Security Guard in Plantation, FL

Here is a comprehensive career guide for Security Guards considering a move to Plantation, Florida.

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The Salary Picture: Where Plantation Stands

As a local who’s watched the security industry evolve here over the last decade, I can tell you the numbers tell a clear story. Plantation isn’t the highest-paying city in South Florida for security work, but it’s stable and offers a decent entry point into a competitive metro area.

The median salary for a Security Guard in Plantation is $37,419/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $17.99/hour. This sits just above the national average of $36,140/year, which is a small but meaningful margin, especially considering the local cost of living. The 10-year job growth is projected at 3%, which is modest but steady. It tells us this isn’t a booming field, but it’s resilient. There are currently 193 jobs in the broader metro area, indicating consistent demand from the dense commercial and residential pockets throughout Broward County.

Your earning potential is heavily influenced by experience, certifications, and the type of post you secure. Here’s a realistic breakdown of what you can expect:

Experience-Level Salary Breakdown

Experience Level	Approximate Hourly Rate	Annual Salary (Full-Time)	Notes
Entry-Level	$15.00 - $18.00	$31,200 - $37,440	Unarmed, basic posts, retail/office settings.
Mid-Level (3-5 years)	$18.00 - $22.00	$37,440 - $45,760	Armed guard certification, vehicle patrol, some supervisory duties.
Senior (5+ years)	$22.00 - $27.00	$45,760 - $56,160	Site supervisor, specialized posts (hospital, government), training roles.
Expert/Lead	$27.00+	$56,160+	Operations manager, corporate security director, high-risk specialist.

Insider Tip: The leap from Entry-Level to Mid-Level is the most critical. Getting your Florida armed guard license can add $2-$4+ per hour to your starting rate immediately. It’s the single best investment in your earning power here.

How Plantation Compares to Other Florida Cities

While Plantation offers a respectable median, it’s important to know where you stand in the broader region. Major metro hubs like Miami and Tampa often command higher wages due to sheer volume and cost of living, but they also come with fiercer competition.

City	Median Salary (Security Guard)	Average 1BR Rent	Cost of Living Index (US Avg=100)
Plantation	$37,419	$1,621	111.8
Miami	~$39,200	~$2,400	123.5
Tampa	~$36,800	~$1,800	104.5
Orlando	~$35,500	~$1,700	104.4
Jacksonville	~$33,900	~$1,450	93.0

Plantation sits in a middle ground. You earn more than in Jacksonville but less than in Miami, with a rent burden that’s high but not as extreme as Miami’s. It’s a balance.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get brutally honest about the budget. Living on $37,419/year in Plantation is tight but manageable with careful planning. After federal taxes, Social Security, and Medicare, your take-home pay will be roughly $30,000-$31,000 annually, or about $2,500-$2,580 per month.

Monthly Budget Breakdown for a Security Guard Earning Median Salary:

• Gross Monthly Income: $3,118
• Estimated Taxes (23%): -$717
• Net Take-Home Pay: $2,401

Now, subtract your largest fixed expense:

• Average 1BR Rent in Plantation: -$1,621
• Remaining for All Other Expenses: $780

This remaining $780 must cover:

• Utilities (electric, water, internet): ~$150-$200
• Car Payment/Insurance (Florida has high insurance rates): ~$300-$500
• Groceries: ~$250-$350
• Fuel, Healthcare, Incidentals: ~$100-$200

Can they afford to buy a home? At this salary, it’s a major challenge. The median home price in Plantation is over $450,000. To qualify for a conventional mortgage with a 10% down payment, you’d need a household income of at least $110,000. A single security guard earning the median salary would struggle to secure a loan for even a condo. Homeownership is likely off the table without a dual-income household or a significant career advancement to a senior or expert level salary.

Where the Jobs Are: Plantation's Major Employers

Plantation’s economy is diverse, which is good news for security pros. You’re not tied to one industry. The jobs are spread across several key sectors.

1. Plantation General Hospital (part of HCA Healthcare): A major 24/7 employer. They need security for patient safety, asset protection, and parking control. Hiring is steady, and they often prefer candidates with healthcare-specific training. Insider Tip: Hospital security is a specialty. It requires de-escalation skills and a calm demeanor. It’s one of the more rewarding (though sometimes stressful) posts.

2. Broward County Public Schools (District): With over 200 schools, the district employs a large number of security monitors and guards, especially for high schools and after-school events. These are often part-time positions with benefits, a great entry point. You’ll need a clean background check and patience.

3. Sawgrass Mills Mall (Sunrise, but a 5-10 minute drive): This is one of the largest shopping destinations in the U.S. Mall security is a massive employer. They handle everything from theft prevention to crowd control during holiday rushes. The environment is fast-paced and public-facing.

4. Corporate Campuses (e.g., DHL, Pretium, various insurance firms): Plantation’s “Financial Corridor” along I-595 and Peters Road is packed with corporate offices. These businesses hire for lobby security, access control, and after-hours patrols. These are often the cleanest, most stable posts with regular business hours.

5. Apartment Complexes & HOAs: Plantation is a city of neighborhoods. Large residential communities like The Landings, Jacaranda, and Plantation Acres contract with security firms for gatehouse duty and patrols. This work is quieter, often overnight, and offers a lot of downtime for reading or studying.

6. Private Security Firms (Allied Universal, Securitas, G4S): These are the big national contractors that service the employers listed above. They are the largest source of jobs. The key is to get on with a firm that assigns you to a decent post. Hiring Trend: There’s a constant churn. They’re always hiring, but retention can be low due to difficult posts. Your goal is to prove reliability and get assigned to a better site.

Insider Tip: Don’t just apply online. Go to the security office at Plantation General Hospital or the Sawgrass Mills Mall in person (well-dressed) and ask for the security manager. A face-to-face introduction still carries weight in this city.

Getting Licensed in FL

Florida’s licensing process is straightforward but has specific requirements. The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) is the governing body.

For Unarmed Security:

• Requirement: Must be at least 18, pass a background check, and complete a 4-hour "Class D" Security Officer Training Course from a licensed school.
• Cost: Course fee is typically $75 - $150. The state license application fee is $45. Total: ~$120 - $195.
• Timeline: You can complete the course in one day. The background check and license processing usually take 2-4 weeks.

For Armed Security:

• Requirement: Must be 21, hold an unarmed license, and complete a 28-hour armed security training course (includes firearms proficiency). You also need a "Class G" firearms license from FDACS.
• Cost: Armed course is significantly more, often $300 - $500. The Class G license is an additional $97.
• Timeline: The course takes several days. The total process, including waiting periods, can take 6-8 weeks.

My Advice: Start with the unarmed license. It’s cheaper and gets you working immediately. Use your first 6 months on the job to save for the armed certification. In the Plantation market, an armed guard can earn $2-$4 more per hour, which is a game-changer for your budget.

Best Neighborhoods for Security Guards

Where you live affects your commute, rent, and quality of life. Plantation is divided into distinct neighborhoods, each with a different vibe.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Avg. 1BR Rent	Best For
Plantation Central	Urban, walkable, near I-595. Easy commute to corporate jobs and the mall.	$1,650	Young professionals, those without a car.
Jacaranda	Quiet, residential, family-oriented. A bit more driving required, but peaceful.	$1,550	Guards with families, those who value quiet.
Plantation Acres	Larger lots, more suburban feel. Can be a longer commute to central jobs.	$1,450	Someone seeking space and a slower pace.
Sunrise (adjacent)	Not technically Plantation, but 5 mins away. More dense, more apartments, slightly cheaper.	$1,500	Budget-conscious, those working at Sawgrass Mills.

Insider Tip: If you work overnight shifts, consider Plantation Acres. The darker, quieter streets are easier to patrol, and you’ll sleep better during the day with less street noise. If you work days, Plantation Central saves you gas and time.

The Long Game: Career Growth

The 3% job growth is low, but your personal growth can be high if you specialize. Don’t stay in an entry-level post forever.

• Specialty Premiums:

  • Armed Guard: +$2-$4/hr.
  • K-9 Handler: +$3-$5/hr. (Requires additional training and certification).
  • Fire Inspector/Alarm Tech: +$2-$4/hr. (Requires state certification).
  • Corporate Security Specialist: +$3-$5/hr. (Focus on executive protection, risk assessment).

• Advancement Paths:

  1. Guard → Site Supervisor: You’ll need leadership skills, a clean record, and often the armed license. Pay jumps to the Mid-to-Senior level.
  2. Supervisor → Operations Manager: This is a corporate role. You’ll manage multiple sites, schedules, and budgets. Requires experience and business acumen.
  3. Specialize → Leave Contracting: The best move is to get hired directly by a hospital, university, or large corporation as an in-house security officer. In-house roles often have better pay, benefits, and advancement.

10-Year Outlook: The field will see more technology integration (drones, AI cameras, access control systems). Guards who can operate and troubleshoot these systems will be in higher demand. The core of the job—observation, reporting, and presence—remains, but the tools are evolving.

The Verdict: Is Plantation Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Stable, Diverse Job Market: Access to hospitals, malls, and corporate offices.	High Rent Burden: The median salary leaves little room for savings or luxuries.
Central Location: Easy commute to Fort Lauderdale, Miami, and the beaches.	Competitive Market: You’re competing with guards from the entire South Florida area.
Good Infrastructure: Well-maintained roads, reliable public transit (buses).	Modest Growth: The 3% job growth means you must be proactive to advance.
Family-Friendly: Excellent parks, good public schools (if you have kids).	Traffic: Getting to/from work can be a daily grind, especially on I-595.

Final Recommendation:
Plantation is a solid, practical choice for a security guard starting out or looking for a stable post in a well-organized city. It’s not the place to get rich quickly, but it’s a place to build a reliable career. It’s ideal if you:

• Are willing to get your armed license to boost your income.
• Are budget-conscious and can live within the means of the median salary.
• Value a suburban, safe environment over a high-energy nightlife scene.

If you’re looking for rapid salary growth, a more direct path to homeownership, or a bustling urban core, you might consider Tampa or Jacksonville. But for a balanced, stable career in a pleasant city, Plantation delivers.

FAQs

1. Is the cost of living in Plantation really that high?
Yes. The Cost of Living Index of 111.8 means everything from groceries to car repairs is about 12% more expensive than the national average. The rent is the biggest factor. You must budget carefully, especially in your first year.

2. Do I need my own car?
Absolutely. While there are some bus routes, Plantation is a car-centric city. You’ll need a reliable vehicle to get to posts (which can be scattered), and for many employers, a valid driver’s license is a requirement even for non-driving positions.

3. What’s the best way to find a job quickly?
Apply directly to the major employers listed above (hospital, school district, mall). Also, register with 2-3 security staffing agencies (Allied, Securitas). Be flexible on shift—graveyard and weekend shifts are easier to get and often pay a differential.

4. How’s the crime rate? Does it affect the job?
Plantation is generally considered a safe suburb, but it’s not crime-free. Theft, car break-ins, and occasional burglaries occur, especially in commercial areas. Your job is to be a deterrent. The low crime rate means the work is less physically dangerous than in some inner-city areas, but it requires constant vigilance.

5. Can I make a living just as an unarmed guard?
It’s very difficult on the median salary. After rent and taxes, your discretionary income is minimal. To live comfortably alone in Plantation, you should aim to get to the Mid-Level ($22/hr) within 2-3 years, which almost always requires an armed license or a specialized post.