Longview, TX: A Career Guide for Security Guards

As someone who’s spent years analyzing the job market in East Texas, I can tell you Longview is a straightforward place to build a career in security. It’s not a booming metropolis, but it’s stable, with a cost of living that’s easier on the wallet than Dallas or Houston. The city is a hub for healthcare, manufacturing, and local event security, all of which drive steady demand for guards. If you're considering a move here, this guide breaks down the numbers, the neighborhoods, and the real-world path to making it work.

The Salary Picture: Where Longview Stands

Let’s get straight to the numbers, because that’s what matters. For security guards in Longview, the median annual salary is $34,882, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $16.77. This is slightly below the national average for the occupation, which sits at $36,140/year.

The job market here is small but consistent. There are approximately 168 security guard positions in the metro area, and the 10-year job growth is projected at a modest 3%. This isn’t explosive growth, but it indicates stability. The demand is driven more by turnover and local business needs than by rapid expansion.

Experience-Level Salary Breakdown

Experience plays a significant role in your earning potential. The following table outlines typical salary progression in the Longview area, based on regional data and local job postings.

Experience Level	Typical Years	Hourly Rate Range	Annual Salary (Est.)
Entry-Level	0-2 years	$14.50 - $17.00	$30,160 - $35,360
Mid-Career	2-5 years	$17.00 - $20.00	$35,360 - $41,600
Senior/Lead	5-10 years	$20.00 - $24.00	$41,600 - $49,920
Expert/Specialist	10+ years	$24.00+	$49,920+

Entry-level pay often starts near the state minimum wage plus a small premium, while senior roles, especially those with certifications or in specialized sectors like healthcare or industrial, command higher rates.

Comparison to Other Texas Cities

Longview’s median salary is below the Texas metros with larger economies. Here’s how it stacks up against a few key cities:

City	Median Salary (Security Guards)	Cost of Living Index (US Avg = 100)
Longview	$34,882	88.4
Dallas	$39,240	102.5
Houston	$38,150	96.5
San Antonio	$36,650	89.2
Austin	$39,680	112.3

While Dallas and Austin offer higher nominal salaries, their cost of living—especially housing—is significantly higher. Longview’s lower living costs mean your $34,882 can stretch much further here than in those major metros.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Earning a median salary in Longview is feasible for a single person or a couple, but it requires careful budgeting. Let’s break down a monthly budget for a single person earning $34,882 annually (assuming a gross monthly income of about $2,907).

Monthly Budget Breakdown (Pre-Tax & Post-Tax):

• Gross Monthly Income: $2,907
• Estimated Taxes (Federal, State, FICA ~25%): -$727
• Net Monthly Income: $2,180

Expenses:

• Average 1BR Rent: -$930
• Utilities (Electric, Water, Internet): -$150
• Groceries: -$300
• Car Payment/Insurance/Gas: -$400 (Longview is car-dependent)
• Health Insurance (if not employer-paid): -$200
• Miscellaneous (Phone, Clothing, Leisure): -$150
• Total Estimated Expenses: -$2,130

Remaining Monthly Balance: $50

This budget is tight but manageable. The key is to secure housing at or below the average rent. Sharing a 2-bedroom apartment can significantly reduce housing costs. For a dual-income household, the financial picture becomes much more comfortable.

Can They Afford to Buy a Home?

The median home price in Longview is approximately $210,000. With a $34,882 salary, that’s a price-to-income ratio of about 6.0, which is generally considered the upper limit of affordability. A standard $200,000 mortgage with 10% down ($20,000) would result in a monthly payment (including taxes and insurance) of roughly $1,400-$1,500. This is significantly higher than the average rent and would require a much stricter budget or a second income. Homeownership is possible with significant savings and a partner’s income, but for a single guard on the median salary, renting is the more practical and financially stable option in the short term.

Where the Jobs Are: Longview's Major Employers

Longview’s economy is diverse, and security jobs are spread across several key sectors. Knowing where to look is half the battle.

1. Christus Good Shepherd Hospital: The largest healthcare employer in the region. They hire in-house security for patient and staff safety, especially for night and weekend shifts. Hiring trends are steady due to the constant 24/7 nature of healthcare. Insider Tip: Experience in dealing with the public under stress is a huge plus here.

2. Gregg County & City of Longview: Local government jobs, including positions at the courthouse, city hall, and local facilities. These are often stable, union-adjacent roles with good benefits. Check the official city and county websites for postings.

3. Longview ISD & Pine Tree ISD: School districts employ security officers for campuses and events. The schedule aligns well with having summers off, but the pay is typically at the lower end of the scale. Demand is steady, with some turnover.

4. Major Retail Centers: The Longview Mall and shopping plazas along East Loop 281 and Gilmer Road contract with firms like Securitas or Allied Universal for loss prevention and foot patrols. These are often $14-$16/hour starter jobs.

5. Industrial & Manufacturing: Companies like Eastman Chemical (though their primary presence is in Longview, TN, they have a significant local footprint) and various local weld shops, logistics warehouses, and oilfield service companies. These roles may require additional safety certifications and offer higher pay ($18-$22/hour) due to the specialized environment.

6. Event Venues: The Maude Cobb Convention Center and Longview World of Wonders hire for event-specific security. This is often gig-based or part-time work, perfect for supplementing a full-time income.

Hiring Trends: The most consistent openings are for overnight and weekend shifts. The industrial sector is the most likely to offer the highest wages, while retail and schools provide more traditional daytime hours.

Getting Licensed in TX

Texas has clear requirements for security guards, and the process is straightforward.

1. Basic Requirements: You must be at least 18 years old, pass a criminal background check, and be legally allowed to work in the U.S.
2. Training: You are required to complete a 10-hour, state-approved security guard training course. This covers legal powers and limitations, use of force, and emergency procedures. The course typically costs between $99 and $150.
3. Application: You must apply for your license through the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), Private Security Bureau. The application fee is $45.
4. Timeline: From enrolling in a course to receiving your official license in the mail, the process can take 4 to 8 weeks. You can work under a supervisor’s license while your application is pending.

Insider Tip: Even before you’re fully licensed, some employers (like large contract firms) will hire you as an “unarmed trainee” and guide you through the process. It’s worth asking about this in interviews.

Best Neighborhoods for Security Guards

Where you live affects your commute, budget, and lifestyle. Longview is spread out, so proximity to major employment centers matters.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Avg. 1BR Rent	Best For
North Longview (Greggton)	Older, affordable, central access to I-20 and downtown jobs. 10-15 min to most employers.	$800 - $950	Budget-conscious singles; easy commute to hospital and government jobs.
South Longview	Quieter, more suburban feel. Closer to the Mall and retail hubs. Commute to industrial areas is longer.	$900 - $1,100	Those working retail or events; prefer a quieter home base.
East Longview	Growing area with newer rentals. Commute to the airport/industrial sector is shorter.	$950 - $1,150	Industrial/security specialists; those who want newer amenities.
Downtown	Walkable, historic, with some loft-style apartments. Limited housing stock, higher prices.	$1,000 - $1,300	Those who value a short walk to restaurants and events; premium for convenience.
Gilmer Road Corridor	Main commercial strip with many chain stores and restaurants. Convenient but can be noisy.	$850 - $1,000	Retail security guards; those who want to be close to shopping and dining.

Personal Insight: For most starting out, North Longview (Greggton) offers the best balance of affordability and central location. You can get to most employers in 15 minutes, and the rent is manageable on a single income.

The Long Game: Career Growth

A security guard role in Longview can be a stepping stone. The 10-year outlook for 3% growth means you’ll need to be proactive to advance.

• Specialty Premiums: The biggest pay jumps come with specialization.

  • Armed Guard: Requires an additional 15-hour course and a license. Pay can increase by $3-$5/hour. This is common in industrial and event security.
  • Corporate/Executive Protection: Rare in Longview, but a few high-level executives at local manufacturing or energy firms may require it. This is a long-term goal.
  • Supervisor/Manager: Moving into a lead or supervisor role with a contract company (like Allied, Securitas, or GardaWorld) typically comes with a pay bump to the $40,000+ range and is the most common path to management.

• Advancement Paths:

  1. Contract to In-House: Start with a contract firm (e.g., at the mall or a school) to gain experience, then move to an in-house role at Christus Good Shepherd or Gregg County for better benefits and stability.
  2. Security to Law Enforcement: Many local police departments, like Longview PD or Gregg County Sheriff’s Office, are actively recruiting. Your security experience is a valuable asset. They often have tuition reimbursement for further education.
  3. Fire & Life Safety: Some guards transition into fire safety inspection or emergency management roles with the city or county, which often require additional certifications but offer a different career track.

10-Year Outlook: The core demand will remain in healthcare, local government, and industrial security. Automation (cameras, access control) may reduce some entry-level posts, but the need for human presence, response, and customer interaction will persist. Specializing in a sector like healthcare or obtaining your armed license will be key to staying ahead of the 3% growth curve.

The Verdict: Is Longview Right for You?

Longview offers a stable, low-cost entry into the security field, but it’s not a place for rapid, high-earning career growth in this specific trade.

Pros	Cons
Low Cost of Living: Your $34,882 salary goes much further than in major Texas cities.	Modest Salary Ceiling: Top-end pay is limited without specialization or moving into management.
Stable, Diverse Employers: Jobs in healthcare, government, and industry provide stability.	Slower Job Market: 3% growth means fewer new openings; competition can be higher for the best jobs.
Short Commutes: Traffic is minimal; you can live affordably and still have a short drive to work.	Car-Dependent: Public transit is limited; a reliable vehicle is a necessity.
Gateway to Law Enforcement: Many local agencies actively recruit security guards with clean records.	Limited High-End Security: Minimal demand for executive protection or high-profile corporate security.

Final Recommendation: Longview is an excellent choice for a security guard who values stability, low living costs, and a manageable pace of life. It’s ideal for someone starting their career, looking for a role with a predictable schedule, or as a stepping stone toward law enforcement. If your primary goal is to earn a six-figure salary in security, you’ll need to target a larger metro or a major coastal city. But for a balanced life with a solid foundation, Longview is a practical and viable option.

FAQs

1. Do I need my own car to work as a security guard in Longview?
Yes, absolutely. Longview is a sprawling city with no comprehensive public transportation system. Most jobs require you to commute to specific sites (hospitals, schools, industrial parks), and shifts can start and end at unconventional hours. A reliable vehicle is non-negotiable.

2. What’s the best way to find a security job in Longview quickly?
Start with the large contract security companies that service the area: Allied Universal, Securitas, and GardaWorld. Check their websites for local postings. Also, monitor the job boards of the major local employers: Christus Good Shepherd Hospital, Gregg County, and Longview ISD. Walking into local businesses (like the mall or large retail stores) to ask for the security manager can also yield results.

3. Is Longview a good place for security guards with families?
The cost of living is a major advantage. A single income of $34,882 is tight for a family, but if you have a dual-income household or a partner in a different field, the affordability allows for a comfortable family life. The city has decent public schools, and the community is family-oriented. Childcare costs would be the biggest additional expense to factor in.

4. How do I get my armed guard license in Texas?
First, you must already hold a valid unarmed security guard license. Then, you must complete an additional 15-hour, state-approved armed security course. You must also pass a second background check and submit an application for the armed endorsement to the DPS. The entire process, including training, typically takes 6-10 weeks and can cost $300-$500 in total fees and training.

5. Are there opportunities for overtime?
Yes, especially in healthcare and 24/7 industrial facilities. Overtime is often available during holidays, special events, or when covering for staff shortages. It’s a common way for guards to boost their annual income by $2,000-$5,000. Be sure to ask about overtime policies during the interview process.