Security Guard in Long Beach, CA

The Salary Picture: Where Long Beach Stands

Long Beach isn't the most lucrative market for security guards in California, but it's steady. The median salary here is $37,820/year, which breaks down to approximately $18.18/hour. This sits slightly above the national average of $36,140/year, but it's crucial to understand that cost of living is the great equalizer. The local job market supports about 898 security guard positions, and the projected 10-year job growth is a modest 3%, indicating stability over boomtown expansion.

Here’s how pay scales with experience in the Long Beach metro area:

Experience Level	Annual Salary	Hourly Rate	Typical Roles
Entry (0-2 years)	$32,000 - $36,000	$15.38 - $17.31	Mall security, event staff, basic patrol
Mid-Level (3-5 years)	$38,000 - $45,000	$18.27 - $21.63	Corporate campus, hospital security, lead guard
Senior (6-10 years)	$46,000 - $55,000	$22.12 - $26.44	Supervisory roles, specialized sites (port, tech)
Expert (10+ years)	$56,000+	$26.92+	Management, security consultant, chief of security

When you compare Long Beach to other California cities, it's an interesting middle ground. It’s more affordable than Los Angeles ($52,000 median) or San Francisco ($60,000+), but the pay reflects that. San Diego's median is closer to Long Beach's at about $39,000, but their cost of living is also high. For a security guard, the key is not just the gross pay but the net result after expenses.

Insider Tip: The port of Long Beach is a massive employer for security personnel, often paying a premium over the city's median. Landing a job with the Port Police or a major logistics firm there can push you into the $24-$28/hour range faster than standard commercial security.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's get real. The median salary of $37,820 translates to a monthly gross pay of about $3,152. After California state and federal taxes (estimate 20-25% total), your take-home pay is roughly $2,364 - $2,522 per month.

Now, the rent. The average 1-bedroom apartment in Long Beach costs $2,006/month. Using the lower end of the take-home estimate ($2,364), that leaves you with $358 per month for all other expenses: utilities ($150), car insurance ($200+ in CA), gas, food, and savings. This is an extremely tight budget.

To afford the average 1-bedroom rent comfortably (rent no more than 30% of gross income), you would need to earn about $80,000/year. As an entry-level or even mid-level security guard, homeownership is a distant goal. A median-priced home in Long Beach (around $750,000) would require a massive down payment and an income well over six figures. Renting with roommates is the most common and financially viable option for security guards in the area.

Monthly Budget Breakdown (Net Pay: $2,400)

Expense	Estimated Cost	Notes
Rent (1BR)	$2,006	The biggest hurdle
Utilities (Electric/Gas)	$100 - $150	Varies by season
Internet/Phone	$100	Basic plans
Car Insurance	$200+	High in California
Fuel	$150	Depends on commute
Groceries	$300	Essential
Health Insurance (if not offered)	$200	A major variable
Remaining	$294 - $244	For savings, emergencies, entertainment

Where the Jobs Are: Long Beach's Major Employers

Long Beach's economy is diverse, which creates multiple niches for security guards. Here are the key sectors and employers:

1. The Port of Long Beach & Port Police: One of the busiest ports in the world. Jobs involve perimeter security, access control for terminals, and maritime-specific security. Companies like SSA Marine and APM Terminals hire directly. Hiring is often cyclical but steady, with a preference for guards with TWIC credentials.

2. Healthcare Systems: Long Beach Memorial Medical Center (part of MemorialCare) and St. Mary Medical Center (Dignity Health) are major employers. Hospital security requires de-escalation training and often pays a premium ($20-$26/hour). They frequently need day and night shift coverage for ERs, patient floors, and parking structures.

3. Higher Education: California State University, Long Beach (CSULB) has its own University Police Department and also contracts for campus security. Long Beach City College has multiple campuses. These jobs offer good hours, benefits, and a structured environment. They often require a guard card and CPR certification.

4. Commercial Real Estate & Tech: Downtown Long Beach and the nearby East Village and Shoreline Village areas have a growing number of tech startups and corporate offices. Companies like Tinder (which has offices here) and various logistics tech firms hire for front desk security and access control. These roles often have a more corporate culture.

5. Entertainment & Venues: The Queen Mary (when operational), the Long Beach Convention & Entertainment Center, and the Aquarium of the Pacific are big employers for event security. This work is seasonal and project-based but can be lucrative for networking.

6. Property Management Firms: Large apartment complexes in areas like Alamitos Beach and Rose Park often hire in-house security or contract through firms like Allied Universal or Securitas. These are often overnight patrol jobs.

Insider Tip: The hiring cycle in Long Beach is tied to the academic calendar (August/January) and the event season (summer, early fall). Apply heavily in July for fall jobs.

Getting Licensed in CA

California has strict requirements for security guards, administered by the Bureau of Security and Investigative Services (BSIS).

Step-by-Step Process:

1. Apply for a Guard Card: The first step. You need to be 18, pass a criminal background check, and have no disqualifying convictions. The application fee is approximately $55.
2. Complete Mandatory Training: Before you can work, you must complete 32 hours of training. This includes:
   • 2 hours on Powers to Arrest (in-person)
   • 10 hours on Weapons of Mass Destruction & Terrorism Awareness (online or in-person)
   • 16 hours on Patrol, Observation, and Report Writing (often in-person)
   • 4 hours on Public Relations, Communication, and Legal Aspects (in-person)
3. Submit Fingerprints: You'll need to get your fingerprints rolled at a Live Scan location (approx. $70-$100).
4. Receive Your Guard Card: Once approved (can take 30-60 days), you'll get your official guard card. You must carry it while on duty.

Total Estimated Cost & Timeline:

• Cost: Training courses can range from $200 - $450 depending on the provider. Total startup cost (including fees): $350 - $650.
• Timeline: From starting the application to being ready for your first job, expect 6-8 weeks if you start training immediately. Some employers (especially large contracts like Allied Universal) will often sponsor your training and deduct the cost from your first paychecks.

Advanced Certifications: To carry a firearm, you need a separate Firearm Permit (requires additional 14 hours of training and fees). For baton or pepper spray, you need additional permits. These can add $400-$700 and another 4-6 weeks to your timeline.

Best Neighborhoods for Security Guards

Your commute and lifestyle depend heavily on where you live. Here’s a breakdown:

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Rent Estimate (1BR)	Why It's Good for Security Guards
Alamitos Beach	Walkable, beach-adjacent, lively. Close to downtown jobs and the Port.	$2,100 - $2,300	Central location reduces commute to major employers. Good for walking to work at venues or downtown offices.
Rose Park	Quiet, residential, family-oriented. West of downtown.	$1,800 - $2,000	More affordable. Reasonable commute to Port jobs or hospitals via the 710 freeway. Safer area for night-shift workers.
Bixby Knolls	Upscale, suburban feel. North of the city.	$2,000 - $2,200	Near CSULB and major hospitals. Good for guards seeking stable, day-shift campus or healthcare jobs.
East Village Arts District	Trendy, urban, artist-focused.	$2,200 - $2,500	Walkable to nightlife venues and corporate offices. Ideal for event/venue security or front desk roles.
North Long Beach	Working-class, diverse, more affordable.	$1,700 - $1,900	Lowest cost of living. Longer commute to Port/downtown but feasible with a car. Best for those prioritizing budget.

Insider Tip: If you work overnight shifts, prioritize safety and easy freeway access. Rose Park and Bixby Knolls are often preferred for their quieter streets and direct routes to job sites like the hospital or Port.

The Long Game: Career Growth

A security guard job in Long Beach is often a stepping stone, not a final destination. Here’s how to grow:

• Specialty Premiums: Adding skills increases your value. A TWIC card (for port work) can add $2-$4/hour. CPR/AED certification is almost mandatory for hospital and corporate jobs and gives you an edge. Bilingual (Spanish/English) is a huge asset in Long Beach and can command a 5-10% premium.
• Advancement Paths:
  1. Field Officer to Supervisor: After 2-3 years, you can move to a lead guard or shift supervisor role, managing a small team.
  2. Commissioned Officer: With a firearm permit, you can work for armored car services (like Brink's) or high-value sites, earning $25-$35/hour.
  3. Specialized Fields: Transition to corporate security for a tech company (higher pay, better hours), or get into loss prevention for retail chains.
  4. Law Enforcement: Many security guards use the experience as a resume builder for police academies (Long Beach PD, LA Sheriff's).
• 10-Year Outlook: With 3% job growth, competition will be steady. The key is specialization. Generalists will see wage stagnation, but those with TWIC, firearm permits, and supervisory experience can expect to reach $50,000-$65,000 within a decade. The rise in corporate security in Downtown Long Beach is the most promising growth area.

The Verdict: Is Long Beach Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Diverse job market (Port, Healthcare, Education, Events)	High cost of living, especially rent
Higher median pay than most of the U.S.	$37,820 median is tight for living alone
Vibrant, diverse culture and lifestyle	Traffic congestion, especially near the Port and 710
Good public transit (Metro Blue Line, buses) for some commutes	Job growth is slow (3%), not a high-turnover market
Pathways to specialized, higher-paying roles	California licensing is costly and time-intensive

Final Recommendation: Long Beach is a viable market for security guards who are strategic and budget-conscious. It's not a place to get rich quickly, but it offers stability and a clear path to specialization. It's best suited for those willing to start with roommates, invest in certifications (TWIC, firearm), and target the high-value employers like the Port or healthcare systems. If you're looking for an entry-level job to pay rent while you build skills, it works. If you're seeking entry-level affordability, you may need to look at inland cities in the Inland Empire or the Central Valley.

FAQs

1. Is it easy to find a security job in Long Beach without experience?
Yes, but you'll start at the lower end of the pay scale. Large national firms like Allied Universal and Securitas constantly hire for basic patrol and retail posts. Getting your guard card first will make you instantly more employable.

2. Do I need a car to work as a security guard in Long Beach?
Highly recommended, if not essential. While the Metro Blue Line connects some areas, many job sites (the Port, hospitals, industrial areas) are not transit-friendly, and shift work often starts early or ends late when transit is limited.

3. What's the biggest mistake new security guards make in Long Beach?
Underestimating the cost of living. Taking a job at $18/hour and trying to live alone in a 1-bedroom apartment is a recipe for financial stress. Budget for shared housing or a studio apartment from the start.

4. Can I make more than the median salary?
Absolutely. The median is just a starting point. Guards with a TWIC card working at the Port, or those with a firearm permit in corporate security, often earn $22-$30/hour. Specialization is the key to higher earnings in this market.

5. How does the licensing work if I'm moving from another state?
California does not recognize licenses from other states. You must go through the full BSIS guard card process outlined above. The training hours may differ, but the state requirement is absolute. Start the process before you move if possible to save time.