Security Guard in Jackson, MS

As a career analyst who’s watched Jackson’s job market for years, I can tell you straight up: security work here isn’t glamorous, but it’s steady. If you’re considering a move to the Capital City, you need the unvarnished truth—what you’ll make, where you’ll work, and whether you can actually afford to live here on a guard’s pay. This guide cuts through the noise with hard data and local insight.

The Salary Picture: Where Jackson Stands

Let’s start with the numbers that matter. In Jackson, the median salary for a Security Guard is $35,131/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $16.89/hour. This is slightly below the national average of $36,140/year. The metro area, with a population of 143,633, supports approximately 287 security guard jobs, and the 10-year job growth is projected at 3%, which is slower than the national average but still indicates steady demand.

Here’s how pay typically breaks down by experience level in the Jackson market:

Experience Level	Typical Annual Salary	What to Expect
Entry-Level	$30,000 - $33,000	You'll start in basic posts (retail, small office buildings). Expect to work overnight or weekend shifts.
Mid-Level (2-5 yrs)	$35,000 - $38,000	You've got your state license and reliable attendance. You might move to a hospital or a higher-profile corporate site.
Senior (5+ yrs)	$38,000 - $42,000	Supervisory roles or armed guard positions. This is where you see a real pay bump.
Expert/Supervisor	$42,000+	Site supervisor, shift commander, or corporate security manager. Requires leadership and specialized training.

How Jackson Compares to Other MS Cities:
Jackson pays on par with Gulfport-Biloxi for security work but is generally lower than the national average. Compared to the state capital, smaller cities like Hattiesburg or Columbus might offer slightly lower pay, but with a lower cost of living. The $35,131 median in Jackson is a realistic benchmark for a full-time, licensed guard.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Earning $35,131 a year means your monthly take-home pay (after taxes) is roughly $2,300 - $2,400. The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Jackson is $997/month. The Cost of Living Index is 90.7 (US avg = 100), meaning Jackson is about 9% cheaper than the national average, which helps.

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

Category	Monthly Cost	Notes
Take-Home Pay	$2,350	After federal/state taxes, FICA (7.65%), and MS state income tax (5%).
Rent (1BR Avg)	$997	This is the city average. You can find cheaper south of I-20, but it'll be a longer commute.
Utilities (Elec, Water, Gas)	$180	Jackson's summer humidity drives up A/C costs.
Car Payment/Insurance	$350	Essential. Public transit is limited. Assume a used car payment ($200) and full-coverage insurance ($150).
Gas & Maintenance	$150	Commuting to posts in Flowood or Madison adds up.
Groceries	$300	Stick to Aldi, Kroger, or the Mississippi Farmers Market to save.
Phone/Internet	$100	Basic plans.
Other (Health Ins, Misc.)	$150	If you get health insurance through work, this is lower.
Total Expenses	$2,227
Remaining	$123	Very tight. No room for student loans, major car repairs, or frequent dining out.

Can you afford to buy a home? On a $35,131 salary, it's extremely challenging. The median home price in Jackson is around $160,000. To qualify for a conventional loan, you'd need a credit score over 620, a down payment (typically $8,000-$16,000), and your total debt-to-income ratio (including mortgage) would have to be under 43%. With rent already at $997, a mortgage payment (including taxes and insurance) would likely exceed $1,000/month, leaving almost zero buffer. Homeownership is a long-term goal that would require dual income or significant career advancement into a supervisory role ($45k+).

Where the Jobs Are: Jackson's Major Employers

Jackson's security job market is dominated by healthcare, government, and private contract firms. Here are the key players:

1. University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC): The state's largest employer. They hire a large number of in-house security officers. The work is 24/7, often in high-stress environments (ERs, psych units). Pay is competitive, often starting above the $16.89/hour median, with full benefits. Insider Tip: UMMC posts jobs on their own career site, not just on Indeed. Knowing someone on the inside helps.
2. St. Dominic Hospital: Another major healthcare employer. Similar to UMMC, they need guards for patient safety, asset protection, and parking control. They value experience in de-escalation. Shifts are often 12-hour, which can be tough but offers more consecutive days off.
3. Mississippi State Capitol Complex & Government Buildings: State government contracts are managed by the Mississippi Department of Finance and Administration. These are often full-time, state-employee positions with excellent benefits (pension, health insurance). They are highly competitive. You must be a state employee, which requires a lengthy hiring process.
4. Allied Universal / Securitas / G4S (now part of Allied): The giant contract companies. They service everything from downtown office buildings (like the Regions Plaza) to retail (Northpark Mall in Ridgeland) and industrial sites. Hiring trend: They hire continuously, but turnover is high. Pay is often at or just above the $16.89 median. Advancement to site supervisor is possible but slow.
5. Jackson Public Schools (JPS): The district hires security officers for school buildings. This is a 10-month position (summers off) with a lower annual salary but a different schedule. It's popular with retired law enforcement.
6. Local Banks & Credit Unions (e.g., Trustmark, BankPlus): They hire for branch security. These are typically daytime, Monday-Friday jobs with a lower risk profile than hospitals or nightlife. Pay is often in the mid-range.
7. Jackson Convention Complex & Museums: The Mississippi Civil Rights Museum and the Tucker Center are major venues. They hire for event security, which can be part-time and sporadic. Good for supplemental income.

Insider Hiring Tip: The best jobs—especially the state and hospital positions—are rarely posted on public job boards. Networking with current guards at UMMC or St. Dominic is crucial. Attend local security association meetings (like the Mississippi Security Association) to connect with hiring managers.

Getting Licensed in MS

The Mississippi Department of Public Safety (DPS) – specifically the Mississippi Law Enforcement Officers Training Academy (MLEOTA) – regulates private security. You cannot legally work as a security guard in MS without a license.

Requirements:

• Be at least 18 years old (21 for certain armed positions).
• Pass a criminal background check (no felony convictions).
• Complete 16 hours of basic training from a state-approved school. This covers legal authority, use of force, report writing, and emergency procedures.
• For Armed Guards: Additional 8-hour course and must meet federal and state firearms qualifications.

Costs & Timeline:

• Training Course: $150 - $250 for the basic 16-hour course. Armed training adds another $200 - $300.
• License Application Fee: $50 (paid to the state).
• Fingerprinting/Background Check: ~$50.
• Total Startup Cost (Unarmed): Approximately $250 - $350.
• Timeline: From start to finish, expect 3-6 weeks. This includes finding a school, completing the course, submitting your application, and waiting for the state to process it. Some employers will hire you as a trainee and reimburse the cost after you're licensed, but you must pass their hiring process first.

Insider Tip: Choose a training school in Jackson or the surrounding metro area (like the one in Pearl). They often have better connections with local employers. The state website has a list of approved providers.

Best Neighborhoods for Security Guards

Commuting is key. Jackson is spread out, and you don't want to be driving 45 minutes to a $16.89/hour post. Here are neighborhood options:

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Rent (1BR Estimate)	Best For
Belhaven	Historic, walkable, near downtown. Close to UMMC and Capital Complex. Commute: Easy (<15 min) to most central jobs.	$950 - $1,100	Guards who want a vibrant neighborhood and short commutes to hospital/government jobs.
Flowood (East of Jackson)	Suburban, safer feel with big-box stores. Home to major employers like St. Dominic. Commute: Easy to Flowood jobs, but longer to downtown (20-30 min).	$1,000 - $1,200	Those with families or who prioritize safety. Better for guards working at St. Dominic or industrial parks.
Ridgeland (North of Jackson)	Affluent, upscale shopping (Northpark Mall). Commute: Good for northern metro jobs, but a longer drive to downtown Jackson (25-35 min).	$1,100 - $1,300	Guards seeking retail or corporate security posts in Madison County. Higher rent, but also higher-paying jobs.
South Jackson (near I-55)	More affordable, closer to the airport and some industrial areas. Commute: Varies widely. Can be quick to some posts, but check crime maps.	$750 - $900	Budget-focused guards who are okay with a longer commute and are vigilant about safety.
Madison (East of Flowood)	Family-oriented, excellent schools, very safe. Commute: Can be long (30-45 min) to Jackson jobs. Best for guards working in Madison/Ridgeland.	$1,100 - $1,400	Guards with families or those targeting high-end residential security posts.

Insider Tip: Rent prices can vary block by block. Always visit a potential apartment in person at night, especially if you're working graveyard shifts. Safety perception matters.

The Long Game: Career Growth

The 3% job growth suggests you won't see explosive opportunities, but advancement is possible if you're strategic.

Specialty Premiums & Advancements:

• Armed Guard: Adding an armed license can increase your hourly rate by $2 - $5/hour, pushing you toward the $40k+ range. This is critical for higher-risk posts (banks, executive protection).
• Supervisor/Shift Commander: Moving into supervision can get you to $40k - $45k. Requires leadership skills and often 3-5 years of experience.
• Fire Inspector/Protection Specialist: With additional certifications, you can move into fire safety or system monitoring, which has better long-term prospects.
• Corporate Security Manager: The end goal for many. This requires business acumen, advanced degrees (like CPP - Certified Protection Professional), and experience. In Jackson, this likely means leaving the field and working for a large corporation or hospital system. Salaries can reach $60k - $80k+.

10-Year Outlook: The field will likely see increased use of technology (cameras, drones, remote monitoring). Guards who can blend traditional presence with tech literacy will have an edge. The demand for armed guards in healthcare and government will remain steady. The slow 3% growth means you must be proactive—get certified, network, and don't be afraid to change employers to climb the ladder.

The Verdict: Is Jackson Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Low Cost of Living: Your $35,131 goes further here than in many places.	Low Pay Scale: The $16.89/hour median is a hard ceiling for many.
Steady Demand: Healthcare and government provide reliable employers.	Limited Growth: The 3% growth means you'll need to hustle for promotions.
Strong Network: A tight-knit security community can help you find the best jobs.	Commute Challenges: Public transit is weak; a reliable car is a must.
Licensing is Straightforward: Clear path to getting licensed and working.	High Turnover: Many contract jobs can be draining and offer little loyalty.
Unique History & Culture: Living in the state capital has its perks.	Crime Rates: Some areas have higher crime; you must be vigilant.

Final Recommendation: Jackson is a viable option for a security guard who is financially disciplined, has a reliable vehicle, and is willing to start in entry-level roles to build experience. It's best for those who see security as a long-term career and are committed to getting licensed and seeking out the better employers (hospitals, state government). It's not ideal if you're looking for rapid salary growth or a vibrant, walkable city life on a guard's budget. Your success hinges on targeting the right employers and neighborhoods from day one.

FAQs

1. Can I get a security job in Jackson before I get my MS license?
No. Mississippi law requires you to have your license before you can perform security duties. However, some large employers (like hospitals or contract companies) may hire you contingent on you obtaining your license within 30-60 days. They might even provide the training or reimburse you.

2. What's the best path to becoming an armed guard in Jackson?
First, get your unarmed license and work for 6-12 months to gain experience. Then, complete the 8-hour armed course from a state-approved school. The demand for armed guards is highest at banks (Trustmark, BankPlus), certain hospitals, and some government contracts. Be prepared for more stringent background checks and psychological evaluations.

3. Are there part-time or flexible security jobs in Jackson?
Yes. Retail security (Northpark Mall), event security (Convention Complex, museums), and some contract companies offer part-time or weekend shifts. These are great for students or those supplementing another income. Pay is typically at or below the $16.89/hour median.

4. How does the cost of living in Jackson really affect my budget?
The Cost of Living Index of 90.7 is a real benefit. It means your $997 rent is effectively cheaper than a $1,100 apartment in a city with a 100 index. However, you must budget carefully. The biggest hidden cost is transportation (gas, car maintenance, insurance). Always factor in a $500/month buffer for your vehicle.

5. What's the most underrated employer for security guards in Jackson?
The Mississippi State Capitol Complex. It's a state job with a pension, excellent health benefits, and a stable schedule. It's often overlooked because the hiring process is slow and competitive, but the long-term benefits are far superior to most contract security jobs. Keep an eye on the Mississippi State Personnel Board website for openings.