Security Guard in Spokane, WA

The Salary Picture: Where Spokane Stands

Let’s get straight to the numbers. For a Security Guard in Spokane, the financial reality starts with a median salary of $36,248 per year, which breaks down to a $17.43 hourly rate. This figure is nearly identical to the national average of $36,140, meaning Spokane pays right in line with the rest of the country. However, this is a median, so half of all guards earn more, and half earn less. Your actual take-home depends heavily on your employer, shift differentials, and specialization.

Here’s how experience typically translates to pay in our local market:

Experience Level	Typical Years of Experience	Estimated Annual Salary Range	Common Roles
Entry-Level	0-2 years	$32,000 - $36,000	Mall security, basic patrol, event staff
Mid-Level	2-5 years	$36,500 - $42,000	Hospital security, corporate campus, armed officer
Senior/Lead	5-10 years	$43,000 - $52,000	Supervisor, training officer, critical infrastructure
Expert/Specialist	10+ years	$52,000+	K9 handler, executive protection, security management

Insider Tip: The biggest pay jumps in Spokane come from two factors: getting your armed guard card (adding $2-$4/hour) and landing a position with a hospital or critical infrastructure site. The Spokane Valley area tends to pay slightly more for armed positions due to the concentration of retail and logistics hubs.

When you compare Spokane to other Washington cities, the picture gets interesting. Seattle and Bellevue offer higher nominal pay (median around $48,000-$52,000 for security roles), but the cost of living is disproportionately higher. Spokane's Cost of Living Index of 101.0 (vs. the US avg of 100) makes it more manageable. Tacoma's numbers are closer to Spokane's, but its job market is tighter. For a Security Guard weighing location, Spokane offers a solid balance of pay and affordability within the state.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s break down the monthly budget for a single Security Guard earning the median salary of $36,248/year. We’ll estimate taxes at a combined federal and state rate of ~22% (a rough but common estimate for this income bracket in WA).

• Gross Monthly Pay: $36,248 / 12 = $3,020.67
• Estimated Taxes & Deductions (~22%): -$664.55
• Net Monthly Take-Home: $2,356.12

Now, let's layer in Spokane's housing costs. The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is $1,012/month. This means:

• Housing as % of Take-Home Pay: 43% ($1,012 / $2,356)
• Remaining Budget After Rent: $1,344.12

This remaining amount must cover all other expenses: utilities (average $150-$200 for gas/electric/water in Spokane), groceries ($300-$400), car payment/insurance (a major factor, as Spokane is a driving city), health insurance (if not provided by employer), and personal expenses. It's tight but feasible with careful budgeting, especially if you have a roommate or live slightly below the city average rent. Buying a home is a significant challenge on this salary. The median home price in Spokane hovers around $350,000-$400,000. A 20% down payment would be $70,000-$80,000, and a monthly mortgage payment would likely exceed $1,800, making homeownership unrealistic without a substantial dual income or significant savings.

Where the Jobs Are: Spokane's Major Employers

Spokane's security job market is anchored by a mix of healthcare, retail, education, and critical infrastructure. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data for the Spokane metro area shows approximately 458 Security Guard positions, and while job growth is modest at 3% over 10 years, turnover creates consistent openings.

Here are the key local employers to target:

1. Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center & MultiCare Deaconess Hospital: These are the two largest healthcare systems in Spokane. Hospital security is a major employer, often requiring a state armed guard card. They value de-escalation training and stability. Hiring trends are consistent as they maintain 24/7 operations.
2. Avista Corporation & Kaiser Aluminum: These represent critical infrastructure. Avista (a major utility) and Kaiser Aluminum secure large industrial campuses. These roles often require a higher level of clearance and background check, and they typically pay at the mid-to-senior level.
3. Spokane Tribe Casino & Northern Quest Resort & Casino: Located just outside city limits in Airway Heights, these casinos are large, 24/7 employers. They have high turnover but always need warm bodies for floor security and surveillance. It's a good entry point but can be a demanding environment.
4. Spokane Public Schools & Gonzaga University: The school district and the university employ security for campus safety. These roles are often day-shift, Monday-Friday, offering a better work-life balance. Hiring is often seasonal (before the school year starts).
5. Corporate Campuses (e.g., Clearwater Paper, Itron): These large local companies have their own security teams or contract with firms like Securitas or Allied Universal. These are stable, professional environments but often require prior experience.
6. Retail Hubs (Northtown Mall, Spokane Valley Mall): Mall security is a classic entry point. The pay is at the lower end of the spectrum, but it's a great way to get your foot in the door and gain experience in a busy environment.

Insider Tip: Many of the best-paying and most stable jobs in Spokane are with contract security firms (Allied Universal, Securitas, GardaWorld) that service the above clients. Applying directly to the firm can be more effective than applying to the client site.

Getting Licensed in WA

Washington State has clear, mandatory licensing requirements through the Washington State Department of Licensing (DOL). You cannot legally work as a security guard without completing this process.

Step-by-Step Requirements:

1. Guard Card Application: You must apply for a "Private Security Guard" license. The application fee is $120.
2. Training: You must complete a 16-hour basic security guard training course from a DOL-approved provider. This covers state laws, use of force, and emergency procedures. The course typically costs $150-$250 and can be completed over a weekend.
3. Fingerprinting: You must get fingerprinted at a DOL-approved vendor. This costs around $45-$55 and is used for a national background check.
4. Armed Guard Endorsement (Optional): If you want to carry a firearm, you need an additional 12-hour armed guard training course (cost: $200-$300) and must pass a firearm proficiency test. You will also need a separate application for the armed endorsement.

Timeline: You can expect the entire process, from starting training to receiving your physical card, to take 4-6 weeks. The DOL can sometimes be backlogged, so apply early. Your employer may cover the training costs if you sign a contract, but this is not guaranteed.

Local Training Providers: Look for schools like Northwest Security Academy or Evergreen State Security Training in the Spokane area. They offer the required courses and often have connections with local employers.

Best Neighborhoods for Security Guards

Spokane is a city of distinct neighborhoods, and your choice impacts commute, cost, and lifestyle.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Avg. 1BR Rent	Pros for a Security Guard
South Hill	Quiet, residential, older charm. 10-15 min drive to downtown.	$1,050	More space for your money. Easy access to hospitals and schools. Family-friendly.
Spokane Valley	Suburban, sprawling. 15-20 min to downtown. Easy highway access.	$1,080	Highest concentration of armed retail & logistics jobs. Newer apartments. Car-dependent.
Downtown / Kendall Yards	Urban, walkable, trendy. Central to many contracts.	$1,250	Short commutes to downtown clients. Nightlife and amenities. Parking can be expensive.
Five Mile / North Side	Affordable, with pockets of older homes and new apartments.	$925	Most budget-friendly. Quick access to I-90 and north-end employers. Less traffic.
West Plains / Airway Heights	Industrial, airport-adjacent, open space.	$950	Proximity to Spokane Tribe Casino, Northern Quest, and the airport. Growing job cluster.

Commute Insight: Spokane's traffic is mild compared to major metros, but winter weather can add 10-20 minutes to any drive. Living on the South Hill means navigating the steep hills in snow. The Valley offers the easiest highway commutes but requires a car for everything.

The Long Game: Career Growth

The 10-year job growth projection of 3% indicates this is a stable field, not a rapidly expanding one. Growth, therefore, comes from specialization and promotion, not sheer market expansion.

Specialty Premiums (Spokane Market):

• Armed Guard: +$2-$4/hour ($4,000-$8,000/year).
• K9 Handler: +$3-$5/hour additional to armed pay.
• Executive Protection (High-Profile Clients): Often starts at $50,000+ and is project-based.
• Crisis Intervention / Mental Health: Training here, used in hospitals, can lead to supervisory roles.

Advancement Paths:

1. Field Officer -> Shift Supervisor: Focus on reliability, report writing, and training new hires. Requires 3-5 years.
2. Supervisor -> Account Manager: For contract firms, managing client relationships and site operations. Requires 5-7 years and strong soft skills.
3. Security -> Law Enforcement: A common path. Many Spokane Police Department recruits come from security backgrounds. It requires passing a rigorous academy.
4. Niche Specialization: Moving into compliance, cybersecurity (physical access control), or safety coordination for industrial sites.

10-Year Outlook: Automation and AI will change the role—more monitoring of camera feeds, less static guarding. The highest-value guards will be those who can operate technology, write detailed reports, and handle de-escalation. The demand for guards in healthcare and critical infrastructure will remain strong, while traditional retail security may see slower growth.

The Verdict: Is Spokane Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Affordable Cost of Living relative to pay. You can live comfortably on a single income.	Stagnant Job Growth (3%). You'll need to be proactive about seeking better roles.
Clear Employer Landscape. You know who the major players are (hospitals, casinos, utilities).	Lower Ceiling. Without specialization, pay plateaus quickly.
Manageable Commutes. Easy access to most job sites from most neighborhoods.	Weather Impacts Work. Winter snow can affect schedules and safety.
Variety of Roles. From quiet campus patrols to busy casino floors.	Reliance on Contract Firms. Many jobs are with national companies, which can feel impersonal.
Gateway to Law Enforcement. A solid stepping-stone career.	Car Dependency. A reliable vehicle is essential for most jobs and commutes.

Final Recommendation: Spokane is a strong choice for a Security Guard who values stability, affordability, and a clear career ladder. It's ideal for someone willing to get their armed card and target healthcare or critical infrastructure jobs to maximize income. It's less ideal for someone seeking rapid salary growth or who wants to live in a car-free urban environment. If you're a reliable, proactive individual who can specialize, Spokane offers a solid foundation for a long-term security career.

FAQs

1. Do I need to pay for my own training and licensing?
It depends on the employer. Large contract firms (Allied, Securitas) often cover training costs if you commit to working for them for a certain period (e.g., 6-12 months). Smaller local companies or direct-hire positions may expect you to have your license already, so you would cover the costs ($300-$500 for basic guard card). Always ask about reimbursement during interviews.

2. What's the demand for female security guards in Spokane?
There is a steady and growing demand for female guards, particularly in healthcare (Sacred Heart, Deaconess) and retail, where they can be effective in roles requiring a less confrontational presence. Diversity is a plus in many employers' eyes, and you should not hesitate to apply.

3. How does winter affect security guard work?
It's a major factor. Employers expect you to arrive on time regardless of snow. A reliable, all-wheel-drive vehicle is a significant asset. Outdoor patrol roles require proper gear (insulated boots, layered clothing). Indoor positions (hospitals, casinos, malls) become more attractive in winter, so competition for those slots increases.

4. Can I work for multiple security companies?
Legally, yes, but it's uncommon due to scheduling conflicts and non-compete clauses some contracts have. Most full-time positions require exclusivity. However, many guards work a full-time job and pick up occasional event security or bouncer gigs on weekends for extra cash.

5. What's the best way to find a job quickly?

1. Get your Washington State Guard Card first.
2. Create a profile on Indeed and LinkedIn, highlighting your card and any relevant experience (even volunteer or military).
3. Directly apply to the major employers listed above (hospitals, casinos) and the large contract firms.
4. Attend job fairs hosted by Spokane Community College or the WorkSource Spokane center, where security firms often recruit.

Sources: Data derived from Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, Washington State Department of Licensing, Zillow rent data, and local Spokane market analysis.