Security Guard in Tulsa, OK

The Salary Picture: Where Tulsa Stands

As someone who’s lived in Tulsa for years, I can tell you the security field here is steady but not booming. The numbers back it up: the median salary for Security Guards in Tulsa is $35,001/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $16.83/hour. This is slightly below the national average of $36,140/year, a gap that’s common for many service jobs in the Midwest but reflects Tulsa’s lower cost of living.

The 10-year job growth is projected at only 3%, which is slower than the national average for the field. However, with 821 jobs in the metro area, there’s a consistent demand for reliable guards. This isn’t a high-turnover market; many guards stay with their employers for years, especially with the city’s stable corporate and healthcare sectors.

Here’s a realistic breakdown of what you can expect to earn at different stages of your career in Tulsa:

Experience Level	Typical Years	Estimated Annual Salary in Tulsa
Entry-Level	0-2	$29,000 - $32,000
Mid-Career	3-7	$34,000 - $38,000
Senior/Lead	8-15	$39,000 - $45,000
Expert/Managerial	15+	$46,000 - $55,000+

Insider Tip: Your starting wage will heavily depend on the employer. A bank or corporate HQ in downtown Tulsa will pay closer to $18-$19/hour to start, while a post in a retail strip mall in south Tulsa might start at $15.50/hour. Always ask about shift differentials; working overnight or weekends can add $1-$2/hour to your base pay.

How Tulsa Compares to Other OK Cities:

• Oklahoma City: Slightly higher median salary (~$36,200) and more jobs due to state government and larger corporate HQs.
• Norman: Home to OU, so there's a high demand for campus security, often paying similar to Tulsa but with more seasonal fluctuations.
• Broken Arrow: A large suburb of Tulsa; pay is comparable to Tulsa proper, but many jobs are with the city's own police department or school security, which can offer better benefits.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get brutally honest about the budget. The Tulsa metro has an average 1BR rent of $900/month, and the Cost of Living Index is 89.5 (US avg = 100). This means your money goes further here than in most of the country, but a single income on a guard’s salary is still tight.

Here’s a monthly budget breakdown for a Security Guard earning the median salary of $35,001/year (about $2,917/month gross). We'll estimate deductions for federal/state taxes, Social Security, and health insurance (if provided by the employer, which many large companies do).

Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Gross Pay	$2,917
Taxes & Deductions (est. 22%)	-$642	Varies by filing status and benefits.
Net Take-Home Pay	$2,275
Rent (1BR average)	-$900	Can be lower in suburbs or older buildings.
Utilities (Electric, Gas, Internet)	-$180	Varies seasonally; Tulsa summers are hot.
Car Payment/Insurance/Gas	-$350	Essential. Public transit is limited.
Groceries & Household	-$400
Health Insurance (if not covered)	-$150	A major variable.
Miscellaneous/Debt/Savings	$295	This is your buffer.

Can they afford to buy a home? It's challenging but possible with disciplined saving and a dual income. The median home price in the Tulsa area is around $220,000. With a $35,001 salary, your debt-to-income ratio would likely be too high for a conventional mortgage on that price alone. However, Tulsa has several down payment assistance programs (like the Tulsa Housing Authority’s grants), and many guards partner with a spouse or partner to qualify. It’s a long-term goal, not an immediate one, for most single-income security professionals.

Where the Jobs Are: Tulsa's Major Employers

Tulsa’s security job market is anchored by a few key sectors: healthcare, education, corporate, and public services. Here are the specific employers you should be researching:

1. Saint Francis Health System & OU Medicine: As one of the state’s largest employers, Saint Francis has multiple campuses (main downtown, south Tulsa, Broken Arrow). They need 24/7 security for patient, staff, and asset protection. Hiring Trend: Steady. They often post jobs directly on their careers page rather than using third-party services.
2. American Airlines (Tulsa Maintenance Base): The world’s largest MRO (Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul) facility is here. Security is critical for protecting multi-million dollar aircraft and sensitive IP. Hiring Trend: Stable, with occasional surges for new projects. Pay is often above the city median.
3. Tulsa Public Schools & Local School Districts (Union, Jenks, Bixby, etc.): School security is a growing field. Positions range from campus monitors to dedicated security officers. Hiring Trend: Strong, especially for the upcoming school year. Requires a clean background and often a high school diploma.
4. City of Tulsa & Tulsa County Government: The Tulsa Police Department hires for "Community Service Officers" and civilian security roles for municipal buildings, the courthouse, and city facilities. Hiring Trend: Competitive. These jobs offer excellent benefits and pensions, making them highly sought-after.
5. Nordam & Other Major Manufacturers: Aerospace and energy companies in the area have large, secure facilities needing access control and perimeter security. Hiring Trend: Tied to industrial cycles, but generally stable.
6. Private Security Firms (Securitas, Allied Universal): These large contractors service many of the above employers. They offer a variety of posts and a path to supervisory roles. Hiring Trend: Consistent turnover, meaning constant openings, but you often start at the lower end of the pay scale.

Insider Tip: Many of the best jobs aren't advertised on Indeed. They are on the "Careers" page of the employer's website. For the City, check jobs.cityoftulsa.org. For healthcare, check saintfrancis.com/careers.

Getting Licensed in OK

Oklahoma is a "Right-to-Carry" state for security guards, but there are mandatory steps. The Oklahoma Council on Law Enforcement Education and Training (CLEET) sets the rules.

1. Basic Requirements: You must be at least 18, have a high school diploma or GED, pass a background check (no felonies or certain misdemeanors), and complete a 4-hour CLEET-approved armed guard training course. Wait, that's for armed guards. For unarmed, the requirement is often just the background check and employer-specific training, but many employers prefer you to have the 4-hour course to show initiative.
2. The Process:
   • Step 1: Get hired by a CLEET-certified security company. They can sponsor your training.
   • Step 2: Complete the 4-hour course (costs ~$100-$150). It covers use of force, laws, and ethics.
   • Step 3: Submit your application for a CLEET Security Guard ID card. The fee is $50. Processing takes 2-4 weeks.
3. Timeline to Get Started: If you start today, you could be job-ready in 3-6 weeks. The biggest delay is often the background check. Pro Tip: You can start the CLEET course before you're hired, which makes you a more attractive candidate.

Best Neighborhoods for Security Guards

Where you live affects your commute and lifestyle. Here’s a neighborhood breakdown for a security guard’s budget and schedule.

Neighborhood	Vibe / Commute	Estimated 1BR Rent	Best For
Brookside / South Tulsa	Upscale, safe, close to Saint Francis South. Easy commute to major hospitals and corporate parks.	$950 - $1,100	Guards working healthcare or corporate posts in south Tulsa.
Midtown / Cherry Street	Historic, walkable, with a strong community feel. Commute to downtown is great, but to south Tulsa can be 25+ mins.	$900 - $1,050	Those working downtown (City Hall, courts) or the downtown hospital campus.
Jenks / Broken Arrow (Suburbs)	Family-oriented, excellent schools, lower crime. Longer commute to downtown Tulsa (30-45 mins).	$850 - $950	Guards with families who work for the school districts or in the south metro industrial areas.
North Tulsa / Osage Hills	More affordable, but some areas have higher crime. Commute to downtown is good.	$700 - $850	For those prioritizing lowest rent and willing to commute to downtown or midtown jobs.
Downtown / Brady District	Urban, vibrant nightlife. Parking can be expensive, but some employers offer stipends.	$1,000 - $1,300	Ideal for those working overnight security in the core business district.

Personal Insight: If you're working a 3 PM - 11 PM shift, living in Brookside or Jenks means you'll almost always hit the evening rush hour on US-69 or I-44. Budget an extra 15 minutes for your commute.

The Long Game: Career Growth

The 3% growth means you have to be strategic. Lateral moves are more common than upward leaps.

• Specialty Premiums: The biggest pay bump comes from getting armed. A Tulsa armed guard can make $19-$23/hour ($39,500 - $47,800/year). However, this comes with higher liability and stress. Other specialties include:
  • Fire Safety/EMS: Adding these certifications can make you invaluable at large facilities or hospitals.
  • Technology: Learning access control systems (like Lenel or Galleria) and CCTV monitoring can lead to a "Security Technician" role.
• Advancement Paths:
  1. Field Officer -> Lead Officer: Requires 2+ years of clean service and leadership skills.
  2. Lead Officer -> Site Supervisor: Involves scheduling, payroll, and client relations. Pay can jump to $45,000 - $52,000.
  3. Supervisor -> Operations Manager: For large contractors, this role oversees multiple sites. Requires business acumen.
  4. Public Sector: Transition to a municipal police department or the TSA. This often requires additional training but offers the best long-term benefits and pension.
• 10-Year Outlook: With a 3% growth, the field won't explode. However, as Tulsa's population grows (currently 410,915), the need for private and public security for new businesses, housing developments, and public events will be steady. The real growth will be in cyber-physical security—managing digital and physical access for tech-forward companies and institutions.

The Verdict: Is Tulsa Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Low Cost of Living: Your $35,001 goes much further here.	Lower Wages: Below national average; growth is slow.
Stable Job Market: Large employers (healthcare, aviation, government) mean consistent demand.	Limited Public Transit: A car is a necessity, adding to expenses.
Manageable Commute: Traffic is mild compared to major metros.	Extreme Weather: Tornadoes and ice storms can disrupt work and safety.
Friendly, Tight-Knit Community: Easier to build rapport and find opportunities.	Limited High-Skill Growth: To advance significantly, you may need to leave the field or go into management.

Final Recommendation: Tulsa is an excellent choice for a Security Guard who values stability, affordability, and a lower-cost lifestyle. It’s ideal for those starting their career, veterans looking for a stable post-retirement job, or professionals with a partner whose income can help you build a life here. It’s less ideal if your primary goal is rapid salary growth or working in a cutting-edge, high-tech security environment. If you’re disciplined, can specialize (like getting armed), and leverage the low cost of living to save, Tulsa can be a very comfortable place to build a career.

FAQs

Q: Do I need to be armed to make a decent wage in Tulsa?
A: No, but it helps. The median of $35,001 is mostly unarmed guards. Going armed can push you toward the $40,000+ range. Many corporate and healthcare posts are unarmed but have excellent benefits.

Q: Will a misdemeanor disqualify me?
A: It depends on the charge and the employer. Theft, violent offenses, or drug-related charges are often disqualifying. However, a minor traffic violation or old, non-violent offense might not be. Always be honest on your application. The City of Tulsa and public schools have strict background rules.

Q: How competitive is the job market?
A: For the 821 jobs, it's moderately competitive. The key is reliability. Employers in Tulsa value guards who show up on time, every time, and have a clean driving record (since you'll likely be driving a patrol vehicle). Having a CLEET card already makes you stand out.

Q: What's the best way to find a job quickly?
A: Apply directly on the websites of Saint Francis, American Airlines, Tulsa Public Schools, and the City of Tulsa. Simultaneously, apply with major contractors like Allied Universal to get your foot in the door. Tailor your resume to highlight reliability, customer service, and any prior security or military experience.

Q: Is the cost of living truly that low?
A: Yes, the Cost of Living Index of 89.5 is accurate. While rent has increased, groceries, utilities, and transportation are below the national average. Your biggest expense will be a car payment and insurance, so buying a reliable used car is a smart move.

(Data Sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Outlook Handbook, Oklahoma CLEET, Tulsa Regional Chamber, Zillow, RentCafe.)