The Complete Career Guide for Security Guards in Spokane Valley, WA

As a career analyst who's lived in the Inland Northwest for years, I've seen firsthand how the security industry works here. Spokane Valley isn't just a suburb—it's a distinct city with its own economy, geography, and employment landscape. If you're considering a move or a career pivot to security work in this area, you need ground-level insights, not generic advice. The numbers tell one story, but the reality on the ground tells another. Let's break it down.

The Salary Picture: Where Spokane Valley Stands

Let's get the hard numbers out first, because they frame everything else. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and local wage surveys, the landscape is straightforward but important to understand.

• Median Salary: $36,248/year
• Hourly Rate: $17.43/hour
• National Average: $36,140/year
• Jobs in Metro: 216
• 10-Year Job Growth: 3%

The first thing you'll notice is that the median salary ($36,248) is virtually identical to the national average ($36,140). This isn't a high-cost city like Seattle, but it's not a low-wage market either. You're getting paid a fair market rate, but it's not a "move here to get rich" proposition.

The 10-year job growth of 3% is telling. It's stable but stagnant. Spokane Valley isn't booming with new security jobs; it's a mature market. You'll find openings, but you'll be competing for them alongside a consistent pool of local talent. The 216 jobs in the metro area (which includes Spokane Valley, Spokane, and surrounding towns) means there's a small but steady demand.

Experience-Level Breakdown Table

Experience Level	Estimated Hourly Rate	Estimated Annual Salary	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level	$16.00 - $18.50	$33,280 - $38,480	Patrol, access control, incident reports. Often at retail, event, or basic site posts.
Mid-Level (3-5 yrs)	$18.50 - $21.00	$38,480 - $43,680	Armed posts, supervising junior guards, handling more complex incidents.
Senior/Lead (5+ yrs)	$21.00 - $24.00	$43,680 - $49,920	Shift supervisor, site manager, training, client liaison.
Expert/Specialist	$24.00+	$49,920+	Key account manager, corporate security director, training coordinator for a firm.

Insider Tip: Your certification status is the biggest salary lever. An unarmed guard will almost always start at the bottom of the entry-level range. Getting a Washington Armed Security Guard license can add $2-$4 per hour immediately. It's a significant upfront investment (more on licensing later) that pays off quickly in the Spokane Valley market.

How Spokane Valley Compares to Other WA Cities

Spokane Valley sits in a sweet spot. It's more affordable than the western side of the state, but the pay isn't drastically lower. Here's a quick comparison:

• Seattle Metro: The BLS shows a median wage closer to $45,000/year for security guards, but the cost of living is over 50% higher. A $17.43/hour in Spokane Valley might go further than a $21.50/hour in Seattle after rent and housing costs.
• Tacoma/Olympia: Wages are similar to Spokane Valley ($35k-$38k), with a slightly lower cost of living than Seattle but higher than Spokane Valley.
• Yakima/Tri-Cities: Wages tend to be 5-10% lower than Spokane Valley. The job market is also smaller. Spokane Valley offers a better balance of opportunity and cost of living compared to these eastern WA cities.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

The salary number is just a starting point. What matters is what you can actually afford. Let's run the numbers for a single guard earning the median salary of $36,248.

Assumptions for Calculation:

• Federal & State Taxes (WA has no state income tax, but federal and FICA apply): ~20% of gross income.
• Average 1BR Rent: $1,666/month (Spokane Valley proper).

Monthly Budget Breakdown for an Security Guard:

Category	Monthly Cost	Percentage of Take-Home	Notes
Gross Monthly Income	$3,020.67	100%	$36,248 / 12
Estimated Taxes (20%)	-$604.13	20%	May vary based on deductions.
Net Take-Home Pay	$2,416.54	80%	Your actual paycheck.
Rent (1BR Apartment)	-$1,666.00	68.9%	A significant portion of income.
Utilities (Elec, Gas, Internet)	-$200.00	8.3%	Varies by season and unit.
Groceries & Essentials	-$300.00	12.4%	For one person, cooking at home.
Car Payment/Insurance	-$300.00	12.4%	Assumes a moderate used car.
Gas/Transportation	-$100.00	4.1%	Spokane Valley is car-dependent.
Health Insurance (if not employer)	-$0 - $200	0-8.3%	Many employers offer coverage.
Miscellaneous/Entertainment	-$150.00	6.2%	Movies, eating out, hobbies.
REMAINING	$ -300.00	-12.4%	The budget is in the red.

Can they afford to buy a home?
At $36,248/year, the short answer is no. Using standard ratios (28% of gross on housing), you should spend no more than $845/month on a mortgage. In Spokane Valley, the median home price is over $350,000. A 20% down payment is $70,000, and the mortgage would be around $1,500/month even with today's interest rates. This is far beyond what a guard earning the median salary can afford. Homeownership is typically an option only for:

1. Dual-income households.
2. Security professionals in senior or specialist roles ($50k+).
3. Those who have saved aggressively for years.

Insider Tip: To make the numbers work on a single income, you'll likely need to find a roommate or look for housing slightly outside the core Valley, which can lower rent to the $1,300-$1,400 range.

Where the Jobs Are: Spokane Valley's Major Employers

The job market here is fragmented. You won't find one giant company hiring hundreds of guards. Instead, you'll find opportunities with regional firms, local businesses, and specific facilities. Here are the key players:

1. Securitas: A global giant with a strong local presence. They hold contracts for major employers like Spokane Valley Mall and industrial sites. They offer stable hours, benefits, and a clear path to supervisor roles. Hiring is constant, but turnover is high. Insider Tip: Apply directly on their website, and mention availability for swing or overnight shifts—you'll get a callback faster.

2. Allied Universal: Another national firm, similar to Securitas. They have a significant foothold in healthcare and corporate campuses. They often service MultiCare Valley Hospital and larger corporate offices along I-90. Their pay is competitive with the market median.

3. G4S (now part of Allied): Merged with Allied, but the brand still exists for certain contracts, often in more specialized or higher-risk roles. Check for armed positions.

4. Spokane County Sheriff's Office - Contract Security: The county hires security for its own facilities, like the Spokane County Jail and county administrative buildings. These are government jobs with better benefits and pensions. Pay is often at the higher end of the mid-level range. Insider Tip: Check the "Jobs" page on the Spokane County website directly. These positions aren't always posted on Indeed.

5. Valley Hospital Center (MultiCare) & Kaiser Permanente Spokane: Healthcare security is a growing niche. Hospitals need guards for ER security, patient de-escalation, and asset protection. It's more dynamic than retail and pays a premium ($18-$22/hr). Training in CPR and de-escalation is a huge plus here.

6. Local Logistics & Warehouse Companies: With I-90 running through the valley, there's a constant need for warehouse security. Companies like XPO Logistics or local distribution centers for Amazon (in nearby Spokane) hire guards for access control and loss prevention. These are often swing shift jobs.

7. Spokane Valley Events Center & Local Venues: For event-based work. Not full-time, but excellent for supplemental income. Contact venues like the Spokane Valley Events Center directly to get on their call list.

Hiring Trends: The market is stable. Most hiring happens through direct applications to security firms or corporate HR pages. LinkedIn is less useful here than in tech cities; Indeed and company career pages are the primary tools. Networking at local business associations or the Spokane Valley Chamber of Commerce can uncover unposted opportunities.

Getting Licensed in WA

Washington has clear, state-mandated requirements. You cannot work without a license.

Requirements & Process (via the Washington State Department of Licensing - DOL):

1. Private Security Guard License (Unarmed): You must be at least 18, pass a background check (no felonies, certain misdemeanors disqualified), and complete a 12-hour basic training course from a state-approved school.
2. Armed Security Guard License: Requires the unarmed license first, plus an additional 8-hour firearms training course and a state-approved shooting qualification.
3. Costs:
   • Training Course (Unarmed): $150 - $250
   • State License Application Fee: $120
   • Armed Training & Testing: $200 - $300
   • Total to get started (Unarmed): ~$270 - $370
   • Total to be Armed: ~$470 - $670 (plus your own firearm and gear, which can add $500-$800).
4. Timeline: The training course is usually a 2-day weekend class. The background check and state processing can take 2-4 weeks. You can work as a "trainee" for up to 90 days under direct supervision while your license is pending.

Where to Get Trained in Spokane Valley:
Look for schools like "Northwest Security Training" or "Evergreen Security Academy" in the Spokane area. Read reviews carefully. A good school will not only teach the law but will also have connections to local employers.

Best Neighborhoods for Security Guards

Your commute and lifestyle matter. Spokane Valley is spread out, and traffic on I-90 and Sullivan Road can be frustrating.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Avg. 1BR Rent	Best For...
City Center / Downtown Spokane Valley	Walkable to restaurants, near Valley Mall. Easy access to I-90 for commutes east/west.	$1,600 - $1,700	Guards who want a short commute to mall or retail posts and value amenities.
Trentwood / Dishman Hills	Eastern side, quieter, more residential. Closer to Valley Hospital and industrial areas.	$1,500 - $1,650	Those seeking a quieter home life. Commutes to downtown Spokane can be long (25-30 min).
South Spokane Valley	Near the Spokane River, more established neighborhoods. Good access to I-90 and US-195.	$1,550 - $1,700	A balance. Good for commutes to downtown Spokane or Liberty Lake jobs.
Liberty Lake (Edge of Spokane Valley)	Upscale, very safe, but more expensive. Home to many offices and corporate parks.	$1,800 - $2,100	For senior guards or those with a higher salary. Commute to Valley jobs is 15-20 min.
Veradale / Green Bluff	Southern edge, more rural feel. Lower density, so fewer immediate job options but housing can be cheaper.	$1,400 - $1,600	Budget-conscious guards willing to drive 20-25 minutes to job sites.

Insider Tip: If you work at the Spokane Valley Mall or Trentwood industrial area, living in the City Center or Trentwood neighborhoods will save you 2-3 hours of weekly commute time.

The Long Game: Career Growth

With a 3% growth rate, you can't wait for the market to lift you up. You must be proactive.

• Specialty Premiums:

  • Armed Guard: +$2-$4/hour immediately.
  • Healthcare Security: Specialized training in de-escalation and medical awareness can add $1-$3/hour.
  • Fire Inspector/Watchman: Some industrial sites require a fire watch certification, which can add a small premium.
  • Executive Protection: This is a rarity in Spokane Valley, but for those who travel to client sites (e.g., for tech companies in Seattle), it can be a lucrative path.

• Advancement Paths:

  1. Guard > Field Supervisor > Account Manager: This is the standard corporate ladder at firms like Allied or Securitas. It leads from hourly to salaried positions ($45k - $65k+).
  2. Guard > In-House Security (Corporate): Move from a contract firm to a direct employee of a company like Kaiser Permanente or a larger warehouse. Better benefits, more stability.
  3. Public Sector: Transfer to Spokane County or the City of Spokane Valley as a security aide or court officer. These jobs have pensions and are highly competitive.

• 10-Year Outlook: The growth is minimal, so the key is specialization. In a decade, the guard who is "just a guard" will be competing for the same $18/hour jobs. The guard who has Armed, Healthcare, and Supervisor certifications will be in line for a $25-$30/hour role. The field isn't growing, but the qualified talent pool within it is.

The Verdict: Is Spokane Valley Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Affordable Cost of Living (Index 101.0, vs. Seattle's ~150).	Stagnant Salary – Earning the median $36,248 requires careful budgeting.
Stable, Predictable Job Market – Not prone to major booms or busts.	Stagnant Growth – 3% job growth means you must create your own advancement.
No State Income Tax – More of your paycheck stays in your pocket.	Car-Dependent City – Commutes can be long; not ideal without a vehicle.
Diverse Employer Base – Retail, healthcare, government, logistics.	Limited High-Salary Roles – Top end is $25-$30/hr; no major corporate HQs.
Good Work-Life Balance in Many Roles – Standard shifts are common.	Housing Strain – Rent at $1,666/month eats up ~70% of take-home on median salary.

Final Recommendation:
Spokane Valley is a practical choice for security professionals seeking stability and a reasonable cost of living, not a springboard for rapid wealth. It's ideal for:

• A single guard willing to share housing.
• A dual-income household where one person works security and the other supplements.
• Someone looking to enter the field and get licensed, then leverage the experience to move to a higher-cost, higher-wage market later.

If you are motivated, can invest in certifications (especially armed), and are open to supervisory roles, you can build a solid, middle-class life here. If you're looking for explosive career growth or to buy a home on a single security salary, you will find Spokane Valley challenging.

FAQs

Q: How competitive is the job market for security guards in Spokane Valley?
A: It's moderately competitive for entry-level, unarmed positions. You'll compete with locals and people from nearby cities. However, once you have your license (especially armed) and a clean record, you are highly employable. The market has a constant need for reliable