Security Guard in Layton, UT

The Salary Picture: Where Layton Stands

As a local, I can tell you straight up: Layton isn't a high-wage city for security work, but it's also not the most expensive place to live. The median salary for Security Guards in Layton is $35,608/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $17.12/hour. To put that in perspective, the national average for Security Guards is $36,140/year, so you're looking at a slight dip compared to the rest of the country—about $532 less annually. This isn't unique to Layton; it's a reflection of the broader Utah market where wages in service and security roles often trail the national average, though the state's lower cost of living helps offset this.

Now, let's talk experience. Security is a field where tenure directly translates to better pay, but the jumps aren't massive unless you niche down. Here’s a realistic breakdown for the Layton area, based on local job postings and BLS data for the region:

Experience Level	Estimated Pay Range (Layton, UT)	What to Expect
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$14.50 - $16.50/hour	Basic patrols, access control at retail or warehouse sites. Often starts with a third-party contractor.
Mid-Level (3-5 years)	$17.00 - $20.00/hour	Supervisory roles, armed positions, or specialized sites like hospitals. The median $17.12/hour sits here.
Senior (6-10 years)	$20.00 - $24.00/hour	Site supervisor, training coordinator, or corporate security roles. Often requires certifications.
Expert (10+ years)	$24.00+/hour	Management (e.g., Security Director for a local company), government contracts (Defense), or consulting.

Insider Tip: The jump from Entry to Mid-level is the most critical. Getting your Utah Armed Guard license can push you from the low $16s to the high $17s or low $20s almost overnight, especially at employers like Davis Hospital or the Layton Hills Mall.

How Layton Compares to Other Utah Cities:

City	Median Salary (Security Guard)	Notes
Layton	$35,608/year	Lower end for the Wasatch Front, but room for growth with proximity to Hill AFB.
Salt Lake City	$37,200/year	Higher demand, higher cost of living. More corporate and event security jobs.
Provo/Orem	$34,500/year	Similar to Layton, with a lot of retail and campus security at BYU.
Ogden	$35,000/year	Very close to Layton's pay, but more industrial/government work.
St. George	$33,800/year	Tourism-driven, often seasonal. Lower pay but high quality of life.

Layton's salary is competitive within the Davis County corridor. The key is leveraging the 167 jobs in the metro area—many of which are with federal contractors linked to Hill Air Force Base.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's get real about the budget. On a median salary of $35,608/year, your take-home pay after federal taxes, Social Security, and Medicare is roughly $2,850/month (assuming single filer, standard deduction). Utah has a flat state income tax of 4.65%, which takes another chunk, so adjust that down to about $2,700/month net. This is a conservative estimate; use a Utah-specific payroll calculator for your exact situation.

Now, housing. The average 1-bedroom rent in Layton is $1,283/month. That's a significant portion of your income. Here’s what a monthly budget looks like for a Security Guard earning the median:

Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Net Income	$2,700	After all taxes.
Rent (1BR)	$1,283	Average for Layton.
Utilities (Electric, Gas, Water, Internet)	$200	Varies by season; winter heating can spike.
Car Payment & Insurance	$400	Essential in Layton; public transit is limited.
Groceries	$300	Utah's cost of living is low, but food prices are creeping up.
Gas & Maintenance	$150	Commute to Hill AFB or Ogden can add up.
Health Insurance (if not employer-provided)	$250	Common gap for contract guards.
Miscellaneous (Phone, Clothing, Personal)	$120
Total Expenses	$2,703
Remaining/Savings	-$3	You're essentially breaking even.

This budget is tight. There's little room for error, emergencies, or retirement savings. Can they afford to buy a home? At this income level, it's challenging. The median home price in Layton is around $420,000. With a 20% down payment ($84,000), you're looking at a monthly mortgage of about $1,800—well above the rent budget. Homeownership is possible with a spouse's income, VA loan (if you're a veteran), or years of aggressive saving. For a single earner at the median, renting is the realistic short-to-medium-term option.

Insider Tip: Many security guards in Layton live with roommates or in shared housing to cut rent costs below $800/month, freeing up $400+ for savings or debt payoff. Look at areas like Syracuse or West Point for slightly cheaper rents.

Where the Jobs Are: Layton's Major Employers

Layton's security job market is anchored by a mix of healthcare, retail, government, and logistics. The 10-year job growth is 3%, which is slow but stable. Most of the 167 metro jobs are with large employers or their contractors. Here are your top local employers:

1. Davis Hospital and Medical Center: The largest private employer in Layton. They hire in-house security for patient safety, visitor management, and asset protection. Pay starts around $18-20/hour for certified guards. Hiring is steady, often through their internal portal. Trend: Increased demand for armed guards in high-risk areas post-pandemic.

2. Layton Hills Mall (Macerich Company): A massive retail complex. Jobs are with the mall's security team or contracted through companies like Securitas. Expect $16-18/hour for patrol and loss prevention. Trend: Hiring spikes before holiday seasons (Q4). More focus on retail theft and crowd control.

3. Hill Air Force Base (HAFB): This is the big one. While many positions require a security clearance (U.S. citizenship, clean background), HAFB contracts out to companies like AECOM, Jacobs, and KBR for base security. These jobs pay $20-28/hour and offer excellent benefits. Trend: Constant demand due to the base's critical mission. Check USAJobs.gov and contractor websites weekly.

4. Davis School District: School resource officers and campus security. Requires a POST certification (see below). Pay is $19-22/hour with summers off. Trend: Steady growth in school security funding after national incidents.

5. Walmart Distribution Center (Layton): A key logistics hub. In-house security monitors the facility 24/7. Pay is competitive at $17-19/hour. Trend: Hiring aligns with peak shipping seasons (Q4, Q1).

6. Local Contract Firms (e.g., G4S, Allied Universal): These companies service multiple Layton sites—retail, office buildings, industrial parks. They're the primary entry point for new guards. Pay varies by site but averages $16-18/hour. Trend: High turnover, but constant openings. Good for building experience.

Insider Tip: The best jobs are often not advertised publicly. Network with guards in the area, especially at HAFB or Davis Hospital. Showing up in person to drop off a resume at Layton Hills Mall or the Davis School District office can sometimes bypass the online resume black hole.

Getting Licensed in UT

Utah's licensing is straightforward but non-negotiable. You cannot work as a security guard without a state-issued license.

Requirements & Process (via Utah Bureau of Criminal Identification - BCI):

1. Basic Guard License: For unarmed positions. Requires a background check (fingerprinting), a 2-hour online training course from a state-approved provider (cost: $50-$80), and an application fee ($75). You must be 18+, U.S. citizen or legal resident, and have no felony convictions.
2. Armed Guard License: For positions carrying a firearm. Requires the basic license PLUS an additional 4-hour firearms course from a certified instructor (cost: $150-$250), proof of firearms proficiency, and a separate application fee ($75). Total time: 1-2 weeks after training.
3. POST Certification (For Public Sector): For jobs like school resource officer or police aide. Requires a full POST academy (approx. 16 weeks, $3,000-$5,000 if self-paid, but often covered by employer). This is the gold standard and leads to law enforcement careers.

Timeline:

• Basic License: 2-3 weeks total (training + application processing).
• Armed License: Add 1-2 weeks for firearms training and certification.
• POST Certification: 4-6 months of full-time academy.

Annual Costs: Licenses must be renewed every 2 years. Basic renewal is $75; armed renewal is $75 + $25 firearms qualification fee. Continuing education is not required for basic licenses but is for POST.

Insider Tip: Take your basic training at a local provider like the Utah Security Training Academy in Ogden. They often have job placement connections. For armed licensing, use an instructor who specializes in security protocols, not just range time. The Davis County Sheriff's Office sometimes offers community POST information sessions—attend one if you're considering public sector work.

Best Neighborhoods for Security Guards

Where you live in Layton affects your commute, budget, and lifestyle. Here are 4-5 neighborhoods to consider, with rent estimates for a 1BR.

1. Central Layton (Downtown): Close to Layton Hills Mall, Davis Hospital, and the main commercial strip. The commute to most jobs is under 10 minutes. Urban feel with older, affordable apartments. Avg Rent: $1,150/month. Best for: Those who want to minimize car use and be near the action.

2. South Layton (near Hill AFB): A quieter, residential area with newer subdivisions. Ideal if you land a job on base or at the Walmart DC. Commute to HAFB is 5-15 minutes. Avg Rent: $1,300/month. Best for: Families or those seeking a suburban feel. Good access to I-15 for commutes to Ogden.

3. East Layton (near Canyons District): More upscale, with newer apartments and townhomes. Closer to the Wasatch Mountains for recreation. Commute to central Layton jobs is 10 minutes. Avg Rent: $1,350/month. Best for: Guards who value outdoor access and a bit more space, willing to pay a premium.

4. West Layton (near I-15): Older, more affordable housing stock. Great for commuting to Salt Lake City or Ogden if you find a job there. Avg Rent: $1,200/month. Best for: Budget-conscious guards with a reliable car.

5. Syracuse (Adjacent to Layton): Technically its own city but part of the metro. More affordable rents, similar amenities. 10-15 minute commute to Layton jobs. Avg Rent: $1,100/month. Best for: Those who want to stretch their dollar further and don't mind a short drive.

Insider Tip: Avoid the immediate area around 700 West and 200 North in Layton—older apartments there can be cheaper but have higher crime rates. Always check a crime map (like SpotCrime) before signing a lease. For shifts ending at 2 AM, a shorter, well-lit commute is worth the extra $50/month in rent.

The Long Game: Career Growth

With a 10-year job growth of 3%, don't expect a boom in entry-level positions. Growth comes from specialization and moving into management. Here’s the path:

• Specialty Premiums:

  • Armed Guard: Adds $2-$4/hour to your base pay immediately.
  • Executive Protection: Requires extensive training (e.g., EP courses from companies like AS Solution). Can push pay to $30+/hour. Often involves travel.
  • Cybersecurity/Physical Security Integration: A growing niche. Combines traditional guard work with access control systems. Requires IT certifications (e.g., CompTIA Security+). Pay can reach $25-$35/hour.
  • K9 Handler: For specialized patrol or detection. Requires certification and a dog. Premium pay of $22-$26/hour.

• Advancement Paths:

  1. Guard → Supervisor (2-3 years): Manage a team, handle schedules. Pay jumps to $20-$24/hour.
  2. Supervisor → Site Manager (5-7 years): Oversee multiple sites or a large facility. $45,000-$55,000/year salary.
  3. Manager → Security Director (10+ years): For a company or government contractor. $65,000-$90,000/year. Requires business acumen and often a degree.
  4. Pivot to Law Enforcement: Many guards use the experience to apply for police officer roles in Layton, Davis County, or Ogden. The starting pay for a Layton PD officer is $52,000/year, with better benefits and a pension.

10-Year Outlook: The 3% growth means the industry isn't shrinking, but it's not exploding either. Automation (drones, AI cameras) will handle routine patrols, so the guards who thrive will be those who add value through human interaction, crisis response, and tech literacy. The best opportunities will remain tied to HAFB and healthcare.

The Verdict: Is Layton Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Low Cost of Living: 95.1 index vs. 100 national average. Your dollar goes further.	Low Wages: $35,608 median is below national average. Budgeting is tight.
Stable Job Market: 167 jobs in the metro, anchored by HAFB and healthcare.	Slow Growth: 3% 10-year growth means limited advancement without specialization.
Excellent Commuting: Central location between Ogden and Salt Lake. Short drives to most jobs.	Car-Dependent: Limited public transit; car ownership is a must.
Safe & Family-Friendly: Low crime in most neighborhoods; good schools.	Limited Nightlife/Urban Culture: It's a suburb; quiet in the evenings.
Path to Higher Pay: Easy access to armed licensing and federal contractor roles.	Competitive Entry-Level: Many new guards start here, so you need to stand out.

Final Recommendation:
Layton is a solid, practical choice for early-career Security Guards or those seeking a stable, affordable base. It's especially good if you're a veteran (HAFB connections) or looking to get into armed/government work. If you're already an experienced guard wanting a major salary bump or a vibrant urban scene, look to Salt Lake City. For a single person on the median salary, it's a "grind it out" city—live cheaply, get licensed and specialized, and leverage the local network to climb. If you have a family and a dual income, Layton offers great value and quality of life. Start here to build experience, but plan your next move to Ogden or the Wasatch Front for higher pay in 5-7 years.

FAQs

Q: Do I need a car to work as a security guard in Layton?
A: Yes, absolutely. Most job sites (HAFB, Walmart DC, mall) have poor public transit access. Shifts often start early or end late, making a car essential for reliability.

Q: How competitive is the job market for new guards?
A: Moderately competitive. For entry-level roles at malls or contract firms, there are often openings due to turnover. The best jobs (HAFB, hospital) are more competitive and may require experience or an armed license. Applying to 10-15 positions can yield 1-2 interviews.

Q: Is armed security worth the extra training and cost?
A: In Layton, yes. The pay premium ($2-4/hour more) quickly recoups the training cost. It also opens doors to higher-paying HAFB contracts and executive protection. If you're comfortable around firearms and want to maximize earnings, get armed.

Q: What's the best way to get my first security job here?
A: Start with a basic license, then apply to contract firms like Allied Universal or Securitas for any