Security Guard in Temple, TX

The Salary Picture: Where Temple Stands

As a local, I can tell you that Temple is a practical, affordable place to build a career in security. It’s not a high-growth metropolis like Austin or Dallas, but it offers steady work, especially if you know where to look. The security role here is less about high-stakes corporate espionage and more about the day-to-day: protecting the assets of major healthcare systems, securing retail spaces, and patrolling corporate campuses.

Let's get straight to the numbers. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and state labor data, the financial reality for a Security Guard in Temple looks like this. The median salary is $35,250/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $16.95/hour. This is slightly below the national average of $36,140/year, but the cost of living makes up for it. Temple's metro area has about 186 active security guard positions, and the 10-year job growth is projected at a modest but stable 3%. This isn't a boomtown for security, but it's a reliable market.

Here’s how pay breaks down by experience level. These are the typical ranges you can expect based on local job postings and industry standards:

Experience Level	Yearly Salary	Hourly Rate	Typical Responsibilities
Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)	$30,000 - $33,000	$14.40 - $15.85/hr	Static post, access control, basic patrols, incident reporting
Mid-Level (2-5 yrs)	$34,000 - $39,000	$16.35 - $18.75/hr	Mobile patrol, supervising a post, handling more complex incidents, training new guards
Senior (5-10 yrs)	$40,000 - $45,000	$19.20 - $21.60/hr	Field supervisor, lead guard at a major facility (like Scott & White), specialized roles (executive protection, hospital security)
Expert (10+ yrs / Management)	$48,000+	$23.00+/hr	Site manager, district manager, corporate security manager for a large client

How does this compare to other Texas cities?

• Temple: $35,250/year (median), Cost of Living Index: 91.8
• Waco (50 miles west): $33,100/year, Cost of Living Index: 86.5 (Cheaper pay, even cheaper living)
• Austin (100 miles south): $39,800/year, Cost of Living Index: 132.5 (Higher pay, but the rent and general costs will eat it alive)
• Dallas-Fort Worth (200 miles north): $36,500/year, Cost of Living Index: 104.5 (Slightly better pay, but a more competitive and expensive market)

The key takeaway? Temple offers a lower salary than major metros, but the purchasing power is significantly higher. A guard earning the Temple median can live more comfortably here than a guard earning the Austin median.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's talk about your actual take-home pay. We'll use the median salary of $35,250/year. For taxes, we'll estimate a conservative 15% effective tax rate (federal, state, payroll taxes), which is standard for this income bracket. This is an estimate; consult a tax professional for your exact situation.

• Gross Annual Salary: $35,250
• Estimated Annual Taxes (15%): $5,287.50
• Net Annual Income: $29,962.50
• Net Monthly Income: $2,496.88

Now, let's factor in the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Temple, which is $900/month.

Monthly Budget Breakdown (Security Guard, Median Salary):

• Net Monthly Income: $2,496.88
• Rent (1BR Avg): -$900.00
• Remaining for Utilities, Food, Transport, Insurance, Savings: $1,596.88

This is manageable, but tight. You'd need to budget carefully. Utilities (electric, water, internet) for a small apartment might run $150-$200. Groceries for one person: $300-$400. Car payment/insurance/gas: $300-$500. That leaves roughly $500-$800 for everything else—health insurance, savings, entertainment, emergencies.

Can they afford to buy a home?
It's challenging but not impossible, especially with a dual-income household. The median home price in Temple is around $250,000. A 20% down payment is $50,000. On a $35,250 salary, lenders would be hesitant to approve a mortgage large enough for a $250,000 home. Your debt-to-income ratio would be too high. However, with a few years of experience pushing your salary toward the $40,000+ range and disciplined saving, it becomes a realistic goal. Many local guards partner with a spouse or live with family initially to save for a down payment. It's a long game.

Where the Jobs Are: Temple's Major Employers

Temple's economy is dominated by healthcare, education, and logistics. Security jobs are directly tied to these sectors. Here are the major employers you should be targeting, with specific local insights:

1. Scott & White Healthcare (Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Temple): This is the big one. It's not just a hospital; it's a massive medical campus with ICU towers, research facilities, and dozens of satellite clinics. They employ a large internal security team for patient and asset protection. Hiring Trend: Steady. They post positions on their career page frequently, especially for overnight and weekend shifts. They value experience with hospital security or de-escalation training.
2. Temple Independent School District (TISD): School security is a growing field post-pandemic. TISD has resource officers, but they also employ security personnel for after-hours events, facility monitoring, and summer program security. Hiring Trend: Seasonal and part-time, but can lead to full-time. Best for those with a clean background and patience with kids.
3. Amazon Fulfillment Center (SDF1): Located just off I-35, this massive facility requires 24/7 security for access control, parking lot patrols, and loss prevention. Pay is often slightly above the median due to the corporate nature. Hiring Trend: Consistent. They hire in waves, often through staffing agencies like Kelly Services or directly on Amazon.jobs.
4. The Home Depot Distribution Center: Similar to Amazon, this is a high-volume logistics hub. Security here focuses on gatehouse duties, trailer inspections, and internal asset protection. Hiring Trend: Stable. They prefer candidates with prior warehouse or logistics security experience.
5. City of Temple: The city government hires security for municipal buildings (city hall, public works), after-hours events, and potentially the new public safety complex. Hiring Trend: Slow but steady. Check the City of Temple's official job board. These are often union positions with good benefits.
6. Central Texas College (CTC) - Temple Campus: While the main campus is in Killeen, the Temple location has administrative offices and classrooms that require part-time and full-time security, especially for evening classes and events. Hiring Trend: Part-time and seasonal, ideal for students or those seeking supplemental income.

Insider Tip: Many of these jobs are contracted out to companies like Securitas, Allied Universal, or G4S. Don't just apply to the employer; check the security contractor's website. A contract at Scott & White through Allied might pay $17.50/hr to start.

Getting Licensed in TX

Texas has a straightforward but mandatory licensing process administered by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), Private Security Bureau (PSB).

State-Specific Requirements & Costs:

1. Training: You must complete a 6-hour commissionable officer course from a licensed school. This covers legal aspects, use of force, and general duties. Cost: $75 - $150.
2. Application: Submit an application to the PSB with fingerprints. Fee: $38.
3. Background Check: A thorough criminal and mental health background check is mandatory. Any felonies or certain misdemeanors will disqualify you.
4. Licensing Fee: If approved, you pay the license fee: $40 for a 2-year license.

Total Estimated Cost: $153 - $228 (excluding travel to the training school).
Timeline: From start to holding your license in hand, expect 4 to 8 weeks. You can work on a temporary permit while the full license is processing, but you must be under the direct supervision of a licensed officer.

Insider Tip: The Texas DPS website has a list of approved training schools. There are a few in the Temple-Killeen area. Call ahead and ask if they offer weekend classes. Many are taught by former law enforcement and offer practical, no-nonsense instruction.

Best Neighborhoods for Security Guards

Where you live matters for your commute and budget. Here are four neighborhoods that balance affordability and reasonable commutes to major employers.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Avg 1BR Rent	Best For
North Temple (Moore)	Quiet, residential, older homes. Easy access to I-35 for Amazon, Home Depot, and Scott & White (north campus). 10-15 min commute.	$800 - $950	Guards working overnight logistics shifts who want a quiet place to sleep during the day.
Downtown Temple	Walkable, historic, with a growing bar/restaurant scene. Close to City Hall and local government jobs. Commute to hospitals and schools is easy.	$950 - $1,100	Younger guards or those who want to be near the action. Best for day-shift city or hospital jobs.
South Temple (Sun Valley)	Affordable, family-oriented, with good access to TISD schools and South 31st Street retail. Commute to Scott & White's main campus is 15 mins.	$750 - $900	Guards with families or those seeking the lowest rent. Commute to Amazon is longer (~25 mins).
West Temple / Nolanville	Semi-rural, more space, lower density. Faster commute to Fort Hood (if you have DoD clearance) and Killeen's job market.	$700 - $850	Guards with a car who don't mind driving. Ideal if you also look for jobs in Killeen.

Insider Tip: Traffic in Temple is minimal except for the I-35 corridor during rush hour (7-8 AM & 5-6 PM). Living in North or South Temple can give you a 10-minute commute that avoids the interstate entirely. This saves gas and stress.

The Long Game: Career Growth

The 3% growth rate tells you this isn't a field with explosive openings, but it is essential and non-cyclical. Growth here means specialization and responsibility.

• Specialty Premiums:

  • Armed Guard: In Texas, you need a separate Level III Commissioned Officer license. This adds about $5-$8/hour to your pay. Armed guards are needed at armored car services, some high-end corporate sites, and executive protection. Training is more expensive and requires a medical exam.
  • Hospital Security (CPP): Scott & White often prefers guards with Crisis Prevention Institute (CPI) or similar de-escalation training. This can lead to a $1-$2/hr premium.
  • DoD Cleared: Holding an active Secret or Top-Secret clearance (often gained through military service or a contractor) is a golden ticket for jobs at the nearby Fort Hood, especially in contract security for government facilities. Pay can jump to $25+/hour.

• Advancement Paths:

  1. Guard → Field Supervisor: Take on lead duties, train new hires, handle client relations. (Pay: $40k-$48k)
  2. Supervisor → Site Manager: Manage the entire contract for a client like a school district or hospital. (Pay: $50k-$65k)
  3. Specialist → Corporate Security: Move into a corporate role for a large employer (like Scott & White or a logistics firm), focusing on risk assessment and policy. (Pay: $60k+)

10-Year Outlook:
The demand will remain stable, tied to healthcare and warehousing. Automation may reduce some static posts, but it increases the need for skilled guards who can manage technology and respond to complex incidents. The key to growth is certification and reliability. Guards who show up on time, handle incidents professionally, and get additional training will always find work.

The Verdict: Is Temple Right for You?

Temple is a fantastic choice if you prioritize cost of living over high salary and value steady, predictable work. It's not a place for rapid career leaps unless you're targeting a specific niche like armed security or government contracts. It's a place to build a solid foundation.

Pros	Cons
Very low cost of living (91.8 index). Your paycheck goes much further.	Lower salary ceiling compared to major metros.
Stable employers (healthcare, logistics, schools) with consistent demand.	Job growth is modest (3%). Fewer new openings mean more competition for the best roles.
Short, easy commutes (15-20 mins max). Less time in traffic.	Nightlife and cultural scene are limited. It's a quiet city.
Central location between Austin, Waco, and Dallas—easy to day-trip.	Requires reliable personal transportation. Public transit is not a viable option.
Friendly, community-focused atmosphere. Easier to build a reputation.	Fewer high-paying specialty roles (e.g., corporate VP of security is rare).

Final Recommendation:
Come to Temple if you are a practical, disciplined individual starting out or looking for a stable, affordable base. It's perfect for someone willing to start at the $14-$16/hr range and work their way up to supervisor level within 5 years. The financial math works. It is not the ideal choice if you are chasing a $60k+ starting salary or a bustling urban environment. For the right person, Temple offers a high quality of life on a security guard's salary.

FAQs

1. What's the biggest mistake new security guards make in Temple?
Underestimating the need for reliable transportation. Most posts are at hospitals, warehouses, or schools on the outskirts. Public bus routes are limited and don't run 24/7. If your car breaks down, you can't get to work, and you'll likely be fired. A reliable vehicle is a non-negotiable job tool.

2. Is it hard to get a job at Scott & White directly?
It's competitive. They often hire from within or promote from their contracted security staff (like Allied Universal). Your best path is to get hired by the contractor, prove your reliability and professionalism for 6-12 months, and then apply internally when a position opens. Networking with current TISD or city security staff is also key.

3. Do I need a college degree?
No. For 95% of security jobs in Temple, a high school diploma or GED and a clean background are sufficient. A degree in criminal justice or a similar field can help you move into management faster, but it's not a requirement for entry.

4. What's the typical shift for a security guard here?
Expect a lot of overnight and weekend work. Warehouses (Amazon, Home Depot) and hospitals (Scott & White) operate 24/7, so there's steady demand for 10-hour and 12-hour shifts. Day shifts are more common at schools and municipal buildings and are more sought-after.

5. How do I stand out in applications?

1. Get your Texas Security License before you apply. It shows initiative.
2. Mention any prior experience in customer service, retail, or the military. De-escalation and reporting are key skills.
3. If you have a clean driving record, highlight it for mobile patrol roles.
4. Be flexible with shifts. Offering to work overnights or weekends will get your foot in the door much faster.