Security Guard in Knoxville, TN

The Salary Picture: Where Knoxville Stands

As a local, I can tell you straight up: Knoxville’s security job market is stable but not booming. The median salary for security guards here is $35,359/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $17.0/hour. Compared to the national average of $36,140/year, Knoxville sits slightly below the curve, but the lower cost of living helps make up for it. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), there are approximately 396 security guard jobs in the Knoxville metro area. Over the next decade, the industry is projected to grow by just 3%, which is slower than the national average for many professions. This means competition for the better-paying positions can be stiff, and experience is your biggest leverage.

Here’s how experience breaks down in our local market:

Experience Level	Typical Local Pay Range	Notes
Entry-Level	$15.50 - $16.50/hour	Often starts at large contract firms (Securitas, Allied Universal) for retail or basic patrol.
Mid-Career	$16.50 - $18.50/hour	Requires 2-5 years of experience, often in healthcare or corporate settings.
Senior/Lead	$18.50 - $21.00/hour	Supervisory roles, specialized sites (e.g., UT campus, federal facilities).
Expert/Specialized	$21.00+/hour	Armed positions, K9 units, or management. Requires extensive certifications.

When compared to other Tennessee cities, Knoxville’s salaries for security guards are mid-range. Nashville offers higher pay (median around $37,500/year) but has a significantly higher cost of living. Memphis is closer in pay ($34,800/year) but with its own economic challenges. Chattanooga is slightly lower. For a security guard, the real value in Knoxville is the balance between a decent wage and an affordable lifestyle, especially if you avoid the downtown premium.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get real about the numbers. Earning $35,359/year pre-tax, your monthly take-home pay is roughly $2,350 (assuming standard single filing status with typical deductions for health insurance, 401(k), etc.). Knoxville’s average 1BR rent is $1,000/month, and the Cost of Living Index is 92.8 (US avg = 100), meaning it’s about 7.2% cheaper than the national average.

Here’s a sample monthly budget for a single security guard living in Knoxville:

Expense Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Rent (1BR)	$1,000	Average across the metro; can be as low as $800 in suburbs.
Utilities	$150	Electricity, water, garbage. Higher in summer due to AC.
Groceries	$300	For one person; Kroger, Food City, Aldi are local staples.
Transportation	$250	Car payment, gas, insurance. Knoxville is car-dependent.
Health/Other Insurance	$150	Varies greatly if employer-provided.
Miscellaneous	$300	Phone, internet, entertainment, savings.
Total	$2,150	Leaves a small buffer of ~$200/month.

Can they afford to buy a home? It’s a stretch. The median home price in Knox County is around $275,000. With a $35,359 salary, a lender would likely require a down payment of at least 5% ($13,750), and your monthly mortgage payment (including taxes and insurance) would likely exceed $1,600, which is over the recommended 30% of your gross income. Most security guards in Knoxville rent or live with roommates. The path to homeownership typically requires a dual income, a significant promotion to a supervisor role, or moving to a more affordable county like Anderson or Roane.

Where the Jobs Are: Knoxville's Major Employers

Knoxville’s security job market is dominated by a few key sectors: healthcare, higher education, corporate, and contract security. Here are the major local players:

1. University of Tennessee (UT) Campus Security: The largest single employer for security in the city. They hire for both uniformed and plainclothes positions, especially during major football games at Neyland Stadium. Insider Tip: UT posts jobs on their own HR site, not just on Indeed. Look for "Security Officer" or "Police Service Officer" listings. Hiring is often seasonal.

2. Covenant Health / Parkwest Medical Center: This system is the largest healthcare provider in the region. Security officers here handle everything from patient disputes to asset protection. They value experience in de-escalation and often have a strong internal promotion track to supervisor. Hiring Trend: They are consistently hiring due to expansion, especially at the new Parkwest facility.

3. Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL): A federal contractor with a need for high-clearance security. This isn't a typical security guard job; it requires a Top Secret clearance, which is a long process, but the pay is significantly higher ($25+/hour). It’s a long-term career play, not a get-started-today job.

4. Allied Universal & Securitas (Contract Firms): These national giants have a massive footprint in Knoxville, servicing clients like Knoxville Zoo, downtown office buildings, and retail centers (Turkey Creek, West Town Mall). Insider Tip: They offer benefits and stability but can be rigid with schedules. Your best bet is to apply directly on their corporate career pages and specify Knoxville.

5. Knox County Government: Includes courthouse security, library security, and public works facilities. These are stable, union-backed jobs with good benefits. Pay starts in the $16-$18/hour range. They post openings on the official Knox County website.

6. Shoney’s & Local Restaurant Chains: Surprisingly, many local restaurants hire dedicated security for their parking lots and entrances, especially downtown on weekends. Pay is usually hourly, $16-$18, and shifts are evenings/weekends.

Hiring Trends: The biggest growth is in healthcare security and event security (UT sports, concerts at Thompson-Boling Arena). The downtown revitalization has also increased demand for night-time security in new apartments and businesses.

Getting Licensed in TN

Tennessee has a straightforward licensing process for security guards, managed by the Tennessee Department of Commerce & Insurance (TDCI). Here’s the step-by-step:

1. Basic Requirements: You must be 18+, a U.S. citizen or legal resident, and have no felony convictions (or certain misdemeanors). A clean background check is mandatory.
2. Training: You must complete a 4-hour basic security officer training course from a TDCI-approved provider. This covers state laws, use of force, and report writing. Cost: $50-$100. Local providers like Security Training Institute of East Tennessee in Knoxville offer this.
3. Application: Submit the application (Form 105) to the TDCI, along with your training certificate, fingerprints, and a $75 application fee. Processing takes 2-4 weeks.
4. License: Your license (Class D) is valid for two years and must be renewed with 4 hours of continuing education.

If you want to go armed: Requirements are stricter. You need an additional 14-hour armed guard course (cost: $250-$400), a separate armed license application, and must carry a firearm legally. The armed license fee is $250. Timeline: You can be on the job as an unarmed guard within 6-8 weeks of starting the process. Armed takes another 2-3 months.

Best Neighborhoods for Security Guards

Commute and affordability are key. Knoxville is spread out, and traffic on I-40 and I-75 can be brutal. Here’s where guards typically live:

1. West Knoxville (Farragut/Bearden): Close to Covenant Health and UT’s west campus. Upscale, safe, but more expensive. Rent for a 1BR: $1,100-$1,300. Ideal for those working at Parkwest or in corporate security in the executive park.
2. North Knoxville (Norwood, Lonsdale): More affordable, closer to downtown and the UT campus. Commuting to West Knoxville can be a headache. Rent: $800-$950. Good for downtown or UT posts.
3. Oak Ridge (Anderson County): A separate city 15 miles west, but a major employer for ORNL security. Very affordable, tight-knit community. Rent: $750-$900. The commute to Knoxville is about 30 minutes, but you save on cost of living.
4. South Knoxville (Sevier Heights, Vestal): Close to the I-40/I-75 interchange and many contract security jobs. Affordable with a mix of older homes and new apartments. Rent: $850-$1,000. A balanced choice for commuters.
5. Downtown/ Old City: For the night owls and event security specialists. Walking to work is a huge perk, but rent is high ($1,200+ for a 1BR) and street parking is a nightmare. Not ideal on a $35k salary unless you have a roommate.

The Long Game: Career Growth

With a 10-year job growth of 3%, advancement must be strategic. The path is less about industry expansion and more about specialization and promotion.

• Specialty Premiums: An armed license can bump your pay by $3-$5/hour immediately. A CDL (Commercial Driver's License) for armored car jobs (like GardaWorld) can add another $2-$4/hour. Specialized certifications in cybersecurity (physical security integration) are rare but valuable for corporate clients.
• Advancement Paths: The most common ladder is: Guard → Lead Guard → Site Supervisor → Account Manager (for contract firms) or Security Director (for in-house). Supervisory roles in healthcare or at UT can reach $45,000 - $55,000/year. Moving into management often requires an associate's degree or extensive experience.
• 10-Year Outlook: The 3% growth means you won't see a flood of new jobs. However, the retirements of older guards and the need for more tech-savvy officers (CCTV, access control) will create openings. Your best long-term strategy is to get into a stable institutional employer (UT, Covenant) and climb internally. Many guards transition into related fields like private investigation or facility management after 5-10 years.

The Verdict: Is Knoxville Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Affordable Cost of Living: Your $35,359 salary goes further here than in Nashville or Austin.	Low Pay Ceiling: $35,359 is the median, and hitting $50k requires management or armed work.
Stable Job Market: Consistent demand from healthcare, university, and government.	Car-Dependent City: You need a reliable vehicle, adding to your monthly expenses.
No State Income Tax: Keeps more of your paycheck in your pocket.	Slower Growth: The 3% growth rate means you must be proactive to advance.
Small-Town Feel, Big-City Amenities: Great parks, music scene, and a manageable scale.	Weather: Summers are hot/humid, and winters can have ice storms that disrupt commutes.
Strong Employer Base: Major institutions like UT and ORNL offer rare federal/contractor opportunities.	Competition for Prime Posts: The best jobs (UT, downtown) are competitive and require experience.

Final Recommendation: Knoxville is a great choice for a security guard who values stability and affordability over high pay and rapid career growth. It’s ideal for those with 2-5 years of experience looking to rent comfortably and potentially buy a home in the future with a partner’s income. It’s less ideal for a career starter expecting high wages immediately or for someone whose primary goal is to enter a fast-growing industry. If you’re willing to get an armed license and specialize in healthcare or corporate security, you can build a solid, middle-class life here.

FAQs

1. Do I need a car to work as a security guard in Knoxville?
Yes, absolutely. Knoxville’s public transit (KAT) is not reliable for shift work, especially early mornings or late nights. Most job sites (hospitals, corporate parks, suburbs) require a personal vehicle for commute and sometimes for patrol duties.

2. Can I get a security job if I have a misdemeanor on my record?
It depends on the misdemeanor and the employer. TDCI licensing is strict on felonies, but some misdemeanors (like DUI or theft) may disqualify you for certain employers, especially government or healthcare. Always be honest on applications—contract firms like Allied will run a background check anyway.

3. Are there part-time security jobs available?
Yes, especially in contract security for retail and events. Many students at UT work part-time as guards. For part-time, expect to make $16-$18/hour with no benefits. The biggest part-time opportunities are with UT for game days and Securitas for mall coverage.

4. What’s the best first job for a new guard in Knoxville?
Start with a national contract firm (Allied, Securitas) for a retail or patrol position. It gets you the required experience and a basic reference. From there, you can move to a healthcare or university post, which offers better pay and benefits.

5. How does the cost of living affect my budget?
With a cost of living index of 92.8, your $35,359 salary feels like having $38,000 nationally. However, rent near the 1BR average of $1,000 still takes a large chunk. The key is to live in the right neighborhood (like North Knoxville or Oak Ridge) to keep housing under $900/month, leaving more room for savings and other expenses.