Security Guard in Waco, TX

The Salary Picture: Where Waco Stands

As a local, I can tell you that Waco isn't a high-cost security market like Houston or Dallas, but it’s also not a boomtown for security wages. The numbers tell the story: the median salary for security guards in Waco is $35,142/year, which breaks down to $16.90/hour. That’s slightly below the national average of $36,140/year, but the cost of living here is significantly lower, which evens things out. The metro area has about 289 jobs for security guards, and the 10-year job growth is 3%—steady but not explosive.

Here’s how pay scales with experience in Waco:

Experience Level	Typical Hourly Rate	Typical Annual Salary (Full-Time)	Notes
Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)	$14.50 - $17.00	$30,160 - $35,360	Often starts at retail or event security.
Mid-Level (3-5 yrs)	$16.50 - $19.00	$34,320 - $39,520	Requires some certifications; shifts at hospitals or schools.
Senior (5-10 yrs)	$18.50 - $22.00	$38,480 - $45,760	Leads small teams; access to stricter sites.
Expert (10+ yrs)	$22.00 - $26.00	$45,760 - $54,080	Corporate security, management, or specialized roles.

Compared to other Texas cities, Waco is on the lower end. Austin’s median is over $38,000, and Dallas-Fort Worth hovers around $37,000, but their rents are 30-50% higher. In Waco, you’re trading wage potential for affordability. The 3% job growth is slower than the state average for security, which is about 5%, but it’s stable. Local employers like Baylor Scott & White and the Waco Independent School District offer consistent openings, especially for licensed guards.

Insider tip: If you’re willing to work overnight shifts or special events (like Baylor football games or the Waco Heart & Stroke 5K), you can often tack on $2-$4/hour in differential pay. That’s where the mid-level earners really push past the median.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s break down the monthly budget for a security guard earning the median salary of $35,142/year. Assuming you’re single, filing as a single filer with no dependents, and you take the standard deduction, here’s how it shakes out. (Note: This is an estimate; actual taxes vary.)

• Monthly Gross Income: $2,928
• Monthly Take-Home (after taxes): Approximately $2,350 (this accounts for federal income tax, Social Security, Medicare, and Texas’s lack of state income tax).

Now, the biggest local cost: rent. The average 1BR rent in Waco is $1,011/month. So, after rent and taxes, you’re looking at about $1,339/month for everything else: utilities, car insurance, gas, groceries, and savings. That’s tight but doable. The Cost of Living Index of 90.8 (US avg = 100) helps; your dollar goes about 10% further here than nationally.

Can they afford to buy a home? The median home price in Waco is around $280,000. On a $35,142 salary, lenders will typically approve a mortgage for a home priced around $160,000-$180,000, assuming a standard 20% down payment and good credit. This is a stretch in Waco’s current market. Starter homes in older neighborhoods like East Waco or parts of North 35th Street might hit that range, but they’re rare. A dual-income household (or moving up to a $45,000+ specialist salary) makes homeownership much more realistic. For now, most security guards I know rent, often in the $900-$1,100 range for a decent 1BR or a roommate situation in a 2BR.

Where the Jobs Are: Waco's Major Employers

Waco’s security job market is anchored by a few key sectors: healthcare, education, and retail. Here’s where to look:

1. Baylor Scott & White Medical Center – Hillcrest: The largest employer in the region. They hire in-house security officers for 24/7 coverage. Benefits are solid, and shifts are predictable. They often require a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) Guard License. Hiring trends are steady; they post openings on their careers portal every quarter.

2. Waco Independent School District (WISD): School security is a growing niche. WISD employs security monitors and officers for campuses across the city, from University High to Crestview Elementary. Positions often start at $16-$18/hour and follow the school calendar (summers off). They prioritize candidates with experience and a clean background check.

3. Target & Home Depot Distribution Centers: Waco is a logistics hub. The massive Target distribution center off I-35 and the Home Depot facility frequently hire security guards to monitor gates, docks, and perimeter fencing. These are often third-party contract jobs (through firms like Securitas or G4S), offering $15.50-$17.50/hour. Hiring spikes before the holiday season.

4. McLennan County Courthouse & City Facilities: The county and city governments hire security for the courthouse, jail, and public buildings. These positions are civil service jobs, offering good benefits and pensions. Competition is higher, and you’ll need a state license. Watch the city’s official job board.

5. Event Security (Local Companies): Companies like Crowd Security Services and Texas Shield Protection handle events at the Baylor Ballpark, Texas Ranger Hall of Fame, and the Waco Hippodrome. This is gig-style work—great for side income but less stable. Pay can range from $18-$25/hour for big events, but hours are irregular.

6. Baylor University: The private university employs its own security force for campus safety. Hiring is less frequent but offers a professional environment and tuition benefits. They often look for candidates with some college experience or military background.

Insider tip: Many of these jobs (especially at schools and hospitals) aren’t listed on national job boards. Check WacoTrib.com/jobs, the City of Waco’s career page, and direct company websites. Networking with current guards at the Waco Regional Police Academy can give you a heads-up on openings.

Getting Licensed in TX

Texas has clear, mandatory requirements for security guards. You cannot legally work in a security role without a Texas DPS Guard License. Here’s the step-by-step process:

1. Complete Training: You must complete a 6-hour pre-licensing course from a DPS-approved school. In Waco, check Waco Regional Police Academy or Central Texas College (in nearby Killeen, but offers online). Cost: $75-$125.
2. Submit Application: Apply online through the Texas Department of Public Safety Private Security Program. You’ll need your course certificate, fingerprints, and a fee of $44.
3. Background Check: The state will run a criminal background check. Any felony or certain misdemeanors can disqualify you. Processing takes 4-8 weeks.
4. Receive License: Once approved, you get a physical card. You must carry it while on duty.

Total Cost: $119 - $169
Timeline: 6-10 weeks from start to finish.

Specialty Licenses: If you want to carry a firearm, you need an additional Level 3 (Armed) License. This requires 45 hours of training (including range time) and costs $300-$450 total. Armed guards in Waco can earn $2-$4 more per hour. For Level 4 (Personal Protection Officer), you need 60 more hours, targeting high-end corporate or executive protection.

Insider Tip: Many employers will hire you as an unarmed guard and pay for your armed training after you’ve worked there for 6-12 months. It’s a smart path if you’re short on cash upfront. Always keep your license current—renewals are every 2 years and require 8 hours of continuing education.

Best Neighborhoods for Security Guards

Where you live affects your commute and budget. Here’s a local’s breakdown:

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Avg 1BR Rent	Why It Works for Security Guards
East Waco	Historic, diverse, closer to downtown and Baylor. 10-15 min drive to most jobs.	$850 - $1,000	Affordable, decent apartments, easy access to I-35. Good for entry-level.
North 35th Street Corridor	Working-class, near Target & Home Depot warehouses.	$800 - $950	Super short commutes to logistics jobs. Older housing stock, but cheap.
Baylor/Hillcrest	Near the hospital and university. Can be crowded, but walkable.	$1,010 - $1,250	Ideal for hospital security guards. Newer apartments, but rent is at the city average.
Beverly Hills	Northwest Waco, quieter, family-oriented. 20-25 min commute.	$950 - $1,150	Good for those working at schools or the courthouse. Safer, but further out.
Downtown/West End	Trendy, artsy, near restaurants and bars.	$1,100 - $1,400	Best for event security gigs. Walkable to nightlife, but rent is higher.

Insider Tip: If you’re working overnight shifts, consider a complex with good security and soundproofing. Places in Beverly Hills or newer complexes in Baylor are quieter. Avoid the immediate I-35 corridor if noise is an issue—it’s a constant hum.

The Long Game: Career Growth

The 3% job growth means competition for advancement is real. Here’s how to move up:

• Specialty Premiums: Getting your Armed License (Level 3) is the fastest way to boost pay. Armed guards in Waco at hospitals or banks can make $20-$24/hour. Corporate security (for companies like Dr Pepper or McLennan County offices) pays up to $26/hour but requires more experience.
• Advancement Paths: The typical ladder is: Unarmed Guard → Armed Guard → Shift Supervisor → Site Manager → Corporate Security Director. Moving into management often requires an associate’s degree in criminal justice or business. Central Texas College offers affordable courses.
• 10-Year Outlook: The 3% growth isn’t rapid, but it’s stable. Demand will be steady in healthcare and schools. The rise of smart security (cameras, access control systems) means guards with tech skills will have an edge. Consider certifications in access control or surveillance technology to future-proof your career. By 2034, a senior specialist could earn $55,000+ in Waco, but many will need to look to Dallas or Austin for higher ceilings.

The Verdict: Is Waco Right for You?

Here’s a quick summary of the pros and cons:

Pros	Cons
Low Cost of Living – Your $35,142 goes much further here.	Low Wages – Pay is below national and big-city averages.
Stable Job Market – Healthcare and schools provide steady openings.	Limited Growth – 3% job growth is modest; advancement can be slow.
Short Commutes – Easy access to jobs from most neighborhoods.	Fewer Specialized Roles – Limited demand for high-end corporate or executive protection.
Community Feel – Smaller city, easier to network and find gigs.	Rent Creep – While still affordable, rents are rising faster than wages.
No State Income Tax – Helps take-home pay.	Weather – Hot, humid summers can be tough for outdoor posts.

Final Recommendation: Waco is an excellent choice for security guards who prioritize affordability and work-life balance over maximizing income. It’s ideal for entry-level or mid-career guards, especially those with families looking for a slower pace. If your goal is to reach $50,000+ in the next 5 years, you might hit a ceiling here. For a stable, manageable career, Waco delivers. If you’re ambitious and single, use it as a low-cost base to get licensed and then consider a move to a larger market after 2-3 years.

FAQs

Q: Can I work as a security guard while waiting for my Texas license?
A: No. Texas law requires you to have your DPS Guard License in hand before you can perform security duties. Some employers may hire you for non-security roles (like front desk or concierge) while you’re in training.

Q: What’s the best way to find security jobs in Waco quickly?
A: Go direct. Walk into the HR offices of Baylor Scott & White and WISD with your resume and license in hand. Also, register with local staffing agencies like Express Employment Professionals or Randstad—they often handle contract security for retail and warehouses.

Q: Is it worth getting an armed license in Waco?
A: Absolutely. The pay bump is significant, and it opens up the most stable jobs (hospitals, banks). The investment pays for itself within a year. Just ensure you’re comfortable with the responsibility and legal liability.

Q: How do I handle the summer heat on outdoor posts?
A: Hydration is non-negotiable. Many local employers provide cooling vests and tents for outdoor events. For regular posts, seek posts with access to air-conditioned rooms (like inside gates at distribution centers). Avoid standing on blacktop for long stretches; ask for a perimeter route with shade.

Q: Are there union jobs for security guards in Waco?
A: Very few. Most positions are non-union. The exceptions are sometimes found in government roles (courthouse, schools) where you may be part of a public employees association, but not a traditional security union. Your best bet for benefits is with large employers like Baylor Scott & White or the county/city government.