The Local's Guide to Being a Security Guard in Pasco, Washington

So you're thinking about moving to Pasco for a security guard career. I get it. It's a tough job market out there, but Pasco has a specific kind of opportunity that's worth a serious look. This isn't a glossy brochure; it's a breakdown of the real numbers, the actual commutes, and the local insider knowledge you need to make a smart decision. Let's get to work.

Pasco sits right in the heart of the Tri-Cities, a metro area of 81,415 people anchored by the Hanford Site and a booming agricultural and wine industry. It’s a working city, and security is a constant need. But before you pack your bags, you need to understand what your life will actually look like here.

The Salary Picture: Where Pasco Stands

Let's be blunt about the money. Security is not a get-rich-quick field, especially in a smaller metro like Pasco. According to the most recent data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and state labor market information, here’s the breakdown.

The median salary for security guards in the Pasco metro area is $36,031 per year, which translates to an hourly rate of $17.32. This is slightly below the national average of $36,140/year, which is a common pattern for metropolitan areas outside of major coastal hubs. The job market itself is modest, with 162 jobs currently listed in the metro. The 10-year job growth is projected at 3%, which is about as stable as it gets—not a boom, but not a decline either.

To understand where you might fit, experience is everything. Here’s how salaries typically break down in this region.

Experience Level	Typical Years	Estimated Annual Salary (Pasco)	Estimated Hourly Rate
Entry-Level	0-2 years	$30,000 - $34,000	$14.42 - $16.35
Mid-Level	2-5 years	$35,000 - $40,000	$16.83 - $19.23
Senior	5-10 years	$40,000 - $46,000	$19.23 - $22.12
Expert/Lead	10+ years	$46,000+	$22.12+

Compared to other Washington cities, Pasco is in the lower tier. Seattle's median is closer to $45,000, and Spokane is around $38,000. The trade-off is a much lower cost of living, especially in housing.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

A salary number is just a number. Your reality is defined by what's left after taxes and your biggest fixed expense: rent.

Let's run the numbers for a single guard earning the median salary of $36,031. After federal, state, and FICA taxes, your take-home pay will likely be around $2,450 - $2,550 per month.

Your primary housing cost in Pasco is the average 1-bedroom rent of $1,633/month. This is critical. Here’s a realistic monthly budget:

Expense	Estimated Cost (Monthly)	Notes
Rent (1BR)	$1,633	The biggest bite. A 2BR is closer to $1,900+.
Utilities (Elec/Gas/Water)	$150	Higher in summer due to A/C needs.
Internet	$60	Basic package.
Groceries	$300	For one person, careful shopping.
Car Payment/Insurance	$350	Assume a used car; insurance is state-mandated.
Gas (Commute)	$120	Pasco is spread out; commutes to Richland or Kennewick add up.
Phone Bill	$50	Basic smartphone plan.
Health Insurance (if not employer)	$200	Varies wildly.
Misc. & Savings	~$150	For clothes, personal items, and a tiny bit of savings.
TOTAL	~$3,013	This leaves a shortfall of ~$563.

Insider Tip: This budget is tight. To make it work, most guards here either live with a roommate (splitting a 2BR to ~$950 each) or work overtime or a second part-time job. The Cost of Living Index of 99.0 (US avg=100) is misleadingly low because it's based on averages. For a single-income, median-earner household, housing costs eat up an unsustainable percentage of income.

Can they afford to buy a home? The median home price in the Tri-Cities is over $400,000. On a $36,031 salary, a conventional mortgage is out of reach without a significant down payment and a second income. This is a renter's market for entry-to-mid-level security professionals.

Where the Jobs Are: Pasco's Major Employers

Security jobs here aren't at corporate skyscrapers. They're at large, critical, and often 24/7 facilities. Here are the primary employers you should be targeting:

1. Battelle Memorial Institute (at the Hanford Site): The Hanford nuclear site is a massive cleanup operation. Battelle manages security for many of its contractors. These are often the highest-paying, most stable jobs in the region, requiring clearances and specialized training. Hiring is for experienced guards with clean records.
2. Trios Health (now part of MultiCare): The main hospital in Kennewick, right across the river. Hospital security is a growing field, dealing with everything from patient disputes to emergency response. They need guards for all three shifts.
3. Amazon Fulfillment Center (Pasco/Port of Benton): The massive Amazon facility near the airport is a 24/7 operation. They employ a large number of security officers for access control, perimeter patrol, and internal loss prevention. It's a fast-paced environment with high turnover, meaning constant hiring.
4. Local School Districts (Pasco, Richland, Kennewick): School security (often called "Security Assistants" or "Resource Officers") is a key area. With a Cost of Living Index near 100, school districts are a reliable employer. Jobs are daytime, Monday-Friday, with summers off—a huge lifestyle perk.
5. Prosser Memorial Health: A bit of a commute west (about 20 minutes), but a key employer in the wider region. Smaller hospital security roles can be a stepping stone to larger facilities.
6. Private Security Firms (Local & National): Companies like Securitas, G4S, and local firms like Canyon Security Services have contracts with data centers, manufacturing plants, and retail centers throughout the Tri-Cities. These are often the most common entry points into the field.

Hiring Trends: The demand is for reliability. The 3% growth means jobs are stable, not rapidly expanding. Employers value guards who can handle long shifts, are proficient in basic report writing and radio communication, and have a clean driving record (for patrol jobs).

Getting Licensed in WA

Washington state has clear but strict requirements. It’s not an overly burdensome process, but you cannot work without the proper credentials.

1. Training: You must complete a state-approved 8-hour security guard training course. This covers WA state laws (RCW), use of force, and community relations. Many private security companies will pay for this after you're hired, but you can also take it on your own. Local providers often host classes in Pasco or nearby Richland/Kennewick. Cost: $75 - $150.
2. Application: After training, you apply for your Private Security Guard Registration Card through the Washington State Department of Licensing (DOL). You'll need to provide fingerprints and pass a background check.
3. Cost: The total state fee, including fingerprinting, is around $140 - $160.
4. Timeline: Once you submit a complete application, processing can take 4-6 weeks. Insider Tip: Start this process before you move. It’s easier to get it done from your home state.
5. Firearms Endorsement: If you want to carry a firearm (armed guard), you need an additional 16-hour firearms training course from an approved instructor. This endorsement costs more and significantly increases your job opportunities and pay. Armed positions can command $20+/hour even at entry-level.

There is no state-specific "licensing exam," just the training and registration. The Washington DOL website is the definitive source.

Best Neighborhoods for Security Guards

Where you live drastically affects your commute and lifestyle. Pasco is the most affordable of the Tri-Cities, but it has distinct areas.

Neighborhood	Pros for a Guard	Cons	Est. 1BR Rent
Central Pasco (Downtown/Westside)	Close to many jobs (Amazon, Trios, downtown businesses). Walkable core. Older, more affordable apartments.	Older housing stock, can be noisier.	$1,200 - $1,500
South Pasco (Southridge area)	Newer apartments, close to 24/7 facilities like Amazon and data centers. Easier highway access (I-182).	Can be pricier. Less "neighborhood" feel, more commercial.	$1,500 - $1,800
Kennewick (Near Trios)	Immediate access to the major hospital. A bit more retail and dining. Slightly higher rents.	Commuting to Hanford or Amazon adds 10-15 minutes of bridge traffic.	$1,600 - $1,900
Richland (Uptown/ near Kadlec)	More upscale, near another major hospital (Kadlec). Great parks.	Most expensive of the three. Longest commute to Pasco jobs.	$1,700 - $2,000
West Richland	Quiet, residential, good for families. Safe and clean.	Farthest from most security hubs; you'll definitely need a car.	$1,600 - $1,900

My Recommendation: For a single guard starting out, Central Pasco offers the best balance of affordability and commute. You can find older, cheaper apartments and be within 10-15 minutes of most major employers.

The Long Game: Career Growth

The 3% growth isn't inspiring, but specialization is your path to higher pay.

• Armed Guard: As mentioned, this is the biggest pay bump. The Hanford Site and certain data centers require armed personnel.
• Loss Prevention (Retail): While not as common in Pasco as in bigger cities, experience at a big-box retailer (like Walmart or Target) can lead to corporate LP roles.
• Executive Protection: Very niche in the Tri-Cities, but possible for high-profile individuals connected to the wine industry or Hanford contractors.
• Corporate Security Manager: After 10+ years, you could move into managing security for a company like Battelle or a local manufacturing plant. This moves you from hourly to salaried, often above $60,000.

10-Year Outlook: The industry is stable. Automation and AI (like camera monitoring) will change some tasks, but the human element—patrol, response, customer interaction—remains critical. Your value will be in reliability, clear communication, and specialized skills (armed, CPR, first aid).

The Verdict: Is Pasco Right for You?

This isn't a simple yes or no. It depends on your goals and lifestyle.

Pros	Cons
Stable, essential jobs (hospitals, Hanford, Amazon).	Low median salary relative to national average.
Very low cost of living compared to Seattle or coastal WA.	Housing costs can still be a burden on a single income.
No major traffic (for a metro area). Easy commutes.	Limited nightlife and cultural scene if that's important to you.
Access to outdoor recreation (rivers, wine country, mountains).	Job market is small; competition for the best jobs can be fierce.
Good for starting a career or a slower pace of life.	Growth potential is limited without specialization or relocation.

Final Recommendation: Pasco is a practical choice for a security guard who values stability over excitement. It's ideal if you have a family (for the lower cost of living) or are willing to specialize (armed guard, hospital security) to increase your income. If you're young, single, and seeking high energy and career acceleration, you might find the pace too slow and the pay ceiling frustrating. For many, it's a perfect fit.

FAQs

Q: Is Pasco a safe city for security guards to live and work in?
A: Pasco has a property crime rate similar to the national average, but violent crime is lower. As a security guard, you'll be in controlled environments (hospitals, plants, schools). The city itself is generally safe for residents, especially in the neighborhoods listed above.

Q: Can I get a job without prior experience?
A: Yes, absolutely. Many employers like Amazon and security firms (e.g., Securitas) hire entry-level guards and often pay for the required 8-hour training. Highlight reliability, a clean background, and a valid driver's license.

Q: What about the weather?
A: Pasco has a high-desert climate. Summers are hot (often 90°F+) and dry, winters are cold (frequently below freezing) but with little snow. You'll need appropriate gear for outdoor patrol shifts. This is a key factor if you're used to a milder climate.

Q: Is it worth getting the armed endorsement upfront?
A: It costs more and requires more training (approx. $300-500 total). If you're serious about a long-term career and want the highest pay, it's worth it. If you're just testing the waters, start unarmed, get hired, and see if your employer will sponsor the armed training later.

Q: How do I find jobs?
A: Use Indeed and LinkedIn, but also check the "Careers" pages directly on the websites of the major employers listed above (Battelle, Trios/MultiCare, Amazon, school districts). Local government jobs (City of Pasco, County) also post on their own sites. Networking with other guards in the area is surprisingly effective in a small metro.

Sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics for Metro Areas, Washington State Employment Security Department, Washington State Department of Licensing, Zillow Rental Data for Pasco, WA, and local market analysis.