Security Guard in Salt Lake City, UT

The Salary Picture: Where Salt Lake City Stands

Let’s cut right to it: security work in Salt Lake City is a steady, blue-collar job, not a get-rich-quick scheme. The median salary for a Security Guard here is $35,749/year, or $17.19/hour. That’s slightly below the national average of $36,140/year, but given Utah’s lower cost of living compared to coastal cities, it holds up reasonably well. The metro area supports 419 jobs for security guards, and the 10-year job growth is projected at a modest 3%. This isn’t an explosive growth sector, but it’s stable—especially in a city with a growing population and a major airport.

Experience-Level Breakdown

Here’s how pay shakes out as you gain experience, based on local job postings and industry averages:

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary	Estimated Hourly Rate
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$31,000 - $34,000	$14.90 - $16.35
Mid-Level (2-5 years)	$35,749 (Median)	$17.19
Senior (5-10 years)	$39,000 - $42,000	$18.75 - $20.20
Expert/Supervisor (10+ years)	$45,000 - $52,000+	$21.65 - $25.00+

Insider Tip: The jump from mid-level to senior often comes from obtaining specialized certifications (like armed guard or fire director certifications) or moving into a supervisory role at a larger contract security firm like Securitas or G4S. The $45k+ range typically requires supervisory duties or a role at a high-security facility.

Comparison to Other Utah Cities

How does Salt Lake City stack up against other hubs in the state?

City	Median Salary	Cost of Living Index (US Avg=100)	Jobs in Metro
Salt Lake City	$35,749	96.4	419
Provo-Orem	$34,500	95.1	152
Ogden-Clearfield	$34,200	94.8	89
St. George	$33,800	97.5	47

Salt Lake City offers the highest pay, which makes sense as it’s the state’s economic and population center. However, the cost of living is also the highest. Ogden and Provo are cheaper, but job opportunities are fewer. St. George has a unique market with a large retiree population and tourism, but lower pay.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

The median salary of $35,749 translates to a monthly take-home pay (after taxes) of approximately $2,450. The average 1BR rent in Salt Lake City is $1,338/month. Let’s build a realistic monthly budget for a security guard living alone.

Expense Category	Monthly Cost (Approx.)	% of Take-Home Pay
Rent (1BR Avg)	$1,338	54.6%
Utilities (Electric, Gas, Internet)	$150	6.1%
Groceries	$300	12.2%
Car Payment/Insurance/Gas	$350	14.3%
Health Insurance (if not employer-provided)	$200	8.2%
Miscellaneous/Personal	$112	4.6%
Total	$2,450	100%

Analysis: This budget is extremely tight. Spending over 50% of your income on rent is generally considered unsustainable. You would have almost no room for savings, emergencies, or discretionary spending. To make it work, you would need to:

• Live with roommates: Bringing rent down to $700-$800/month is the most effective way to create financial breathing room.
• Find an employer with benefits: A job that offers health insurance and a retirement plan (like 411(k) with a match) is crucial.
• Work overtime: Many security jobs offer overtime, especially around holidays or for special events, which can boost your income temporarily.

Can They Afford to Buy a Home?

On a median salary of $35,749, buying a home in Salt Lake City is not feasible without significant savings or a dual-income household. The median home price in the Salt Lake City metro is over $500,000. Even with a 5% down payment ($25,000), a mortgage payment would be unaffordable. Security work at this level is better suited for renting, especially with roommates, or living in the suburbs where housing is slightly cheaper.

Where the Jobs Are: Salt Lake City's Major Employers

The security job market in Salt Lake City is dominated by contract security firms, but there are also direct-hire opportunities with local institutions.

1. Securitas/G4S (Allied Universal): These are the giants. They service hundreds of accounts across the Wasatch Front, from corporate offices in Downtown Salt Lake City to distribution centers in West Valley City. They offer the most job openings and a clear path for advancement. Hiring trends are steady, with high turnover, so they are always recruiting.

2. Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC): The airport is a massive employer. Security roles include TSA (federal, requires a separate application) and private security for airport facilities, contractors, and the SkyTrain. These jobs often have excellent benefits and are unionized. The hiring process is lengthy but worth it for long-term stability.

3. University of Utah Hospital & Campus: Located in Sugar House, the University of Utah is a huge employer. They hire security officers for campus patrols, hospital security (which requires more training and can be higher paid), and event security. These roles often come with state employee benefits, which are superior to many contract jobs.

4. Intermountain Healthcare: With multiple hospitals (like LDS Hospital downtown and St. Mark's in Millcreek), Intermountain hires in-house security teams. Hospital security is a specialized field dealing with de-escalation and patient safety. It’s more demanding than typical corporate security but pays better.

5. State of Utah / Government Buildings: The state employs security for the Capitol Hill complex, state office buildings, and courts. These jobs are found on the state careers website. They offer great job security, a pension plan, and a 401(k)-like plan. The hiring process is slow and competitive.

6. Retail Centers & Malls: Trolley Square and City Creek Center in downtown, along with Mall of America (in Draper, just south of SLC), have their own security teams. These roles are often focused on loss prevention and customer service.

7. Event Venues: The Vivint Arena, Salt Palace Convention Center, and USANA Amphitheatre hire security on an event-by-event basis. This can be great for supplemental income but is not reliable for full-time work. You’re often paid per event.

Insider Tip: The best benefits and pay are found in direct-hire roles (University, State, Hospitals). Contract security (Securitas, G4S) is easier to get into but often has lower pay and benefits. Look for postings on the individual employer’s career page, not just the big job boards.

Getting Licensed in Utah

Utah’s security licensing is managed by the Utah Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing (DOPL). It’s straightforward but has specific steps.

1. Application: You must fill out the application form and submit it with a fee. The current application fee is $50, and the license fee is $35 (total $85). This is paid directly to DOPL.
2. Background Check: You must undergo a fingerprint-based criminal background check. This is done through a third-party vendor (like IdentoGO) and costs approximately $45-$55.
3. Training: Utah requires 8 hours of pre-assignment training for an unarmed security guard. This covers state laws, use of force, and report writing. Approved training providers in the Salt Lake area charge between $75 and $150 for this course. You must complete this before applying for your license.
4. Armed Guard License: If you want to be armed, you need an additional 16 hours of firearms training from a certified instructor, plus a separate application and higher fees (approx. $125 total). The total cost for armed certification can be $250-$400.

Timeline: From start to finish, you can expect to be licensed and ready to work in 4-6 weeks. The longest part is often scheduling the fingerprinting and waiting for the background check to clear.

Insider Tip: Some employers, like Securitas, will pay for your training and license fees if you agree to work for them for a set period (e.g., one year). Always ask about this during the interview.

Best Neighborhoods for Security Guards

When choosing where to live, consider commute time, safety, and rent. Here are a few solid options:

1. Rose Park / Fairpark (Northwest Salt Lake): This is a hub for warehouse and distribution jobs. You may find security work at nearby facilities (like Amazon or the airport). It’s more affordable, with 1BR apartments averaging $1,100-$1,200/month. Commute to downtown is 15-20 minutes. It’s a working-class area with a mix of older homes and apartments.
2. Murray / Midvale (South of Downtown): Located along the I-15 corridor, these areas have a high concentration of retail, medical offices, and corporate parks. Rent for a 1BR is similar to the city average ($1,250-$1,350). Commute to downtown is 10-15 minutes. It’s suburban, family-friendly, and has good access to the TRAX light rail.
3. West Valley City (West of Downtown): The largest city in the county. It’s a major hub for retail (like the Gardner Village area) and has a large immigrant population with diverse job opportunities. Rent is slightly lower ($1,150-$1,250 for a 1BR). Commute to downtown is 15-25 minutes, depending on traffic. It’s less polished than Murray but offers great value.
4. Sugar House (East of Downtown): This is a trendy, walkable neighborhood adjacent to the University of Utah. It’s not for everyone—it’s more expensive ($1,400-$1,600 for a 1BR) and has a younger, professional vibe. It’s a great location if you land a job at the University or a downtown corporate office. Commute is 10 minutes via 1300 East.
5. South Salt Lake / Central City (Downtown Adjacent): These areas are just east and south of downtown. You can find older apartments at a slight discount ($1,250-$1,350), and you’re close to everything. The commute is negligible if you work downtown or take public transit. It’s urban, with a mix of new and old development.

Insider Tip: Avoid the immediate downtown area (like Pioneer Park) for living if you’re on a tight budget; the rents are high, and parking can be expensive. Look just outside the core in the neighborhoods listed above.

The Long Game: Career Growth

A security guard role can be a stepping stone or a career. Here’s the path:

• Specialty Premiums: The biggest pay bump comes from specialization. Armed security can command $2-$4 more per hour. Fire Director certification (required for many event venues) adds $1-$2/hour. Hospital security (requiring additional de-escalation training) often pays 10-15% more than standard corporate security.
• Advancement Paths: The classic path is Guard → Shift Supervisor → Site Manager → Regional Manager. This is most common in contract firms. Another path is to move into Loss Prevention for a major retailer (like Smith's or Walmart), which can lead to investigative roles. The Security Director path in a corporate or healthcare setting requires experience and often a degree or advanced certifications (like CPP - Certified Protection Professional).
• 10-Year Outlook (3% Growth): The 3% national growth is reflected locally. The demand will be steady, driven by new construction (office and residential), the airport’s expansion, and the healthcare sector. However, the rise of automated security (like AI cameras) may slow growth for entry-level static guard positions. The future is in mobile patrol, technology oversight, and specialized security (cyber-security for physical systems is emerging).

Insider Tip: The most important move is to get off the static, overnight shift as soon as you have experience. Mobile patrol and supervisor roles offer higher pay and better hours. Join a professional organization like ASIS International’s local chapter for networking.

The Verdict: Is Salt Lake City Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Stable Job Market: With 419 jobs and steady growth, you can find work.	Low Pay for the Cost of Living: The median $35,749 is tough when rent is $1,338/month.
High Quality of Life: Safe, clean city with world-class outdoor access.	Competitive Housing Market: High rent for limited inventory, especially near downtown.
Strong Employer Base: Multiple large employers (hospitals, university, airport, state).	Car Dependency: You likely need a car for the best job opportunities and commutes.
Good Benefits in Public Sector: State, university, and hospital jobs offer excellent benefits.	Limited Growth in the Field: The 3% growth means you must actively seek advancement.
Growing Metro: Population growth means sustained demand for security services.	Can Be Isolating: The social culture can be cliquey; it’s not a “big city” feel.

Final Recommendation: Salt Lake City is a good fit for a security guard who is single and willing to have roommates or is part of a dual-income household. It’s an excellent choice if you can secure a direct-hire job with the State, University, or a Hospital for the benefits and stability. If you rely on a single income from a contract security firm, you will face financial strain. The city offers a great quality of life, but you must be strategic about your employer and living situation to make the numbers work.

FAQs

1. Can I survive on the median salary in Salt Lake City?
Only with very careful budgeting. You will almost certainly need roommates to keep rent below $800/month and a job with health insurance benefits. It’s a struggle on a single income.

2. Is there a big difference between working for a contract firm (like Securitas) vs. a direct employer?
Yes. Contract firms are easier to get into but often have lower pay, less job security, and weaker benefits. Direct employers (state, university, hospital) have higher standards, a longer hiring process, but offer better pay, pensions, and stability.

3. Do I need my own car?
Almost certainly, yes. While downtown has some public transit (TRAX), most security jobs in the metro area (airports, warehouses, suburban offices) are not accessible by reliable public transit. A car is also necessary for living in the more affordable neighborhoods.

4. How long does the hiring process take?
For contract security, it can be a few days to two weeks. For direct employers (state, university, hospital), it can take 1-3 months from application to start date due to background checks and internal processes.

5. What’s the biggest mistake new security guards make in Salt Lake City?
Accepting the first offer from a contract firm without asking about benefits, and then moving into a solo apartment. This combination leads to financial stress. The smarter move is to start with a contract firm to get licensed and experience, then immediately look for a direct-hire role with better benefits and pay, while sharing housing costs.