Here is a comprehensive career guide for Security Guards considering a move to Sunrise Manor CDP, Nevada.

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The Security Guard’s Guide to Sunrise Manor CDP, Nevada

Living in Sunrise Manor CDP means you’re nestled in the east valley of Clark County, a residential corridor that acts as a gateway between the bustling lights of Las Vegas and the quieter suburbs of Henderson and North Las Vegas. For a security guard, this is a unique position. You’re close enough to the heart of the Strip to catch the high-traffic shifts, but far enough out to live in relative peace. This guide is based on local market data, state licensing requirements, and the specific reality of working in the valley’s security sector.

The Salary Picture: Where Sunrise Manor CDP Stands

When you’re crunching the numbers for a move, the local data tells a specific story. The security industry in the Sunrise Manor area is stable, driven by the massive entertainment and hospitality ecosystem of nearby Las Vegas, as well as a growing healthcare and commercial sector.

The median salary for security guards in the area is $35,858/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $17.24/hour. This figure sits very close to the national average of $36,140/year, indicating that the local market pays competitively for the role, despite the high cost of living in the region. The stability is notable; with a 10-year job growth of 3% and 427 jobs currently in the metro area, this isn’t a boom-or-bust industry—it’s a steady, reliable field for those who value consistency.

Experience-Level Breakdown

While the median is a useful benchmark, pay varies significantly based on experience, specialized training, and the employer. Here’s how the salary ladder typically looks in the Clark County market:

Experience Level	Typical Years	Estimated Hourly Rate	Annual Estimate*
Entry-Level	0-2 years	$15.00 - $18.50	$31,200 - $38,480
Mid-Level	2-5 years	$18.50 - $22.00	$38,480 - $45,760
Senior	5-10 years	$22.00 - $26.00	$45,760 - $54,080
Expert/Specialist	10+ years	$26.00 - $35.00+	$54,080 - $72,800+

*Annual estimates based on a standard 40-hour work week, not including overtime or shift differentials.

Insider Tip: The biggest salary jumps in Nevada come from two things: obtaining a Concealed Carry Weapon (CCW) permit (which can add $2-$4/hour) and landing a position with a gaming or casino property. While Sunrise Manor itself isn't home to major resorts, the commute to the Strip or downtown Vegas is short, and those employers pay a premium for licensed, armed guards.

Comparison to Other Nevada Cities

Sunrise Manor sits in a middle ground. It’s more affordable than the tourist-heavy epicenters but more expensive than rural hubs.

City / Area	Median Salary (Annual)	1BR Avg. Rent
Sunrise Manor CDP	$35,858	$1,314
Las Vegas (City)	$36,200	$1,350
Reno	$37,000	$1,450
Henderson	$35,500	$1,500
Carson City	$34,800	$1,100

Salary figures are approximate for the industry; housing data reflects current market averages.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's be direct: a security guard in Sunrise Manor is working a professional job in a high-cost region. The median salary of $35,858 places you squarely in the middle of the pack, but the math on affordability requires careful budgeting.

Monthly Budget Breakdown (Earning $35,858/year):

• Gross Monthly Income: ~$2,988
• Estimated Taxes (Federal + State + FICA): ~$600 (Approx. 20% effective rate for this bracket)
• Net Monthly Income: ~$2,388
• Average Rent (1BR in Sunrise Manor): $1,314
• Remaining for Utilities, Groceries, Transport, Insurance: ~$1,074

Can they afford to buy a home?
On a $35,858 salary, purchasing a home in the current Clark County market is extremely challenging. The median home price in the Las Vegas Valley is approximately $425,000. A 20% down payment would be $85,000, and a monthly mortgage payment (including taxes/insurance) would likely exceed $1,800–$2,200, which is more than 50% of the take-home pay for a single earner at this salary. Homeownership is generally only feasible for security guards in this income bracket with a dual-income household, significant savings, or after advancing to a senior/management role.

Where the Jobs Are: Sunrise Manor CDP's Major Employers

While Sunrise Manor is primarily residential, the job market is deeply connected to the broader Las Vegas-Henderson-Paradise metro area. The commute is a key consideration for your daily life. Here are the major local employers for security personnel:

1. Sunrise Hospital and Medical Center: Located just south of Sunrise Manor in the Medical District, this Level II Trauma center is one of the largest employers in the state. They have a large, in-house security team for asset protection, patient safety, and crowd control. Hiring is steady, and they value experience in healthcare settings.
2. Las Vegas Valley Water District: A major public utility with facilities throughout the valley, including in the east side. They employ security guards for facility protection and after-hours patrols. These are often stable, government-adjacent gigs with good shifts.
3. Clark County School District (CCSD): With dozens of schools in and around Sunrise Manor (e.g., Desert Pines High School, Sunrise Mountain High School), CCSD contracts with security firms for campus monitoring. While not always the highest paying, it offers consistent daytime and after-school hours.
4. Amazon Fulfillment Center (LAS1): Located in nearby North Las Vegas, this massive facility runs 24/7 and requires a large security force for access control, loss prevention, and gate operations. It’s a high-volume hiring site, often offering shift differentials.
5. The Strip & Downtown Resorts (Resorts World, Wynn, MGM Grand, etc.): This is the premium job market. While a 10-15 minute commute, these casinos seek licensed, professional guards. They offer the highest pay, benefits, and opportunities for advancement into VIP protection or surveillance. The hiring process is competitive and rigorous.
6. Private Security Firms (G4S, Allied Universal, Securitas): These national firms have contracts with local businesses, construction sites, and residential communities (like the guard-gated golf communities in nearby Green Valley). They are the most common entry point for new guards in the area.

Hiring Trend: The demand is shifting toward guards with tech skills (CCTV operation, access control systems) and those with clean driving records for mobile patrol roles. The post-pandemic market has stabilized, but the constant influx of new developments (commercial and residential) in the east valley continues to fuel a steady demand for static and mobile guards.

Getting Licensed in Nevada

Nevada’s licensing is strict but straightforward. You cannot legally work as a security guard without a Private Investigator (PI) license with a guard registration. Here’s the process:

1. Basic Requirements: You must be 18+ years old, have no felony convictions (or specific serious misdemeanors), and be a U.S. citizen or legal resident.
2. Training: You must complete an 8-hour Nevada Private Investigator (PI) Guard Course from a state-approved school. This covers state law, use of force, and report writing. Cost: ~$75 - $150.
3. Fingerprinting & Background Check: You’ll submit fingerprints (via a LiveScan vendor) for a state and FBI background check. Cost: ~$60 - $80.
4. Application & Fees: Submit your application to the Nevada Private Investigators Licensing Board (NVPILB). The license fee is $250 for two years. The total initial cost is roughly $385 - $485.
5. Timeline: From the day you start training to holding your license, plan for 4-6 weeks. The NVPILB is efficient, but processing times can vary.

Insider Tip: If you are considering an armed position, you must first get your PI Guard license, then complete additional training to add the armed guard endorsement. This requires a 16-hour course (including range qualification) and an additional fee. The combined armed license cost is higher, but it opens the door to the highest-paying jobs.

Best Neighborhoods for Security Guards in Sunrise Manor

Sunrise Manor CDP itself is a large, unincorporated area. Choosing where to live within it depends on your commute priorities and lifestyle.

1. Central Sunrise Manor (Near Desert Inn Rd & Eastern Ave):

   • Commute: Excellent. You have immediate access to I-515/US-95, putting you in the downtown core or the Strip in 10-15 minutes.
   • Lifestyle: Central, utilitarian, with easy access to grocery stores and services.
   • Rent Estimate: $1,250 - $1,350/month for a 1BR.

2. The "Lake" Area (Near Lake Mead Blvd & Nellis Blvd):

   • Commute: Good to the east side and Henderson. Slightly longer to the Strip (20 mins).
   • Lifestyle: More residential, near parks and community centers. A bit quieter than central Sunrise.
   • Rent Estimate: $1,300 - $1,400/month for a 1BR.

3. Northern Sunrise Manor (Near Cheyenne Ave):

   • Commute: 15-20 minutes to North Las Vegas industrial areas (like Amazon) and downtown. Can be busier during peak hours.
   • Lifestyle: Mix of older single-family homes and apartments. Close to the Nellis Air Force Base area.
   • Rent Estimate: $1,200 - $1,300/month for a 1BR.

4. Bordering Henderson (Green Valley Area):

   • Commute: 10-15 minutes to Henderson security jobs (hospital, corporate). 20+ minutes to the Strip.
   • Lifestyle: Upscale, safe, with walkable amenities. Often outside the core Sunrise Manor CDP but in the same general vicinity.
   • Rent Estimate: $1,500+ for a 1BR (premium market).

The Long Game: Career Growth

A security guard role in Sunrise Manor doesn't have to be the end of the road. The valley’s unique economy offers several advancement paths:

• Specialty Premiums:

  • Armed Guard: +$3-$6/hour over unarmed rate.
  • Hospital Security (Specialized): +$1-$3/hour (requires de-escalation training).
  • Casino/Resort Security: +$4-$8/hour (requires extensive background checks and training).
  • Mobile Patrol Supervisor: +$2-$4/hour.

• Advancement Paths:

  • To Management: Move from guard to Shift Supervisor, then to Account Manager for a security firm. This requires leadership skills and knowledge of Scheduling/HR.
  • To Investigation: After 2 years as a guard, you can apply for a Private Investigator license. This opens doors to corporate investigations, insurance fraud, and process serving (a common side hustle in Vegas).
  • To Federal/State: Experience with the Clark County School District or a public utility can be a stepping stone to federal contract security (GSA) or state-level protection roles.

• 10-Year Outlook: With a 3% growth rate, the market isn't exploding, but it's resilient. The key to growth is specialization. Guards who obtain their armed license, get CPR/AED certified, and gain experience in high-stakes environments (hospitals, casinos) will have the most options and earning power over the next decade.

The Verdict: Is Sunrise Manor CDP Right for You?

Sunrise Manor offers a pragmatic compromise for security professionals. You get proximity to the high-paying casino and hospital jobs without the exorbitant rent of living in the tourist corridor. However, the cost of living is still tight on a median salary of $35,858.

Pros	Cons
Central Location: Easy commute to major job hubs (Strip, Henderson, N. Las Vegas).	Cost of Living Pressure: Rent consumes ~45% of median take-home pay.
Stable Job Market: Steady demand from healthcare, casinos, and logistics.	Home Ownership is a Stretch: Very difficult on a single guard's salary.
Competitive Pay: Salaries are near the national average, with premium opportunities.	Traffic: Commutes to the Strip can be heavy during tourist seasons.
Licensing Gateway: Nevada's process is clear and opens doors to adjacent careers.	Neighborhood Variance: Some areas of Sunrise Manor are less desirable than others.

Final Recommendation:
Sunrise Manor CDP is a strong choice for security guards who are single, have a roommate, or are part of a dual-income household. It’s ideal for those looking to enter the Nevada market with a clear path to advancement—starting with an unarmed license, getting experience at a local hospital or school, and then leveraging that to move into an armed, higher-paying casino or federal contract role. If you are looking for immediate home ownership or a very low cost of living, you may find better options in more rural parts of Nevada, but you will sacrifice the job density and career opportunities available in the Las Vegas valley.

FAQs

Q: Do I need my own firearm for armed security work in Nevada?
A: No. Most employers will issue you a duty weapon, but you must be licensed to carry it. The initial training costs for the armed endorsement are the guard's responsibility.

Q: Is the commute from Sunrise Manor to the Strip difficult?
A: It can be. During peak tourist times (weekend nights, holiday weekends), the I-15 and US-95 can be congested. A 15-minute drive can easily become 30-40 minutes. Many guards work overnight shifts to avoid the worst of the traffic.

Q: What is the job market like for women in security in this area?
A: The Las Vegas Valley has a diverse security workforce. While the industry is traditionally male-dominated, major employers like Sunrise Hospital, MGM Resorts, and Allied Universal have active diversity and inclusion programs. Specialized roles in retail loss prevention and corporate security are often very welcoming to women.

Q: Can I get a job as a security guard without a car?
A: It is extremely difficult. While some jobs are static (post-based), many require mobile patrols or you need a car to commute to various job sites. Public transit in the valley is limited for off-Strip locations. A reliable vehicle is practically a requirement.

Q: How often do I need to renew my PI/Guard license in Nevada?
A: The Nevada Private Investigator (PI) license, which includes guard registration, is valid for two years. You must complete continuing education (typically 8 hours) and pay a renewal fee to the NVPILB before it expires.