The Kennewick Security Guard Career Guide

I’ve lived in the Tri-Cities for years, and I can tell you straight up: Kennewick isn’t the flashiest city in Washington, but it’s a solid place to build a career in security. If you’re considering a move here, you’re likely looking for stability, a reasonable cost of living, and a job that doesn’t involve a long commute. This guide cuts through the fluff and gives you the data, the neighborhoods, and the insider knowledge you need to make a smart decision.

Let’s get into the numbers and the reality of life as a security guard in Kennewick.

The Salary Picture: Where Kennewick Stands

First, the hard data. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and local wage surveys, the financial reality for security guards in Kennewick is modest but manageable. The median salary is $36,031/year, which breaks down to $17.32/hour. For context, the national average is $36,140/year—so Kennewick sits almost exactly on the national line. There are approximately 170 jobs in the metro area, with a 10-year job growth forecast of 3%. This isn’t a boomtown for security, but demand is steady, driven by stable employers like hospitals, data centers, and logistics hubs.

Here’s how pay scales with experience in our local market:

Experience Level	Typical Hourly Rate	Estimated Annual Salary (Full-Time)	Common Roles in Kennewick
Entry-Level	$15.50 - $17.00	$32,240 - $35,360	Retail Loss Prevention, Basic Patrol, School Substitutes
Mid-Level (2-5 yrs)	$17.00 - $19.50	$35,360 - $40,560	Hospital Security Officer, Corporate Site Guard, Event Security
Senior (5-10 yrs)	$19.50 - $22.00	$40,560 - $45,760	Lead Officer, Training Coordinator, Armed Guard (if licensed)
Expert/Supervisor	$22.00 - $26.50+	$45,760 - $55,120+	Shift Supervisor, Site Manager, Security Director

How Kennewick Compares to Other WA Cities:
You’ll make more in the major metros, but you’ll also pay a lot more to live there.

• Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue: Median ~$45,000/year. Rent for a 1BR averages $2,100+.
• Spokane: Median ~$37,500/year. Rent averages $1,150. A closer comparison in both pay and cost.
• Kennewick (Tri-Cities): Median $36,031/year. Rent averages $1,206. Your dollar goes further here than in Seattle, with less traffic and a more relaxed pace.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s be realistic about your monthly budget. With a gross monthly income of $3,002 ($36,031/year), here’s how your money breaks down after essentials.

Monthly Budget Breakdown (Single Person, No Dependents):

• Gross Monthly Income: $3,002
• Taxes (Federal, FICA, State): ~$550 (Est. 18.3% effective rate)
• Net Take-Home Pay: $2,452
• Rent (1BR Average, $1,206): $1,206
• Utilities (Electric, Water, Gas, Internet): $180
• Groceries: $300
• Car Payment/Insurance/Gas: $400
• Health Insurance (if not covered by employer): $200
• Miscellaneous/Personal: $166
• Leftover/Savings: $0

Can You Afford to Buy a Home?
The short answer: It’s a serious challenge on a single security guard’s salary. The median home price in Kennewick is around $380,000. With a 20% down payment ($76,000), your mortgage, taxes, and insurance would be roughly $2,100/month. That’s more than your entire net take-home pay. While some guards get married or have dual incomes, buying a home solo on a $36,031 salary is not feasible without significant savings or a substantial down payment. Renting is the far more common and realistic option for many in this field.

Where the Jobs Are: Kennewick's Major Employers

Kennewick’s job market for security is tied to its key industries: healthcare, energy, logistics, and agriculture. Here are the primary employers you should be targeting:

1. Kadlec Regional Medical Center (Richland, but serves all Tri-Cities): The largest healthcare provider in the region. Their security department is one of the largest in the area, with roles in patient safety, asset protection, and traffic control. They often hire for full-time benefits positions. Hiring is steady, with turnover as staff move into other hospital roles.
2. Lourdes Health (Kennewick): A major competitor to Kadlec. Their security team is smaller but focused on a single campus. Opportunities here can be competitive. They value guards with de-escalation training.
3. Hanford Site (Richland, but commutable): While the site itself is federal, numerous contractors (like Mission Support & Test Services, CH2M Hill Plateau Remediation) hire security for access control and perimeter patrols. These jobs often pay more ($20-$28/hour) but require a more extensive background check and sometimes a security clearance. The 10-year growth here is tied to federal cleanup funding.
4. Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL, Richland): Similar to Hanford, this federal lab uses both in-house and contract security. They look for guards with clean records and good communication skills. Hiring cycles can be tied to government budgets.
5. Amazon Fulfillment Center (Pasco): This massive facility is a major employer for security roles focused on loss prevention, gate control, and internal compliance. Shifts are often overnight or early morning, but the pay is competitive. It’s a good entry point with a large company.
6. Columbia Basin College (Kennewick): The local community college hires security for campus safety. These are often part-time or full-time roles with a daytime schedule, ideal for those seeking a regular routine.
7. Local Contract Companies (Securitas, G4S, GardaWorld): These firms service many of the smaller businesses, retail centers, and construction sites in the area. They offer flexible schedules and are a common starting point for new guards.

Insider Tip: Many of the best jobs with benefits (like at Kadlec or Hanford contractors) are posted on GovernmentJobs.com or directly on the employer’s website. Don’t just rely on Indeed; check these boards weekly.

Getting Licensed in WA

Washington State has a clear process, but it’s not instant. You cannot legally work as an armed guard without specific training, and even unarmed guards need to register.

1. Unarmed Guard Registration:

   • Requirement: Complete a 16-hour basic security training course from a state-approved training school.
   • Cost: $120 - $200 for the course.
   • Process: Submit your application (including fingerprints) to the Department of Licensing (DOL).
   • Fee: $122 for the registration (good for 1 year).
   • Timeline: After completing training, it takes about 2-4 weeks for DOL processing.
   • Source: Washington State DOL Security Guard Training & Licensing page.

2. Armed Guard License:

   • Requirement: 80 hours of advanced training (firearms, legal, tactics) from a DOL-certified school.
   • Cost: $500 - $900+ for the course. This is a significant investment.
   • Timeline: Once licensed as unarmed, adding the armed endorsement takes another 2-3 months of training and processing.
   • Pay Premium: Armed guards in Kennewick can earn $3-$7 more per hour, often making $22-$26/hour for specialized roles (e.g., cash transport, certain Hanford sites).

Actionable Advice: Start with your unarmed license. Many employers (like Kadlec or Amazon) will hire you unarmed and may even pay for your armed training later if you show commitment. Don’t go into debt for a license before you have a job lined up.

Best Neighborhoods for Security Guards

Where you live affects your commute, lifestyle, and budget. Kennewick is spread out, so location matters.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Average 1BR Rent	Best For
Southridge	The newer, planned area. Clean, modern, safe. Close to the hospital and retail. 10-15 min commute to most jobs.	$1,300 - $1,500	Guards with families or those who prioritize modern amenities and a short commute.
West Kennewick	Older, established neighborhoods. More affordable, mix of rentals and homes. Can be 15-20 min to the hospital or Amazon.	$950 - $1,200	Budget-conscious guards, first-time renters. Check specific blocks; some are quieter than others.
Central Kennewick (near Columbia Park)	Close to downtown, the Columbia River, and great parks. Older homes, some rentals. 10-15 min commute to most jobs.	$1,100 - $1,300	Guards who want a central location with access to recreation and a moderate commute.
East Kennewick (near Highway 240)	More industrial feel, closer to the Hanford corridor and Amazon. Newer apartment complexes. 5-15 min commute to those jobs.	$1,150 - $1,400	Guards working at Hanford, Amazon, or industrial sites. Easy highway access.
Rural Outskirts (Finley, Burbank)	Very quiet, spacious, lower rent. But you must have a reliable car. Commute can be 20-30+ minutes.	$800 - $1,000	Guards who value peace and quiet and don’t mind a longer drive. A car is non-negotiable.

Insider Tip: Kennewick doesn’t have a strong public transit system. Your car is your lifeline. Factor in gas, insurance, and potential winter driving when choosing a neighborhood. Southridge and Central Kennewick offer the best balance of commute and lifestyle for most security jobs.

The Long Game: Career Growth

A security guard job in Kennewick can be a career, but you need a plan. The 3% growth rate means competition for the best jobs is steady, not frantic. Here’s how to advance:

• Specialty Premiums: To move beyond the $36,031 median, you need specialization.

  • Armed License: The biggest pay bump. Add $3-$7/hour.
  • Advanced CPR/First Aid/AED Instructor: Valuable in hospital and corporate settings.
  • Fire Alarm Certifications (NICET): For roles in facility management.
  • Background in IT or Cybersecurity: For data center security roles (a growing niche in the Tri-Cities).

• Advancement Paths:

  1. From Guard to Supervisor: After 2-3 years, you can move into shift leadership. Pay jumps to the $40k-$50k range.
  2. From Contractor to In-House: Moving from a contract firm (G4S, Securitas) to a direct employee at Kadlec, Hanford, or PNNL often brings better benefits, higher pay, and more stability.
  3. Lateral Move to a Different Sector: A guard at a retail center can move to hospital security (more complex), or a Hanford guard can move to a different contractor for a pay increase. The Tri-Cities network is small; your reputation matters.
  4. Career Change: Many use security as a stepping stone. The experience is valued in law enforcement, fire departments, or private investigation. The Tri-Cities Regional Law Enforcement Training Center in Pasco is a common next step for those interested in policing.

10-Year Outlook: The job growth is modest, but the Hanford cleanup is a 50-year federal project, providing long-term stability for contractors. Healthcare will remain a major employer. Automation (like cameras) may reduce some basic patrol jobs, but the need for human judgment, de-escalation, and physical presence will keep demand steady for alert, professional guards.

The Verdict: Is Kennewick Right for You?

Kennewick is a pragmatic choice. It’s not glamorous, but it’s functional. It’s for someone who values stability, a low-stress environment, and the ability to afford a decent life without constant financial pressure.

Pros	Cons
Cost of Living is Manageable: A $36,031 salary goes further here than in Seattle.	Pay is at the National Average: Don’t expect to get rich. Advancement requires investment in training.
Stable Job Market: Federal (Hanford) and healthcare (Kadlec) jobs provide long-term stability.	Limited Nightlife & Culture: It’s a quiet city. If you crave urban energy, you’ll be disappointed.
Short Commutes: Most jobs are within a 15-20 minute drive. Traffic is minimal.	Car Dependency is Absolute: Public transit is weak. You need a reliable vehicle.
Outdoor Access: The Columbia River, parks, and nearby wine country offer great off-duty recreation.	Growth is Slow: The 3% job growth means you have to be proactive to climb the ladder.
Friendly, Low-Key Community: Easy to integrate, less cutthroat than big cities.	Summers are Hot: It regularly hits 100°F+, which can be tough for outdoor patrols.

Final Recommendation:
Kennewick is an excellent choice for a security guard who is practical, self-motivated, and looking for a stable base to start or continue a career. It’s perfect if you’re willing to start at the median salary ($36,031) and actively pursue certifications (like an armed license or CPR instructor) to boost your earnings. If you’re seeking a fast-paced, high-energy city with rapid career growth, look to Seattle or Spokane. But if you want a place where you can work hard, save money, and enjoy a calm life with easy access to nature, Kennewick is a solid, data-backed bet.

FAQs

1. What’s the best way to find a security job in Kennewick?
Start with the big employers directly: Kadlec, Columbia Basin College, and Amazon. Check GovernmentJobs.com for public sector roles. For contract work, look at Securitas and G4S local postings. Networking on local Facebook groups (like "Tri-Cities Jobs") can also uncover unadvertised spots.

2. Do I need a car?
Yes, absolutely. Kennewick is built for cars. Public buses exist but are infrequent and don’t cover all shifts or neighborhoods. You’ll need a car to get to job sites, especially for early-morning or late-night shifts.

3. Are there many armed security jobs here?
Not as many as unarmed, but they exist and pay more. Your best bets are with Hanford contractors, certain data centers, and cash-in-transit companies. Getting the armed license is a prerequisite. It’s a worthwhile investment if you’re serious about the career.

4. How is the job market for new guards with no experience?
It’s good for entry-level. Retail loss prevention, basic patrol for small businesses, and substitute roles at schools are common starting points. Many employers are willing to train you if you have a clean record and a good attitude. The key is to get your state license first ($122 + $120-200 training course).

5. What’s the biggest challenge for security guards in Kennewick?
The biggest challenge is advancement without specialization. The base pay is tied to the national average, and growth is slow (3%). To earn significantly more than the $36,031 median, you must invest in an armed license, advanced medical training, or seek out the higher-paying Hanford/PNNL roles, which are competitive. Complacency will keep you at the entry-level rate.