The Security Guard's Guide to Round Rock, TX

As a career analyst who’s spent years tracking Central Texas job markets, I can tell you Round Rock isn’t just Austin’s bedroom community anymore. It’s a self-sustaining hub for security work, anchored by Dell, a massive hospital, and retail corridors that need constant protection. The pay isn’t glamorous, but the stability and growth potential are real if you know where to look.

Let’s cut through the noise. This guide is for the security guard weighing a move to Round Rock—whether you’re already in Texas or considering a relocation. We’re using hard data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), and local market observations. No fluff, just the facts you need to decide.

The Salary Picture: Where Round Rock Stands

First, the numbers you’re here for. The median salary for a Security Guard in Round Rock is $35,879 per year, which breaks down to about $17.25 per hour. This is right in line with the national average for the role, which sits at $36,140 per year. The Austin-Round Rock metro area employs about 263 security guards directly, and the 10-year job growth for this field is projected at a modest 3%.

Here’s how your experience level typically translates to pay in Round Rock:

Experience Level	Typical Title in Round Rock	Typical Pay Range (Annual)	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	Patrol Officer, Site Guard	$31,000 - $34,000	Basic monitoring, access control, incident reporting
Mid-Level (2-5 years)	Security Officer, Field Supervisor	$34,000 - $38,000	Training new guards, handling escalated situations
Senior (5-10 years)	Lead Officer, Account Manager	$38,000 - $42,000	Client liaison, scheduling, complex site management
Expert (10+ years)	District Manager, Security Director	$42,000+	Overseeing multiple sites, contract negotiation, policy

Insider Tip: The pay ceiling for front-line guards caps out around $20-$22/hour ($41,600-$45,760/year) unless you move into a supervisory or corporate security role. The real money in Central Texas security comes from specialization or management.

How Round Rock Compares to Other Texas Cities:

• Austin: Higher pay (~$37,500 median), but a 30-40% higher cost of living. Competition is fierce.
• San Antonio: Slightly lower pay (~$33,000 median) with a more stable, institutional job market (military, healthcare).
• Dallas-Fort Worth: Better pay (~$37,000 median) and more high-profile gigs (sports stadiums, corporate HQs), but a much larger, more competitive pool.
• Houston: Similar pay (~$35,500 median) but driven by the oil/gas and port sectors, with a different risk profile.

Round Rock sits in a sweet spot: lower competition than Austin, better pay than some smaller Texas towns, and a diverse employer base that keeps demand steady.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

A median salary of $35,879 isn’t just a number—it’s your budget. Let’s break it down for a single person in Round Rock, assuming a standard tax filing (federal, state, FICA). After federal and state taxes (Texas has no income tax, but FICA is 7.65%), the take-home pay is roughly $28,500 annually, or about $2,375 per month.

The Biggest Expense: Rent. The average 1-bedroom apartment in Round Rock rents for $1,635/month. That means rent alone consumes 69% of your monthly take-home pay at the median salary.

Here’s a realistic monthly budget for a security guard earning the median wage:

Category	Estimated Cost	Notes
Take-Home Pay	$2,375	After taxes
Rent (1BR Avg)	$1,635	The biggest hurdle
Utilities (Avg)	$200	Electricity, water, internet
Groceries	$300	For one person
Transportation	$200	Gas, insurance, car maintenance
Health Insurance	$150	If not provided by employer
Miscellaneous	$200	Phone, personal care, etc.
Remaining/Savings	($310)	Deficit

Can they afford to buy a home? At this income level, it’s extremely challenging without significant savings or a dual income. The median home price in Round Rock is over $400,000. A 20% down payment is $80,000. Even with an FHA loan (3.5% down, $14,000), the monthly mortgage, taxes, and insurance would likely exceed $2,200/month—already 92% of your take-home pay. Homeownership on a single guard's median salary in Round Rock is not feasible. Renting is the only realistic option for most.

Insider Tip: Many guards I know in Round Rock work double shifts or overtime to make the numbers work. Companies like Allied Universal and Securitas often have ample overtime opportunities at major accounts. Also, consider shared housing (roommates) to bring rent down to $800-$900/month, which makes the budget viable.

Where the Jobs Are: Round Rock's Major Employers

Round Rock’s security job market is anchored by a few key sectors. You’re not looking for scattered postings; you’re targeting specific employers.

1. Dell Technologies (Round Rock Campus): The city’s largest employer. They contract with firms like G4S (now Allied Universal) and Securitas for campus security, data center protection, and access control. Hiring is constant due to turnover and project-based needs. Pay is at the top of the local range for corporate security.

2. St. David’s Round Rock Medical Center: A Level II Trauma Center and major hospital system. Hospital security is a growing specialty, dealing with everything from patient disputes to emergency department lockdowns. They often hire directly or use Allied Universal. This role requires a calm demeanor and often a Healthcare Security Certificate (extra training).

3. Retail Corridors (I-35 Frontage Roads & Round Rock Premium Outlets): Think Walmart, Target, H-E-B, and the Outlets. These are high-turnover, steady jobs. Companies like Securitas and local firm Knight Security hold these contracts. It’s a great entry point, but often involves standing for long periods and dealing with shoplifting.

4. School Districts (Round Rock ISD, Georgetown ISD): School security is a dedicated field. Positions include School Resource Officers (SROs), often filled by police, but also Campus Security Officers. These roles follow the school calendar (summers off, lower pay) but are stable. Look for postings on Round Rock ISD’s website or through DPS’s School Safety programs.

5. Logistics & Warehousing (Amazon, FedEx): The round-the-clock operations at logistics centers along SH-130 and I-35 require constant security coverage. These are often 12-hour shifts (4-on, 3-off). Pay is competitive, and the roles are physically engaging. Amazon in Round Rock is a major employer for these services.

6. City of Round Rock Municipal Facilities: The city government hires security for the police department, municipal buildings, and parks. These positions are posted on the City of Round Rock’s official job board. They offer excellent benefits and job security but are highly competitive.

Hiring Trend: Demand is stable, not booming. The 3% growth reflects this. The biggest opportunities are in specialized roles (hospital, corporate, school) and with large national contractors who have multiple accounts. Small, local firms often provide more personal training but may have less consistent hours.

Getting Licensed in Texas

Texas requires a security license for anyone performing private security work. It’s managed by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), Private Security Bureau (PSB). It’s not overly complicated, but you must follow the steps.

Step 1: Basic Requirements

• Be at least 18 years old (21 for some armed positions).
• Be a U.S. citizen or legal resident.
• Have no disqualifying criminal history (felonies, certain misdemeanors). DPS performs a background check.

Step 2: Training
You must complete a 6-hour "Level II" Non-Commissioned Security Officer training course from a DPS-licensed school. This covers legal authority, use of force, and basic duties. Cost: $75 - $150.

• Insider Tip: Many employers (Allied, Securitas) will pay for this training if you’re hired, but you often start as a “trainee” at lower pay. Doing it yourself first can make you more competitive.

Step 3: Apply for the License

• Cost: The application fee is $44.
• Process: Submit your application online via the Texas PSB portal. You’ll need your training school’s certification number.
• Timeline: After submitting, expect 4-6 weeks for processing and receipt of your license. The DPS website has a real-time processing time tracker.

Step 4: Optional Advanced Training

• Level III (Armed Guard): Requires 45 hours of firearms and legal training. Cost: $300 - $500. Only pursue if you want to work armed sites (banks, jewelry stores, high-value warehouses). Round Rock has some armed opportunities, but they are a small fraction of the market.
• Level IV (Personal Protection Officer): Bodyguard license. 30 hours of training. Cost: $250+. Very niche in Round Rock.

Total Startup Cost (Self-Funded): $120 - $200 and 4-8 weeks. If your employer pays, your out-of-pocket could be $0.

Best Neighborhoods for Security Guards

Where you live affects your commute, budget, and lifestyle. Round Rock is geographically large. Here’s a breakdown for a guard earning the median wage.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Estimated 1BR Rent	Pros for a Security Guard
Old Town Round Rock	Historic, walkable. Commute: 5-15 min to most jobs.	$1,400 - $1,700	Close to downtown, local charm, shorter commutes to hospital and retail. Older buildings, may lack modern amenities.
The Ridge/Forest Creek	Suburban, family-oriented. Commute: 10-20 min to I-35 jobs.	$1,600 - $1,850	Safer, quieter. Good for those with families or who want peace after a shift. Farther from the I-35 action.
Teravista	Planned community, newer. Commute: 15-25 min to major employers.	$1,550 - $1,750	Modern apartments, community pools. A bit isolated—requires driving for everything.
East Round Rock (near Georgetown)	More affordable, mix of older and newer. Commute: 20-30 min.	$1,300 - $1,550	Best for budget. You can find lower rent, but it's a longer commute to the main job hubs.
South Round Rock (near Austin)	Trendier, closer to Austin. Commute: 15-30 min north to Round Rock jobs.	$1,650 - $1,900	Access to Austin's nightlife, but rent is high and commutes to Round Rock are against traffic, which is a plus.

Personal Insight: For a single guard on a median salary, East Round Rock or Old Town are your best bets. Old Town offers character and a short commute to the hospital and downtown jobs. East Round Rock gives you breathing room in your budget. Avoid the far southwest (near Austin) if your job is in Round Rock proper—the rent premium isn't worth the commute.

The Long Game: Career Growth

The 10-year outlook of 3% growth means you won’t see explosive demand, but there are clear paths to increase your earnings beyond the median.

Specialty Premiums:

• Armed Guard: Adds $3-$5/hour ($6,000-$10,000/year). Requires Level III license and carries higher risk and insurance.
• Hospital Security: Specialized training can add $1-$3/hour due to the complex environment.
• Corporate/Access Control: Knowledge of systems like Lenel or Genetec can lead to $2-$4/hour premiums at tech companies like Dell.

Advancement Paths:

1. Security Officer → Field Supervisor: Manage a team at a single site. Pay jumps to $40k-$45k. Requires reliability and basic leadership skills.
2. Supervisor → Account Manager: Handle client relationships and billing for a contract. Pay: $45k-$55k. Requires strong communication and organizational skills.
3. Account Manager → District/Regional Manager: Oversee multiple contracts and teams. Pay: $55k+. This is the corporate ladder with large national firms.
4. Specialist Route: Get your Texas Peace Officer License (requires 600+ hours of academy training, ~$5k cost) to become a Police Officer. Round Rock PD and Williamson County Sheriff’s Office are major employers. This is a significant career shift, with median pay for police officers in the area at $60,000+ and a pension.

Insider Tip: The fastest way to grow in Round Rock is to specialize in corporate security or healthcare security. Network with managers at Dell and St. David’s. Take extra certifications (CPR/AED, de-escalation). The 3% growth means you have to be proactive—don’t wait for the job to find you.

The Verdict: Is Round Rock Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Stable, Diverse Employers: Dell, hospital, schools, retail. Not reliant on one industry.	Tight Budget: Median salary and high rent leave little room for error. Overtime is almost necessary.
Lower Competition than Austin: Easier to get your foot in the door at major accounts.	Limited High-Profile Jobs: Few corporate HQs or stadiums compared to DFW or Houston.
Good Commute Times: Most jobs are within a 15-20 minute drive.	Career Ceiling: Pay caps out quickly without moving into management or leaving security.
Growing City with Amenities: Safe, family-friendly, with good schools and parks.	Car-Dependent: You need a reliable vehicle, adding to transportation costs.
Pathway to Law Enforcement: Proximity to multiple police departments and sheriff’s offices.	Growth is Slow: The 3% job growth indicates a stable, not dynamic, market.

Final Recommendation: Round Rock is a strong choice for a security guard seeking stability, not a windfall. It’s ideal if you’re willing to work overtime, consider shared housing, and actively pursue specialization (hospital, corporate). It’s a terrible choice if you expect to buy a home quickly on a single income or want rapid career advancement without further training.

If you’re already in Texas, especially in Austin or San Antonio, moving to Round Rock could lower your cost of living while keeping you in the same job market. If you’re moving from out of state, come with a 6-month financial cushion and be prepared to start at entry-level.

FAQs

1. Do security guards in Round Rock need a car?
Absolutely. The city is spread out, public transit (CapMetro) is limited, and most jobs require you to get to sites that aren’t on bus routes. A reliable car is non-negotiable.

2. Is armed security common in Round Rock?
It’s a niche. You’ll find armed guards at banks (Chase, Bank of America), some jewelry stores, and high-value warehouses (like those for Dell servers). The vast majority of jobs (hospital, retail, school) are unarmed. Don’t get the Level III license unless you have a specific job lined up.

3. What’s the best way to find a security job in Round Rock?
Go directly to the websites of the major contractors: Allied Universal, Securitas, and G4S. They hold the contracts for Dell, the hospital, and most retail. Also check the City of Round Rock and Round Rock ISD job boards for direct municipal/school positions. Local firms like Knight Security are worth a look for smaller, family-run operations.

4. How does the cost of living in Round Rock affect a security guard’s salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 97.6 (US avg=100), Round Rock is slightly cheaper than the national average, but not by much. The killer is housing. Your $17.25/hour goes further here than in Austin (**$20