Security Guard in Hollywood, FL

The Salary Picture: Where Hollywood Stands

Let’s get straight to the numbers. As a Security Guard in Hollywood, FL, the financial reality is a tightrope walk between the city’s booming tourism and its rising cost of living. The median salary for a Security Guard here is $37,419/year, which breaks down to roughly $17.99/hour. This is slightly above the national average of $36,140/year, a small but meaningful advantage that reflects South Florida’s competitive service economy. However, with a cost of living index of 111.8 (US average = 100), that edge can be quickly eroded.

The job market is modest but stable, with approximately 307 security positions in the Hollywood metro area. The 10-year job growth projection is 3%, which is positive but slower than the national average for many professions. This suggests a market that’s growing incrementally, with opportunities concentrated in hospitality, healthcare, and private security rather than explosive new sectors. For a local, this means the work is there, but competition can be stiff for the best-paying roles at high-profile venues.

To give you a clearer picture of how experience impacts your earnings, here’s a breakdown. These figures are estimates based on local employer data and industry standards, applied to the overall median salary structure.

Experience Level	Typical Yearly Salary	Entry Requirements
Entry-Level	$32,000 - $36,000	FL Class D License, basic training, no prior experience.
Mid-Level	$37,000 - $42,000	2-5 years, specialized training, possible armed certification.
Senior-Level	$43,000 - $50,000	5+ years, supervisory roles, advanced certifications.
Expert/Supervisor	$50,000+	8+ years, management, complex site oversight.

When you compare Hollywood to other Florida cities, the picture gets more nuanced. While $37,419 is decent for the region, it’s notably lower than what you’d find in major metro hubs like Miami or Tampa, where demand and cost of living drive wages up. In contrast, it’s more in line with cities like Fort Lauderdale or West Palm Beach, which share a similar tourist and service-based economy. For a Security Guard, the key is that Hollywood’s proximity to Miami and Fort Lauderdale opens up commuting options for higher pay, but you’ll pay for it in time and gas.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

The median salary of $37,419 sounds manageable until you factor in Florida’s cost of living. After federal taxes, Social Security, and Medicare (a rough estimate of 15-18% for this bracket), your take-home pay drops to approximately $2,500 - $2,600 per month. Now, let’s layer on the essential cost of living, starting with the average 1-bedroom apartment rent in Hollywood, which is $1,621/month.

Here’s a realistic monthly budget for a single Security Guard earning the median salary:

Expense Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Take-Home Pay	$2,550	After taxes (15-18% effective rate).
Rent (1BR)	$1,621	Average for Hollywood, FL.
Utilities	$150 - $200	Electricity, water, internet (AC is a major cost).
Car Payment/Gas	$300 - $400	Essential; public transit is limited.
Groceries	$300 - $350	South Florida prices are above national average.
Insurance (Health/Car)	$250 - $350	Varies by provider and coverage.
Miscellaneous	$150 - $200	Phone, personal care, entertainment.
Total Expenses	$2,771 - $3,121	This exceeds take-home pay.

Can they afford to buy a home? At a median income of $37,419, the short answer is no, not on a single income in Hollywood. The median home price in Hollywood is well over $400,000. A lender would require a down payment and a debt-to-income ratio that is impossible to meet with this salary. Homeownership in this market is typically only feasible for dual-income households or those with significant savings. For a Security Guard in Hollywood, renting is the default, and budgeting is critical.

Where the Jobs Are: Hollywood's Major Employers

Hollywood’s security job market is heavily tied to its unique blend of tourism, healthcare, and residential communities. Here are the key local employers and what they look for:

1. Hollywood Police Department (HPD): While not a private security firm, HPD hires for School Security Officers and Community Service Officers. These roles offer municipal benefits and a clear path into law enforcement. They often recruit from local security guard pools.
2. Memorial Healthcare System: With Memorial Regional Hospital and Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital in the area, the system is a major employer of security staff. They need guards for entrances, parking lots, and internal patrols. Hiring trends show an increased need for de-escalation training and experience in healthcare settings.
3. The Diplomat Resort & Spa: A crown jewel of Hollywood’s beachfront, this luxury hotel requires a large security team. They prioritize experience in hospitality, event security, and sometimes armed certification for VIP details. Jobs here are competitive but often offer better-than-average pay and benefits.
4. The Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Hollywood: The massive Seminole Hard Rock property is a constant source of security jobs, from casino floor surveillance to hotel security and event staff. They have high turnover but also high volume, making it a good place to get your foot in the door. They heavily favor candidates with prior experience and impeccable background checks.
5. Private Security Firms (e.g., Securitas, G4S): These companies service everything from retail centers (like the Hollywood Fashion Center) to residential communities in Southwest Ranches and Cooper City. They offer flexible shifts but often start at the lower end of the pay scale. However, they provide the training and experience that lead to better positions.
6. Hollywood International Airport (FLL): Located just a few miles north, FLL is a massive security employer. Roles here are often with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) or private contractors for airfield and terminal security. These jobs typically pay more than the Hollywood median but have stricter federal requirements.

Insider Tip: Networking is key. Many of the best jobs at places like The Diplomat or Hard Rock are filled through referrals. If you’re working for a smaller firm, ask your manager about contract opportunities at these larger venues.

Getting Licensed in FL

Florida’s security licensing is straightforward but requires specific steps. You cannot legally work as a security guard without a Class D Security Officer License from the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS).

• Requirements: You must be at least 18 years old, be a U.S. citizen or legal resident, and pass a Level II background check (state and federal). You cannot have been convicted of a felony or certain misdemeanors.
• Training: You must complete a 4-hour mandatory course from a certified training school. This covers legal authority, use of force, and emergency procedures. The course typically costs $100 - $150.
• Costs: The state license application fee is $45. The entire process, from training to license issuance, usually costs between $150 - $250.
• Timeline: From the day you start your training, it generally takes 2 to 6 weeks to get your license. You can work provisionally under a licensed supervisor while your application is processing, but you must have the training completed first.
• Armed Certification: If you want to pursue armed security, you’ll need an additional Class G license, which requires 28 hours of firearms training and a separate background check. This opens up higher-paying roles but adds significant cost and complexity.

Insider Tip: Start your application online through the FDACS portal. Delays often happen due to incomplete background checks, so ensure all your information is accurate and you have no outstanding legal issues.

Best Neighborhoods for Security Guards

Where you live affects your commute, budget, and lifestyle. Here are four neighborhoods to consider, balancing rent, commute, and amenities.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Avg. 1BR Rent	Why It’s a Fit
Downtown Hollywood	Walkable, artsy, near the beach. Central to many job sites (Diplomat, HPD).	$1,700 - $1,900	Best for those who want to minimize car use. Close to entertainment venues that need security.
Southwest Hollywood (near I-95)	Quiet, residential, more affordable. Easy highway access to Miami/Ft. Lauderdale.	$1,500 - $1,700	Good balance of cost and commute. Ideal for shifts at the airport or Hard Rock.
Lake Forest	Established, suburban, family-friendly. Lower rent, but farther from the beach action.	$1,300 - $1,550	The most budget-friendly option. Great for those prioritizing savings.
Cooper City	Upscale, safe, with excellent schools. Commute to Hollywood jobs is 15-20 mins.	$1,800 - $2,000+	Best for experienced guards with higher incomes or families. Not ideal for entry-level budgets.

Personal Insight: If you’re working late-night shifts at a casino or hotel, living in Downtown Hollywood or Southwest Hollywood can cut your commute to under 15 minutes, which is a huge safety and convenience factor.

The Long Game: Career Growth

The 3% job growth may seem modest, but advancement within the field is real if you specialize. Here’s how to increase your earning potential:

• Specialty Premiums: Getting an Armed Guard License (Class G) can boost your pay by $3-$5/hour, putting you in the $21-$23/hour range. Certifications in CPR/AED, First Aid, or crisis de-escalation are often required for healthcare or high-end hospitality roles and can make you a more competitive candidate.
• Advancement Paths:
  1. Field Supervisor: After 2-3 years, you can oversee a team at a site. Pay jumps to the $45,000+ range.
  2. Operations Manager: For a security company, managing contracts and personnel. Requires 5+ years and business acumen. Salaries can reach $55,000 - $70,000.
  3. Transition to Law Enforcement: Many local security guards use their experience as a stepping stone to join the Hollywood Police Department or the Broward Sheriff’s Office. This is a common and well-trodden path.
• 10-Year Outlook: While the job count isn’t exploding, the need for skilled security is growing. The rise in tourism, healthcare facilities, and large-scale events (like the Seminole Hard Rock’s concert venue) will sustain demand. Guards with specialized, in-demand skills will have the best prospects for wage growth, potentially outpacing the 3% headcount growth.

The Verdict: Is Hollywood Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Above-average entry pay compared to national average.	High cost of living, especially rent, which strains the median income.
Diverse job market from casinos to hospitals to beachfront hotels.	Competitive market for the best-paying roles at top venues.
Proximity to Miami/Ft. Lauderdale for better opportunities if willing to commute.	Heavy reliance on a car; public transit is not efficient for shift work.
Access to specialized training (armed, healthcare security).	Limited career growth without pursuing additional licenses or moving into management.
Vibrant, if sometimes hectic, environment with lots of action.	Summer heat and hurricane season can impact work and lifestyle.

Final Recommendation:

Hollywood, FL is a viable, but challenging, market for a Security Guard. It’s best suited for:

• The Entry-Level Guard willing to work two jobs or live with roommates to build experience in a dynamic market.
• The Specialist (armed, healthcare, hospitality) who can command a wage above the median.
• The Career Starter who sees Hollywood as a stepping stone to law enforcement in Broward County.

If you are solely reliant on a single security income to live alone and save for a home, Hollywood will be a financial struggle. However, if you are strategic about specialization, budgeting, and potentially commuting for higher pay, you can build a stable career here.

FAQs

Q: Can I work as a security guard in Hollywood with an out-of-state license?
A: No. Florida does not have reciprocity for security licenses. You must obtain a Florida Class D license before you can legally work, regardless of your experience in another state.

Q: Is armed security a common path in Hollywood?
A: It’s common for specific sectors: casino security (Hard Rock), certain healthcare roles, and high-profile private events. It’s not the norm for standard retail or residential patrols. The pay is better, but so are the risks and legal responsibilities.

Q: How do I find security jobs in Hollywood?
A: Check job boards like Indeed and Glassdoor, but also look directly at the websites of major employers like Memorial Healthcare, the City of Hollywood, and private firms like Securitas. Networking on LinkedIn with local security supervisors can give you a direct line to unposted openings.

Q: What’s the biggest challenge for Security Guards in Hollywood?
A: Balancing the $17.99/hour wage with the $1,621/month rent. It requires meticulous budgeting. The second challenge is the heat—working outdoors in summer is brutal, so employers value guards who can handle it.

Q: Are there part-time or flexible schedules?
A: Yes. The hospitality and event security sectors (casinos, hotels) often offer split shifts, overnight, and weekend work, which can be combined for full-time hours. This flexibility can be a pro or a con depending on your lifestyle.