The Complete Career Guide for Security Guards in Tacoma, WA

As a local career analyst who’s navigated Tacoma’s job market for years, I can tell you this: being a security guard here isn’t just about standing post. It’s about understanding the city’s rhythms—the shift changes at the Port of Tacoma, the foot traffic in the Theater District, the high-stakes security at Franciscan Health’s urgent care centers. Tacoma is a working-class port city with a unique blend of industrial grit, healthcare expansion, and a growing downtown core. For security professionals, that means opportunity, but also competition.

This guide is built on hard data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the Washington State Department of Licensing, and local market surveys. We’ll cut through the fluff and give you the straight facts about what it really takes to make a career—and a life—here.

The Salary Picture: Where Tacoma Stands

Let’s start with the numbers. The median salary for security guards in the Tacoma metropolitan area is $37,549 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $18.05 per hour. This sits slightly above the national average of $36,140/year, but don’t pop the champagne just yet. Tacoma’s cost of living is 13% higher than the U.S. average (Cost of Living Index: 113.0), which means that $18.05/hour stretches thinner here than it does in, say, Spokane or Boise.

Here’s how experience level typically breaks down in the local market. These are approximate ranges based on employer postings and union contracts (Security Guards in Tacoma are often represented by SEIU Local 925):

Experience Level	Typical Annual Salary	Tacoma-Specific Notes
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$34,000 - $38,000	Often starts in retail loss prevention (Tacoma Mall) or overnight patrols for property management firms.
Mid-Level (3-5 years)	$38,000 - $45,000	Roles with more responsibility, like supervising a post at a hospital or a government contract.
Senior/Lead Guard (5-8 years)	$45,000 - $52,000	Includes shift lead pay, specialized postings (e.g., waterfront security), or supervisory roles.
Expert/Manager (8+ years)	$52,000 - $65,000+	This is the site supervisor, account manager, or training coordinator level. Often requires a WA Security Guard License with an armed endorsement.

When you compare Tacoma to other major Washington cities, the picture gets interesting. Seattle’s median is closer to $45,000, but rent averages over $2,200/month. Spokane’s median is around $35,000 with rent closer to $1,100/month. Tacoma sits in a middle ground: higher pay than Spokane but a significantly lower cost of living than Seattle. For a security guard, this can be the sweet spot.

Insider Tip: The 3% 10-year job growth projection is modest, but it’s stable. The biggest drivers are healthcare security (expanding with new clinics) and logistics security at the Port of Tacoma. Don’t expect explosive growth, but do expect consistent demand.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get brutally practical. A security guard earning the median $37,549/year will take home roughly $2,950/month after federal taxes, Washington state income tax (there is none), and FICA (7.65%). This is a key advantage in Washington: no state income tax.

Now, factor in rent. The average 1-bedroom apartment in Tacoma costs $1,603/month. That’s over half your take-home pay just for housing. Let’s break down a sample monthly budget:

Expense Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
After-Tax Income	$2,950	Based on $37,549 annual salary.
Rent (1BR Avg)	$1,603	This is the citywide average. You can find lower in some areas.
Utilities (Electric, Gas, Internet)	$180	Tacoma Public Utilities rates are moderate.
Transportation	$250	Gas, insurance, and potential car payment. Public transit (Pierce Transit) is an option but limited for off-shift hours.
Groceries	$300	Based on USDA low-cost food plan for one adult.
Health Insurance	$200	If employer doesn't cover full premium.
Savings/Debt/Other	$417	This is your buffer for emergencies, car repairs, or personal expenses.

Can they afford to buy a home? On a single median security guard income, buying a home in Tacoma is a significant challenge. The median home price in Tacoma is approximately $450,000. With a 20% down payment ($90,000), a 30-year mortgage at 7% would have a monthly payment of over $2,400—more than the average take-home pay. This makes homeownership largely out of reach for a single guard at the median wage without substantial savings, a partner with a second income, or years of salary advancement.

Insider Tip: Many guards in Tacoma take on steady overtime or second part-time jobs (often in the same industry, like weekend event security at Cheney Stadium) to bridge the gap. The key is finding a stable, full-time position with benefits, which is more common with the larger contract firms and in-house hospital security.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get brutally practical. A security guard earning the median $37,549/year will take home roughly $2,950/month after federal taxes, Washington state income tax (there is none), and FICA (7.65%). This is a key advantage in Washington: no state income tax.

Now, factor in rent. The average 1-bedroom apartment in Tacoma costs $1,603/month. That’s over half your take-home pay just for housing. Let’s break down a sample monthly budget:

Expense Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
After-Tax Income	$2,950	Based on $37,549 annual salary.
Rent (1BR Avg)	$1,603	This is the citywide average. You can find lower in some areas.
Utilities (Electric, Gas, Internet)	$180	Tacoma Public Utilities rates are moderate.
Transportation	$250	Gas, insurance, and potential car payment. Public transit (Pierce Transit) is an option but limited for off-shift hours.
Groceries	$300	Based on USDA low-cost food plan for one adult.
Health Insurance	$200	If employer doesn't cover full premium.
Savings/Debt/Other	$417	This is your buffer for emergencies, car repairs, or personal expenses.

Can they afford to buy a home? On a single median security guard income, buying a home in Tacoma is a significant challenge. The median home price in Tacoma is approximately $450,000. With a 20% down payment ($90,000), a 30-year mortgage at 7% would have a monthly payment of over $2,400—more than the average take-home pay. This makes homeownership largely out of reach for a single guard at the median wage without substantial savings, a partner with a second income, or years of salary advancement.

Insider Tip: Many guards in Tacoma take on steady overtime or second part-time jobs (often in the same industry, like weekend event security at Cheney Stadium) to bridge the gap. The key is finding a stable, full-time position with benefits, which is more common with the larger contract firms and in-house hospital security.

Where the Jobs Are: Tacoma's Major Employers

Tacoma’s security job market is anchored by a few key sectors. There are approximately 445 security guard jobs in the metro area, with the highest concentration in contract security and in-house roles at major institutions. Here are the players you need to know:

1. Securitas & Allied Universal (Contract Security): These global giants have a massive presence in Tacoma. They service the Port of Tacoma, the Tacoma Dome, and numerous corporate campuses. They are the largest hiring engines. Trend: High turnover means constant hiring, but advancement requires internal certification. Starting pay is often at the median, but they offer clear paths to supervisor roles.

2. MultiCare Health System & Franciscan Health (In-House Security): With multiple campuses (Tacoma General, Mary Bridge, St. Joseph), these healthcare systems employ their own security teams. Trend: This is a growth area. Demand is increasing for security in emergency departments and urgent care centers. Starting pay is competitive, often with better benefits than contract firms. You’ll need a WA Security Guard License and often a First Aid/CPR certification.

3. Port of Tacoma (Authority Security): The port employs a small, specialized force for its facilities. Jobs are less frequent but highly sought after due to pay, benefits, and union representation (ILWU). Trend: These are stable, long-term careers. Hiring is sporadic and often requires prior military or law enforcement experience.

4. Tacoma School District (In-House): School security jobs are growing in importance. These are day-shift positions, great for work-life balance. Trend: Often filled by former law enforcement or military. Requires a clean background check and a WA Security Guard License. The district’s bond measures are funding more safety positions.

5. Property Management Firms (e.g., Holland Residential, Goodman Real Estate): These companies hire guards for overnight patrols and front desk coverage at apartment complexes, especially in downtown and the Stadium District. Trend: Often starts as part-time, with potential for full-time. Pay is usually at or slightly below the median, but the work can be less intense than hospital or event security.

6. Event Venues (Cheney Stadium, Tacoma Dome): These are not year-round jobs but provide essential supplemental income. Trend: Hired through staffing agencies or directly by the venue. Great for networking and gaining experience in crowd control and event security.

Insider Tip: The best jobs in terms of pay and benefits are almost always in-house (healthcare, schools, government). The contract firms are the best for getting your foot in the door and gaining diverse experience. Check the City of Tacoma’s official job board for public sector openings.

Getting Licensed in Washington

You cannot work as a security guard in Washington without a state-issued license. The process is straightforward but requires attention to detail.

Requirements:

1. Be at least 18 years old.
2. Pass a background check. This includes a criminal history check through the Washington State Patrol and FBI. Felonies, especially violent ones, will disqualify you.
3. Complete approved training. You must complete a minimum 8-hour "Security Guard Fundamentals" course from a state-approved training school. This covers state laws, use of force, report writing, and emergency procedures.
4. Apply for the license. You can apply online through the Washington State Department of Licensing (DOL). You’ll need your training certificate, a passport photo, and the application fee.

Costs:

• Training Course: $100 - $200 (varies by provider).
• State License Application Fee: $55 (this is a two-year license).
• Background Check Fee: Included in the application.
• Total Startup Cost: $155 - $255.

Timeline:

• Training: 1 day (typically an 8-hour class).
• Application Processing: 1-2 weeks after submission.
• Unarmed License: Issued once approved. You can start applying for jobs with your enrollment confirmation, but employers will want the physical license in hand before your first shift.
• Armed Endorsement: Requires an additional 16 hours of firearms training, a separate state application, and a higher fee. Only pursue this if you are seeking a career in armed security (e.g., armored car, certain bank posts), which is a smaller, more competitive niche.

Insider Tip: Look for training schools in Tacoma or nearby Lakewood. Some employers, like Securitas, may offer to reimburse your training cost if you sign a contract to work for them for a set period. Always ask during the interview process.

Best Neighborhoods for Security Guards

Where you live in Tacoma directly impacts your commute, budget, and lifestyle. Here’s a breakdown of neighborhoods that are practical for security guards, balancing rent, commute, and access to major employers.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Avg. 1BR Rent	Why It Works for Security Guards
Hilltop	Central, diverse, undergoing gentrification. Easy access to downtown, hospitals (10-15 min), and central business district.	$1,450	You’re close to the action without downtown prices. Good bus routes to major employers.
South Tacoma	Residential, blue-collar, historic. Near MultiCare's South Campus and the Port. More affordable housing stock.	$1,350	Lower rent is a major plus. Direct commute to the Port and South Tacoma employers.
Downtown / Stadium	Urban, walkable, more expensive. Near the Dome, waterfront, and corporate offices.	$1,700+	Great if your job is downtown (event security, corporate). A longer, more stressful commute to the Port or hospitals.
Lakewood (adjacent city)	Suburban, family-friendly. Close to Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM) and the south end of the Port.	$1,500	Very popular with military families. Strong job market near JBLM (often requires security clearance).
Eastside (East Tacoma)	Working-class, quiet. Closer to the I-5 corridor for commuting to other cities if needed.	$1,400	Affordable with decent access. Can be a longer commute to downtown or the waterfront.

Insider Tip: Avoid the single downtown core if you work the late-night shift. Parking can be a nightmare and it's not the safest place to walk to your car at 3 AM. Hilltop or South Tacoma offer a better balance of affordability and proximity.

The Long Game: Career Growth

A security guard career in Tacoma has a clear ceiling if you don’t specialize. The 10-year outlook is stable, but advancement requires proactive steps.

Specialty Premiums:

• Armed Security: $5-10/hour more than unarmed. Requires extra training and carries higher liability.
• Fire Watch / Life Safety: Specialized training for construction sites or industrial facilities. Adds $2-4/hour.
• Hospital Security: Often paid $1-2/hour above base rate due to the complex environment (mental health, de-escalation).
• Supervisor/Crisis Intervention Training (CIT): Certified CIT guards are in high demand in healthcare and schools. Can lead to a $5,000+ annual salary increase.

Advancement Paths:

1. Guard → Lead Guard → Supervisor → Account Manager (Contract Firm): The corporate ladder.
2. Guard → In-House Security Officer → Security Supervisor → Director of Security (Healthcare/Corporate): The institutional path. Requires more education (often an associate's or bachelor's degree) and certifications.
3. Specialist → Trainer → Operations Manager: For those with a knack for teaching and logistics.

10-Year Outlook: The job growth is 3%, which is slower than average. The competition for the good jobs (in-house, union, benefits) will remain high. The guards who advance will be those who get additional certifications (CPR, First Aid, CIT), maintain a clean driving and criminal record, and develop soft skills like conflict resolution and report writing.

Insider Tip: Join the Security Industry Association (SIA) and attend local chapter meetings in the South Puget Sound area. Networking here can land you a job before it’s even posted publicly.

The Verdict: Is Tacoma Right for You?

Pros	Cons
No State Income Tax: Your paycheck goes further.	High Rent: A single guard at median pay spends >50% of income on housing.
Stable Job Market: Steady demand in healthcare, logistics, and education.	Modest Growth: 3% 10-year growth isn't a boom. Advancement requires hustle.
Diverse Opportunities: From quiet night patrols to high-energy event security.	Competition for Top Jobs: Hospital and union positions are highly competitive.
Gateway to Seattle: An hour's commute to higher-paying Seattle jobs if needed.	Cost of Living vs. Wage: The gap is real; budgeting is non-negotiable.
Union Presence: SEIU representation in some sectors offers better job security.	Limited Public Transit: A car is often a necessity for shift work.

Final Recommendation:

Tacoma is a realistic and solid choice for a security guard, but it's not a get-rich-quick city. It works best for:

• Career-starters who need experience in a diverse market.
• Those with a second income (partner, roommate) to share housing costs.
• Military veterans (proximity to JBLM) who may find preferential hiring.