Security Guard in Goodyear, AZ

The Salary Picture: Where Goodyear Stands

If you're considering a move to Goodyear for security work, let's cut straight to the numbers. The median salary for a Security Guard in Goodyear sits at $36,736 per year, which breaks down to $17.66 per hour. This is just slightly above the national average of $36,140 per year—a modest $596 difference annually. While it's not a dramatic premium, that extra bit can help offset the local cost of living.

The job market here is niche but stable. There are approximately 223 security guard positions in the Goodyear metro area. The 10-year job growth projection is 3%, which is slower than the national average but indicates steady, reliable demand rather than a boom-and-bust cycle.

Here's how salaries typically break down by experience level in the Goodyear area:

Experience Level	Typical Annual Salary	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$31,500 - $34,000	Basic patrols, access control, incident reporting
Mid-Level (3-5 years)	$36,736 (Median)	Site supervision, training junior guards, client relations
Senior (6-10 years)	$40,000 - $45,000	Site management, security planning, emergency response coordination
Expert (10+ years)	$48,000+	Regional supervisor, security consulting, specialized protection

Comparing to other Arizona cities, Goodyear offers a middle-ground position. Phoenix metro guards can earn slightly more ($37,900 median), but face higher competition and longer commutes. Tucson guards earn less ($34,200 median) due to a smaller market. In Goodyear, you're in a growing suburban market with a unique mix of industrial, healthcare, and residential security needs.

Insider Tip: Many local contracts are with the city's industrial parks and medical facilities. These often pay at the mid-to-senior level range because they require specific certifications (like CPR/AED) and experience with electronic security systems. If you have those credentials, you can start above the median.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's get real about your budget. With a $36,736 annual salary, your take-home pay after Arizona state taxes (averaging 4.5%) and federal taxes will be roughly $29,000-$30,000 per year, or about $2,400-$2,500 per month. The average 1-bedroom apartment rent in Goodyear is $1,424 per month. That means housing alone consumes about 57-59% of your take-home pay—a tight squeeze.

Here's a realistic monthly budget breakdown for a Security Guard earning the median salary:

Category	Monthly Cost	% of Take-Home
Rent (1BR)	$1,424	57%
Utilities (Electric, Water, Internet)	$180	7%
Groceries & Essentials	$350	14%
Transportation (Gas, Insurance)	$220	9%
Health Insurance (if not employer-provided)	$150	6%
Miscellaneous/Discretionary	$100	4%
Total	$2,424	97%

This budget leaves virtually no room for savings, emergencies, or retirement contributions. The Cost of Living Index for Goodyear is 105.5 (US average = 100), meaning everything from groceries to healthcare is about 5.5% more expensive than the national average.

Can you afford to buy a home? In short, not on a single security guard's salary. The median home price in Goodyear is approximately $425,000. With a $36,736 salary, you'd need a down payment of at least $85,000 (20%) and would face monthly mortgage payments of $2,100-$2,300, which is unsustainable on your take-home pay. Homeownership typically requires dual incomes or a significant career advancement to a supervisor role ($50,000+).

Insider Tip: Many security guards in Goodyear live with roommates or partners to split rent costs. The $1,424 average drops to about $700-$800 per person in a shared 2-bedroom apartment. Some also choose to live in neighboring cities like Avondale or Litchfield Park, where rent can be $100-$200 cheaper, though commutes increase.

Where the Jobs Are: Goodyear's Major Employers

Goodyear's security market is driven by a mix of healthcare, industrial, and municipal employers. Here are the key players:

1. Abrazo Health (Mountain Park Hospital): This 101-bed psychiatric hospital in Goodyear is a major employer of security guards. They need guards for patient safety, access control, and parking lot patrols. Shifts are often 12 hours, with a premium for night shifts. Hiring tends to be steady, with 2-3 openings per quarter. They prefer guards with behavioral health training.

2. Amazon Fulfillment Center (GYR1): The massive Amazon facility on Pebble Creek Parkway employs over 1,000 people and requires a dedicated security team. They focus on loss prevention, employee screening, and gate control. The starting wage is typically $18.50/hour (above median). Hiring spikes during Q4 (holiday season) but remains year-round.

3. Goodyear City Government: The city employs security guards for public buildings (City Hall, libraries, recreation centers) and special events. These positions are stable with good benefits but are highly competitive. They often post openings on the city's official website and require Arizona state certification.

4. Banner Health (Banner Estrella Medical Center): While technically in Phoenix, this hospital is minutes from Goodyear and employs many local guards. The emergency department and main entrance security are key areas. They offer tuition reimbursement for continuing education, which is valuable for career growth.

5. Industrial Parks (Goodyear Industrial Park & Pebble Creek Business Park): These parks house dozens of manufacturing and logistics companies (including Frito-Lay and Medtronic). Many hire security through third-party contractors like Allied Universal or Securitas. These jobs often involve patrolling large facilities with access to gated lots and inventory control.

6. Goodyear Ballpark (Spring Training Facility): The Cleveland Guardians and Cincinnati Reds use this facility for spring training. Seasonal security roles are available from February to April, with opportunities for full-time year-round positions if you impress the management team.

Hiring Trends: The industrial and healthcare sectors are growing fastest. Amazon's expansion and the new medical facilities being built along the I-10 corridor are driving demand. Municipal jobs are stable but slow to hire. Third-party contracts (like Allied Universal) are the easiest entry point, with frequent openings.

Getting Licensed in AZ

Arizona has clear requirements for security guards, administered by the Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS), Private Security Services Division.

Required Steps:

1. Be at least 18 years old and a U.S. citizen or legal resident.
2. Complete a 16-hour Arizona Guard Card course from a state-approved training school. The course covers legal authority, use of force, and emergency procedures. Cost: $120-$180.
3. Submit a fingerprint card through an approved vendor (like IdentoGO). Cost: $50-$75.
4. Pass a background check (no felony convictions). Fee included in application.
5. Apply for the Arizona Guard Card through the DPS portal. Application fee: $72.
6. Receive your Guard Card (valid for 2 years). Total time: 2-4 weeks from start to finish.

Special Endorsements (Highly Recommended):

• CPR/AED Certification: Required by most healthcare and corporate clients. Cost: $50-$75. Takes 4-6 hours.
• Firearm Endorsement: If you want to work armed security (e.g., at banks, high-value cargo), you need additional training: 16 hours of firearms training + 4 hours of legal instruction. Cost: $250-$350. Armed guards in Goodyear earn $22-$28/hour ($45,000-$58,000/year).

Insider Tip: Many employers (like Abrazo Health) will pay for your Guard Card training if you commit to a 6-month contract. Ask about this during interviews. Also, the Arizona Security Association (ASA) offers job boards and networking events—join them for $50/year.

Best Neighborhoods for Security Guards

Where you live in Goodyear affects your commute, budget, and lifestyle. Here are the top neighborhoods:

1. Pebble Creek: This master-planned community is close to Amazon GYR1 and the Pebble Creek Business Park. Rent for a 1BR averages $1,450. Commute to major employers is under 10 minutes. It's quiet, safe, and has walking trails—ideal for guards who value a calm home environment after a stressful shift.

2. Estrella Mountain Ranch: A large community with a mix of apartments and townhomes. 1BR rent: $1,350-$1,500. It's about 15 minutes from the city center and Abrazo Health. The area has good amenities but can feel isolated if you don't have a car. Public transit is limited.

3. Downtown Goodyear: The historic area near Goodyear Ballpark and City Hall. 1BR apartments are scarce but available for $1,300-$1,400. You can walk to some jobs (like the ballpark or city buildings) and have easy access to restaurants and the library. Parking can be tight.

4. Litchfield Park (Adjacent): Technically a separate city but only 5-10 minutes from Goodyear's main employers. Rent is slightly lower ($1,250-$1,350 for a 1BR), and it's more established with mature trees and parks. A popular choice for guards working at the industrial parks or Banner Health.

5. Avondale (West of Goodyear): A more affordable option with 1BR rent around $1,100-$1,250. Commute to Goodyear jobs is 15-20 minutes via I-10. It's a working-class area with a strong community feel. Good if you need to stretch your budget further.

Commute Note: Most security jobs in Goodyear are clustered along the I-10 corridor (from Pebble Creek to the Estrella Parkway exit). Living within 10 minutes of I-10 is key. Avoid the far southeast neighborhoods (like Rancho Santa Fe) where commutes can exceed 30 minutes.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Security work in Goodyear has a clear progression path if you're strategic.

Specialty Premiums:

• Armed Security: As noted, $22-$28/hour. Requires additional certification.
• Executive Protection: Rare in Goodyear but possible for high-net-worth individuals in nearby communities like Verrado. Can pay $30-$45/hour.
• Cybersecurity/Physical Security Hybrid: For roles at tech-adjacent industrial sites (like Medtronic). Requires IT knowledge. Premium: +15-20% above base.
• Healthcare Security: Behavioral health training adds $2-$3/hour premium. Abrazo Health often promotes from within.

Advancement Paths:

1. Guard → Lead Guard (2-3 years): $18.50-$20/hour. Supervise a small team.
2. Lead Guard → Site Supervisor (4-6 years): $22-$25/hour ($45,000-$52,000/year). Manage schedules, client relations, and budgets.
3. Site Supervisor → Regional Manager (7-10 years): $60,000+. Oversee multiple sites. Often requires business courses or a degree.
4. Alternative Path: Transition to public safety (police, fire) or corporate risk management. Goodyear PD often hires from its security guard pool.

10-Year Outlook: The 3% job growth is modest, but the quality of jobs is improving. As Goodyear grows (metro population 111,807 and climbing), more corporate and healthcare facilities will require higher-trained guards. Specializing early—especially in healthcare or industrial security—will future-proof your career.

Insider Tip: Pursue the ASIS Certified Protection Professional (CPP) certification after 5 years. It's recognized nationally and can boost your salary by 10-15%. The Arizona chapter of ASIS holds monthly meetings in Phoenix, worth the drive for networking.

The Verdict: Is Goodyear Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Steady job market with major employers like Amazon and Abrazo Health.	Tight budget—$36,736 salary and $1,424 rent mean minimal savings.
Short commutes (most jobs within 15 minutes of residential areas).	Limited public transit; a car is essential.
Growing city with increasing demand for specialized security roles.	Career growth requires moving to supervisor roles or getting armed certification.
Affordable compared to Phoenix proper; lower housing costs than Scottsdale.	Hot summers (110°F+) can make outdoor patrols uncomfortable.
Safe, family-friendly suburbs with good amenities.	Fewer entertainment options than Phoenix; can feel isolated for young singles.

Final Recommendation: Goodyear is a good fit for security guards who value stability over high earnings, have a partner/roommate to share costs, or are willing to specialize (healthcare, armed) to boost income. It's less ideal for those seeking rapid career growth or who want to buy a home on a single income. If you're starting out and can handle tight budgets for 2-3 years while gaining experience, it's a solid stepping stone.

FAQs

Q: Is the security job market in Goodyear competitive?
A: Moderately. Entry-level positions at third-party contractors (Allied Universal, Securitas) have high turnover, so they're easier to get. Specialized roles at hospitals or Amazon are more competitive—requiring experience and certifications.

Q: Can I work in security without a car in Goodyear?
A: Very difficult. Most employers are in suburban/industrial areas with no reliable public transit. A car is a practical necessity. Some guards carpool or use rideshares for short commutes, but it's not sustainable long-term.

Q: What's the best way to find security jobs in Goodyear?
A: Check the Goodyear city website for municipal jobs, Indeed/LinkedIn for third-party contracts, and directly visit the career pages of Abrazo Health and Amazon. Networking through the Arizona Security Association is also effective.

Q: Do security guards get benefits in Goodyear?
A: It depends. Full-time municipal and hospital jobs offer health insurance and retirement. Many third-party contract positions are part-time with minimal benefits. Always ask about benefits during interviews; it can affect your take-home pay significantly.

Q: Is Goodyear a safe place to live for security workers?
A: Yes, it's one of the safer suburbs in the Phoenix metro. Crime rates are low, and the community is supportive. Living near your workplace (like Pebble Creek) adds an extra layer of security. Just avoid the far eastern edges if you work late nights, as they're more isolated.

Sources: Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS), U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Goodyear City Planning Department, local employer job postings, and industry salary surveys.