Security Guard in Overland Park, KS

Here is a comprehensive career guide for Security Guards considering a move to Overland Park, KS.

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The Salary Picture: Where Overland Park Stands

As a local, I can tell you that Overland Park isn't a boomtown for high-security careers, but it’s a stable, practical market for security guards. The city’s economy is built on corporate offices, retail hubs, and healthcare, not high-risk industries like ports or major financial districts. That means steady demand, but also modest pay.

The median salary for a Security Guard in Overland Park is $35,413/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $17.03. This is slightly below the national average of $36,140/year, but the lower cost of living here helps balance that out. For context, the Overland Park metro area has 394 security guard jobs, with a 10-year job growth of 3%. This isn’t explosive growth, but it’s consistent. The market is stable, not volatile.

Here’s how salary typically breaks down by experience level. Note: These are estimates based on local market trends, as specific local data for each tier isn't always publicly available. The progression is logical and reflects what you'll see in job postings from Olathe to Shawnee.

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary	Estimated Hourly Rate	Typical Roles
Entry-Level (0-1 years)	$30,000 - $32,000	$14.42 - $15.38	Mall patrol, basic site coverage, event staff
Mid-Level (2-5 years)	$35,413 (Median)	$17.03	Armed guard (if licensed), corporate campus, hospital security
Senior (5-10 years)	$40,000 - $45,000	$19.23 - $21.63	Supervisor, lead guard for major sites, training roles
Expert (10+ years)	$48,000+	$23.08+	Security Manager, Director of Security for a hospital or large corporate campus

Compared to other Kansas cities: Overland Park’s median is comparable to Wichita ($35,413) but trails Kansas City, MO proper, where salaries can be $2-4 higher per hour due to denser competition and larger corporate HQs. However, the commute from OP to downtown KC can be a grind, so many locals prefer staying local.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get real about the numbers. On a $35,413 annual salary, your take-home pay after taxes (using Kansas state tax and federal estimates) will be roughly $28,000 - $29,500 per year, or about $2,330 - $2,450 per month.

The average 1BR rent in Overland Park is $839/month. Let’s build a monthly budget for an entry-level or mid-level guard.

Category	Estimated Cost	Notes
Rent (1BR)	$839	This is the city average. Some areas are cheaper, some more.
Utilities (Elec/Gas/Water)	$150	Can be lower in winter with gas heat; higher in summer with A/C.
Renters Insurance	$15	Highly recommended, especially for security guards with equipment.
Car Payment & Insurance	$350	A must in OP. Public transit (KC Ride) is limited.
Gas	$120	Commuting to a corporate campus or hospital adds up.
Groceries	$300	Budget for a single person.
Phone/Internet	$100	Basic plans.
Health Insurance	$200	If not provided by employer.
Total Essentials	$2,079
Leftover (Discretionary)	$251 - $471	This covers savings, entertainment, emergencies.

Can they afford to buy a home? With a $35,413 salary, buying a home in Overland Park is a major stretch. The median home price here is around $350,000. Lenders use a debt-to-income ratio, and a security guard's income would qualify for a much smaller loan, likely under $200,000. That doesn't buy much in Overland Park. It's more realistic to build 2-3 years of experience, move into a senior or supervisory role ($40k+), and then consider buying in more affordable suburbs like Gardner, Olathe, or Lenexa.

Insider Tip: Rent prices in Overland Park have stabilized recently. If you need to cut costs, look for older garden-style apartments in College Boulevard Corridor or near Antioch Road. New luxury complexes in City Center or near 95th & Metcalf will eat up too much of your budget.

Where the Jobs Are: Overland Park's Major Employers

The job market here is dominated by corporate security, retail, and healthcare. You won't find the high-stakes work of a Las Vegas casino or a major international airport, but you'll find reliable, 24/7 shifts.

1. Corporate Campuses (The Big Ones):

   • Sprint (now T-Mobile) World Headquarters: A massive campus in the College Boulevard Corridor. They have a large, in-house security team and use contractors for perimeter and access control. Hiring is steady, especially for overnight shifts.
   • Garmin International: Located in Olathe, just south of OP. A huge, secure facility with a focus on tech. They value background checks and stability. Insider Tip: They often hire directly, not through temp agencies.
   • Black & Veatch: A global engineering firm in Overland Park (not far from the T-Mobile campus). Corporate security roles here are more professional, often requiring business attire and customer service skills.

2. Healthcare (High Demand, Steady Shifts):

   • Overland Park Regional Medical Center: Part of the HCA network. They need security for ER entrances, parking lots, and patient/asset protection. Hospitals are 24/7, so shift work is guaranteed. They often provide excellent benefits.
   • University of Kansas Health System (KU Med): While the main hospital is in Kansas City, KS, their Overland Park outpatient clinics and medical offices have security needs. This is a good path for less chaotic environments than a full ER.

3. Retail & Shopping Hubs:

   • Oak Park Mall: One of the largest malls in the region. They have an in-house security team for mall patrol, loss prevention, and event management. It’s a great entry point with consistent hours.
   • Corporate Woods Business Park: A sprawling complex of office buildings. Many companies here hire contract security guards (often through firms like Allied Universal or Securitas). This is a prime location for varied shifts and networking.

Hiring Trends: The market is stable. Most hiring happens through staffing agencies (like Allied Universal, Securitas, GardaWorld) that contract with the major employers. Direct hires are less common but offer better benefits. There's a slight preference for candidates with a clean driving record and the ability to work flexible hours.

Getting Licensed in KS

Kansas has clear, straightforward licensing for security guards. It’s not the most expensive process, and you can get working relatively quickly.

State Requirements (via the Kansas Attorney General’s Office):

• Registration: All security guards must be registered with the state. You must be at least 18 (or 21 for armed).
• Training: You need 4 hours of initial training covering Kansas law (use of force, trespassing, arrest powers), report writing, and ethics. This is often provided by your employer or a licensed training school.
• Background Check: A state and national FBI background check is mandatory. You cannot have any disqualifying felonies or violent misdemeanors.
• Armed License: If you want to be armed, you need an additional 8 hours of firearms training, a live-fire qualification, and a separate armed guard license from the state. This adds cost and time.

Costs & Timeline:

• Unarmed Guard: Training ($50-$150), Background Check ($45), State Application Fee ($40). Total: ~$135 - $235. Timeline: 2-4 weeks from start to license.
• Armed Guard: Add firearms training ($200-$350), range fees, and a higher application fee. Total: ~$500 - $700. Timeline: 4-8 weeks.

Insider Tip: Many employers will hire you as an "unarmed guard in training" and pay for your certification if you commit to working for them. It’s a smart way to get started without the upfront cost. Always ask about this during interviews.

Best Neighborhoods for Security Guards

Where you live affects your commute, budget, and lifestyle. Here are four areas to consider, balancing cost and convenience.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Rent (1BR)	Best For...
College Boulevard Corridor	Central, corporate, busy. Easy access to T-Mobile, Garmin, and corporate parks. Traffic is heavy during rush hour.	$900 - $1,100	Someone who wants a short commute to major employers and doesn't mind a more urban, commercial feel.
Antioch / 95th Area	Established suburbs, quieter. Good mix of apartments and older homes. Central to Oak Park Mall and many retail jobs.	$800 - $950	A good all-around choice. Safe, affordable, and has decent access to main roads without being right in the fray.
Olathe (South OP)	More residential, family-oriented. Commute to Olathe-based employers (Garmin, major hospitals) is very short.	$750 - $900	Ideal if you secure a job in Olathe. Also great if you want more space for your money and a quieter neighborhood.
Lenexa	Slightly southwest of OP. Growing, with new apartments and a strong sense of community. Commute to OP is reasonable via K-10 or I-435.	$800 - $1,000	Someone looking for a modern apartment complex with amenities (pool, gym) and doesn't mind a 10-15 minute longer commute.

Insider Tip: Avoid the immediate area around The Legends in Kansas City, KS for housing if you work in Overland Park. The commute across the state line on I-35 or I-435 during game days or holidays can be a nightmare.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Stagnation is a real risk in this field. The key is to specialize and move up.

• Specialty Premiums: An armed license can add $2-$4 per hour to your base rate. A CPR/First Aid certification is often required and can help. Specializing in healthcare security (hospital-specific training) or corporate risk management can make you more valuable.
• Advancement Paths: The typical path is: Guard → Senior Guard → Supervisor → Security Manager. The jump from guard to supervisor is the biggest hurdle. It requires leadership, report-writing skills, and often a clean driving record. Many supervisors start as guards at a large site (like a hospital or corporate campus) and are promoted from within.
• 10-Year Outlook: With the 3% job growth, competition for the best roles (supervisor, manager) will be moderate. The demand for guards in healthcare and corporate settings will remain steady. Automation (cameras, access systems) may reduce some entry-level posts but will increase the need for guards who can monitor technology and respond to alerts. Your long-term value is in management, training, or a niche specialty.

The Verdict: Is Overland Park Right for You?

Overland Park is a pragmatic choice for a security guard. It offers stability, a low cost of living (relative to the nation), and a clear path to a solid middle-class living if you advance. It’s not a place for rapid, high-stakes excitement, but it’s an excellent place to build a reliable career.

Pros	Cons
Low cost of living (Index: 93.3) makes your salary go further.	Salaries are near the national median but not above it.
Stable, predictable job market with major employers.	10-year job growth is only 3% – limited upward mobility.
Easy commute within the metro area.	Car is essential; public transit is weak.
Safe, family-friendly city with good amenities.	Can feel suburban and lacking in cultural buzz.
Clear path to advancement if you specialize.	Entry-level roles can be repetitive and low-pay.

Final Recommendation: Overland Park is a strong "B" grade location for security guards. It’s perfect for someone who values stability, a low cost of living, and a predictable schedule. If you’re ambitious and willing to get licensed (especially armed), seek out hospital or corporate roles, and pursue supervisor training, you can build a very comfortable life here. If you’re looking for high pay, extreme variety, or fast-paced urban energy, you might find Kansas City, MO more stimulating, but at a higher cost.

FAQs

1. Do I need my own car to work as a security guard in Overland Park?
Yes. Absolutely. The city is designed for cars. Job sites are spread out, and public transit routes don’t align well with shift changes, especially for overnight work. A reliable vehicle is a non-negotiable tool of the trade.

2. Is it worth getting an armed guard license in KS?
It depends on your goals. An armed license opens up higher-paying jobs ($20+/hr) at banks, armored transport, and some corporate campuses. However, it requires a higher upfront investment, carries more liability, and often involves working in more high-stress environments. For a first-time guard, start unarmed, get experience, and then decide if armed work fits you.

3. What’s the best way to find a job?
Start with the large staffing agencies: Allied Universal, Securitas, and GardaWorld. They handle contracts for most major employers in OP. Also, check the career pages of direct employers like Overland Park Regional Medical Center and T-Mobile. Networking on LinkedIn with local security managers can also uncover unposted roles.

4. How does the winter weather affect the job?
Kansas winters can be harsh, with snow and ice. For outdoor security posts (parking lots, construction sites, perimeter patrols), you’ll need a good insulated coat, waterproof boots, and potentially tire chains or a 4WD vehicle. Indoor posts (malls, hospitals, offices) are unaffected. Shifts can be extended if a major storm hits, so flexibility is key.

5. Can I make a career as a security guard in Overland Park?
Yes, but you must be proactive. The base pay is modest, so you need to climb the ladder. Aim for certifications (CPR, First Aid, armed), seek roles at large employers with internal promotion tracks, and consider studying for a Physical Security Professional (PSP) or similar certification if you aim for management. It’s a career, but you have to drive it.