's look at the numbers.

The median salary for a Security Guard in Georgetown is $35,879 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $17.25. It's important to understand that this figure represents the midpoint—half of the guards in the area earn more, and half earn less. Compared to the national average of $36,140, Georgetown is slightly below, but this is largely offset by the lower cost of living.

Here’s how pay generally breaks down by experience level. These are estimates based on local job postings and industry standards for our region:

Experience Level	Annual Salary Range	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level	$30,000 - $34,000	Patrols, access control, basic report writing
Mid-Level	$35,000 - $40,000	Specialized posts (hospital, school), shift lead
Senior	$41,000 - $47,000	Supervisory roles, training, complex sites
Expert/Supervisor	$48,000+	Account management, contract negotiation, security director

When you compare Georgetown to other Texas cities, it holds a specific niche. Austin, just 30 minutes south, has higher pay (~$39,000 median) but also a dramatically higher cost of living and fierce competition. Waco to the north offers similar salaries but with a different economic base. Georgetown's advantage is its location—it sits in the Austin metro area, offering access to more opportunities (192 jobs in the metro) without the Austin price tag.

Insider Tip: The 10-year job growth for Security Guards is 3% nationally, which is slower than average. This means you need to be strategic about specialization and advancement. In Georgetown, growth is tied directly to the expansion of healthcare, higher education, and residential communities.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's get practical. A salary of $35,879 sounds reasonable, but what does it mean for your daily life in Georgetown?

First, the take-home pay. After federal income tax, Social Security, Medicare, and Texas state tax (which is 0% on income, but property tax is high), a single filer can expect a take-home of approximately $2,800 - $3,000 per month. This can vary based on withholdings and benefits.

The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Georgetown is $1,220 per month. This is a significant portion of your income. Let's break down a monthly budget for a Security Guard at the median salary:

Monthly Expense	Estimated Cost	% of Take-Home Pay
Rent (1BR Apartment)	$1,220	~41%
Utilities	$150	~5%
Car Payment/Insurance	$350	~12%
Groceries	$300	~10%
Fuel/Transport	$150	~5%
Health Insurance	$150	~5%
Miscellaneous	$300	~10%
Savings/Debt	$100	~3%
Total	$2,720	~91%

This budget is tight. Rent alone consumes a large chunk, leaving little room for error. The Cost of Living Index for Georgetown is 97.6 (US average = 100), which confirms it's slightly below the national average, but housing is the primary driver.

Can they afford to buy a home? With the current median home price in Georgetown hovering around $400,000, a $35,879 salary makes homeownership extremely challenging without a dual income. The standard rule of thumb is that your housing payment should not exceed 28% of your gross income. For a $35,879 salary, that's about $840/month—a figure that won't secure a mortgage in this market. Most guards in this salary range are long-term renters unless they have a spouse with a higher income or move into a supervisory role.

Where the Jobs Are: Georgetown's Major Employers

Georgetown's job market for security is diverse, anchored by its unique mix of healthcare, education, and government. Here are the key local employers:

1. St. David's Georgetown Hospital: Part of the massive St. David's HealthCare system, this is a reliable source of 24/7 security jobs. Posts often involve access control, visitor management, and emergency response. Hiring trends show a steady need, especially for guards with healthcare experience or certifications in de-escalation.
2. Southwestern University: A prestigious private liberal arts college with a beautiful, sprawling 180-acre campus. Their security team focuses on campus safety, event security for college athletics, and residential life security. They often look for guards with a calm demeanor and strong communication skills.
3. City of Georgetown: The municipal government employs security personnel for various facilities, including City Hall, the public safety complex, and public works buildings. These jobs are highly competitive due to their benefits and job security. They often require or prefer civil service testing.
4. The Arboretum / Georgetown Independent School District (GISD): With over 12,000 students, GISD requires security for its 20+ campuses. Roles range from front desk monitoring to patrol officers. The recent push for upgraded security measures in schools has led to increased hiring.
5. Baylor Scott & White Medical Center: Located in nearby Temple (a 20-minute drive), this is another major healthcare employer. They offer a variety of security posts, from ER security to parking enforcement.
6. Private Residential Communities (e.g., Sun City, The Villages): Georgetown is a hub for large master-planned communities. These require private security for community patrols, gatehouse duties, and amenity monitoring. The pay can be competitive, and shifts are often steady.
7. Amazon Fulfillment Center (in nearby Austin/Round Rock): While not in Georgetown proper, many locals commute. Amazon security focuses on asset protection, internal investigations, and warehouse safety. It's a fast-paced environment with opportunities for advancement into corporate security.

Hiring Trends: The demand is strongest in healthcare and education. There's also a growing need for security at data centers in the Austin metro area, which some Georgetown residents commute to.

Getting Licensed in TX

Texas regulates the private security industry through the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), Private Security Bureau (PSB). It's not a difficult process, but it is mandatory.

State-Specific Requirements:

• Security Guard (Level 3): This is the standard license for armed or unarmed guards. You must be at least 18 (21 for armed), a U.S. citizen or legal resident, and pass a background check.
• Training: You must complete a 6-hour pre-assignment course from a PSB-certified training school. This covers laws, use of force, and ethics. If you want to be armed, you need an additional 15 hours of firearms training.
• Cost: The training course typically costs $80 - $150. The state application fee is $44 for an unarmed license and $142 for an armed license (which includes the firearms proficiency exam fee).
• Timeline: The entire process, from starting training to receiving your license in the mail, can take 4 to 8 weeks, assuming there are no delays with fingerprints or background checks.

Insider Tip: Many large employers in Georgetown (like St. David's or the school district) will sponsor your training. It's often cheaper to get hired first and have them pay for the course, rather than paying out of pocket. Always ask about this during interviews.

Best Neighborhoods for Security Guards

Choosing where to live depends on your commute and lifestyle. Here’s a local’s breakdown:

1. Downtown Georgetown: The historic square area is charming and walkable. Proximity to City Hall and City offices is a plus. However, parking can be a challenge, and the rental inventory is limited. Rent Estimate: $1,100 - $1,400 for older 1BR apartments.
2. Sun City (The Villages): This is a massive active adult community. While it's primarily for residents 55+, there are rental opportunities in the area for workers. The vibe is quiet, safe, and very community-focused. Commuting to other parts of Georgetown is easy. Rent Estimate: $1,000 - $1,300 for 1BR or 2BR townhomes.
3. Williams Drive / I-35 Corridor: This is the commercial heart of Georgetown. You're close to major employers like the hospital, shopping centers, and easy access to the highway. It's busy and less "quaint," but convenience is key. Rent Estimate: $1,150 - $1,400 for modern 1BR apartments.
4. South Georgetown (near the airport): This area is growing fast, with new apartment complexes and subdivisions. It's generally more affordable than the north side. Commuting to the school district jobs or the airport area is straightforward. Rent Estimate: $1,050 - $1,300 for 1BR apartments.
5. Bertram/Round Rock Border: If you're looking to save on rent, living just outside the city limits can be a good option. The commute into Georgetown is short (10-15 minutes), and you get more space for your money. Rent Estimate: $950 - $1,200 for 1BR apartments or older houses.

The Long Game: Career Growth

With a 10-year job growth of 3%, climbing the ladder is essential for financial stability. Here’s how to do it in Georgetown:

• Specialty Premiums: Your base pay can increase significantly with certifications.
  • Armed Guard: Adds a $2 - $5/hour premium. Essential for banking, data centers, and executive protection.
  • Emergency Medical Technician (EMT): If you have an EMT-Basic license, you can work hospital security or event medical posts, commanding a $3 - $7/hour premium.
  • Firearm Instructor: If you get certified to teach firearms, you can move into training roles for security companies.
• Advancement Paths:
  1. Field Officer to Shift Supervisor: Typically takes 1-3 years. You'll manage a small team, handle scheduling, and be the first point of contact for client issues. Pay jump: ~$5,000 - $8,000/year.
  2. Shift Supervisor to Account Manager: This is a corporate role. You manage the client relationship for a specific site (e.g., St. David's Hospital). You focus on budgets, hiring, and service quality. Pay jump: ~$10,000 - $15,000/year.
  3. Account Manager to Director of Operations/Risk Management: For those with a business mind. You oversee multiple accounts, contract negotiations, and company-wide policy. This is a six-figure potential role, often requiring a bachelor's degree.
• 10-Year Outlook: The security field in Georgetown will remain stable, with growth tied to population increases and the expansion of healthcare and education. The key is to move from a generalist guard to a specialist (armed, healthcare, corporate) or into management within the first 5 years. The old model of staying in a single post for decades is fading; the future belongs to those who adapt.

The Verdict: Is Georgetown Right for You?

Pros of Working as a Security Guard in Georgetown	Cons of Working as a Security Guard in Georgetown
Lower Cost of Living than Austin, with access to the same job market.	Salary is tight for single-income homeownership. Rent is a large portion of income.
Diverse Employer Base: Healthcare, education, government, and private community jobs.	Slower 3% job growth means you must actively pursue advancement.
Community Feel: Smaller city, strong network, lower crime rates for a metro area.	Limited Nightlife/Scene: Quieter than Austin, which can be a pro or con depending on your life stage.
Stable Demand: Essential services (hospitals, schools) need security 24/7.	Competition for Top Jobs: City, university, and hospital jobs are highly sought after.
Good Commute: Most jobs are within a 15-20 minute drive.	Summer Heat: Brutal Texas summers can make outdoor patrols physically demanding.

Final Recommendation: Georgetown is an excellent choice for a security guard who values stability, community, and a manageable cost of living over high-risk, high-reward city life. It's ideal for those starting their careers (with employer-sponsored training) or for experienced guards looking to transition into supervisory roles in healthcare or education. However, if your primary goal is rapid income growth and you're willing to commute to Austin, you might find higher starting salaries elsewhere. For a balanced life with solid job opportunities, Georgetown is a strong contender.

FAQs

Q: Do I need to be armed to get a good job in Georgetown?
A: Not necessarily. There are many unarmed positions in healthcare, schools, and corporate offices. However, armed guards have access to more roles and higher pay. If you're starting out, getting licensed as unarmed first and then adding the armed endorsement later is a common and cost-effective path.

Q: What is the job search like for security in Georgetown?
A: It's a mix of online platforms and networking. Check Indeed, LinkedIn, and the City of Georgetown's job board. Many smaller security companies in the area (which service the residential communities and small businesses) also post on local Facebook groups. Word-of-mouth is powerful here—once you're in, you'll hear about openings.

Q: Is the 192 jobs figure for the metro area realistic?
A: Yes, that's the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data for the Austin-Round Rock-Georgetown metro area. It means there are always openings, but you may need to commute to Austin, Round Rock, or Temple for the best variety. Living in Georgetown gives you a central point to access all of them.

Q: How important is experience for hiring in Georgetown?
A: For entry-level posts, employers often value a clean background and reliable transportation more than direct experience. For specialized roles (hospital, armed), they will want to see relevant experience or a willingness to be trained. A strong interview showing professionalism and a calm demeanor can often outweigh a lack of experience.

Q: What's the biggest mistake new security guards make in Georgetown?
A: Getting comfortable in an entry-level role and not pursuing further certifications or education. With slow growth, stagnation is a real risk. The guards who advance are those who get their armed license, take an EMT course, or start a business degree. Invest in yourself to move up.