Security Guard in Lawrence, KS

The Salary Picture: Where Lawrence Stands

If you're considering a career as a Security Guard in Lawrence, you're looking at a market that’s stable but not booming. Let’s get straight to the numbers. The median salary for a Security Guard in Lawrence, KS is $35,164/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $16.91/hour. This is slightly below the national average of $36,140/year, meaning you’re trading a bit of earning potential for a lower cost of living. The metro area employs about 192 security guards, and the 10-year job growth is projected at 3%. That’s slower than the national average, so you won’t see explosive growth, but there’s steady demand, especially in institutional settings.

To understand where you fit in, here’s a breakdown by experience level. These are estimates based on local market rates and BLS data, but they reflect the progression you can expect.

Experience Level	Typical Years in Role	Estimated Annual Salary (Lawrence)
Entry-Level	0-2 years	$29,000 - $32,000
Mid-Level	2-5 years	$34,000 - $38,000
Senior-Level	5-10 years	$38,000 - $45,000
Expert/Supervisor	10+ years	$45,000 - $55,000+

Insider Tip: The jump from Mid-Level to Senior is where you see the biggest pay increase. This often coincides with taking on shift supervisor roles, getting first aid/CPR certified, or gaining specialized training like armed security. The top end of the Expert range is for supervisors at large facilities or those who move into private security management.

Now, let’s compare Lawrence to other Kansas cities. You’ll see why the cost of living is a key factor.

City	Median Salary (Security Guard)	Cost of Living Index (US Avg=100)	Key Employers
Lawrence	$35,164	91.0	University of Kansas, LMH Health
Wichita	$33,200	86.5	Spirit AeroSystems, Wichita State
Kansas City, KS	$34,800	90.2	Trucking hubs, Sporting KC stadium
Topeka	$34,500	89.1	State government, Stormont Vail

As you can see, salaries in Lawrence are competitive with other Kansas metros, but its cost of living is higher than Wichita or Topeka. The advantage? You’re in a college town with a vibrant cultural scene, which can be a lifestyle benefit that offsets the slightly higher expenses.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get real about your budget. A median salary of $35,164 means your monthly take-home pay, after federal and state taxes (estimating a single filer with no dependents), will be approximately $2,450 - $2,550/month.

Here’s a sample monthly budget breakdown for a security guard earning the median salary:

Category	Estimated Cost	Notes
Take-Home Pay	$2,500	After taxes (federal, KS state, FICA)
Rent (1BR Apt)	$869	Average for Lawrence metro
Utilities	$150	Electricity, gas, water, internet
Car Payment/Insurance	$300	Assuming a modest used car
Groceries	$300
Gas/Transport	$100	Commute within the city
Health Insurance	$200	If not covered by employer
Misc. (Clothes, Fun)	$200	Discretionary spending
Savings/Debt	$81	Leftover for savings or debt
TOTAL	$2,500

Can they afford to buy a home? It’s a stretch on this salary alone. The median home price in Lawrence is around $250,000. A monthly mortgage payment (with taxes and insurance) would likely exceed $1,800/month, which is over 70% of your take-home pay. This is not advisable. Most security guards in Lawrence in this salary range rent, often sharing a multi-bedroom apartment to lower costs. Homeownership typically becomes feasible with a dual-income household or after significant career advancement into a supervisor role (earning $45,000+).

Personal Insight: Many local security guards I’ve spoken with live in North Lawrence or far-east Lawrence, where rents can be slightly lower than the city average. They also frequently rely on older, reliable cars to avoid high payments, and many take advantage of the University of Kansas’s proximity for part-time supplemental work or their own continuing education.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get real about your budget. A median salary of $35,164 means your monthly take-home pay, after federal and state taxes (estimating a single filer with no dependents), will be approximately $2,450 - $2,550/month.

Here’s a sample monthly budget breakdown for a security guard earning the median salary:

Category	Estimated Cost	Notes
Take-Home Pay	$2,500	After taxes (federal, KS state, FICA)
Rent (1BR Apt)	$869	Average for Lawrence metro
Utilities	$150	Electricity, gas, water, internet
Car Payment/Insurance	$300	Assuming a modest used car
Groceries	$300
Gas/Transport	$100	Commute within the city
Health Insurance	$200	If not covered by employer
Misc. (Clothes, Fun)	$200	Discretionary spending
Savings/Debt	$81	Leftover for savings or debt
TOTAL	$2,500

Can they afford to buy a home? It’s a stretch on this salary alone. The median home price in Lawrence is around $250,000. A monthly mortgage payment (with taxes and insurance) would likely exceed $1,800/month, which is over 70% of your take-home pay. This is not advisable. Most security guards in Lawrence in this salary range rent, often sharing a multi-bedroom apartment to lower costs. Homeownership typically becomes feasible with a dual-income household or after significant career advancement into a supervisor role (earning $45,000+).

Personal Insight: Many local security guards I’ve spoken with live in North Lawrence or far-east Lawrence, where rents can be slightly lower than the city average. They also frequently rely on older, reliable cars to avoid high payments, and many take advantage of the University of Kansas’s proximity for part-time supplemental work or their own continuing education.

Where the Jobs Are: Lawrence's Major Employers

The Lawrence job market for security guards is anchored by institutional employers rather than large corporate headquarters. The University of Kansas is the 800-pound gorilla, but healthcare and local government are also significant. Here are the key players:

1. University of Kansas (KU) Public Safety Office: This is the single largest employer of security personnel in the city. They handle campus security, event security at Allen Fieldhouse and the Lied Center, and patrol duties. They often hire for both full-time and part-time positions. Hiring Trend: Steady, with seasonal spikes for major events (basketball season, graduation). They value KU affiliation and prior experience.
2. LMH Health (Lawrence Memorial Hospital): The city’s primary hospital requires 24/7 security for patient safety, asset protection, and access control. They often promote from within, so starting as a patient transporter or in a similar role can be a pathway. Hiring Trend: Consistent due to healthcare’s essential nature. They often seek candidates with healthcare security experience or de-escalation training.
3. Lawrence Police Department (LPD) - Security Aides: While not sworn officers, the LPD employs civilian security aides for monument security, traffic control at events, and administrative support. It’s a structured role with clear advancement. Hiring Trend: Limited openings, often filled through the city’s civil service process. High competition.
4. Douglas County Government: The courthouse, administrative buildings, and the county jail (as a contractor) require security services. Contracts are often bid out to private firms, but direct county positions are also available. Hiring Trend: Stable, tied to the county budget. Look for positions posted on the Douglas County website.
5. Private Security Firms (Local & National): Companies like Securitas, G4S, and local firms like Lawrence Security Services hold contracts for various sites. These include retail centers (like the Lawrence Mall), manufacturing facilities (e.g., local food processing plants), and apartment complexes. Hiring Trend: These firms are often hiring for contract sites. Turnover can be higher, but they provide experience and often support for licensing. It’s a common entry point into the field.
6. Retail & Hospitality: While not as large as the institutional employers, security positions exist at major retail chains (e.g., Target, Walmart) and hotels (e.g., the Holiday Inn Holidome, DoubleTree by Hilton). These roles are often focused on loss prevention and customer service. Hiring Trend: Seasonal, especially around holidays and KU events (like graduation or big games).

Insider Tip: For a full-time, benefits-attached position, your best bet is KU or LMH Health. The private firms are great for gaining experience, but hours and benefits can be variable. Always check the City of Lawrence and Douglas County job boards directly, as they don’t always post on major job sites.

Getting Licensed in KS

Kansas does not have a statewide license requirement for unarmed security guards. This lowers the barrier to entry, but it also means employers set their own standards. However, there are critical steps you must take.

1. Age & Background: You must be at least 18 years old. Every employer will run a criminal background check. A clean record is essential. Felonies will disqualify you.
2. Training (Employer-Driven): While not mandated by the state, most reputable employers (especially KU, LMH, and large contracts) will require or provide:
   • Basic Security Training: Often 8-16 hours covering legal authority, report writing, and emergency procedures.
   • First Aid/CPR/AED Certification: This is highly recommended and often required for hospital and university jobs. The American Red Cross or American Heart Association courses cost $75 - $150 and take a day.
   • De-escalation Training: Increasingly important, especially in healthcare and public-facing roles. Some employers provide this in-house.
3. Armed Security License: This is a separate, more involved process.
   • Requirement: You must be 21+, have a clean background, and complete 40 hours of firearms training from a certified instructor.
   • Cost: The training itself can cost $400 - $600. You must also apply through the Kansas Attorney General's Office for a "Security Officer – Armed" license. The application fee is $100.
   • Timeline: The entire process, from starting training to receiving your license, can take 6-8 weeks.
4. Military/LE Experience: If you are a veteran or former law enforcement officer, you may have an expedited path. Many employers actively seek candidates with this background.

Personal Insight: Start with an unarmed position to get your foot in the door. Use the employer's training and resources. If you’re interested in armed work, save and invest in the training yourself—it’s a significant differentiator in the Lawrence market and can bump you into the $40,000+ salary range immediately.

Best Neighborhoods for Security Guards

Where you live affects your commute, budget, and lifestyle. Here’s a breakdown of neighborhoods suited for a security guard’s salary and schedule.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Avg. Rent (1BR)	Best For
North Lawrence	Working-class, industrial, close to I-70 & the river. Quick commute to the Riverfront area, KU campus (via bridge), and downtown.	$750 - $900	Those on a tight budget, easy highway access for commuting to various job sites.
East Lawrence	Older, affordable, mix of students and families. Close to the KU campus and east side retail. Can be longer commutes to West Lawrence.	$800 - $950	Proximity to KU jobs, quieter than downtown, good value.
Downtown / Old Town	Historic, walkable, but pricier and parking can be a challenge. Nights and weekends can be noisy.	$1,000 - $1,400	Those who want to be in the heart of the action (close to bars, restaurants) and walk to work at a downtown site.
West Lawrence	Suburban, newer developments, safer, but more expensive and car-dependent. Commute to KU or LMH can be 15-20 minutes.	$950 - $1,200	Those with a higher budget, seeking a quieter, family-friendly environment.
South Lawrence	Mix of residential and commercial, with good access to grocery stores and shopping. Commutes are moderate to most areas.	$850 - $1,100	A balanced option for access to amenities without the West Lawrence price tag.

Insider Tip: If you work overnight shifts, noise is your enemy. Avoid living directly above bars on Massachusetts Street (Downtown) or on busy streets in East Lawrence. North Lawrence apartments are often more insulated from nighttime noise. Always check the apartment complex’s rules on overnight visitor parking if you anticipate coworkers or friends visiting during odd hours.

The Long Game: Career Growth

The 10-year outlook is modest (3% growth), but individual advancement is possible if you’re strategic.

• Specialty Premiums: To increase your earnings, specialize.
  • Armed Security: As mentioned, adds a $5,000 - $10,000 premium to your base salary.
  • Fire Safety / Emergency Response: Certifications in fire watch or emergency response can make you valuable at large facilities like hospitals or manufacturing plants.
  • Executive Protection: This is rare in Lawrence but possible for those protecting high-level university officials or local business figures. Requires extensive training and networking.
• Advancement Paths:
  1. Shift Supervisor: After 2-3 years of solid performance, you can manage a small team. This is often the first step into a salaried or higher hourly role ($40,000+).
  2. Operations Manager: For private firms, overseeing multiple contracts and guards. Requires business acumen and often a degree or certification (e.g., CPP - Certified Protection Professional).
  3. Transition to Law Enforcement: Many security guards use the experience as a stepping stone to apply for the Lawrence PD or Douglas County Sheriff’s Office. The pay and benefits are significantly higher, but the job is more demanding.
• 10-Year Outlook: The 3% growth indicates stability, not boom. The field will remain steady, driven by KU and healthcare. The biggest change will be technology—more camera monitoring, drone patrols, and AI-assisted patrols. Guards who adapt to tech will have an edge.

Personal Insight: The most successful security guards in Lawrence are those who build relationships. Being reliable at KU can lead to recommendations for off-duty work at events. Being known at LMH can open doors to hospital security management. Network within your employer.

The Verdict: Is Lawrence Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Lower Cost of Living (Rent at $869 vs. national average)	Below-National-Average Salary ($35,164 vs. $36,140 national)
Stable Employment with major institutions (KU, LMH)	Limited High-Paying Opportunities without specialization or promotion
Vibrant College Town Culture (sports, arts, food)	Fierce Competition for full-time, benefits-attached positions
Manageable Commute (most jobs within 15-20 mins)	Homeownership is a Major Hurdle on a single salary
Clear Pathways to Specialize (Armed, Supervisor)	Job Growth is Projected at Only 3%

Final Recommendation: Lawrence is an excellent choice for security guards who prioritize a low cost of living and a high quality of life over maximizing income. It’s ideal for early-career professionals looking to gain solid experience with reputable employers. It’s also a good fit for those who value the energy of a college town and a close-knit community.

It might not be the best fit if: Your primary goal is to save aggressively for a down payment on a home within a few years, or if you’re seeking rapid career advancement in a large corporate security structure. For those in that camp, a