Security Guard in Lawton, OK

The Salary Picture: Where Lawton Stands

As a security guard in Lawton, you're entering a market with a lower cost of living and steady, if modest, demand. The median salary for a Security Guard in Lawton is $34,795/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $16.73/hour. This is slightly below the national average of $36,140/year, but the financial picture only makes sense when you factor in Lawton's affordability.

The local job market for security is relatively small but stable. With a metro population of 90,226, there are approximately 180 security guard positions in the broader metro area. The 10-year job growth is projected at 3%, which is in line with national averages but suggests this isn't a field with explosive growth. It's a reliable, consistent line of work.

To give you a clearer picture of earning potential, here’s a typical experience-level breakdown for the Lawton area:

Experience Level	Estimated Hourly Rate	Estimated Annual Salary
Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)	$14.00 - $15.50	$29,120 - $32,240
Mid-Level (2-5 yrs)	$15.50 - $17.00	$32,240 - $35,360
Senior (5-10 yrs)	$17.00 - $18.50	$35,360 - $38,480
Expert/Specialist (10+ yrs)	$18.50+	$38,480+

Note: These ranges are based on local market observations and align with the provided median of $34,795/year. Specialized roles (see "The Long Game" section) can command higher rates.

How Lawton Compares to Other Oklahoma Cities:
Lawton's salary is competitive within Oklahoma, especially when considering cost of living. Oklahoma City, with a larger and more diverse economy, has a slightly higher median salary (around $36,500) but also a higher cost of living. Tulsa is similar. In smaller rural towns, wages can be lower. Lawton offers a "sweet spot" for security professionals who want a stable job without the financial pressure of a major metro.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's get down to the numbers that matter. We'll use the median salary of $34,795 and factor in federal taxes (assuming single filer, standard deduction), FICA (7.65%), and Oklahoma state tax (a progressive rate, averaging about 4.5% for this income level). Your take-home pay is roughly $27,800/year or $2,317/month.

Now, let's build a monthly budget for a Security Guard in Lawton. The average 1BR rent here is just $717/month, a major advantage.

Monthly Expense	Average Cost	% of Take-Home
Rent (1BR)	$717	31%
Utilities (Electric, Gas, Water)	$150	6.5%
Car Payment & Insurance	$350	15%
Groceries & Household	$300	13%
Health Insurance (if not employer-provided)	$200	9%
Fuel	$150	6.5%
Savings & Emergency Fund	$200	9%
Discretionary/Entertainment	$250	11%
Total	$2,317	100%

Insider Tip: This budget is tight but manageable. The key advantage is the low rent. Many security jobs in Lawton, especially at Fort Sill or the hospital, are located on the west or south side of town, where rents can be even lower than the city average.

Can they afford to buy a home?
The median home price in Lawton is approximately $140,000. With a $34,795 annual salary, a typical mortgage payment (including taxes and insurance) would be around $900-$1,000/month. This would consume about 40-45% of your take-home pay, which is stretching the budget significantly. It's not impossible, especially with a dual-income household or a substantial down payment, but it would be challenging for a single-income earner at this salary level. Renting is the more financially prudent choice for most in this position.

Where the Jobs Are: Lawton's Major Employers

The security job landscape in Lawton is anchored by a few key sectors: military, healthcare, retail, and education. Here are the primary employers and what to expect from each:

1. Fort Sill (U.S. Army): This is the largest employer in the region and a massive source of security work. Jobs include gate guard, internal facility security, and contractor positions for the many businesses on post. Hiring Trend: Steady, with periodic surges for major exercises. Requires a clean background and often a DoD background check. Pay can be at the higher end for the area, especially for contractors.

2. Comanche County Memorial Hospital (CCMH): The region's primary healthcare facility needs 24/7 security for patient safety, asset protection, and parking lot security. Hiring Trend: Consistent. They value guards with medical facility experience or training in de-escalation. Shifts include nights and weekends.

3. Lawton Public Schools: School district security officer positions are crucial for student safety. These roles are often day shifts during the school year. Hiring Trend: Annual hiring cycles, typically in late summer. Preference is often given to candidates with a calm demeanor and experience with youth.

4. Retail Anchors (Walmart, Lowe's, Homeland): Large retail stores have loss prevention (LP) officers. These are more investigative roles focused on internal theft and shrinkage. Hiring Trend: Constant turnover, so opportunities are always available, but advancement can be slow.

5. Private Security Firms (e.g., GardaWorld, local contractors): These companies provide security for events, construction sites, and commercial buildings. Hiring Trend: Project-based. Can be inconsistent but offers variety. Good for building a diverse resume.

6. City of Lawton: Municipal buildings, parks, and events require security personnel. Hiring Trend: Competitive, with benefits and job security. Usually posted on the official city website.

Insider Tip: Many of the best jobs at Fort Sill are filled through word-of-mouth. If you get your foot in the door at one contractor, you'll hear about other openings. Network at local security training facilities.

Getting Licensed in OK

Oklahoma has straightforward licensing requirements for security guards, managed by the Oklahoma Council on Law Enforcement Education and Training (CLEET).

Requirements & Cost:

• Unarmed Security Guard License: This is the standard license.

  • Training: You must complete a 20-hour CLEET-approved basic security guard course. This covers law, use of force, emergency procedures, and report writing.
  • Cost: The course typically costs $100 - $150. You pay this directly to the training school.
  • Fee: The CLEET application fee is $50.
  • Background Check: A fingerprint-based FBI background check is required. This costs approximately $45 - $60.
  • Total Startup Cost: ~$200 - $250.

• Armed Security Guard License: This requires additional training.

  • Prerequisite: You must have an active Unarmed Security Guard license first.
  • Training: 20 additional hours of CLEET-approved firearms training.
  • Cost: The armed course ranges from $200 - $350.
  • Fees: An additional $50 CLEET fee for the armed endorsement.
  • Total Additional Cost for Armed: ~$300 - $450.

Timeline to Get Started:

1. Week 1: Enroll in a CLEET-approved training course. Many local schools in Lawton offer weekend or evening classes.
2. Week 2-3: Complete the 20-hour course. Submit your application to CLEET as soon as you pass.
3. Week 4-6: Complete your fingerprints and background check. CLEET processing typically takes 2-4 weeks.
4. Week 6-8: Receive your license in the mail. You can now legally work as a security guard.

Data Source: Information is based on guidelines from the Oklahoma Council on Law Enforcement Education and Training (CLEET).

Best Neighborhoods for Security Guards

When choosing where to live in Lawton, consider commute times to major employers. Traffic is minimal, but distance can still be a factor.

1. West Lawton / Near Fort Sill: This is the prime location for anyone working on post. You're close to the gates, minimizing commute time. The area has a mix of older, affordable homes and newer developments. Rent Estimate: 1BR apartments from $650 - $800. Insider Tip: Look for rentals in the "Old Fort" area for quick access to the main gate.

2. South Lawton / Around CCMH: Ideal for hospital security guards. The neighborhood is generally quiet, with good access to shopping on Southwest Lee Boulevard. Rent Estimate: 1BR apartments from $700 - $850.

3. Central Lawton / Downtown: If you work for the city, a school, or a private firm downtown, living centrally offers a walkable lifestyle. You're close to restaurants and the Lawton Farmers Market. Rent Estimate: 1BR apartments from $750 - $900. This area has older buildings but lots of character.

4. East Lawton / Near the Airport: This area is more residential and suburban. Commutes to Fort Sill or the hospital are longer (15-20 minutes), but you get more space for your money. Rent Estimate: 1BR apartments from $680 - $820.

5. North Lawton / Around the University: Home to Cameron University, this area has a student vibe but also quiet residential streets. Good for retail security jobs on the north side. Commutes to the south side employers can be 15+ minutes. Rent Estimate: 1BR apartments from $650 - $800.

Commute Insight: In Lawton, you can live almost anywhere and still be within a 20-minute drive of any major employer. The biggest factor is your personal preference for neighborhood vibe.

The Long Game: Career Growth

With a 10-year job growth of 3%, the field isn't exploding, but there are clear paths to increase your earnings above the median.

• Specialty Premiums:

  • Armed Guard: The most direct way to boost pay. Expect a $2 - $4/hour premium over unarmed rates. This can push your annual earnings toward the $40,000 - $45,000 range.
  • Executive Protection: High-profile individuals or corporate executives sometimes need detail. This is rare in Lawton but possible for events. Requires extensive experience and training.
  • K-9 Handler: If you have a dog and the right certification, this is a niche but well-paid role, often for construction sites or special events.
  • Security Supervisor: After 3-5 years, you can move into a supervisory role, overseeing a team of guards. This is a critical step toward management and can push salaries to the $38,000 - $45,000 range.

• Advancement Paths:

  1. Start: Unarmed Guard at a retail store or school ($29k - $32k).
  2. Move Up: Become an Armed Guard at a higher-risk site like a bank or Fort Sill ($35k - $40k).
  3. Specialize: Get into loss prevention, which pays more and is more investigative.
  4. Lead: Become a Site Supervisor or Account Manager for a security company ($40k+).
  5. Exit Strategy: Use law enforcement or security experience to pivot into other fields like compliance, facility management, or even start your own small security firm.

10-Year Outlook: While the number of jobs isn't growing fast, the quality of those jobs is improving. With the continued presence of Fort Sill and the need for healthcare security, the demand for reliable, trained guards will remain stable. Your key to advancement is specialization (getting armed) and taking on supervisory responsibilities.

The Verdict: Is Lawton Right for You?

Pros:

• Low Cost of Living: Your $34,795 median salary goes further here than almost anywhere else in the US. Rent is exceptionally affordable.
• Stable Job Market: The presence of Fort Sill and a regional hospital creates consistent demand for security services.
• Easy Commutes: You can live anywhere and get to work quickly, saving time and gas money.
• No Major Crowds: A less chaotic environment can be preferable for security work, especially for those who value a quieter pace of life.

Cons:

• Limited High-Paying Opportunities: The ceiling for security pay is lower than in major metros. You won't find many six-figure security jobs in Lawton.
• Long-Term Growth is Slow: The 3% job growth means you have to be proactive about advancing your skills to earn more.
• Remote Location: Lawton is a 2-hour drive from Oklahoma City. If you crave big-city amenities (major sports, concerts, diverse cuisine), you'll be making regular trips.

Pros	Cons
Very affordable housing ($717/month avg)	Salary below national average ($34,795 vs $36,140)
Consistent demand from Fort Sill & hospitals	Limited career growth (3% 10-yr forecast)
Easy, short commutes	Limited big-city entertainment options
Low stress, manageable pace	Fewer networking opportunities for security pros

Final Recommendation:
Lawton, OK is an excellent choice for a security guard who prioritizes financial stability and a low-stress lifestyle. If you are early in your career and want to get licensed and start earning without being crushed by rent, Lawton is a smart move. It's also ideal for those who are tired of big-city chaos and prefer a close-knit community.

However, if your primary goal is to maximize your income potential within the security field and you're willing to live in a higher-cost-of-living area for it, you might consider Oklahoma City or Tulsa. For most, Lawton offers the best balance of opportunity and affordability.

FAQs

1. Do I need a car to work as a security guard in Lawton?
Yes, a reliable car is essential. Most security jobs, especially at Fort Sill, the hospital, and large retail stores, are not on public transit routes. Having your own vehicle is a non-negotiable requirement for getting to shifts on time.

2. Are there many jobs that pay above the $34,795 median?
Yes, but you need to specialize. Armed security guards and those in supervisory roles can earn $38,000 - $45,000 or more. The key is to get your armed license and gain experience. The median is pulled down by many entry-level, unarmed positions.

3. Is it worth getting an armed guard license in Lawton?
Absolutely, if you want to increase your pay. The demand for armed guards at banks, certain construction sites, and some government contracts is steady. The upfront cost (~$300-$450) is quickly offset by the higher hourly wage. It's the single best investment you can make in your security career here.

4. What is the competition like for jobs at Fort Sill?
Moderate to high. Because it's a stable, well-paying (for Lawton) employer, many locals and veterans apply. Having a clean background, a CLEET license, and a professional attitude in the interview is crucial. Prior military experience is a significant plus but not always required.

5. How does the weather impact security work in Lawton?
It can be a factor, especially for outdoor posts. Summers are hot (often 100°F+), so for outdoor security (gates, construction sites), hydration and cooling vests are important. Winters are mild but can have occasional ice storms, which can affect commutes. Most security jobs are indoor, but outdoor posts are common at Fort Sill and construction sites.