Security Guard in Sunrise, FL

The Salary Picture: Where Sunrise Stands

Living and working as a security guard in Sunrise, Florida, is a realistic proposition, but it requires clear-eyed budgeting. The city, part of the larger Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach metro area, offers a cost of living that sits above the national average. Your earning power needs to be evaluated in that context.

The median annual salary for a Security Guard in the United States is $36,140 per year. In Sunrise, the median salary is slightly higher at $37,419 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $17.99 per hour. This modest premium is likely due to the higher cost of living in South Florida, which employers must offset to attract workers. However, with only 193 total security guard jobs in the metro area and a projected 10-year job growth of just 3%, the market is stable but not booming. Competition for desirable posts can be fierce.

Here’s how experience typically impacts your earning potential in the Sunrise area:

Experience Level	Typical Years	Estimated Salary Range	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level	0-2 years	$34,000 - $38,000 /yr	Patrols, access control, incident reporting, surveillance monitoring.
Mid-Level	2-5 years	$38,000 - $43,000 /yr	May supervise a small post, handle complex incidents, train new guards.
Senior	5-10 years	$43,000 - $48,000 /yr	Post supervisor, liaison with client management, advanced reporting.
Expert/Specialist	10+ years	$48,000+ /yr	Certified trainer, corporate security manager, specialized roles (e.g., hospital, event).

How Sunrise Compares to Other Florida Cities:
Sunrise is a mid-tier city for security guard salaries within Florida. It typically falls behind major metro hubs like Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and Tampa, where the cost of living and job density are higher. For instance, a security guard in Miami might command a similar or slightly higher median salary, but the rent and overall expenses would be significantly more. Sunrise offers a slightly more affordable entry point into the South Florida job market compared to its coastal neighbors, making it a strategic starting place.

Insider Tip: The $17.99/hour figure is a median. Entry-level roles at large, corporate-run facilities (like the Sawgrass Mills mall or a major hospital) may start closer to $16.50 - $17.50/hour. However, specialized roles requiring additional certifications (like armed guard licenses or experience with high-value asset protection) can push that hourly rate firmly into the $20/hour+ range. Always negotiate based on the specific post's responsibilities.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

The financial reality for a security guard in Sunrise hinges on two major factors: taxes and housing. Let’s break down a monthly budget for someone earning the median salary of $37,419/year.

Assumptions:

• Gross Monthly Income: $37,419 / 12 = $3,118
• Taxes (Est. 22% Effective Rate): This includes federal income tax, Social Security, Medicare, and state income tax (Florida has no state income tax). A 22% effective rate is a cautious estimate for this income bracket.
• Rent: The average 1-bedroom apartment in Sunrise costs $1,621/month. This is a non-negotiable baseline cost.
• Utilities, Food, Transportation, Insurance: Estimated at $800/month for a single person living frugally.

Monthly Budget Breakdown:

Category	Estimated Cost	Note
Gross Income	$3,118
- Taxes (22%)	($686)	Based on federal and state estimates.
= Net Take-Home Pay	$2,432	This is your working budget.
- Rent (1BR Avg)	($1,621)	Your largest fixed cost.
- Essentials (Utilities, Food, Transport, Insurance)	($800)	$2,432 - $1,621 - $800 = $11
Remaining	$11	Or a deficit, depending on actual expenses.

Can They Afford to Buy a Home?
On this single income, purchasing a home in Sunrise is not feasible. The median home price in Sunrise is well over $400,000. With a $37,419 salary, you would not qualify for a mortgage on even a modest condo. The math is simple: after rent and taxes, there is no significant surplus for a down payment or a monthly mortgage payment that would be substantially higher than rent.

Insider Tip: To make this budget work, you will likely need to share a 2-bedroom apartment with a roommate (splitting a $2,000/month rent) or live in a less expensive, older building further from the city center. Budgeting for unexpected expenses (car repairs, medical co-pays) is extremely challenging on this income. A second income or a partner is virtually required for financial stability and homeownership goals.

Where the Jobs Are: Sunrise's Major Employers

Sunrise is not a downtown core like Fort Lauderdale; it's a sprawling suburban city. The largest employers are concentrated in healthcare, retail, and corporate facilities.

1. Sawgrass Mills Mall: The massive Simon Property Group mall is a major employer. Security here is a mix of in-house and contracted guards. The environment is fast-paced, dealing with large crowds, shoplifting, and parking lot incidents. Hiring is often seasonal, but there are year-round posts.
2. Broward Health Medical Center: A major hospital in the nearby downtown Fort Lauderdale area, but it's a primary employer for the entire region. Hospital security requires specific training in healthcare settings, dealing with patients, families, and emergency services. This is a stable, 24/7 shift environment.
3. Memorial Regional Hospital & Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital: Located in neighboring Hollywood, these are major healthcare employers. Security roles here are critical and often require certification in healthcare security. They offer competitive pay and benefits for the sector.
4. Sunrise Civic Center & City Facilities: The City of Sunrise itself hires security for its civic center, parks, and administrative buildings. These are often city jobs, which can offer better benefits and job security. Check the City of Sunrise's official jobs page.
5. Corporate Parks (e.g., IBM, JP Morgan Chase): The surrounding areas (like Coral Springs and Weston) host large corporate campuses. These facilities often use contracted security firms like Securitas, Allied Universal, or G4S. The work is typically more sedate, focused on access control and after-hours patrols.
6. Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL): While not in Sunrise, it's a major regional employer for security personnel. It requires TSA certification and offers higher pay scales due to the federal regulations involved. The commute from Sunrise is manageable via I-595.
7. Sunrise Police Department (Support Roles): For those looking for an eventual pivot into law enforcement, the city police department occasionally hires for civilian security or support roles, which can be a stepping stone.

Hiring Trends: The demand is consistent for 24/7 coverage. Key hiring times are often before the holiday season (for retail) and during the summer. Many jobs are filled through large national security firms (Allied Universal, Securitas) that hold contracts for local facilities. Having a clean background and a valid Florida Class D Security License is the bare minimum to be considered.

Getting Licensed in Florida

Florida has a clear, regulated process for security guards. You cannot legally work without a license.

1. Basic Requirements: You must be at least 18 years old, have a clean criminal background (felony convictions can be disqualifying), and be able to read, write, and speak English.
2. Mandatory Training: You must complete a 4-hour "Class D" security guard training course from a state-approved school. This covers security procedures, legal aspects, and ethics. Cost: Approximately $50 - $100.
3. State Application: After training, you apply for your license through the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS). This involves a background check and fingerprinting. Cost: The state application fee is $114 (includes fingerprinting). Total initial cost is roughly $164 - $214.
4. Timeline: From start to finish, it typically takes 4 to 8 weeks to receive your license after submitting a complete application. You cannot work legally until the license is in hand.
5. Armed License (Optional): If you want to carry a firearm, you need a Class G license. This requires an additional 28 hours of advanced training and is much more expensive and time-consuming. Not necessary for most entry-level jobs.

Insider Tip: Start the licensing process before you move or as soon as you arrive. Many employers will not hire you without a license in hand, though some may offer conditional employment pending license approval. Take the basic 4-hour course online—it's the fastest and cheapest way to get started.

Best Neighborhoods for Security Guards

Where you live in Sunrise will dictate your commute, lifestyle, and budget. The city is divided by major roads like I-595 and Sunrise Blvd.

1. Sunrise City Center (West of I-595): Proximity to Sawgrass Mills and the civic center. Rents are closer to the city average (~$1,600 - $1,750). Commutes to major employers are short. Can be busy with tourists and traffic. Best for those who want minimal commute.
2. Sawgrass/Pine Island Road Area: The area surrounding the mall and Florida Panther's arena. More residential, but still centrally located. Rents can be slightly lower (~$1,500 - $1,650). Good for jobs at the mall or nearby hotels.
3. North Sunrise (near Coral Springs): Quieter, more suburban feel. You might find slightly older apartments for less (~$1,400 - $1,550). However, commuting to southern employers (like hospitals) will be longer, often requiring I-595 or the Turnpike.
4. The "Sunrise Strip" (East of I-595): This area is closer to Fort Lauderdale and the airport. It's more urban and can have higher rents (~$1,700+). This is ideal if you land a job at FLL or in downtown Fort Lauderdale, but it's less convenient for Sawgrass Mills jobs.
5. City-Adjacent (Hollywood/North Lauderdale): Consider living just outside Sunrise in neighboring Hollywood or North Lauderdale. You can often find better rent deals (~$1,350 - $1,500). The commute is usually 10-15 minutes to Sunrise employers, and you gain access to other job markets.

Insider Tip: Drive the area at night before renting. Security guards often work overnight shifts. You want to feel safe walking to your car at 2 AM in your apartment complex.

The Long Game: Career Growth

The 3% job growth over 10 years tells you this is not a field with explosive expansion, but there are clear paths for advancement if you are proactive.

• Specialty Premiums: Moving into a specialized role is the fastest way to increase your salary. Armed security can command $3-$5 more per hour. Executive protection or close protection requires advanced training but can pay $60,000+. Hospital security often pays a premium over general mall or corporate security due to the complexity and risk.
• Advancement Paths: The typical path is Guard -> Lead Guard/Field Supervisor -> Account Manager (for a security company) or Security Director (for a client site). To advance, you will need to move beyond just patrol duties. Learn report writing, basic investigations, and how to manage contracts. A degree in criminal justice or business, while not always required, can separate you from the pack.
• 10-Year Outlook: The outlook is stable but limited. The 3% growth simply keeps pace with population growth. The real opportunity is in the "grey" area—not just as a guard, but as a security professional. This means getting certifications (CPP, PSP from ASIS International), moving into risk management, or pivoting into related fields like loss prevention management, which can have a higher ceiling. In Sunrise, the path is often to gain experience at a major local employer (like a hospital or the mall) and then leverage that experience for a supervisory role or a position with a security integrator company that manages high-tech systems.

The Verdict: Is Sunrise Right for You?

Sunrise offers a viable, if modest, entry point for security guards into the South Florida job market, but it comes with significant financial tightness.

Pros	Cons
Stable Job Market: Consistent demand for 24/7 coverage in healthcare and retail.	High Cost of Living: The $1,621 average rent is a massive burden on the $37,419 median salary.
Centrally Located: Easy access to major highways (I-595, Turnpike) for commuting to other jobs.	Low Job Growth: 3% growth over 10 years means competition for better posts is static.
Multiple Employer Types: From hospitals to malls to corporate parks, offering variety.	Budget is Tight: Homeownership is out of reach on a single income; you will have little financial buffer.
No State Income Tax: Your take-home pay is higher than in many states.	Traffic & Commute: South Florida traffic is real; a short distance can be a long drive.

Final Recommendation:
Sunrise is a strategic choice for a security guard who is just starting out or is willing to live with a roommate. It provides access to a large, diverse job market without the extreme costs of Miami or Fort Lauderdale proper. However, it is not a long-term, single-income solution unless you aggressively pursue promotions, specialty licenses, or higher-paying specializations. Use Sunrise as a stepping stone to build experience, get licensed, and then decide if you want to stay in the area or leverage that experience in a higher-paying market.

FAQs

1. Can I get a security job in Sunrise without a Florida license?
No. Florida law is strict. You must have a valid Class D Security License to work as a security guard. Some employers may hire you conditionally while you complete the training, but you cannot perform guard duties until the license is issued.

2. How competitive is the job market with only 193 jobs in the metro area?
With a metro population of nearly 100,000, it's competitive. To stand out, get your license before applying, have a clean driving record, and highlight customer service experience. Apply directly through the major employers' websites and the large security firms.

3. What's the biggest hidden cost of living in Sunrise?
While rent is the obvious one, car insurance is notoriously expensive in Florida, especially in the Miami-Fort Lauderdale metro area. Factor in an additional $150-$250/month for insurance, which will significantly impact your budget.

4. Are there unionized security jobs in Sunrise?
Unions are not common for security guards in this region. Some municipal jobs (City of Sunrise) may have union representation, but most private sector roles are non-union. Your benefits and pay are determined by the employer.

5. What's the best way to find a job quickly?
Go through a national security contractor like Allied Universal or Securitas. They hold contracts for most major local facilities and have a constant need for guards. You can often be placed within a week of applying, provided your background check is clean and you have your license.