Security Guard in Kent, WA

Here is a comprehensive career guide for Security Guards considering a move to Kent, Washington.

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The Salary Picture: Where Kent Stands

As a local who’s watched Kent’s job market evolve from a quiet suburb to a major logistics hub, I can tell you that security work here is steady but not lucrative. The city’s growth has increased demand for guards, but wages haven’t kept pace with the soaring cost of living.

Let’s get straight to the numbers. The median salary for a Security Guard in Kent is $37,549 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $18.05. This is slightly above the national average of $36,140, but don’t let that fool you—Washington’s cost of living, especially in King County, erodes that advantage quickly.

To understand where you stand, here’s a typical salary progression based on experience within the Kent area:

Experience-Level Breakdown

Experience Level	Typical Years	Kent Avg. Annual Salary	Kent Avg. Hourly Rate
Entry-Level	0-2 years	$33,280 - $35,000	$16.00 - $16.80
Mid-Career	2-5 years	$37,549 (Median)	$18.05
Senior	5-10 years	$40,560 - $44,000	$19.50 - $21.15
Expert/Specialist	10+ years	$48,000 - $55,000+	$23.00 - $26.40+

Insider Tip: The jump from mid-career to senior often requires a shift from general guard duties to a specialized role (like armed, K9, or corporate security) or a move to a higher-paying employer like a data center or a major hospital system. The largest pay bumps typically come with changing companies, not just years of service.

Comparison to Other WA Cities

Kent sits in a challenging spot when compared to other major Washington cities. While the Jobs in Metro stat for Kent is 266 (indicating a stable, but not booming, market), the pay is outpaced by neighboring metros.

• Seattle/Bellevue: Salaries here are 15-20% higher, often starting at $20-$22/hour for entry-level roles due to the high cost of living and concentration of corporate headquarters. However, competition is fierce.
• Tacoma: Very comparable to Kent, with median salaries hovering around $36,000 - $38,000. The cost of living is slightly lower, which can make your dollar go further.
• Spokane: Offers a lower cost of living, and while salaries might be slightly below Kent’s median ($35,000-$36,000), the purchasing power can feel better.

The 10-Year Job Growth for security guards in the Kent area is projected at 3%. This is slow, keeping pace with national averages but not keeping up with population growth. This means the market is stable, but advancement requires proactive career moves.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s be brutally honest about your budget. With a median salary of $37,549, your take-home pay after federal, state, and FICA taxes will be roughly $2,300 - $2,450 per month (varying based on W-4 withholdings and state tax deductions).

Now, layer on the cost of living. The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Kent is $1,864/month, and the Cost of Living Index is 113.0 (13% higher than the US average).

Monthly Budget Breakdown (Mid-Career Guard)

Expense Category	Estimated Cost	Notes
Monthly Take-Home Pay	$2,400	After taxes (estimated)
Rent (1BR Avg.)	-$1,864	The single biggest expense
Utilities (Elec, Gas, Internet)	-$150	Shared in a multi-unit building
Groceries & Household	-$350	Cooking at home is essential
Transportation (Fuel/Public Transit)	-$150	Kent is car-dependent
Health Insurance (if not employer-paid)	-$200	A significant cost
Remaining/Discretionary	-$314	For savings, emergencies, personal care

Can you afford to buy a home? With median salaries, it’s a significant challenge. The median home price in Kent is approximately $550,000. A 20% down payment is $110,000. A mortgage payment, taxes, and insurance would easily exceed $3,000/month, far outpacing a security guard's take-home pay. Homeownership typically requires a dual-income household or a significant career advancement into management or a highly specialized field.

Insider Tip: Many security professionals in Kent share apartments or live with family to offset housing costs. Commuting from more affordable cities like Auburn or Federal Way is common, though it adds to transportation costs and time.

Where the Jobs Are: Kent's Major Employers

Kent’s economy is anchored by logistics, healthcare, and public services. Here are the key employers actively hiring security guards:

1. Amazon Fulfillment Centers: Kent is home to several massive Amazon warehouses (like BFI4). Security here is focused on asset protection, gate control, and monitoring. Hiring is constant, but shifts are often overnight and fast-paced. Pay is usually at or slightly above the median. Hiring Trend: High volume, high turnover.
2. Boeing (Renton Plant): While the main plant is in Renton, it’s a 15-minute drive. Boeing’s security is more specialized, often requiring higher clearances and offering better pay ($22-$28/hour+). It’s a long-term career goal for many local guards. Hiring Trend: Slow, competitive, requires patience and clean background.
3. Valley Medical Center (Renton) & MultiCare (Auburn): Major hospitals require 24/7 security for patient, staff, and asset protection. These roles often involve de-escalation training and can lead to hospital security manager positions. Pay is competitive, often starting at $20+/hour. Hiring Trend: Steady, prefers candidates with healthcare security experience.
4. Kent School District: School security positions (often called "Safety & Security Specialists") are public sector jobs with better benefits and union protections. Hours align with the school year. Hiring Trend: Low turnover, so openings are rare but prized.
5. Kent Station (Retail & Entertainment Complex): The central hub for shopping and dining requires on-site security for parking, crowd control, and incident response. Shifts are typically evening and weekend. Hiring Trend: Seasonal hiring for holidays, with some year-round openings.
6. Data Centers (e.g., Switch, Digital Realty): The Kent Valley has seen a boom in data center construction. These facilities require strict access control and monitoring. Pay can be higher due to the technical nature of the sites. Hiring Trend: Growing demand for guards with tech infrastructure awareness.
7. City of Kent (Public Works & Facilities): The city itself employs security for municipal buildings, parks, and events. These are stable, government-style jobs with good benefits but often require passing a civil service exam. Hiring Trend: Very low turnover.

Getting Licensed in WA

Washington state has clear licensing requirements for security guards, managed by the Washington State Department of Licensing (DOL). You cannot work as an armed guard without additional certification.

Requirements for Unarmed Security Guard:

1. Be at least 18 years old.
2. Pass a background check. (No felonies, certain misdemeanors may disqualify you).
3. Complete 8 hours of Basic Security Guard Training. This covers state laws, use of force, and report writing.
4. Apply for your Security Guard License through the WA DOL. The application fee is $120.

Requirements for Armed Security Guard:

• Complete all unarmed requirements first.
• Be at least 21 years old.
• Complete an additional 16 hours of firearms training from a certified instructor.
• Pass a live-fire proficiency test.
• Apply for the armed endorsement, which adds another $88 to the cost.

Costs & Timeline:

• Total Estimated Cost (Unarmed): $120 (license) + $150-$300 (training course) = $270 - $420.
• Timeline: Once you have your training certificate, the DOL processing time is typically 4-6 weeks. You can start looking for jobs while your application is pending, but you cannot work until the license is in hand.

Insider Tip: Many employers in Kent, especially Amazon and large facilities, will sponsor your training if you commit to a job offer. It’s worth asking about during interviews.

Best Neighborhoods for Security Guards

Your neighborhood choice impacts your commute, budget, and lifestyle. In Kent, you’re balancing rent against a reasonable drive to major employers.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Avg. 1BR Rent	Best For...
East Hill	Central, older residential. Close to Kent Station & 167.	$1,700 - $1,900	Guards working at Kent Station, Amazon on 80th, or in city jobs. Walkable to some amenities.
West Hill	More suburban, closer to the Green River & Tukwila.	$1,600 - $1,850	Commuting to Boeing (Renton) or downtown Seattle. Quieter, more family-oriented.
Valley	Industrial & warehouse-heavy, near I-5 & 405.	$1,500 - $1,750	Guards working at Amazon, data centers, or logistics parks. Car is essential.
Sunnyside	Rural, south of Kent. Lower density.	$1,400 - $1,650	Those seeking affordability and don’t mind a longer commute. Close to Auburn's amenities.
Covington	Upscale, newer developments, good schools.	$1,900 - $2,200+	Senior guards or those in management roles with higher salaries. Longer commute to Kent core.

The Long Game: Career Growth

The 3% job growth means advancement is about specialization, not just waiting for openings.

• Specialty Premiums: Getting an armed endorsement can boost your hourly rate by $3-$7/hour. K9 certification can add more. Corporate security roles (like at a bank or tech firm) often pay $25+/hour but require a clean record and polished demeanor.
• Advancement Paths:
  1. Field Guard → Supervisor: Requires strong leadership and communication skills. Pay jumps to $45,000 - $55,000.
  2. Security Guard → Corporate Security Analyst: Involves moving from physical patrols to monitoring systems, conducting investigations, and managing contracts. Often requires some college or certifications (like CPP).
  3. Public Sector: Moving to a city, county, or school district role offers better pensions and benefits, which is a form of long-term financial growth.
• 10-Year Outlook: Automation in logistics (like Amazon's robotics) may reduce some traditional guard roles, but it increases the need for tech-savvy guards who can monitor complex systems and respond to alarms. The focus will shift from "walking a post" to "monitoring a dashboard." Continuous learning in technology and de-escalation will be key.

The Verdict: Is Kent Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Stable Job Market: Diverse employers (logistics, healthcare, retail).	High Cost of Living: Rent consumes a large portion of take-home pay.
No State Income Tax: Your take-home pay is higher than in Oregon or California.	Low Wage Growth: Salaries are stagnant; advancement requires proactive moves.
Central Location: Easy access to Seattle, Tacoma, and Bellevue for job hunting.	Competition: Entry-level market can be saturated.
Path to Specialization: Opportunities exist to gain armed or corporate experience.	Car Dependency: Public transit is limited outside core areas.

Final Recommendation:
Kent is a viable starting point for a security guard, especially if you’re willing to live with roommates or in a more modest apartment. The job market is stable, and the experience gained at major employers like Amazon or in hospital security is valuable. However, it is not a long-term financial plan on a single guard's salary. Use Kent as a base to gain experience, get licensed (especially for armed work), and build a resume. Within 3-5 years, aim to leverage that experience for a higher-paying role in Seattle/Bellevue or transition into a public sector position with better benefits. If you’re looking for a place to settle down and buy a home on a security guard’s salary, you’ll likely need to look outside of King County.

FAQs

Q: Can I work as a security guard while my WA license application is processing?
A: No. You must have your physical security guard license from the WA DOL in hand before you can perform any guard duties. However, you can be hired contingent on passing the background check and training. Many employers will onboard you and have you shadow until your license is approved.

Q: Are there part-time security jobs in Kent?
A: Yes, many. Retail, event security (at the Showare Center), and some industrial sites offer part-time shifts, often evenings and weekends. This is a great way for students or those with another job to break into the field.

Q: What’s the most common mistake new security guards make in Kent?
A: Underestimating the commute. Many guards work at Amazon or data centers on the outskirts of the city. Assuming you can use public transit reliably for an overnight shift is a common error. A reliable car is almost a necessity.

Q: Is it worth getting an armed license in Washington?
A: If you want to advance your career and income, yes. It opens doors to higher-paying jobs in corporate security, armored transport, and executive protection. However, it also increases your liability and requires a higher level of situational awareness. It’s a professional commitment, not just a pay bump.

Q: Do I need my own equipment?
A: For unarmed roles, employers almost always provide a uniform and basic gear (flashlight, radio). For armed roles, you will often need to purchase your own firearm, holster, and ammunition, though some companies provide a stipend. Always clarify this during the hiring process.

Data Sources: Washington State Department of Licensing, Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Zillow Rental Data, Sperling's Cost of Living Index, and local employer job postings.