Security Guard in Jacksonville, FL

The Salary Picture: Where Jacksonville Stands

As a local who’s been tracking the Jacksonville job market for years, I can tell you the security field here is steady but not booming. The numbers tell the story: the median salary for Security Guards in the Jacksonville metro area is $36,053 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $17.33. This is just slightly below the national average of $36,140, meaning Jacksonville’s market pays in line with the rest of the country, but not above it.

The metro area supports 1,971 jobs for security guards, which is a solid base for a city of our size. However, the 10-year job growth projection is only 3%, which is slower than the national average. This isn’t a field where you see explosive demand; it’s more about replacing retirees and filling positions at existing facilities. The cost of living here helps balance the salary—our index is 99.2 (compared to the US average of 100), so your dollar goes slightly further here than in many other cities.

Here’s how experience level typically impacts your earning potential in the Jacksonville area:

Experience Level	Years of Experience	Typical Hourly Rate	Annual Salary Range*
Entry-Level	0-2 years	$15.00 - $17.00	$31,200 - $35,360
Mid-Level	2-5 years	$17.00 - $19.00	$35,360 - $39,520
Senior/Supervisor	5-10 years	$19.00 - $22.00	$39,520 - $45,760
Expert/Manager	10+ years	$22.00+	$45,760+

Note: Ranges are estimates based on local market trends. The median $36,053 sits squarely in the mid-level range.

How does Jacksonville compare to other Florida cities?

• Miami: Higher cost of living (index ~115) with salaries often 10-15% higher, but the gap is eaten up by housing costs.
• Orlando: Similar cost of living to Jacksonville, but with more event security opportunities tied to tourism, potentially offering slightly higher peak-season wages.
• Tampa: Very comparable to Jacksonville in both salary and cost of living.
• Tallahassee: State government jobs can offer stability and better benefits, but base pay might be similar, with a lower cost of living.

Jacksonville’s edge is its sprawling geography and diverse employer base, from massive military bases to corporate headquarters, which creates a variety of roles.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's get real about the numbers. A single filer earning the median $36,053 annually will take home approximately $29,400 after federal and state taxes (roughly 18% effective rate). That’s about $2,450 per month.

Now, let’s factor in the biggest expense: rent. The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the Jacksonville metro is $1,354/month. After rent, a security guard earning the median salary is left with $1,096 per month for all other expenses—utilities ($150), car payment/insurance ($300), groceries ($250), health insurance ($200), and everything else. This is manageable but tight, with little room for error or significant savings.

Can they afford to buy a home?
With a $36,053 salary, securing a mortgage is challenging. Lenders typically want your total monthly debt (including the new mortgage) to be below 43% of your gross monthly income. For a $36,053 salary, that’s about $1,315/month. With the median home price in Duval County around $325,000, even a modest down payment would result in a mortgage payment far exceeding $1,315. Therefore, buying a home on a single median security guard salary is not feasible without a significant down payment, a second income, or moving into a supervisory role with higher pay.

Where the Jobs Are: Jacksonville's Major Employers

Jacksonville’s security job market is anchored by a few major sectors. Here’s where you should be looking:

1. VA Medical Center & Mayo Clinic: The Veterans Affairs hospital on Lane Avenue and the Mayo Clinic campus in Southside are massive employers. They require in-house security teams for patient, staff, and asset protection. Hiring is often steady, and they offer good benefits, which can offset a slightly lower base pay.
2. Duval County Public Schools (DCPS): DCPS employs school safety officers (a specific type of security role). It’s a government job with a strong benefits package and a pension. Hiring is competitive and often tied to the academic calendar.
3. Jacksonville Transportation Authority (JTA): Security officers are needed for the Skyway system, bus terminals, and facilities. JTA is a public employer offering stable jobs.
4. Corporate Campuses: Companies like CSX Corporation (headquartered in Jacksonville), Fidelity National Financial, and Black Knight have large local campuses requiring in-house security. These roles often involve access control and monitoring. Check their direct career pages.
5. Security Contract Firms: Companies like Allied Universal, Securitas, and G4S have a major presence in Jacksonville, servicing contracts for everything from downtown office buildings to St. Vincent’s Health System and the Jacksonville International Airport. These are often the entry points for new guards.
6. St. Vincent’s Health System & Baptist Health: Major hospital systems always need security for ERs, parking lots, and hospital campuses. These jobs can be high-stress but offer experience in healthcare security.
7. Naval Air Station Jacksonville (NAS JAX): As one of the largest naval bases in the Southeast, NAS JAX and its supporting contractors hire federal and contract security personnel. These roles often require higher clearances and offer premium pay.

Hiring Trends: The market is stable. There’s a constant need for replacement, especially in contract firms. The growth in healthcare and logistics (ports, warehouses) is creating some new opportunities. The best positions—with better pay and benefits—are often in-house at large institutions rather than entry-level contract gigs.

Getting Licensed in FL

Florida has strict requirements for security guards, overseen by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS). Here’s the process:

1. Training: You must complete a 24-hour security guard training course from a licensed school. This covers power to arrest, use of force, emergency procedures, and public interaction. This course typically costs between $100 and $150.
2. Application: Submit a Class "D" Security Guard License application to FDACS. The application fee is $45, and the fingerprinting fee is about $50. You must be at least 18, have a clean criminal record (felony convictions are disqualifying), and be a U.S. citizen or legal resident.
3. Processing: Once you submit your application and fingerprints, processing can take 4 to 8 weeks.
4. Armed License (Optional): If you want to carry a firearm, you need a Class "G" license. This requires an additional 28 hours of firearm training and a separate application and fee (total cost ~$400-$500). You must be 21+ and have no felony or violent misdemeanor convictions.

Insider Tip: Many security firms will sponsor your training if you commit to working for them for a set period. Always ask about this during interviews. It’s a great way to get started without the upfront cost.

Best Neighborhoods for Security Guards

Where you live in Jacksonville impacts your commute, lifestyle, and budget. Here’s a breakdown:

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Avg. 1BR Rent	Best For...
Arlington	Eastside, near the University of North Florida and JTA routes. Central to many jobs.	$1,100 - $1,300	Budget-conscious guards with a car. Good access to NAS JAX, VA, and downtown.
Southside	Modern, commercial area. Home to Mayo Clinic, corporate offices, and shopping.	$1,400 - $1,600	Those working at Mayo, corporate campuses, or the St. Johns Town Center. Higher rent.
Northside	Near I-95 and I-295, close to airports and industrial parks. More suburban.	$1,000 - $1,250	Guards working at airports, logistics companies, or who prefer a quieter setting.
Downtown/ Brooklyn	Urban, walkable. Near JTA, hospitals, and corporate offices.	$1,500 - $1,800	Those who want to avoid a car commute and work downtown. Rent is high.
Orange Park	South of the St. Johns River, in Clay County. A separate, quieter suburb.	$1,100 - $1,300	Guards working in the south/west part of the metro (e.g., St. Vincent’s, some industrial).

Insider Tip: Traffic in Jacksonville is notorious. If you work a 7 AM shift at a Southside hospital, living in Arlington or Northside can mean a brutal 45-minute commute. Prioritize living close to your job cluster to save time and gas money.

The Long Game: Career Growth

The 3% job growth indicates you need a strategic plan to advance. Don’t stay stagnant.

• Specialty Premiums: Getting certified in specific areas can bump your pay by $1-$3/hour.

  • Armed Guard (Class G): Almost always pays more, often $19-$25/hour.
  • Hospital Security: Requires de-escalation and medical emergency training. Premium pay is common.
  • Corporate/Executive Protection: Involves more client interaction and higher stakes. Often found in-house at major corporations.
  • Cybersecurity/Operations Center: Moving from a physical post to a monitoring role in a command center. Requires tech skills.

• Advancement Paths:

  1. Field Guard → Field Supervisor: Manage other guards, schedules, and reports. Pay jumps to $19-$22/hour.
  2. Field Supervisor → Account Manager (Contract Firms): Client-facing role, managing the contract and team. Salaries can reach $45,000 - $55,000.
  3. In-House Guard → In-House Security Manager: Oversee a facility’s entire security program. Requires experience and often a degree (criminal justice, business). Salaries start around $55,000-$65,000.

• 10-Year Outlook: While the field’s growth is slow, the nature of the job is changing. More emphasis on technology—CCTV, access control systems, and report writing software. Guards who are tech-savvy and can handle a wider range of duties will have the best prospects. Specializing in healthcare, corporate security, or critical infrastructure (like ports or energy) will offer more stability and higher pay than general retail security.

The Verdict: Is Jacksonville Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Stable, Diverse Employer Base: Big hospitals, military, government, and corporate jobs.	Low Median Salary: $36,053 is modest, especially for a growing city.
Manageable Cost of Living (99.2): Your paycheck goes further here than in Miami or Tampa.	Limited High-Salary Growth: The 3% growth means you must be proactive to advance.
Abundant Entry-Level Jobs: Easy to get your start with a contract firm.	Car-Dependent City: A vehicle is a necessity for most jobs and commutes.
No State Income Tax: Helps your net pay.	Competitive Market: For the best in-house jobs, you need experience and a clean record.
Good for a Calmer Lifestyle: Less hectic than Orlando or Miami.	Summer Heat: Outdoor security work can be brutal from May to September.

Final Recommendation:
Jacksonville is a solid, practical choice for a security guard starting out or seeking stability. If you are willing to start in a contract role, get your licenses, and specialize (armed, hospital, corporate), you can build a career here. It’s not a place to get rich quickly, but with smart budgeting and career moves, you can live a comfortable, middle-class life. The key is to treat your first job as a stepping stone, not a destination. Focus on employers with good benefits (like the VA or DCPS) or those that offer clear paths to advancement.

FAQs

1. Can I work in security with a past felony conviction?
Generally, no. Florida law prohibits a security guard license for anyone with a felony conviction. Some misdemeanor convictions may also be disqualifying, depending on the nature and how long ago they occurred. Always check with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) for the most current rules.

2. Do I need my own transportation?
Almost always, yes. Jacksonville is spread out. Many posts are in industrial parks, office complexes, or large campuses not served by public transit. Having a reliable car is a practical requirement for the job.

3. Which is better: a contract firm or an in-house position?
For beginners, a contract firm (Allied, Securitas) is the fastest way to get experience and your license. For long-term stability and higher pay, in-house positions at hospitals, schools, or corporations are superior. They typically offer better benefits, more predictable schedules, and a clearer career path.

4. How do I find the best-paying jobs?

1. Skip the big job boards for the best roles. Go directly to the career pages of the major employers listed above (Mayo, DCPS, JTA, CSX).
2. Network on LinkedIn with security managers at local companies.
3. On contract firm applications, specify you are interested in "specialty" roles (armed, hospital) to be considered for higher-paying postings.

5. What’s the one piece of advice you’d give to someone moving here for this job?
Start by securing a job before signing a lease. Jacksonville is affordable, but you don’t want to be stuck in a 12-month lease if your first job doesn’t pan out. Use a short-term rental or Airbnb for your first 1-2 months while you establish yourself. Your first month’s income and a local reference will make finding a permanent apartment much easier.