Security Guard Career Guide: High Point, NC

Welcome to High Point, the "Furniture Capital of the World" and a city that sits right in the heart of the Piedmont Triad. If you're considering a move here for a security guard job, you're looking at a stable market with a reasonable cost of living. As someone who's watched this city grow and change over the years, I can tell you that while High Point isn't the bustling metropolis of Charlotte or Raleigh, it offers a solid, practical living for those in the protection and security field. This guide is built on hard data and local knowledge to give you the unvarnished truth about building a career as a security guard here.

The Salary Picture: Where High Point Stands

Let's get straight to the numbers, because that's what matters most when you're planning a move. The salary for a security guard in High Point is modest, but the local cost of living helps it go further than in larger cities.

The median salary for security guards in the High Point metro area is $35,348 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $16.99. This is slightly below the national average of $36,140 per year, but the gap is small. The key advantage here isn't the raw salary; it's the local economy. The High Point metro area supports 232 security guard jobs, and the 10-year job growth is a projected 3%. This isn't explosive growth, but it's steady. It means the market isn't saturated, and there's a consistent demand for reliable guards, especially at night and on weekends.

Here’s how your pay will likely break down based on experience:

Experience Level	Typical Responsibilities	Average Hourly Rate	Estimated Annual Pay (Full-Time)
Entry-Level	Static posts, basic patrols, access control	$15.00 - $16.50	$31,200 - $34,320
Mid-Level	Armed posts, mobile patrols, incident reporting	$16.50 - $18.00	$34,320 - $37,440
Senior/Supervisor	Team leadership, client liaison, complex site management	$18.00 - $20.50	$37,440 - $42,640
Expert/Specialist	Executive protection, critical infrastructure, consulting	$20.50+	$42,640+

How does this compare to other North Carolina cities? High Point sits in the middle of the pack. It's more affordable than the Research Triangle (Raleigh-Durham) or Charlotte, where salaries might be higher but are quickly eaten up by housing and transportation costs. In High Point, a guard earning the median can have a more stable financial life than a guard earning $2 more per hour in a bigger city.

For context, the national average for security guards is $36,140/year. High Point's $35,348 median is within 2.2% of that mark, which is reasonable given the local market dynamics. You're not getting a "discount" salary here; you're getting a competitive regional wage that pairs with a lower cost of living. The 10-year job growth of 3% is a key insight—it's slower than the national average for many professions, but it's not stagnant. This indicates a mature, stable market rather than a boom-and-bust one. You'll need to be patient and build a reputation, but the opportunities are there, particularly with the city's mix of industrial, commercial, and educational institutions.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

A median salary of $35,348 doesn't tell the full story. To understand your real purchasing power, we need to look at take-home pay after taxes and major expenses like rent.

First, taxes. On a $35,348 salary, your estimated take-home pay after federal, state, and FICA taxes will be roughly $28,000 to $29,000 per year, or about $2,300 to $2,400 per month. This is a rough estimate—your actual take-home will depend on your filing status, deductions, and withholdings.

Now, let's talk rent. The average 1-bedroom apartment rent in High Point is $1,042 per month. The Cost of Living Index is 92.7 (US average = 100), meaning things are about 7.3% cheaper than the national average.

Here’s a realistic monthly budget for a security guard earning the median salary:

Expense Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Net Income (Take-Home)	$2,350	After taxes
Rent (1BR)	$1,042	Average, can be lower in certain neighborhoods
Utilities (Electric, Water, Internet)	$180	Varies by season (higher in summer with AC)
Groceries	$350	For one person, cooking at home
Car Payment & Insurance	$350	Assumes a modest used car; insurance is key for security work
Gas/Transportation	$120	High Point is car-dependent; few walkable commutes
Health Insurance	$150	If employer doesn't cover full premium
Miscellaneous (Phone, Clothing)	$150
Total Expenses	$2,342
Remaining (Savings/Debt)	~$8	Very tight, but manageable with a roommate or lower rent

Can they afford to buy a home? On a $35,348 salary, it's challenging but not impossible with discipline. The median home price in High Point is around $220,000. A 20% down payment is $44,000, which would take years of aggressive saving. A more realistic path is an FHA loan with a 3.5% down payment ($7,700), but this comes with higher monthly payments and mortgage insurance. Your monthly mortgage payment, taxes, and insurance could easily exceed $1,500, which is a significant portion of your take-home pay. For a single income earner at the median salary, buying a home is a long-term goal that requires careful budgeting, likely dual-income household, or a significant promotion.

Insider Tip: The budget above is tight. The secret to making it work in High Point is to control your largest variable: housing. Look for apartments in the $800-$900 range, which is possible in older parts of the city or with a roommate. This frees up $150-$240 per month, which can go directly into a savings account for a car repair fund or a future home down payment.

Where the Jobs Are: High Point's Major Employers

High Point's security job market is anchored by several key sectors. You're not looking for a single massive employer, but a network of solid opportunities. Here are the places to target:

1. High Point Regional Health (part of UNC Health): This is the city's largest medical center. Security here is 24/7 and includes everything from parking lot patrols to emergency department access control. They often hire directly for their in-house team, which can offer better benefits than contract firms. Hiring is steady due to the essential nature of healthcare.

2. Furniture Manufacturing & Warehouses: High Point is the global hub for the furniture industry. Companies like Parker Knoll, Klaussner Home Furnishings, and dozens of smaller manufacturers have large warehouses and distribution centers. These facilities require overnight security, theft prevention, and access control. The work can be monotonous but is very stable.

3. High Point University (HPU): A private university with a sprawling campus. HPU employs security for campus safety, event security (especially during basketball games and concerts), and residential hall monitoring. They often hire students and part-time staff, but there are full-time opportunities, especially in supervisory roles. The campus is located in the Uptown/Emerywood area, a prime location.

4. Contract Security Firms (Securitas, G4S, Allied Universal): These national companies service countless local clients, from retail complexes in the Deep River Center to corporate offices. This is a common entry point. While pay can start at the lower end, it's a way to get experience, get licensed, and potentially move into a dedicated post. Insider Tip: The turnover can be high. Showing up on time and being reliable for 6-12 months can put you in line for better, more permanent posts.

5. The Qubein Museum of Art and Culture at HPU: As a newer, high-profile institution, it requires professional, customer-service-oriented security staff. This is a more "front-facing" role that values appearance and communication skills over brute force.

6. Local Government & Schools: The High Point Police Department has school resource officers and other security-related civilian roles. While not always "security guard" positions, they're worth monitoring. The Guilford County School System also employs security for high schools, particularly in the Jamestown and Southwest areas.

Hiring Trends: The trend is toward specialization. Guards with CPR/AED certification, Taser certification, or first-aid training are more competitive. There's also a growing need for guards who can operate surveillance technology and write clear incident reports. The 3% job growth means you're not racing against a wave of new entrants, but you are competing for the best posts with experienced locals.

Getting Licensed in NC

North Carolina has clear, straightforward requirements for security guards. You cannot legally work without a license.

State-Specific Requirements:

• Age: Must be 18 or older.
• Background Check: Must pass a criminal history check through the North Carolina Private Protective Services (PPS) Board. Felonies, especially for theft, violence, or drugs, are disqualifying.
• Training: You must complete a 4-hour pre-assignment training course from a state-approved school. This covers legal authority, use of force, and report writing.
• Armed License: If you want to work armed, you need an additional 16-hour course (8 hours classroom, 8 hours range) and must be at least 21. You also need a Concealed Carry Permit (CCW) to be armed on duty.

Costs & Timeline:

• Pre-Assignment Training: $75 - $125
• State Application Fee: $45 (for unarmed) / $120 (for armed)
• Fingerprinting: $30 - $50 (varies by vendor)
• CCW Permit (for armed): $90 (county sheriff's fee) + $50 (training course)
• Total Estimated Startup Cost (Unarmed): $150 - $220
• Total Estimated Startup Cost (Armed): $450 - $600

Timeline to Get Started: The process is relatively quick. You can complete the pre-assignment training in a single day. Once you submit your application to the PPS Board (which you can do online), processing typically takes 2-4 weeks. So, from start to finish, you can be legally working in about 1 to 1.5 months.

Key Resource: The North Carolina Private Protective Services Board website is the official source. All training providers must be listed there. Don't waste money on unaccredited courses.

Best Neighborhoods for Security Guards

Where you live affects your commute, budget, and lifestyle. High Point is a car-centric city, so proximity to major employers is key.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Avg. 1BR Rent	Best For
Uptown/Emerywood	Historic, walkable to HPU & shops. Central location.	$950 - $1,100	Guards working at HPU, hospitals, or downtown offices. Shortest commutes.
Deep River/Jamestown	Suburban, family-oriented, near I-40. Good access to warehouse districts.	$1,000 - $1,150	Guards at furniture warehouses, distribution centers, or retail plazas.
Southwest High Point	More affordable, diverse, with older apartment complexes.	$800 - $950	Budget-conscious guards. Commute to industrial areas is reasonable.
Northwood/Piedmont Center	Commercial corridor, easy highway access. Newer apartments.	$1,050 - $1,200	Guards seeking modern amenities and quick I-85 access for regional posts.
Lake Jeanette Area	Quiet, residential, on the north side near Greensboro.	$1,100 - $1,250	Guards who work in Greensboro but want High Point's lower rent. Longer commute.

Insider Tip: For a security guard working nights, proximity to the job site is more valuable than a trendy neighborhood. Living 15 minutes from your post means you're less likely to be late for a 11 PM shift and can get home quickly to sleep. Southwest High Point offers the best rent-to-commute ratio for industrial jobs, while Uptown is unbeatable for hospital and university work.

The Long Game: Career Growth

The 10-year job growth of 3% tells you this isn't a field for rapid advancement through sheer market expansion. Growth comes from specialization and moving into higher-value roles.

Specialty Premiums:

• Armed Security: Adds $2-$5/hour to your base rate. It's the single biggest pay bump.
• Executive Protection: Requires additional training (often from private academies) and can pay $25-$40/hour or more, but jobs are scarce in High Point.
• Critical Infrastructure: Working for Duke Energy or a data center (if any are in the region) commands higher pay due to regulatory requirements.
• Supervisory/Account Manager: Moving from the field to managing contracts for a security firm can lead to $45,000 - $55,000+ salaries.

Advancement Paths:

1. Contract Guard → Dedicated Post Guard: Move from floating assignments to a single, stable site (e.g., a hospital).
2. Unarmed → Armed: Get certified and take higher-risk, higher-pay posts.
3. Field Guard → Supervisor: Gain 2-3 years of experience, show leadership, and get promoted.
4. Security Guard → Law Enforcement: Many guards use the experience as a stepping stone to apply for local police departments (High Point PD, Guilford County Sheriff). This is a common and respected path.

The 10-Year Outlook: The field is evolving. Traditional static guarding is being supplemented by technology (cameras, drones, access control systems). Guards who can interpret surveillance data, interact with the public professionally, and handle complex situations will have the most staying power. The 3% growth suggests that while the number of jobs won't skyrocket, the quality and pay for those who adapt will improve.

The Verdict: Is High Point Right for You?

This isn't a city of glamour, but it's a city of opportunity for those who value stability and a reasonable cost of living.

Pros	Cons
Affordable Cost of Living (92.7 Index)	Salaries are modest ($35,348 median)
Stable, diverse job market (232 jobs)	3% job growth means slow advancement
Central location to 3 major cities	Car-dependent; limited public transit
Strong healthcare & university employers	City can feel sleepy; limited nightlife
Lower competition than in Raleigh/Charlotte	Wages are slightly below national average

Final Recommendation:
High Point is a practical, logical choice for a security guard who is early to mid-career and prioritizes a manageable budget over a fast-paced urban lifestyle. It's an excellent place to get your start, gain experience (especially in healthcare or industrial security), and build a foundation. It's less ideal for someone seeking rapid career acceleration or a vibrant social scene without a car.

If you can secure a post with a good employer like High Point Regional Health or HPU, and you're willing to live in an affordable neighborhood like Southwest High Point, you can build a stable life. Think of High Point as a launchpad. Use the lower cost of living to save money, get your armed license, and then you'll be perfectly positioned to take a higher-paying job in Greensboro or Winston-Salem, both just 20-30 minutes away, while still enjoying High Point's affordability.

FAQs

1. Is High Point a safe city for security guards to work in?
Yes. Like any city, it has areas with higher crime, but they are well-defined. The majority of security jobs are in commercial, industrial, or institutional zones (hospitals, universities, warehouses) that are generally safe. Employers provide safety protocols, and local law enforcement is responsive. Use common sense, know your post, and you'll be fine.

2. What's the best way to find my first security job in High Point?
Start with the contract firms (Allied Universal, Securitas). They have a constant need and will help you get licensed. Simultaneously, check the careers pages of High Point Regional Health and **