Security Guard in Redmond, WA

The Salary Picture: Where Redmond Stands

As a Security Guard considering Redmond, your first question is about the paycheck. The data is clear: this is not a high-wage region for this role, but it’s competitive for the Pacific Northwest when you factor in the local economy. The median salary for Security Guards in Redmond is $37,549/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $18.05/hour. This sits slightly above the national average of $36,140/year, but the cost of living gap eats into that advantage.

For context, the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue metro area employs roughly 160 security guards, with a 10-year job growth projection of 3%. This isn’t a boom industry, but steady demand exists—primarily for contract security firms serving tech campuses and corporate facilities.

Here’s how experience typically translates into pay in this market:

Experience Level	Typical Hourly Rate	Estimated Annual Salary
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$16.50 - $18.00	$34,320 - $37,440
Mid-Level (3-5 years)	$18.50 - $21.00	$38,480 - $43,680
Senior (6-10 years)	$21.00 - $24.00	$43,680 - $49,920
Expert/Supervisor	$24.00+	$49,920+

Local Insight: The jump from mid to senior level often requires specialization—think cybersecurity incident response, executive protection, or biomedical facility security. Without a niche, salary growth plateaus quickly.

How Redmond Compares to Other WA Cities:

• Seattle: Higher pay (~$20-$22/hr for mid-level), but commute costs and higher rent eat the difference.
• Spokane: Lower pay (~$16-$18/hr), but cost of living is 15% below Redmond.
• Tacoma: Similar to Redmond, but with more industrial security roles.

Redmond’s tech-centric economy means you’re more likely to see corporate or data center security rather than retail or uniformed patrol—often a plus for those seeking less volatile environments.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get real about the math. The median salary of $37,549 places a guard in the 12-15% federal tax bracket (assuming single filer, standard deduction). After federal taxes, Social Security, and Medicare (approx. 15-18% total), your monthly take-home pay lands around $2,400 - $2,500.

Now, housing. The average 1BR rent in Redmond is $1,864/month. That’s 74-78% of your take-home pay—well above the recommended 30% guideline. This is the biggest financial hurdle.

Monthly Budget Breakdown for a Security Guard Earning $37,549:

Category	Cost	Notes
Rent (1BR)	$1,864	Average market rate
Utilities (Electric, Gas, Internet)	$200	Shared with roommates? Lower
Groceries	$350	Budget-conscious shopping
Transportation (Car + Gas + Insurance)	$300	Essential in Redmond (limited transit)
Health Insurance (if not provided)	$200	Through employer or marketplace
Miscellaneous (Phone, Clothing, etc.)	$150
Total Expenses	$3,064
Monthly Deficit	-$564 to -$664

Can they afford to buy a home? At this salary, a mortgage is out of reach. The median home price in Redmond is over $1.2 million. Even a condo would require a massive down payment and monthly payments exceeding $3,000. Realistically, buying property as a security guard in Redmond is not feasible without dual income or significant savings.

Insider Tip: Many guards live in neighboring areas like Kirkland (similar rent) or Bothell (cheaper, 15-20 min drive). Some share apartments in Redmond’s Downtown or Overlake neighborhoods to split costs.

Where the Jobs Are: Redmond’s Major Employers

Redmond’s job market for security is dominated by contract firms serving the tech sector. Direct in-house security roles are rare and highly competitive.

Top Local Employers:

1. Securitas Technology (Redmond Office): Provides security for Microsoft’s campus and other tech firms. They hire frequently for access control and patrol roles. Hiring Trend: Steady, with a focus on guards who can pass Microsoft’s rigorous background checks.
2. Allied Universal: Manages security for Overlake Medical Center and several corporate buildings (e.g., near SR 520). They have a large local presence. Hiring Trend: Consistent turnover means ongoing openings, especially for swing and graveyard shifts.
3. G4S (now part of Allied Universal): Specializes in government and high-security facilities. Look for postings related to Naval Base Kitsap or federal contractors in Redmond.
4. Amazon (Redmond Fulfillment Center): While not always listed as “security,” they hire internal Loss Prevention and Facility Security roles. Pay is slightly higher. Hiring Trend: Seasonal spikes before holidays, then steady.
5. City of Redmond: Parks & Recreation and municipal buildings sometimes hire part-time, uniformed guards. Pay is competitive but hours are limited.
6. Data Center Facilities (e.g., Co-location providers): Companies like Digital Realty or CyrusOne have facilities in Redmond. They need specialized guards for 24/7 monitoring. Hiring Trend: Niche but growing, with a premium for technical aptitude.

Insider Tip: Most jobs are posted on Indeed and LinkedIn. The real secret is contacting local branch managers at Securitas or Allied. They often have openings that don’t make it to public job boards. Networking with current guards at Redmond’s transit centers (like the Redmond Technology Station) can also yield leads.

Getting Licensed in WA

Washington State has clear requirements for security guards, enforced by the Department of Licensing (DOL). The process is straightforward but requires an upfront investment.

Requirements & Costs:

1. Training: Complete a 16-hour basic security guard course from a DOL-approved provider. This covers legal use of force, report writing, and emergency procedures.

   • Cost: $150 - $250
   • Timeline: 2 days (weekend courses are common)

2. Background Check: Submit fingerprints for a state and federal criminal history check.

   • Cost: ~$50-$70 (via MorphoTrust or local police)
   • Timeline: 1-3 weeks for results

3. Application: Submit the security guard application to the WA DOL with proof of training and background check.

   • Cost: $120 (application fee) + $25 (license fee)
   • Timeline: 1-2 weeks for approval

Total Cost: $345 - $465
Total Timeline: 4-6 weeks from start to holding your license.

Critical Upgrade: To work in armed security, you must complete an additional 16-hour armed guard course and pass a separate firearms background check. This adds ~$400-$600 in costs and is only worthwhile for roles in high-risk areas or executive protection.

Local Insight: For Redmond, your unarmed license is sufficient for 90% of jobs. Armed roles are rare and typically require prior military or law enforcement experience. Start unarmed, get experience, then consider armed certification if you want to move into high-end corporate security.

Best Neighborhoods for Security Guards

Living in Redmond on a security guard’s salary requires strategic location choices. Here are the best options, balancing commute, cost, and lifestyle.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Avg. 1BR Rent	Pro/Con
Downtown Redmond	Walkable to shops, bus to Microsoft. Close to many job sites.	$1,950	Pro: Short commute, urban feel. Con: Most expensive.
Overlake	Tech corridor, near hospitals and corporate parks. Good bus access.	$1,800	Pro: Central, lots of job opportunities. Con: Can feel sterile.
North Redmond	Residential, quieter, near Marymoor Park.	$1,700	Pro: More affordable, peaceful. Con: Longer commute, car essential.
Kirkland (Juanita)	Similar to Redmond, just north. Great lake access.	$1,750	Pro: Slightly cheaper, diverse housing. Con: Crossing SR 520 can be slow.
Bothell	More affordable, growing area. 20-25 min drive.	$1,550	Pro: Best value, decent amenities. Con: Farthest commute, less transit.

Insider Tip: If you work night shifts (11 PM - 7 AM), proximity to work matters less. Consider Bothell or Kenmore for cheaper rent. The SR 520 bridge toll ($2.50-$4.50 eastbound) is a hidden cost if you live east of the bridge and work west of it—plan your commute route to avoid it.

The Long Game: Career Growth

With a 3% 10-year job growth, the path forward is about specialization and advancement, not sheer volume.

Specialty Premiums:

• Armed Security: Adds $3-$5/hour to your base rate.
• Executive Protection: Requires experience, training (CPR, defensive driving), and often a clean record. Premium can be $25-$35/hour on contract.
• Data Center/Cybersecurity: Guards with IT aptitude can move into “physical security specialist” roles, earning $22-$28/hour.
• Supervisor/Manager: After 5+ years, a shift supervisor role can net $45,000-$55,000/year, but requires leadership skills.

Advancement Paths:

1. Entry Guard → Senior Guard (2-3 years): Focus on reliability, report writing, and building trust with client managers.
2. Senior Guard → Specialist (3-5 years): Get certified in CCTV, access control, or emergency response. Pursue roles in tech facilities.
3. Specialist → Supervisor/Manager (5-8 years): Take leadership courses. Many firms promote from within for shift supervisor roles.
4. Alternative Path: Transition to Loss Prevention at major retailers (e.g., Target in Bellevue), which often pays more and offers better benefits.

10-Year Outlook: The 3% growth is stable but slow. The biggest opportunity lies in the tech sector’s physical security needs. As data centers and corporate campuses expand in Redmond, guards with technical skills will see the most upward mobility. The key is to avoid stagnation—switch companies every 3-4 years for a pay bump if internal promotions are slow.

The Verdict: Is Redmond Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Stable job market with major tech employers.	High cost of living relative to salary.
Safe, clean city with low crime rates.	Limited public transit, car is a must.
Access to amenities (parks, shopping, dining).	Competitive housing market; sharing is often necessary.
Professional environment (less volatile than retail security).	Slower career growth without specialization.
Proximity to Seattle for broader opportunities.	Shift work can be isolating.

Final Recommendation:
Redmond is a viable but challenging place for a security guard. It works best if you:

• Are willing to specialize (aim for tech facility roles).
• Can share housing or live in adjacent, cheaper cities (Bothell, Kirkland).
• Value a professional, stable work environment over high pay.
• Have a long-term plan to advance beyond entry-level roles.

If you’re early in your career and open to sharing an apartment in Overlake or Downtown, Redmond offers a credible starting point. If you need to support a family or buy a home on a single income, this market will be too tough. Consider Redmond as a stepping stone—gain experience, build skills, and leverage the proximity to Seattle for better-paying roles down the line.

FAQs

1. Can I get a job as a security guard in Redmond without experience?
Yes, especially with contract firms like Securitas or Allied Universal. They often hire entry-level and provide on-the-job training. Your biggest hurdle will be the background check—any felonies or recent misdemeanors will likely disqualify you.

2. Is the cost of living in Redmond really that high?
Yes. The Cost of Living Index of 113.0 (US avg = 100) means you’re paying 13% more for goods and services than the national average. Rent is the primary driver. A roommate or living in neighboring cities is almost essential on a $37,549 salary.

3. What’s the best way to find a security job in Redmond quickly?
Get your WA security license first, then apply to multiple contract firms (Securitas, Allied, G4S) simultaneously. Also, check City of Redmond and Overlake Medical Center job boards. It typically takes 2-4 weeks from application to first shift.

4. Are there part-time security jobs available?
Yes, especially with the City of Redmond (parks, community centers) and some retail locations. Part-time work can help supplement income but won’t provide benefits. Most full-time corporate roles require 40 hours/week.

5. How does Redmond compare to Seattle for security guards?
Seattle pays slightly more (~$20-$22/hr for mid-level) but has higher rent (~$2,200 for 1BR) and longer commutes. Redmond offers a quieter, more professional environment. Choose Redmond if you value stability over maximum pay, and Seattle if you’re willing to commute for better opportunities.