Security Guard in South Jordan, UT

Here is a comprehensive career guide for Security Guards considering a move to South Jordan, Utah.

The Salary Picture: Where South Jordan Stands

As a local, I can tell you that South Jordan isn't a high-wage hub for security work, but it offers a stable, middle-of-the-road market. The median salary for a Security Guard in South Jordan is $35,749/year, which translates to an hourly rate of $17.19/hour. This sits just below the national average of $36,140/year. Compared to the broader Salt Lake City metro area, where jobs are more concentrated, South Jordan's pay is typical for its suburban location. The metro area has 169 security guard jobs, indicating a healthy, competitive market.

The 10-year job growth for Security Guards is projected at 3%, which is slower than the national average but still indicates steady demand, particularly in healthcare, corporate campuses, and logistics.

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

Experience Level	Estimated Hourly Rate	Estimated Annual Salary	Common Roles
Entry-Level	$15.00 - $17.00	$31,200 - $35,360	Unarmed patrol, retail loss prevention, front desk security
Mid-Level	$17.00 - $20.00	$35,360 - $41,600	Armed guard (with permit), corporate campus security, event security
Senior/Lead	$20.00 - $23.00	$41,600 - $47,840	Supervisor, lead officer at a critical site (e.g., hospital, data center)
Expert/Manager	$24.00+	$49,920+	Security manager, compliance specialist, consultant

Note: These are estimates based on the median and local market trends. Salaries can vary by employer.

Insider Tip: The jump from unarmed to armed guard in Utah can boost your starting pay by $2-$4 per hour. However, the cost of training and licensing for armed work is significant. In South Jordan, the largest employers (like Intermountain Healthcare and Jordan School District) often start guards at the mid-range rate, especially for roles requiring specific certifications.

Compared to Other Utah Cities:

• Salt Lake City: Higher median pay (~$38,000) due to more corporate headquarters and downtown density.
• Provo/Orem: Similar to South Jordan, with a focus on tech campus security.
• St. George: Lower median pay (~$32,000) but a different, warmer climate and retiree-focused security market.
• Park City: Significantly higher pay (~$42,000+), especially for seasonal event and resort security, but with high living costs.

South Jordan offers a balanced proposition: a cost of living below the national average with pay that matches the state's suburban average.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s be direct: living on a Security Guard's salary in South Jordan requires careful budgeting and likely a shared living situation. Using the median salary of $35,749/year, the monthly take-home pay after taxes (assuming a typical federal/state tax filing) is approximately $2,200 - $2,350/month.

Monthly Budget Breakdown (Single Person):

Expense Category	Estimated Cost	% of Take-Home	Notes
Rent (1BR)	$1,301	55-59%	This is the average for a 1-bedroom apartment. This is a high percentage.
Utilities	$150	6-7%	Includes electricity, gas, internet. Winter heating can spike this.
Food/Groceries	$300	13-14%	Cooking at home is essential.
Transportation	$250	11-13%	Car insurance, gas, and maintenance. Public transit (UTA) is limited.
Healthcare/Insurance	$150	6-7%	Varies widely if employer-provided.
Misc/Personal	$200	8-9%	Phone, entertainment, savings.
Total	$2,351	~100%	This leaves little to no room for savings or debt.

Can they afford to buy a home? On a single Security Guard's median salary, no. The numbers are stark. With a monthly take-home of ~$2,300 and average rent at $1,301, the remaining $1,000 must cover all other life expenses. A median-priced home in South Jordan (often $500,000+) would require a mortgage payment far exceeding this entire budget.

Insider Tip: The only path to homeownership on this salary is through dual-income households or significant career advancement to a supervisory role ($45,000+). Many local guards live in shared apartments in areas like West Jordan or Murray to reduce rent below the South Jordan average.

Where the Jobs Are: South Jordan's Major Employers

South Jordan's economy is built on healthcare, education, and logistics. Security jobs are concentrated around these sectors.

1. Intermountain Healthcare (Riverton Hospital & South Jordan Medical Center): These are two of the largest employers in the valley. They hire security for patient safety, asset protection, and access control. Hiring is steady, with a need for both unarmed and armed guards (for cash handling). Trend: Increasing demand for guards with de-escalation training and experience in medical settings.
2. Jordan School District: The district's central office and various schools (like Bingham High) require security personnel and campus monitors. These are often entry-level positions with stable hours and school-year schedules. Trend: Focus on school safety and emergency preparedness post-pandemic.
3. Amazon (SDF8 & SLC1 Fulfillment Centers): Located just north of South Jordan in West Jordan, these massive facilities are a constant source of security jobs. Roles include gatehouse security, internal patrol, and loss prevention. Trend: High volume hiring, but with a reputation for a fast-paced, demanding work environment.
4. LinQuest Corporation: A defense and aerospace contractor with facilities in the area. They require cleared, armed security personnel for access control and facility protection. Trend: Requires a higher level of clearance and experience, offering premium pay.
5. Brixton (South Jordan Corporate Campus): The Brixton Group is a large property management and development firm. They hire security for their commercial and residential properties. Trend: Growing need for multifamily (apartment) security and corporate campus patrols.
6. South Jordan City Government: The city employs security for its municipal buildings, parks, and special events. These jobs offer good benefits and are competitive. Trend: Increasing use of technology (cameras, drones), requiring guards to be tech-savvy.
7. Local Retail & Corporate Campuses: Companies like Larry H. Miller Group (headquartered in Sandy, nearby) and various retail centers (The District, Gardner Village) use security services, often contracted through companies like Securitas or Allied Universal.

Getting Licensed in UT

Utah has clear regulations for security guards through the Utah Department of Public Safety, Bureau of Criminal Identification (BCI).

Unarmed Guard Requirements:

• Application: Complete the "Security Officer" application on the Utah BCI website.
• Background Check: Submit fingerprints and pass a criminal background check. Note: A felony conviction typically disqualifies you.
• Training: While Utah does not mandate a state-approved training course for unarmed guards, most employers require a 16-32 hour course covering laws, ethics, and emergency procedures. A 16-hour course typically costs $150-$250.
• Cost: Application fee is $50 (BCI) + fingerprinting ($30-$50). Total estimated startup cost: $230-$350.
• Timeline: From application to card in hand: 3-6 weeks.

Armed Guard Requirements (Additional):

• Firearms Permit: You must obtain a Utah Concealed Carry Permit (CCW) first. This requires a 4-hour classroom course from a BCI-certified instructor (cost: $75-$150).
• Armed Guard Course: Complete an additional 8-hour armed security course approved by BCI (cost: $200-$300).
• Total Cost for Armed: Add $300-$450 to the unarmed cost.
• Timeline: Add another 4-8 weeks for CCW processing and armed training.

Insider Tip: The Utah BCI website is the only authoritative source. Avoid third-party "license mills." For the best job prospects, prioritize getting an Armed Guard Permit immediately if you can afford the upfront investment ($600+ total). It opens doors to higher-paying jobs at hospitals, corporate sites, and logistics hubs.

Best Neighborhoods for Security Guards

Living in South Jordan itself can be expensive. Here are practical neighborhoods for commuting to security jobs in the area, balancing rent and commute.

Neighborhood	Estimated 1BR Rent	Commute to South Jordan Core	Vibe & Pros
South Jordan (Central)	$1,301	0-10 min	Close to major employers (Intermountain, Jordan School District). Very car-dependent.
West Jordan (near 5600 S/9000 W)	$1,150	10-15 min	More affordable, closer to Amazon and major retail. Older housing stock.
Murray (East of I-15)	$1,100	20-25 min	Great central location, good transit (TRAX), more walkable areas. Commute can be congested.
Draper (West Side)	$1,250	15-20 min	Similar cost to South Jordan, but more tech jobs. Good access to I-15.
Taylorsville/Kearns	$1,000 - $1,050	20-30 min	Most affordable, working-class neighborhoods. Longer commute but significant rent savings.

Insider Tip: For a Security Guard working at Intermountain Riverton Hospital, living in South Jordan or Draper is ideal for a short commute. If you work at an Amazon facility in West Jordan, West Jordan or Murray offers the best balance of cost and proximity.

The Long Game: Career Growth

The 3% 10-year growth indicates that while there are jobs, you must be strategic to advance.

Specialty Premiums:

• Armed Guard: +$2-$4/hour. The single biggest pay bump.
• CPR/First Aid/AED Instructor: +$1-$2/hour. In high demand for in-house training.
• Electronic Security Systems: Knowledge of access control (card readers, biometrics) and CCTV monitoring is increasingly required. Can add $1-$3/hour.
• Executive Protection: Requires additional training and networking. This is a niche in the Salt Lake metro, not a common South Jordan role.

Advancement Paths:

1. Field Officer → Field Supervisor: Manage a small team, handle scheduling, and conduct site audits. Pay jumps to the $40k-$47k range.
2. Supervisor → Site Manager/Account Manager: Oversee a single large client (e.g., a hospital campus) or a portfolio of sites. Pay reaches $50k-$65k+.
3. Specialization → Corporate/Consulting: Move into security consulting, compliance, or work for a large corporation's internal security department (e.g., at a tech company in Lehi or Draper). Pay can exceed $70k.

10-Year Outlook: The demand will remain steady for basic patrol and static guard roles. The growth will be in technology-integrated security (monitoring systems, data analysis) and specialized roles (healthcare, corporate). Guards who upskill in technology and de-escalation will have the best job security and mobility.

The Verdict: Is South Jordan Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Stable Job Market: Steady demand from healthcare, education, and logistics.	Low Median Wage: $35,749/year is not a living wage for a single person in a 1BR apartment.
Low Cost of Living: Index of 96.4 is below the U.S. average.	High Rent Burden: Rent consumes 55%+ of the median take-home pay.
Simple Licensing: Clear process with reasonable startup costs.	Car Dependency: Public transit is limited; a reliable vehicle is a must.
Good Employer Variety: Mix of healthcare, corporate, and government jobs.	Slow Growth: 10-year growth of 3% means competition for better positions is tight.
Access to Outdoors: Proximity to the Wasatch Mountains and outdoor recreation.	Limited Specialty Roles: Fewer high-paying executive protection or niche security jobs compared to downtown SLC.

Final Recommendation:
South Jordan is a viable, but challenging, launchpad for a Security Guard career. It is best suited for:

• A couple or roommates sharing a 2-bedroom apartment, which makes the budget work.
• An individual willing to live in a more affordable neighboring city (like Taylorsville or Murray) and commute.
• Someone with a clear plan to become armed or gain a technical specialty within 1-2 years to increase earning power.

If you are looking for a place to plant roots, save money, and build experience in the security field with a predictable schedule, South Jordan works. If you need to support a family on a single income or desire a fast-paced, high-earning career immediately, you should look to the downtown Salt Lake City core or consider a different field.

FAQs

1. Is the job market for Security Guards in South Jordan competitive?
Yes, but in a healthy way. There are enough jobs (169 in the metro) for those who are qualified and have a clean background. The competition is for the better-paying, armed positions at major employers like Intermountain or LinQuest. Unarmed, entry-level roles see more turnover and are easier to land.

2. Can I get a job as a Security Guard with a past misdemeanor?
It depends on the severity and recency. Utah BCI grants licenses on a case-by-case basis. Non-violent, older misdemeanors may not be disqualifying. However, many employers (especially healthcare and government) conduct their own background checks that may be stricter. Be upfront during interviews. A felony conviction will almost certainly disqualify you.

3. What is the best way to find security jobs in South Jordan?
Start with large employers' career pages directly (Intermountain, Jordan School District, Amazon). For contract security, check postings on Indeed and LinkedIn for local branches of companies like Allied Universal, Securitas, and G4S. The Utah Department of Workforce Services also lists openings.

4. Do I need my own vehicle?
Absolutely. South Jordan and the surrounding areas are suburban sprawl. Public transit (UTA buses and TRAX) does not adequately serve most industrial parks, corporate campuses, or hospital shifts. A reliable personal vehicle is a non-negotiable requirement for the job.

5. Are there part-time or flexible schedule options?
Yes. Many retail and event security roles are part-time with evening or weekend hours. Hospital security often operates 24/7, offering shift differentials (extra pay for overnight or weekend shifts). This can be a way to supplement income if you have another job or are in school.