The Complete Career Guide for Security Guards in Pueblo, CO

The Salary Picture: Where Pueblo Stands

As a local, I can tell you straight up: Pueblo isn't where you get rich as a security guard, but it's a solid, steady place to build a career if you understand the market. The median salary for security guards in the Pueblo metro area is $35,316/year, which breaks down to about $16.98/hour. This is slightly below the national average of $36,140/year. The key here is context. With a Cost of Living Index of 92.4 (the U.S. average is 100), your paycheck stretches further here than in most of the country. That $35,316 goes a lot further in Pueblo than it would in Denver, which is why the security job market here is stable and consistent.

Here’s a realistic breakdown of what you can expect based on experience:

Experience Level	Typical Payscale	Common Employers & Roles
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$14.50 - $16.50/hour	Mall security, basic patrol, event staff. Often starts through temporary agencies.
Mid-Level (3-7 years)	$16.50 - $19.00/hour	Hospital security, corporate campus posts, government subcontracts (VA, DOD).
Senior/Lead Guard (8+ years)	$18.50 - $22.00/hour	Shift supervisor, lead for specialized sites, armed guard roles.
Expert/Specialist (Armed, Certifications)	$20.00 - $28.00+/hour	Armed transport, executive protection, critical infrastructure (e.g., water treatment, power plants).

Compared to other Colorado cities:

• Denver-Aurora-Lakewood Metro: Median $41,120/year. Higher pay, but rent averages $1,800+ for a 1BR. The cost of living is 20%+ higher.
• Colorado Springs Metro: Median $36,100/year. Slightly higher pay than Pueblo, but rent is also higher ($1,250+). Competition is a bit stiffer with the military presence.
• Fort Collins-Loveland Metro: Median $36,500/year. Very similar pay to Pueblo, but with a much higher cost of living (~10% above Pueblo).

Insider Tip: The 10-year job growth for security guards in Pueblo is 3%. This is very modest. It means the market isn't exploding, but it's not shrinking either. The 222 jobs currently in the metro area represent stable, long-term positions. The best way to beat the growth curve is to specialize. Getting your armed guard license or a certification in crisis intervention or medical response can bump you into the higher-paying brackets immediately.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's get brutally practical. A security guard earning the median salary of $35,316/year takes home approximately $2,150/month after taxes (assuming a single filer with standard deductions in Colorado). Here’s how a typical monthly budget looks in Pueblo:

Expense Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Take-Home Pay	$2,150	Post-tax, post-Colorado state tax.
Rent (1BR Apt)	$881	The Pueblo average. You can find less, but this is a solid baseline.
Utilities (Elec, Gas, Water)	$120	Varies by season; hot summers mean AC costs.
Groceries	$350	Shopping at local stores like Safeway, King Soopers, or Walmart.
Transportation (Car Insurance, Gas)	$250	Essential in Pueblo; public transit is limited.
Health Insurance	$150	If not covered by employer. Many jobs offer it.
Misc/Entertainment	$200	Movies, eating out, etc.
Buffer/Savings	$199	The reality: you're left with about $200 for savings or emergencies.

Can they afford to buy a home?
The short answer is: it's a stretch on a single income of $35,316, but not impossible with the right strategy. The median home price in Pueblo is around $285,000. A 15% down payment is $42,750. Saving that on a $2,150/month take-home pay is a monumental task. However, Pueblo has robust first-time homebuyer programs through the Pueblo Homeownership Program and CHFA (Colorado Housing and Finance Authority). These programs offer down payment assistance and favorable rates. Many security guards here buy homes after 5-7 years of career progression (moving into mid/senior roles or taking on armed duties), often with a dual-income household. It's not a fast process, but it's a realistic long-term goal in this market.

Where the Jobs Are: Pueblo's Major Employers

Pueblo's security job market is anchored by a few key sectors. You won't see endless postings on Indeed; many of these are filled through internal postings or relationships.

1. Parkview Medical Center & St. Mary-Corwin Medical Center: The two largest hospitals are constant hirers for security personnel. Hospital security is a specialized, demanding role that often pays at the mid to senior level. Experience in de-escalation and medical facility protocols is a huge plus. They often hire for 12-hour shifts, which can be attractive.
2. Colorado State University Pueblo (CSU Pueblo): The university campus requires security for buildings, events, and patrol. These are often state jobs with better benefits (pension, health insurance). They value prior law enforcement or military experience. Keep an eye on the CSU Pueblo jobs portal.
3. Federal Government & Defense Contractors: With the Pueblo Chemical Depot (PCD) and the Pueblo Army Depot, there are opportunities for cleared security personnel. These roles typically require a TS/SCI clearance and pay significantly more ($25-$35/hour). They are competitive and require a clean background.
4. Pueblo County Government: The courthouse, detention facilities, and county buildings employ a security force. These are stable, unionized positions with good benefits. They often require a Colorado Security Officer License and may have additional county-level requirements.
5. Private Corporate & Industrial Sites: Major employers like Evraz Rocky Mountain Steel and the Colorado State Fairgrounds hire security for site protection and event management. Evraz is particularly relevant for industrial security roles, which can involve shift work and specific safety protocols.
6. Retail & Shopping Centers: The Pueblo Mall and larger retail complexes (like those along Dillon Drive) hire for loss prevention and uniformed presence. These are often the entry-level gateways into the profession.

Hiring Trend Insight: The market is stable. Turnover is moderate. The best approach is to network. Walk into the security office of Parkview or the courthouse and ask if they're accepting applications. Many hiring managers here appreciate the direct approach.

Getting Licensed in Colorado

Colorado requires a license for security guards. It's regulated by the Colorado Division of Private Security (DPS) - not the state police.

1. Basic Requirement: You must be at least 18, have no felony convictions, and be a U.S. citizen or legal resident.
2. Training: The mandatory course is 8 hours and must be from a state-approved school. It covers Colorado law, use of force, and report writing. Cost is typically $75 - $150. You can find classes in Pueblo at places like the Pueblo Community College or through private training centers.
3. Application & Fee: You must submit an application to the Colorado DPS with a fingerprint card. The state license fee is $50.25. Processing can take 2-6 weeks.
4. Armed Guard License: This is a separate, more intensive process. You must have a valid Colorado Security Officer License first, complete a 16-hour firearms training course (approx. $200-$300), pass a shooting qualification, and apply for an armed endorsement. The armed license fee is an additional $50.25. The total timeline from start to armed license is typically 2-3 months.

Insider Tip: Start with the unarmed license. Get a job, gain experience, and let your employer potentially pay for your armed training. Many hospitals and corporate jobs will sponsor an employee's armed certification if they see potential.

Best Neighborhoods for Security Guards

Pueblo is compact. You can live almost anywhere and get to a major job site in under 20 minutes. Here’s a neighborhood breakdown focused on lifestyle and commute:

1. The Historic District (Near Downtown): Rent: $750 - $950. Old, character-filled apartments and homes. You're close to the courthouse, city hall, and many corporate offices. Walkable to some amenities. Great if you work downtown or for the county. Quiet at night.
2. Pueblo West (Suburban): Rent: $900 - $1,200. Newer apartments and single-family homes. Safer, more family-oriented. A bit of a commute to downtown (15-20 mins). Ideal for those working at the hospital, CSU Pueblo, or retail along Dillon Drive. More bang for your buck in square footage.
3. South Side (Near the Hospital): Rent: $700 - $850. Practical and close to Parkview Medical Center. Older housing stock, well-established. Very convenient for hospital shifts (day or night). Easy access to I-25.
4. North Side (Near St. Mary-Corwin): Rent: $800 - $950. Similar to the South Side but near the other major hospital. Mix of residential and light commercial. A bit quieter than downtown.
5. University/College Area: Rent: $650 - $800 (for roommates/shared houses). If you're young or a student, this is the most affordable. Close to CSU Pueblo. Can be noisier with student activity.

Commute Insight: Traffic in Pueblo is minimal. The biggest commute factor is weather. In winter, a drive from Pueblo West to downtown can be affected by snow on the highway. If you work nights, Pueblo West is generally safe and not isolated.

The Long Game: Career Growth

With a 3% growth rate, you make your own opportunities. Here’s the path:

• Specialty Premiums:

  • Armed Guard: +$2.00 - $4.00/hour premium. The most direct pay bump.
  • Armed Transport (ATM, Cash-in-Transit): +$3.00 - $6.00/hour. Requires specific training and insurance.
  • Executive Protection (Bodyguard): Rare in Pueblo, but possible for visiting executives or high-profile local figures. Requires advanced training and networking.
  • Crisis Intervention/Mental Health: Many hospitals and schools are looking for guards trained in de-escalation. Can lead to a $1.00 - $2.00/hour premium and more regular hours.

• Advancement Paths:

  1. Security Officer → Lead/Supervisor: Takes 3-5 years. Requires reliability, leadership, and report-writing skills. Pay increases to $19-$22/hour.
  2. Security Officer → In-House Corporate Security: Some companies (like Evraz) have internal security teams. These are coveted roles with better benefits.
  3. Security Guard → Law Enforcement: Many local police departments (Pueblo PD, Sheriff's Office) recruit from the security field. It’s a common and respected path. You'd start as a recruit, but your security experience is a major advantage.

10-Year Outlook: The demand for specialized security will grow. General uniformed posts may see automation (cameras, remote monitoring), but human judgment in healthcare, critical infrastructure, and events will remain essential. To stay relevant, plan to get your armed license within 3 years and seek out hospital or federal contract experience. This will insulate your career and keep your pay rising with inflation.

The Verdict: Is Pueblo Right for You?

Here’s the unvarnished truth in a simple table:

Pros	Cons
Very Low Cost of Living. Your $35,316 salary is viable here.	Low Salary Ceiling. You must specialize to break past $20/hour.
Stable, Not Competitive Job Market. 222 jobs with steady demand.	Limited Job Growth (3%). Fewer new positions opening up.
Strong Employer Base in healthcare, education, and government.	Limited Nightlife & Culture compared to Denver or Colorado Springs.
Short Commutes. You can rent in an affordable neighborhood near your job.	Economic Bumps. Pueblo's economy is tied to manufacturing (steel) which can be cyclical.
Clear Path to Homeownership with state/local programs.	Requires Car. Public transit is not robust for shift-work schedules.

Final Recommendation:
Pueblo is an excellent choice for a security guard who is pragmatic, values affordability, and has a long-term plan. It's ideal for entry-level guards looking to get their start without massive debt, and for mid-career professionals who want to buy a home and raise a family. It is not the place for someone seeking rapid career advancement or a vibrant urban scene without effort. If you're willing to specialize (armed, medical, federal), network locally, and use the city's low cost of living to your advantage, Pueblo offers a stable, livable career path in security.

FAQs

1. Do I need a car to work as a security guard in Pueblo?
Yes, absolutely. While some downtown jobs are walkable, most posts (hospital, retail, industrial) are spread out. Public bus routes (Pueblo Transit) don't reliably run 24/7, which is critical for shift workers. A car is a non-negotiable job requirement here.

2. Which is better: working for a contract company or directly for an employer?
Direct employment (hospital, county, CSU) is generally better for benefits, job security, and wage growth. Contract companies (like Securitas, G4S) are the best way to get your foot in the door and gain diverse experience. Many guards start with a contractor and move to a direct role after 1-2 years.

3. How competitive is it to get an armed guard job in Pueblo?
It's more competitive than unarmed, but not extremely so. There are only a handful of armed positions (ATM, some hospital posts, some federal contracts). Your best bet is to get unarmed experience first, then get your armed certification. Having a clean driving record and no criminal history is mandatory. Networking with current armed guards is key.

4. What’s the biggest challenge for a new security guard in Pueblo?
Boredom and complacency. Many posts are static (gatehouse, patrol in a vehicle). It's crucial to stay alert, know your post orders, and maintain professionalism. The second challenge is winter weather. You need a reliable vehicle with snow tires to get to your shift reliably.

5. Can I make a career here without ever getting armed?
It's possible but limiting. You could advance to a supervisor role in a contract company or a senior officer at a hospital. However, your pay will plateau around $18-$20/hour. To reach the $22-$28/hour range, an armed license (and often, a federal clearance) is the most reliable path in the Pueblo market.