The Complete Career Guide for Security Guards in Redding, CA

As someone who’s watched Redding’s security industry evolve over the last decade, I can tell you this is a city of contrasts. It’s a gateway to incredible natural beauty—Shasta, Trinity, and Lassen national forests are your backyard—yet it has the economic realities of a regional hub. For security guards, Redding offers steady work, a lower cost of living than coastal California, and a tight-knit professional community. But it’s not without its challenges, especially when you crunch the numbers. This guide is your unfiltered look at the security landscape here, from the paycheck to the patrol routes.

The Salary Picture: Where Redding Stands

Let’s get the most critical data out first. In Redding, the security field is a solid middle-ground career—not a path to rapid wealth, but a stable, respectable living if you manage your finances.

The **median salary for a Security Guard in Redding is $36,443/year. That translates to an hourly rate of $17.52/hour. For context, this is slightly above the **national average of $36,140/year, but it’s important to remember that California’s overall cost of living is higher. The Redding metro area has about 185 security guard jobs, indicating a stable but not explosive market.

Here’s how pay typically breaks down by experience level in the local market:

Experience Level	Typical Annual Salary (Redding)	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level	$32,000 - $37,000	Static post duty, basic access control, reporting incidents.
Mid-Level	$38,000 - $45,000	Patrol duties, more complex sites (hospitals, retail), basic supervision.
Senior/Lead	$46,000 - $55,000	Shift supervisor, training, client liaison, emergency response lead.
Expert/Specialist	$55,000 - $65,000+	Armed guard, critical infrastructure (data centers, utilities), executive protection.

How Redding Stacks Up Against Other CA Cities:

• Redding vs. San Francisco/San Jose: You’d see salaries 40-60% higher in the Bay Area, but the cost of living is 2-3x higher. A $36,443 salary in Redding offers a better quality of life than $55,000 in San Jose due to housing costs.
• Redding vs. Sacramento: Sacramento’s metro is larger, with more corporate and government security jobs. Salaries are about 10-15% higher, but rent is significantly more.
• Redding vs. Fresno/Bakersfield: Very comparable. These are similar Central Valley/Inland Empire markets with similar pay ranges and industry profiles.

Insider Tip: The 3% 10-year job growth is a crucial number. It’s slower than the national average for many fields, indicating a mature, stable market rather than a booming one. This isn’t a place for quick promotions, but it is a place for long-term employment if you’re reliable.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Now for the reality check. Let’s break down the monthly budget for a security guard earning the **median salary of $36,443/year.

• Gross Monthly Pay: $3,037
• Estimated Taxes (Federal, State, FICA): ~$550/month
• Net Take-Home Pay: ~$2,487/month

The average 1-bedroom apartment in Redding costs $1,132/month. If you secure a utility-inclusive unit for $1,200, your budget looks like this:

Expense Category	Monthly Cost	Notes
Rent (1BR)	$1,200	Average market rate.
Utilities (Electric, Gas, Internet)	$150	Varies by season.
Groceries	$350	For one person.
Car Payment + Insurance + Gas	$500	A necessary expense in Redding; public transit is limited.
Health Insurance	$150	If not covered by employer.
Miscellaneous (Phone, Personal)	$137
Total Expenses	$2,487
Remaining (Savings/Debt)	$0

Can they afford to buy a home? On a $36,443 salary, it’s extremely challenging. The median home price in Redding is over $400,000. A 20% down payment would be $80,000, and a monthly mortgage payment (including taxes and insurance) would likely exceed $2,200, which is more than your take-home pay after taxes and basic living expenses. Homeownership in Redding on this salary is generally only feasible with a dual-income household or significant savings.

Insider Tip: Many local security companies offer health insurance after a 90-day probationary period. This is a non-negotiable benefit to seek, as it can save you $150-300/month.

Where the Jobs Are: Redding's Major Employers

Redding’s security market is anchored by healthcare, retail, and public facilities. Here are the key local employers and hiring trends:

1. Shasta Regional Medical Center & Mercy Medical Center: These are the two major hospitals. They need 24/7 security for patient safety, access control, and asset protection. Hiring is continuous, often through in-house security departments or contracted through companies like Allied Universal. Trend: Increased focus on de-escalation training and mental health crisis response.

2. Safeguard Security: A locally owned and operated security company based in Redding. They contract for a variety of sites, including retail, construction, and local events. They’re known for hiring from the community and often prefer candidates with local knowledge. Trend: Growth in construction and project-based security.

3. Mountain Gate & Anderson Locations (Corporate/Industrial): Data centers and manufacturing plants in the surrounding areas (like the Vulcan Materials plant or the McArthur-Burney Falls area) require dedicated security. These jobs often pay above the median due to specialized access requirements.

4. City of Redding & Shasta County: Government buildings, libraries, and public events (like the Redding Civic Auditorium) require security personnel. Jobs are often listed on government job boards and offer good benefits and union protection.

5. Retail Hubs (Mt. Shasta Mall, Downtown Redding): Loss prevention and general security for major retailers like Target, Kohl’s, and Walmart. Hiring is often seasonal, with opportunities for permanent placement. Trend: Increased use of technology (CCTV monitoring) alongside physical patrols.

6. Education (Shasta College): The local community college and K-12 school districts have security needs, especially during events and for campus safety. These positions often have a more predictable schedule.

Insider Tip: Allied Universal and Securitas are the national giants that hold many local contracts. Getting your foot in the door with them can lead to placements at high-profile sites. However, local firms like Safeguard may offer a more personal touch and potentially faster advancement.

Getting Licensed in CA

California has strict requirements for security guards, managed by the Bureau of Security and Investigative Services (BSIS).

Requirements:

1. Age: Must be 18+.
2. Background Check: Pass a criminal history review (no felony convictions).
3. Training: Complete a 8-hour "Power to Arrest" training course from a BSIS-certified instructor. You will also need a 16-hour "Weapons of Mass Destruction & Terrorism Awareness" course (often offered together as a 24-hour initial package).
4. Application: Submit the BSIS application form, live scan fingerprints, and pay the fees.

Costs & Timeline:

• Training Course: $200 - $350 (varies by provider; Redding has several training schools).
• BSIS Application Fee: $55 (Security Guard registration).
• Live Scan Fingerprinting: $30 - $50.
• Total Upfront Cost: Approximately $285 - $455.
• Timeline: After completing training and submitting your application, BSIS processing can take 4-8 weeks. You can work as a trainee while your application is pending, but you must have your training certificate on hand.

For Armed Guard Certification: This requires an additional 14-hour firearms course and passing a state firearm qualification. Total costs for armed certification can exceed $800.

Insider Tip: Schedule your training for a Thursday or Friday. Many jobs in Redding start on weekends, and having your certificate in hand before the weekend makes you immediately hirable for Monday shifts.

Best Neighborhoods for Security Guards

Choosing where to live in Redding is about balancing commute, cost, and lifestyle. Here’s a breakdown:

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Avg. Rent (1BR)	Best For...
Downtown / Market Street	Walkable, historic. Close to Civic Auditorium, Shasta County offices, and hospital. Short commute.	$1,250+	Those who want to be central and avoid a car commute for work.
Brentwood / Lake Redding	Quiet, residential. Easy access to I-5 and retail hubs (Mt. Shasta Mall). Good for patrol jobs.	$1,100	Professionals seeking a balance of quiet and convenience.
West Redding / Hilltop	Hilly, more affluent. Close to Shasta Regional Medical Center. Longer commutes to south side jobs.	$1,200+	Those working at the hospital or who value scenic views.
Anderson (North of Redding)	More suburban, lower rents. Commute to Redding is 15-20 mins via I-5. Growing area.	$950 - $1,100	Budget-conscious guards who don’t mind the commute.
South Redding / Industrial Area	Close to Mt. Shasta Mall, Target, and industrial parks. More traffic, louder.	$1,050	Ideal for those working retail loss prevention or industrial security.

Insider Tip: If you work in healthcare (hospital), West Redding or Brentwood are your best bets for a short commute. If you’re on patrol or retail, being near the I-5 corridor (Anderson or South Redding) gives you quick access to multiple sites.

The Long Game: Career Growth

The 3% 10-year job growth means you won’t see massive expansion, but advancement is possible through specialization and reputation.

• Specialty Premiums:

  • Armed Guard: $2-5/hour above unarmed rates.
  • Fire Watch/Special Event: $20-25/hour (temporary, high-demand).
  • CPP (Certified Protection Professional): A prestigious certification from ASIS International. Can lead to management roles.

• Advancement Paths:

  1. Field Officer → Site Supervisor: Requires 2+ years of solid performance. Leads to salary in the $45k-$55k range.
  2. Supervisor → Account Manager: Working for a security firm, managing client relationships and multiple sites. $55k-$70k+.
  3. Specialist → Consultant: For those with years of experience, advising local businesses on security plans. This is often a self-employed or small-firm route.

10-Year Outlook: The market will remain stable. Demand will be driven by healthcare expansion (Shasta Regional is growing) and the need for security at cannabis manufacturing/distribution facilities (a growing industry in Northern CA). Technology (drones, advanced CCTV) will augment, not replace, human guards, especially for physical presence and de-escalation.

Insider Tip: Join the Northern California Security Association (NCSA). Networking here is key. Local managers often hire through word-of-mouth before posting jobs.

The Verdict: Is Redding Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Lower Cost of Living than coastal CA; your $36,443 goes further.	Salary ceiling is low; significant wealth-building is difficult.
Stable Job Market with major employers (hospitals, government).	Limited job growth (3%); advancement requires patience.
Outdoor Recreation is unmatched (hiking, fishing, skiing).	Car-dependent city; public transit is minimal.
Tight-Knit Community where you can build a professional reputation.	Fewer large corporate HQs; less variety in security niches.
Manageable Commutes compared to major metros.	Isolation – it's a 3-hour drive to Sacramento or the Bay Area.

Final Recommendation: Redding is an excellent choice for security guards who value quality of life, outdoor access, and stability over rapid career scaling. It’s ideal for:

• Career professionals who plan to be in the field long-term and build a local reputation.
• Outdoor enthusiasts who see their job as a means to fund their lifestyle.
• Individuals or couples who can manage on a modest budget and aren’t relying on a single $36,443 income for major financial goals like homeownership.

It’s not the right fit if you’re looking for aggressive salary growth, a bustling urban social scene, or the networking opportunities of a massive metro.

FAQs

1. Can I get a security job in Redding before I move there?
Yes, it’s possible but challenging. Most local interviews are in-person. A better strategy is to apply with national firms (Allied, Securitas) that have offices in Redding; they may accept remote interviews. However, having your CA security license before you arrive is a huge advantage.

2. Is the cost of living really that much lower?
Yes, but with a caveat. While rent is far below SF or LA, utilities, gas, and healthcare can be comparable or higher due to the rural location and extreme weather (hot summers). The Cost of Living Index of 102.8 (slightly above the national average) reflects this—it’s affordable for California, not necessarily for the U.S. overall.

3. What’s the typical schedule like?
Schedules in Redding are often 12-hour shifts (common for hospitals) or 8-hour swings (retail). Weekend, night, and holiday work is the norm. Many positions offer 4/10 schedules (four 10-hour days), which is popular for work-life balance.

4. Do I need my own vehicle?
Absolutely. Redding is spread out, and you’ll likely commute between sites, especially in patrol roles. A reliable vehicle is a job requirement.

5. How competitive is the market?
Moderately. With 185 jobs, there’s steady demand for reliable, licensed guards. The key is lack of turnover in experienced roles. Your best chance of getting hired quickly is to apply for entry-level positions and show a commitment to staying in the area.

Data Sources: Salary and employment figures are based on data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and the California Employment Development Department (EDD). Licensing information is from the California Bureau of Security and Investigative Services (BSIS). Cost of living and rent data are from Zillow, Redfin, and the Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER).