Security Guard in Murfreesboro, TN

As a Murfreesboro native who's watched this city grow from a quiet college town into a bustling regional hub, I can tell you that the security field here is steady, not flashy. The jobs exist, the cost of living is manageable, and the growth of Middle Tennessee is creating more opportunities every year. But let's cut the hype and look at the real numbers, the commutes, and what it takes to build a career here.

This guide is for the security guard considering a move to Murfreesboro, or for the local looking to advance. We're using hard data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the Tennessee Department of Commerce & Insurance (which handles licensing), and local market knowledge. No sugarcoating.

The Salary Picture: Where Murfreesboro Stands

The security guard market in Murfreesboro is modest but stable. The median salary for a Security Guard here is $35,858 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $17.24/hour. This sits just below the national average of $36,140, a common pattern for mid-sized Tennessee cities where the cost of living acts as an anchor on wages.

The metro area, with a population of 165,423, supports 330 security guard jobs, according to the most recent BLS data for the Murfreesboro Metro Area. The 10-year job growth projection is 3%, which is in line with national averages but indicates a field that grows as the population grows, rather than experiencing explosive tech-like expansion.

Here’s how pay scales typically break down by experience level in this market. A "Senior" guard might be a shift lead or have a specialized certification, while an "Expert" could be a training coordinator, corporate security manager, or a high-level contract supervisor.

Experience Level	Years of Experience	Typical Hourly Rate (Murfreesboro)	Annual Salary Estimate
Entry-Level	0-2 years	$15.00 - $17.50	$31,200 - $36,400
Mid-Career	2-5 years	$17.50 - $20.00	$36,400 - $41,600
Senior	5-10 years	$20.00 - $24.00	$41,600 - $49,920
Expert/Manager	10+ years	$24.00 - $30.00+	$49,920 - $62,400+

How does Murfreesboro stack up to other Tennessee cities?

• Nashville: The median is higher (closer to $37,500) due to a larger, more competitive corporate and entertainment security market. However, the cost of living is also significantly higher.
• Chattanooga: Very similar to Murfreesboro, with a median around $35,500, driven by a mix of industrial, healthcare, and tourism security.
• Knoxville: Slightly higher median (around $36,500), with strong demand tied to the University of Tennessee and Oak Ridge National Laboratory.

Murfreesboro offers a middle ground: access to the Nashville job market (a 35-45 minute commute) without the Nashville price tag, all while having its own base of solid employers.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's get practical. A $35,858 annual salary translates to approximately $2,988 per month before taxes. In Tennessee, which has a flat state income tax of 2-2.5% and no state tax on wages from Social Security, you'll take home roughly $2,400 - $2,500 per month after federal and state taxes (assuming a standard filing status).

The average 1-bedroom apartment rent in Murfreesboro is $1,442/month. Let's build a sample monthly budget for a single security guard earning the median wage:

Expense Category	Estimated Cost	Notes
Gross Monthly Pay	$2,988	$35,858 / 12
Take-Home Pay	~$2,450	After taxes (est.)
Rent (1BR Avg.)	$1,442	59% of take-home pay
Utilities (Electric, Gas, Water)	$180	MTE Energy, Rutherford County
Car Payment/Insurance	$350	Essential; public transit is limited
Groceries	$300	Local chains: Kroger, Publix, Walmart
Phone/Internet	$100	Comcast/Xfinity, AT&T fiber
Gas	$120	Commuting within city or to Nashville
Health Insurance (if not employer)	$200	Varies widely; ACA marketplace is an option
Misc./Personal	$158	For everything else
Total Expenses	~$2,850
Monthly Surplus/Deficit	~($400)	Deficit

The Verdict: This budget is tight. Spending 59% of your take-home pay on rent is not sustainable long-term. You would need a roommate (splitting a 2BR for ~$1,800 total) or to find a job paying above the median (e.g., in the $19-$20/hour range) to have breathing room.

Can you afford to buy a home? The median home price in Rutherford County is around $375,000. On a $35,858 salary, a standard 30-year mortgage would be a significant stretch. Lenders typically recommend your housing payment (PITI) not exceed 28% of your gross monthly income, which is about $835/month. A $375,000 loan at current rates would be far higher. Homeownership is feasible on this salary only with a substantial down payment, dual income, or after significant career advancement into the $45,000+ range.

Where the Jobs Are: Murfreesboro's Major Employers

Murfreesboro's security jobs are concentrated in a few key sectors. Here’s a breakdown of the major local employers, with an insider's perspective on each.

1. Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU): As the city's largest employer, MTSU has its own campus police and contracts with private firms for stadium events, parking, and building security. Hiring is cyclical with the academic calendar. Insider Tip: The largest hiring surges are in August (pre-fall semester) and late spring (for summer constructions and events). Being CPS (Campus Police Security) certified is a plus here.

2. Rutherford County Government: This includes the courthouse, juvenile justice center, and various county buildings. Contracts are often managed through larger security firms like Securitas or G4S. Jobs are stable, low-turnover, and often come with good benefits. The pace is slower than corporate settings.

3. Healthcare Systems (Ascension Saint Thomas & TriStar StoneCrest): Hospitals are 24/7 operations. Security here is demanding and requires a different skillset—de-escalation, patient transport, and emergency response. Ascension Saint Thomas Rutherford is a major hub. Insider Tip: These often pay at the higher end of the $17.24 median, closer to $18-$19/hour, and offer robust benefits. They also lead to specialties like medical facility security.

4. Murfreesboro City Schools & Rutherford County Schools: School security is a growing field. While some positions are filled by School Resource Officers (SROs, who are sworn police), there are also security monitor roles for after-hours events and facilities. Hiring is often through the school district itself.

5. Corporate & Industrial Parks (Gates Corp, Niswonger Children's Hospital): The area's industrial boom means security for manufacturing plants, data centers, and research facilities. These jobs often require a higher level of clearance and are less visible but offer better pay. Gates Corporation, a large local employer, is a prime example. Insider Tip: These positions are frequently posted on LinkedIn and direct company career pages, not on general job boards.

6. Retail & Shopping Centers (The Avenue, Stones River Mall): Contracted through national firms, these are classic entry-level posts. High turnover, but a reliable way to get your foot in the door. The Avenue (upscale outdoor shopping) often gets preference for its safer environment and daytime hours.

Hiring Trends: The trend is toward specialization. General "warm body" posts are still abundant but offer stagnant pay. Demand is increasing for guards with CPR/AED certification, de-escalation training, and experience with electronic access control systems. The 3% growth is in these specialized roles.

Getting Licensed in Tennessee

Tennessee's licensing is straightforward and managed by the Department of Commerce & Insurance, Regulatory Boards Division.

The Requirement: To work as a security guard (or "unarmed" security officer), you must be employed by a licensed security agency. The agency sponsors your training and applies for your license. You cannot get an individual license.

The Process & Costs:

1. Get Hired: Secure a job with a licensed security company (e.g., Securitas, Allied Universal, or a local firm like Blue Line Security).
2. Complete Training: Your employer will require you to complete a minimum 4-hour training course covering Tennessee law, use of force, and ethics. Some companies may require more. Cost: Usually covered by the employer, but budget $50-$150 if you're pre-certifying on your own.
3. Background Check: The agency will submit your fingerprints for a state and FBI criminal history check. Cost: ~$75.
4. Application: The agency submits the application for your Security Officer License (unarmed). Cost: $125 for the license fee, paid by the agency (often reimbursed through payroll).

Timeline: From application to license in hand, expect 4 to 8 weeks. The background check is the variable. You can start training and working under a "temporary permit" while the full license processes.

Insider Tip: If you want to work in armed security, you need a separate Handgun Carry Permit (HCP) from the state and an additional 8 hours of armed security training. This significantly increases your earning potential but also your liability and training costs.

Best Neighborhoods for Security Guards

Your commute and lifestyle will depend on where you work and live. Murfreesboro is a driving city.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Avg. 1BR Rent	Best For...
Downtown	Walkable, historic, near MTSU & Rutherford Square. Commute to most jobs is 5-10 mins.	$1,500+	Those who want to minimize driving and enjoy nightlife. High rent eats into the budget, though.
Westside	Older, affordable, family-friendly. Commute to central employers (hospital, schools) is 10-15 mins.	$1,200 - $1,400	Budget-conscious guards. Good mix of affordability and accessibility.
Southeast	Suburban, newer developments. Commute to industrial parks (Gates, etc.) and the airport is excellent.	$1,350 - $1,600	Those working in industrial security or who want a quieter, suburban life.
North Murfreesboro	Rapidly growing, more expensive. Commute to I-24 for Nashville or to central Murfreesboro is easy.	$1,500 - $1,800	Guards with a higher income or a roommate, looking for newer amenities.
Blackman	Rural, lower cost of living. Longer commute (15-25 mins) to central jobs.	$1,100 - $1,300	Maximizing housing affordability. Requires a reliable vehicle.

Insider Tip: Consider where your potential job is located. If you're aiming for an MTSU job, North Murfreesboro is a great commute. If you're targeting the hospital, look at Westside or Southeast. Avoid relying on Murfreesboro's limited public transit; a car is non-negotiable.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Staying at the median wage means living paycheck to paycheck. Advancement is how you build a sustainable career in Murfreesboro.

Specialty Premiums (Hourly Wage Add-Ons):

• Armed Security: +$3.00 - $6.00/hour (requires HCP and extra training).
• CPR/AED/First Aid Certified: +$0.50 - $1.00/hour (often mandatory for healthcare).
• Loss Prevention (Retail): +$1.00 - $2.00/hour, but can lead to higher base pay.
• Security Supervisor: Often salaried, starting around $42,000 - $48,000/year.

Advancement Paths:

1. Contract Security to In-House: Start with a company like Securitas (contract) at a corporate site. Prove reliability, get certifications, and apply for an in-house security officer job with the client company (e.g., a hospital or manufacturer). In-house jobs often have better benefits and career ladders.
2. Security to Law Enforcement: Many officers use their experience as a stepping stone to become a Murfreesboro Police Officer or Rutherford County Sheriff's Deputy. The local police department has its own training academy and is a common path.
3. Niche Specialization: Move into executive protection (serving the corporate executives in the Nashville area), cybersecurity-physical security fusion (for data centers), or security management. This almost always requires moving to Nashville or getting an online degree.

10-Year Outlook (3% Growth): The 3% growth means competition for the better jobs will increase. The guards who will thrive are those who develop soft skills (communication, report writing) and hard skills (tech integration, advanced CPR). The "warm body" jobs will be the most vulnerable to automation and wage stagnation.

The Verdict: Is Murfreesboro Right for You?

Murfreesboro is a solid, if unglamorous, market for security guards. It offers a lower cost of living than Nashville while being close enough to access its larger job market. However, it's not a place to get rich at the entry level.

Pros	Cons
Stable job market with large employers (MTSU, county, hospitals).	Median wage is tight against a growing rent market.
Strategic location for commuting to higher-paying Nashville jobs.	Car is absolutely essential; adds to cost of living.
Lower cost of living than Nashville, Knoxville, or Chattanooga.	Limited public transit increases commute stress.
Clear licensing path and straightforward advancement within the county.	3% job growth means you must actively pursue training to advance.
Good quality of life with parks, schools, and a growing downtown.	Summertime heat and humidity can be brutal for outdoor posts.

Final Recommendation: Murfreesboro is a good fit for you if: you're willing to start at the median wage but have a plan to advance within 2-3 years (via certifications, armed license, or moving to an in-house role). It's excellent if you have a family or a partner to share costs, or if you're using it as a low-cost base to build experience before targeting the Nashville market.

It's a poor fit if: you expect to live comfortably alone on the median salary, dislike driving, or are looking for rapid, explosive career growth without further education.

FAQs

Q: Can I work as a security guard in Murfreesboro with just a high school diploma?
A: Yes, absolutely. The state requirement is a high school diploma or GED. The real requirements are a clean background, reliability, and the ability to pass the company's hiring process. Most employers provide all necessary training.

Q: How do I find a job quickly?
A: Go directly to the websites of major contract firms like Allied Universal, Securitas, and G4S. They have the largest volume of postings. Also check the careers pages of MTSU, Rutherford County Government, and Ascension Saint Thomas. Local staffing agencies like Adecco also handle security placements.

Q: Is the Murfreesboro job market competitive for security guards?
A: For entry-level jobs, there's steady turnover, so it's not highly competitive. For the better-paying, specialized, or in-house jobs, competition is higher. Having a clean driving record, a valid driver's license, and any additional certification (like CPR) will put you ahead of 80% of applicants.

Q: What's the biggest mistake new security guards make in Murfreesboro?
A: Stagnation. Taking an easy, low-paying post and staying there for years. The cost of living is rising, and the only way to keep up is to upskill. If you're not actively pursuing a certification (armed, CPR, supervisor training) within 18 months, your real income is declining.

Q: Should I consider commuting to Nashville for work?
A: If you're single and can live frugally, yes. Nashville's median pay for security can be