Security Guard in Hawthorne, CA

The Salary Picture: Where Hawthorne Stands

Let's cut right to the numbers: as of the most recent data, the median salary for Security Guards in the Hawthorne area is $37,820 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $18.18. This sits just above the national average of $36,140, but the context of living in Los Angeles County makes this figure more complicated. We're looking at a metro area with roughly 166 security guard jobs available at any given time and a 10-year job growth projection of 3%—slower than the national average, indicating a stable but not exploding market.

To understand where you fit into this salary spectrum, here's a typical breakdown based on experience:

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$32,000 - $37,000	Static post duties, access control, basic patrols, reporting.
Mid-Level (2-5 years)	$38,000 - $45,000	Armed guard roles, mobile patrol, event security, customer interaction.
Senior (5-10 years)	$46,000 - $55,000	Supervisor roles, specialized sites (tech, aerospace), training, logistics.
Expert (10+ years)	$56,000+ (plus premiums)	Site manager, director of security, corporate security planning.

Compared to other California cities, Hawthorne's security guard pay is on the lower end for the state. You'll find higher median salaries in San Francisco ($42,500) and San Diego ($40,200), largely due to higher cost of living. However, the 166 job openings in our metro area are a solid number for a city of our size (population 83,386), suggesting consistent demand. The 3% growth is key—it means jobs aren't disappearing, but you'll need to be proactive to move up.

Insider Tip:

The $18.18/hour figure is a starting point. Many local contracts, especially for government or tech campuses, offer a few dollars above this. Your first goal is to get past the $20/hour mark, which is the entry point for many armed guard positions and supervisor roles.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

The raw salary number only tells half the story. Let's run a realistic monthly budget for a Security Guard earning the median $37,820/year.

First, taxes: After federal income tax, FICA (Social Security & Medicare), and California state tax, your take-home pay will be approximately $2,500 - $2,600 per month.

Now, the biggest expense: housing. The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Hawthorne is $2,252/month. This means over 86% of your take-home pay would go to rent alone for a median-priced 1BR, which is financially untenable.

Monthly Budget Breakdown (Estimated)

Category	Cost	Notes
Take-Home Pay	$2,550	(From $37,820 salary)
Average 1BR Rent	$2,252	88% of take-home pay
Utilities (Electric, Gas, Internet)	$150	Basic package
Groceries	$300	Living alone, single person
Car Payment/Insurance	$250	Used car, average insurance in CA
Gas/Transport	$100	Commuting in LA County
Health Insurance	$150	If not provided by employer
Miscellaneous/ Savings	-$252	Negative balance

Can they afford to buy a home? Absolutely not on a single income of $37,820. The median home price in Hawthorne is over $750,000. A 20% down payment would be $150,000, and a mortgage would be unaffordable. Security guards in Hawthorne typically live with roommates, in smaller studios, or in more affordable neighboring cities like Gardena or Lawndale. This is the reality of the Los Angeles cost of living.

Where the Jobs Are: Hawthorne's Major Employers

Hawthorne's employment landscape is unique, blending aerospace history with modern logistics. Security jobs are concentrated in a few key sectors.

1. SpaceX (Hawthorne HQ): The biggest name in town. They hire for armed and unarmed guards for their headquarters and manufacturing facility. Security here is high-tech, often requiring clean background checks and tech-savviness. Hiring is competitive; it's a "who you know" industry, but they post openings on their website.

2. Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) - Perimeter & Contract Security: Hawthorne is minutes from LAX. Many security companies (like Securitas, Allied Universal) have contracts with the airport, LAX hotels, and rental car facilities. These jobs often pay $22-$25/hour due to the sensitive environment.

3. The Aerospace Corridor (Northrop Grumman, Raytheon, SpaceX): While Northrop's main plant is in Redondo Beach, its influence extends into Hawthorne. These facilities require Department of Defense (DoD) compliant guards, which means TS/SCI clearance is a golden ticket. These roles command the highest premiums.

4. Logistics & Warehousing (Amazon, FedEx, UPS): The Inglewood/Hawthorne border is a logistics hub. Amazon's fulfillment centers in nearby cities hire security for asset protection (AP). These are often 24/7 ops, offering shift differentials.

5. Medical Facilities (Kaiser Permanente Hawthorne Medical Offices): Small but steady. Hospital security is a growing niche, requiring CPR/First Aid and de-escalation skills.

6. Hawthorne School District & City Facilities: Municipal jobs with good benefits. These are Civil Service positions; you must apply through the City of Hawthorne's official channels. They are highly competitive but offer stability.

7. Private Security for Retail/Residential: Malls (like the Hawthorne Plaza area), high-end apartment complexes, and corporate campuses in the South Bay.

Hiring Trend: The trend is moving toward "in-house" security teams for major employers like SpaceX, rather than contract guards. This means better pay and benefits but higher entry requirements. Contract companies are still the main source for entry-level jobs.

Getting Licensed in CA

California's security licensing is straightforward but has critical steps. You must work through the Bureau of Security and Investigative Services (BSIS).

1. Step 1: Complete the 8-Hour Power to Arrest Course. This is mandatory. The course covers use-of-force laws, report writing, and public interaction. Cost: $40 - $80. You can take this at many community colleges (like El Camino College) or private training schools in the South Bay.

2. Step 2: Submit Live Scan (Fingerprinting). You must use a Live Scan provider (costs ~$32-$40) to submit your fingerprints to the DOJ and FBI for a criminal background check.

3. Step 3: Apply for the Guard Card. Submit the BSIS application online or by mail, along with proof of completing the course and Live Scan. The application fee is $50.

4. Step 4: Get Hired & Complete Required Training. You have 160 hours (60 days) from your first day of employment to complete the remaining 24 hours of training (4 hours each in eight topics like terrorism, public relations, etc.). Your employer is required to provide this.

Timeline to Get Started: From start to finish, you can get your Guard Card in 4-6 weeks. The longest step is waiting for the BSIS to process your application (typically 3-4 weeks after they receive your Live Scan).

Armed Guard License: Add an additional 14-hour course (Firearms Safety & Proficiency) and a separate application fee. The entire armed process takes about 8-10 weeks and costs an extra $150-$200 in fees and training.

Best Neighborhoods for Security Guards

Living in Hawthorne on a security guard's salary requires strategic location choices. Here are the best options, balancing commute, rent, and lifestyle.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Average 1BR Rent	Why It's a Good Fit
Central Hawthorne	The heart of the city. Walkable to local shops, near the Metro Green Line. Commute to LAX or SpaceX is minimal (10-15 min).	$2,100	Lowest commute time. You can ditch the car some days. Older apartments are cheaper.
Holly Park	A quiet, residential area with more single-family homes. Slightly south of the 105. Commute to South Bay employers is easy.	$2,300	More family-oriented, safer feel. Good for guards who want a quiet home base.
North Hawthorne	Closer to El Segundo and the 405. Higher density, more apartment complexes. Direct access to major employers.	$2,200	Best for commuting to aerospace hubs or LAX. More amenities nearby.
Gardena (Border)	Technically a separate city, but borders Hawthorne. Often slightly cheaper, with more diverse housing stock.	$2,000	Insider Tip: Many security guards live here. You get a better price for a similar commute to Hawthorne jobs.
Inglewood (Southern Edge)	Adjacent to Hawthorne, known for SoFi Stadium. More affordable, but do your research on specific blocks.	$1,900	The most affordable option. Be mindful of longer commutes on the 105.

Insider Tip: Avoid the area immediately east of the 110 freeway (the "Holly Park" area) if you have a strict parking situation; it's very dense. For the best value, look for "mother-in-law" suites or shared houses in the Holly Park or Gardena areas.

The Long Game: Career Growth

The 10-year job growth of 3% tells you this isn't a field where you'll see massive expansion. Growth is vertical, not horizontal. Here’s how to advance:

• Specialty Premiums: These are certifications or skills that bump your pay:

  • Armed Guard: Adds $3-$5/hour.
  • EMT/First Aid: Required for hospital security; can add $1-$2/hour.
  • TS/SCI Clearance: The holy grail. Opens doors to defense contractors. Can push your salary to $70,000+.
  • CPR/AED Instructor: Allows you to train others, adding a side income.

• Advancement Paths:

  1. Guard to Supervisor: You'll manage a small team, handle schedules, and liaise with clients. Requires 2-3 years of clean experience.
  2. Supervisor to Site Manager: Overseeing an entire campus (e.g., a SpaceX facility or a corporate park). Requires strong organizational skills and often a bachelor's degree (though experience can substitute).
  3. Corporate Security/Threat Assessment: Moving into planning and strategy for companies. This is the long-term, high-paying goal (often $80,000+). It requires networking, additional training in risk management, and sometimes a degree in criminal justice.

10-Year Outlook: The field will remain stable. The push will be toward tech integration—access control systems, AI-assisted patrols, and cyber-physical security. Guards who learn these systems will have an edge. The 3% growth is a reminder: specialize to stand out.

The Verdict: Is Hawthorne Right for You?

Pros of Working in Hawthorne as a Security Guard	Cons of Working in Hawthorne as a Security Guard
Strong Job Market: 166 jobs in the metro area is solid for a niche.	High Cost of Living: Rent at $2,252/month makes a single income untenable.
High-Potential Employers: Access to SpaceX, LAX, and defense contractors.	Stagnant Growth: 3% job growth means you must be proactive for advancement.
Diverse Opportunities: From tech campuses to hospitals to logistics.	Low Entry Pay: $18.18/hour median is tough for the region.
Location: Central to the South Bay, easy access to freeways.	Competitive: For the better-paying jobs, especially clearance-required roles.
Career Specialization: Clear paths to armed, cleared, and management roles.	Traffic: Commutes to LAX or El Segundo can be brutal during rush hours.

Final Recommendation:
Hawthorne is a strategic move for a security guard with a plan, not a place for a fresh start on a single median salary. If you're an experienced guard with an armed license or a TS/SCI clearance, Hawthorne offers excellent career opportunities and a manageable commute. If you're entry-level, you must be prepared to share housing or live in a more affordable adjacent city like Gardena. The key is to get hired by one of the major employers (SpaceX, airport contractors) quickly to access better pay and benefits. For a single person earning the median, it's a financial challenge, but the career ceiling in this specific tech/aerospace hub is higher than in many other cities.

FAQs

Q: How long does it take to get a job after getting my Guard Card?
A: With a clean background and the basic 8-hour course, you can get hired by a contract company (like Allied or Securitas) within 1-2 weeks. Landing a direct job with a major employer like SpaceX can take 1-3 months due to their more extensive hiring process.

Q: Is it worth getting an armed guard license in Hawthorne?
A: Yes, if you can afford the upfront cost (~$200). Armed guards in the South Bay typically start at $22-$25/hour, which is a significant jump from the unarmed median of $18.18. The demand is at logistics hubs, private campuses, and, of course, anywhere with cash or high-value assets.

Q: Do I need my own car for security jobs in Hawthorne?
A: Almost always, yes. Public transit (Metro Green Line) is limited for early/late shifts. Most jobs require you to be on-call or patrol a large area. Owning a reliable vehicle is a non-negotiable requirement.

Q: What's the biggest mistake new security guards make in this area?
A: Taking the first job offered without considering the long-term potential. Many get stuck in low-paying static posts. The move is to use your first 6-12 months to get experience, then immediately pursue an armed license or apply for a clearance-required job to break the pay ceiling.

Q: Are there any local grants or programs for security guard training?
A: Occasionally, through LA County Workforce Development or specific community colleges (like El Camino College). Check with the South Bay Workforce Investment Board. They sometimes have subsidized training for in-demand fields, which can include security specialties. It's worth a call.