Security Guard Career Guide: Longmont, CO

If you're looking at Longmont as a place to build a career as a Security Guard, you're looking at a solid, stable market with some unique local quirks. I've lived in Colorado for years and spent plenty of time in the Front Range, from Boulder to Greeley. Longmont isn't the flashiest city, but it's a workhorse. It's got a mix of old-school manufacturing, a growing tech scene, and some of the best farmland in the state. For security work, that translates to a steady demand for guards at factories, hospitals, retail centers, and a handful of unique specialty facilities. This guide is built on hard data and on-the-ground feel. Let's break down what your life as a Security Guard in Longmont would actually look like.

The Salary Picture: Where Longmont Stands

First, let's be direct about the money. The median salary for Security Guards in the Longmont area is $36,129 per year, which breaks down to about $17.37 per hour. This is slightly below the national average of $36,140, but the difference is negligible. The key here is context: Colorado's cost of living is high, and while Longmont is more affordable than Boulder or Denver, it's not cheap.

The job market is modest but present. There are approximately 198 Security Guard jobs in the metro area. The 10-year job growth is 3%, which is slower than the national average. This isn't a field that's exploding with new positions, but it's not shrinking either. It's a stable, consistent market. The real opportunity here is in specialization and longevity, not rapid expansion.

Here’s how pay typically progresses with experience in this region:

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level	$30,000 - $34,000	Static posts, access control, basic patrols, reporting incidents. Often works overnight or weekends.
Mid-Level	$36,000 - $42,000	Armed positions (with proper certification), mobile patrols, supervising smaller sites, handling more complex incidents.
Senior	$42,000 - $52,000	Shift supervisor, site manager, training new guards, liaising with client management. Often requires additional certifications (e.g., CPR, first aid).
Expert/Specialist	$52,000+	Critical infrastructure protection (e.g., utilities, data centers), executive protection, corporate security management. Usually requires armed certification and extensive experience.

Regional Comparison:

• Denver Metro: Salaries are 5-10% higher, closer to a median of $38,000-$40,000, but the cost of living is significantly higher, especially for housing.
• Boulder: Similar or slightly higher pay than Longmont, but the cost of living is dramatically higher (median rent for a 1BR is over $1,900). Commuting from Longmont to Boulder is a common strategy.
• Greeley: Salaries are slightly lower, often in the $34,000-$36,000 range, but so is the cost of living. It's a more agricultural and industrial market.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's get real about your monthly budget. We'll use the median salary of $36,129 and the average 1BR rent in Longmont of $1,548/month.

Monthly Budget Breakdown (Estimated):

• Gross Monthly Income: $3,011
• Taxes (Federal, State, FICA - ~25%): -$753
• Net Take-Home Pay: $2,258
• Rent (1BR): -$1,548
• Remaining for Utilities, Food, Transport, Insurance: $710

This is the reality check. $710 per month for all other living expenses is tight but doable if you're budget-conscious. It requires smart choices: roommates, a cheaper apartment, a reliable older car, and cooking most meals. This budget leaves very little room for debt, entertainment, or significant savings.

Can you afford to buy a home?
On a single Security Guard income, buying a home in Longmont is extremely challenging. The median home price in Longmont is around $525,000. A 20% down payment is $105,000. Even with an FHA loan (3.5% down, ~$18,375), the monthly mortgage payment (including taxes, insurance, and PMI) would likely exceed $3,200/month, which is far beyond the $2,258 net take-home. Homeownership on a median security guard salary in Longmont is not feasible without a dual-income household or a significant down payment from savings or family help. Renting is the standard path.

The Where the Jobs Are: Longmont's Major Employers

Longmont's job market for security is diverse. You're not just looking at strip malls. The city has a robust industrial base and key institutional employers.

1. Monfort North Colorado Health Alliance & Medical Center of the Rockies (Loveland, but major employer for Longmont residents): The healthcare sector is a huge source of security jobs. Guarding entrances, patrolling parking lots, ensuring ER safety, and protecting patient data are common duties. Hiring is consistent due to 24/7 operations.
2. Niwot Ridge & Other Industrial Parks: Longmont has sprawling industrial areas along Highway 119 and the Diagonal Highway. Companies like Seagate Technology (data storage), Amphenol (aerospace connectors), and various food production plants (e.g., Larson Dairy, Leprino Foods in neighboring areas) require 24/7 security for asset protection, access control, and shift changeovers.
3. St. Vrain Valley School District: School security is a growing field. Positions involve monitoring school grounds, managing access control systems, and ensuring a safe environment for students and staff. These are often daytime weekday positions, which is appealing for many.
4. Downtown Longmont Business District & Retail Centers: Malls like The Village at the Riverfront and commercial corridors (Main St., Ken Pratt Blvd.) need retail loss prevention officers and overnight security for storefronts. This is a classic starting point for many guards.
5. Longmont Water & Power Utilities: Critical infrastructure protection is a higher-paying specialty. These are often armed, clearance-required positions for guarding substations, water treatment facilities, and control centers. They are less common but offer excellent pay and benefits.
6. Private Security Firms (Local & National): Companies like Securitas, Allied Universal, and local firms contract with many of the above employers. These are often the entry point for new guards, offering a path to various assignments. Insider Tip: Working for a larger firm can be a good way to get your foot in the door and gain experience at different sites before finding a permanent, direct-hire position.

Hiring Trends: The demand is steady, not volatile. The 3% growth indicates new openings primarily come from turnover, not explosive expansion. Specialized roles (armed, critical infrastructure) have less turnover and fewer openings but are more competitive. The best time to look is often during the fall, as companies staff up for the holiday season and winter security needs.

Getting Licensed in CO

Colorado has specific, straightforward requirements for security guards. The process is managed by the Colorado Private Patrol Operator Licensing Board (PPO), under the Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA).

Key Requirements:

1. Be at least 21 years old.
2. Pass a criminal background check. This is non-negotiable. Felonies, especially violent ones or theft, will typically disqualify you.
3. Complete required training. For an unarmed guard, you need at least 16 hours of training from a certified school. This covers law, use of force, emergency procedures, and report writing. For an armed guard, you need an additional 16 hours of firearms training (total 32 hours).
4. Apply for your license. You can apply online through the DORA website. You'll need your training certificates, background check results, and passport-style photos.

Costs & Timeline:

• Unarmed Training: $150 - $300
• Armed Training: $300 - $500 (includes firearms qualification)
• License Application Fee: $65 (unarmed) / $75 (armed)
• Background Check: ~$50
• Timeline: From starting training to holding your license, expect 3-6 weeks if you complete training promptly and submit a clean application. Some employers will hire you as a trainee while you complete the licensing process.

Insider Tip: Many local community colleges (Front Range Community College in Westminster has a campus nearby) or private security training schools offer the required courses. Some employers will reimburse your training costs if you commit to working for them for a set period (e.g., one year). Always ask about this during interviews.

Best Neighborhoods for Security Guards

Your neighborhood choice impacts your commute, budget, and lifestyle. Here’s a breakdown for a Security Guard earning the median salary.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	1BR Rent Estimate (Monthly)	Best For...
Old Town	Historic, walkable, close to downtown jobs. Older buildings, some charm. Commute to industrial parks is 10-15 mins.	$1,400 - $1,650	Guards who want to be near restaurants, parks, and the social scene without a long commute.
South Longmont (near Twin Peaks Mall area)	More suburban, newer apartments, easier highway access (US-287). Commute to most jobs is under 15 mins.	$1,350 - $1,550	Practical, budget-conscious guards who prioritize easy car access and newer amenities.
North Longmont (near Centennial Park)	Quieter, residential, family-oriented. A bit farther from the core industrial parks (20 min commute).	$1,300 - $1,500	Guards who want a quieter home life and don't mind a slightly longer drive to work.
East Longmont (near the Diagonal Hwy)	Close to major industrial employers and the airport. More commercial, less residential charm.	$1,250 - $1,450	Guards working night shifts at industrial plants who want the shortest possible commute.
West Longmont (near Hover Rd.)	Mix of older homes and new developments. Good access to Highway 119 and the Niwot area.	$1,350 - $1,600	A balanced option for those working on the west side of town or in the tech/industrial parks.

Insider Tip: Traffic in Longmont is generally manageable, but the I-25 corridor (a 15-minute drive west) and US-287 can get congested during rush hour. If you work a 7 AM or 4 PM shift, factor in an extra 5-10 minutes for your commute. Living within a 10-minute drive of your post is a major quality-of-life win.

The Long Game: Career Growth

A Security Guard job can be a career, not just a job, if you're strategic. Here’s how to level up in Longmont.

Specialty Premiums:

• Armed Certification: This is the single biggest pay bump, often adding $3-$5/hour to your base rate. It opens doors to corporate, financial, and critical infrastructure sites.
• CPR/First Aid/EMT: Having these certifications makes you invaluable, especially for hospital or school postings. It can lead to lead guard or supervisor roles.
• Electronic Security Systems: Learning access control, CCTV, and alarm systems (e.g., Lenel, Genetec) is a huge plus. Many sites are moving to integrated systems.
• Critical Infrastructure Clearance: For jobs with utilities or government contractors, you may need additional background checks. These are high-paying, stable positions.

Advancement Paths:

1. Field Officer -> Lead Guard -> Shift Supervisor -> Site Manager. This is the traditional path within a security company or large facility.
2. Specialist: Focus on one niche—healthcare, schools, data centers. Become the go-to expert.
3. Corporate Security: Move from a contractor to an in-house role for a company like Seagate or a local bank. Benefits and pay are typically better.
4. Training or Sales: If you have a knack for teaching, you can become a certified trainer for a security school. Some move into security sales for a vendor.

10-Year Outlook (3% Growth): Don't expect a boom. The industry is stable. However, the shift toward integrated security (tech + guard presence) means guards with tech skills will have an edge. The aging workforce may create openings in supervision and management. Long-term, specializing is key to wage growth above the median.

The Verdict: Is Longmont Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Stable, diverse job market with hospitals, schools, and industrial posts.	Salary growth is slow (3% job growth). You must specialize to earn significantly more.
More affordable than Boulder/Denver, making a median salary more manageable.	Homeownership is out of reach on a single median income. Renting is the norm.
Good quality of life with access to outdoor recreation (St. Vrain Creek, Rocky Mountain Nat'l Park nearby).	Limited nightlife and cultural amenities compared to a major city. It's a quiet, family-oriented town.
Short, manageable commutes within the city.	Can feel isolated if you crave a major urban scene. Denver is a 45-minute drive.
Strong sense of community and a "working city" ethos that appreciates steady workers.	Winters can be long and gray (dry, cold, some smog inversions). It's not the Colorado of postcards year-round.

Final Recommendation:
Longmont is an excellent choice for a Security Guard who values stability, affordability, and a reasonable work-life balance. It's not the place to get rich quickly, but it's a solid place to build a reliable career. It's best suited for someone who is okay with renting, enjoys a quieter environment, and is willing to actively pursue certifications (armed, CPR, tech systems) to move up the pay scale. If you're looking for rapid career advancement or a bustling, high-energy city, you might find Longmont too slow. But if you want a steady job, a community, and easy access to the Colorado mountains without the Denver price tag, it's a very sensible bet.

FAQs

Q: Are there many armed security jobs in Longmont?
A: Not a majority, but a meaningful number. The highest concentration is at critical infrastructure sites, some corporate offices, and financial institutions. You'll need to get your armed license first, which requires a greater investment of time and money, but it's the primary path to higher wages.

Q: Is the cost of living in Longmont really that close to the national average?
A: The Cost of Living Index is 99.9 (US avg = 100), which is misleading. It's an average. Housing is the driver. While other costs (groceries, utilities) might be near the national average, housing is above average, and rent is a huge slice of your budget. You feel the strain on a $36,129 salary.

Q: What's the best way to find a Security Guard job in Longmont?
A: Start with the big national firms (Allied, Securitas) as they have the most postings. Then check local job boards like the Longmont Times-Call and Indeed. Directly apply to the HR departments of major employers like the hospital or school district. Insider Tip: Walk into the security office at a place like the Medical Center of the Rockies and ask if they're hiring. It shows initiative.

Q: How important is a clean driving record?
A: Absolutely critical. Most security jobs in Longmont require driving a patrol car or your own vehicle for mobile posts. A DUI or multiple moving violations will be a major red flag. If you have a spotty record, focus on static, foot-patrol positions.

Q: Can I live comfortably in Longmont on $17.37/hour?
A: "Comfortably" depends on your lifestyle. You won't be dining out often or saving aggressively, but you can cover your bills. With a roommate, your housing cost drops dramatically, freeing up hundreds of dollars. It's a survivable wage, not a comfortable one, unless you have a roommate or a second income. Budgeting is non-negotiable.