Security Guard in Westminster, CO

Here is a comprehensive career guide for Security Guards considering a move to Westminster, Colorado.

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The Salary Picture: Where Westminster Stands

As a local, I’ve watched the security field in Westminster evolve from simple gatehouse posts to complex roles involving integrated tech and emergency response. To be direct: Westminster pays its security guards slightly better than the national average, but the cost of living eats into that advantage.

The median salary for Security Guards in Westminster is $36,736/year, translating to an hourly rate of $17.66/hour. This edges out the national average of $36,140/year, but only just. The metro area sees 229 active jobs in this field, which is a manageable but competitive pool. Over the next decade, the job growth is projected at 3%, which is stable but not booming. This indicates a steady demand for replacements and modest expansion, rather than a rapid influx of new positions.

Experience is the primary driver of your earning potential in this region. Here’s how the pay scale typically breaks down:

Experience Level	Annual Salary Range (Est.)	Hourly Rate (Est.)
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$30,000 - $34,000	$14.42 - $16.35
Mid-Level (2-5 years)	$34,000 - $39,000	$16.35 - $18.75
Senior (5-10 years)	$39,000 - $45,000	$18.75 - $21.63
Expert/Supervisor (10+ years)	$45,000 - $55,000+	$21.63 - $26.44+

When we compare Westminster to other Colorado cities, the context becomes clearer. Denver and Boulder typically offer higher median salaries (often $38,000 - $42,000), but the cost of living is significantly higher. Colorado Springs often has a lower median (around $35,000), but with a more affordable housing market Westminster sits in a middle ground. It offers a slight premium over the state average for suburban security roles without the intense competition of the downtown Denver core.

Insider Tip: The $17.66/hour median is just a baseline. Specialized roles—like armed guards for financial institutions, security at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) south of the city, or corporate security for tech companies in the Interlocken area—can command $20-$25/hour immediately. Don’t anchor yourself to the median.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s be blunt: the numbers on paper don’t tell the full story. Westminster is not a cheap place to live, especially for a single-income household on a security guard’s salary.

Here’s a realistic monthly budget breakdown for a Security Guard earning the median salary of $36,736/year. This assumes a single filer using the standard deduction and Colorado’s state income tax (4.4%).

• Gross Monthly Pay: $3,061
• Estimated Federal Tax (FICA + Income Tax): $415
• Estimated Colorado State Tax (4.4%): $135
• Estimated Take-Home Pay: $2,511

Now, against the local cost of living:

• Average 1BR Rent: $1,635/month
• Utilities (Est.): $150/month
• Groceries: $350/month
• Car Payment/Insurance (Essential in Westminster): $400/month
• Health Insurance (if not employer-sponsored): $200/month
• Miscellaneous (Phone, etc.): $150/month

Total Monthly Expenses: $2,885

The Math: With a take-home of $2,511 and essential expenses of $2,885, you are operating at a monthly deficit of $374. This assumes no student loans, no credit card debt, and minimal entertainment or savings.

Can they afford to buy a home? For a single person on this median salary, the answer is a firm no, at least not in Westminster or the immediate metro area. The median home price in Westminster is well over $500,000. A 20% down payment is $100,000, and a mortgage payment would be roughly $2,400/month before taxes, insurance, and maintenance. The only path to homeownership here is through dual income, significant savings, or accepting a longer commute from more affordable areas like Adams County east of I-25.

Where the Jobs Are: Westminster's Major Employers

The security job market here is diverse, moving beyond traditional retail and warehouse posts. Major employers are clustered around specific hubs: the Interlocken business park, healthcare corridors, and security-sensitive government contractors.

1. AdventHealth (formerly Avista Hospital): Located on Highway 7, this is a major 24/7 healthcare facility. They hire internal security officers for patient safety, asset protection, and access control. Hiring is consistent due to the essential nature of the work. Expect to start around $18-$19/hour with benefits.

2. Northrop Grumman (Interlocken): This is a top-tier employer. Security here is high-stakes, protecting aerospace and defense assets. They often require and pay for a Security Clearance. Pay starts well above the median, often $22+/hour, but the hiring process is rigorous and lengthy.

3. Ball Aerospace (Westminster Campus): Similar to Northrop Grumman, Ball requires cleared security personnel for their facilities. They have a dedicated security team. Jobs are posted on their corporate site, not on general job boards. The work is professional, technical, and pays a premium.

4. Westminster Public Schools: District schools hire security officers for campus safety. This is a steady, daytime schedule aligned with the school year (summers off). Pay is often in the $17-$19/hour range with a good benefits package, including pension plans.

5. Amazon Fulfillment Centers (Near I-76/I-25): While technically in neighboring commerce cities, these massive warehouses employ hundreds of security guards for loss prevention and traffic control. The environment is fast-paced and can be high-turnover, but it’s a reliable entry point. Pay is typically at or just above the median.

6. The Orchard Town Center: This large outdoor mall in Westminster employs both mall security and individual retail stores. It’s a good place for entry-level experience. Expect $16-$17/hour for basic patrols.

Hiring Trend: There's a noticeable shift toward guards who are comfortable with technology—access control systems, CCTV monitoring software, and incident reporting apps. Traditional "standing post" jobs are declining in favor of mobile patrol and tech-integrated roles.

Getting Licensed in Colorado

Colorado has a straightforward but mandatory licensing process for security guards. Here’s the practical timeline and cost breakdown.

Step 1: Application & Background Check

• Cost: $77.50 for the initial application and background check fee (paid to the Colorado Bureau of Investigation).
• Timeline: The background check can take 2-4 weeks. You cannot legally work as a guard until this clears and you receive your license.

Step 2: Training

• Requirement: Colorado requires 8 hours of approved training for an unarmed guard license. This includes topics on law, use of force, and emergency procedures.
• Cost: Training courses range from $99 to $200. Many local community colleges (like Front Range Community College Westminster Campus) offer the course, as do private security training centers in the Denver metro area.
• Timeline: The course is typically a one-day, 8-hour session.

Step 3: Arming (If Desired)

• Requirement: For an armed guard license, you need an additional 16 hours of firearms training from a CLETS-certified instructor, plus a separate application and higher fees.
• Cost: $250 - $400 for the firearms training course, plus $175 for the armed license application fee.
• Timeline: Add another 2-3 weeks for processing the armed license.

Total Timeline for Unarmed Guard: 4-6 weeks from start to finish.
Total Cost for Unarmed Guard: $176.50 - $277.50 (application + training).

Insider Tip: Upon completing your training, you are legally allowed to work under the direct supervision of a licensed supervisor while your application is processing. Use this time to find a job! Many companies will hire you conditionally and place you in a trainee role.

Best Neighborhoods for Security Guards

Living in Westminster is about balancing commute, affordability, and lifestyle. Here are the top neighborhoods for security guards, based on job access and livability.

1. Old Town Westminster:

   • Vibe: Historic, walkable, with a growing dining and arts scene.
   • Commute: Excellent. Central to many employers like the hospital and city buildings. Easy access to US-36 (Denver-Boulder Turnpike).
   • Rent (1BR): $1,500 - $1,700/month (older apartments and some newer complexes).
   • Best For: Guards who want a vibrant neighborhood feel without a long commute.

2. The Ranches (West of I-25):

   • Vibe: Quiet, suburban, family-oriented with larger homes and open spaces.
   • Commute: Very good for jobs in the Interlocken tech corridor and north Denver. Can be a traffic-heavy commute to downtown Denver.
   • Rent (1BR): $1,650 - $1,850/month (mostly newer apartment complexes).
   • Best For: Those working at Northrop Grumman, Ball Aerospace, or in the Westminster Corporate Center.

3. Westfield (North Westminster):

   • Vibe: Mix of older, established neighborhoods and new developments. Close to the Big Dry Creek and open space trails.
   • Commute: Decent to most of Westminster and Boulder. A bit further from downtown Denver.
   • Rent (1BR): $1,400 - $1,600/month.
   • Best For: Guards seeking slightly more affordable rent while staying within city limits.

4. Candelas (East of I-25, adjacent to Westminster):

   • Vibe: A massive, master-planned community that spills into Adams County. Very new, with lots of amenities.
   • Commute: Can be congested on I-25 during rush hour. Great for jobs in the Denver metro.
   • Rent (1BR): $1,550 - $1,750/month.
   • Best For: Those who prioritize modern amenities and new construction over historic charm.

Rent Reality Check: The average 1BR rent of $1,635/month is accurate. To comfortably afford this on a Security Guard’s median salary, you should aim for your housing costs (rent + utilities) to be no more than 30% of your take-home pay. At $2,511 take-home, 30% is $753. Therefore, finding a roommate or living in a significantly cheaper area (outside Westminster) is often a financial necessity.

The Long Game: Career Growth

The security field in Westminster offers clear advancement paths if you're strategic. The 3% job growth means you need to specialize to move up.

Specialty Premiums:

• Armed Guard: +$3-$7/hour above unarmed roles.
• Cleared (DoD/Security Clearance): +$5-$10/hour. This is the single biggest salary multiplier in the region.
• Technical Surveillance (Access Control/CCTV): +$2-$4/hour.
• Executive Protection: Requires networking and specialized training; pay starts at $30+/hour.

Advancement Paths:

1. Field Officer to Supervisor: 2-3 years of solid performance. Pay jumps to the $45,000 - $50,000 range.
2. Supervisor to Site Manager: 5+ years. Involves budgeting, scheduling, and client relations. Can reach $55,000 - $70,000.
3. Corporate Security: Moving into security for a large company like Ball or Northrop, often in a hybrid analyst/ops role. Pay can exceed $75,000.
4. Law Enforcement: Many guards use their experience as a stepping stone to police academies. Westminster PD and Adams County Sheriff are major employers.

10-Year Outlook: The 3% growth is misleadingly low for the industry, but higher for qualified specialists. The demand for guards who can integrate physical security with digital systems will grow. The path to a six-figure salary in security in Colorado requires moving into management, corporate security, or government contracting—not staying in traditional patrol roles.

The Verdict: Is Westminster Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Stable Job Market: Steady employment in healthcare, tech, and schools.	High Cost of Living: Rent consumes a large portion of the median salary.
Career Specialization: Access to high-paying cleared jobs in aerospace.	Traffic Congestion: Commutes on US-36 and I-25 can be significant.
Good Central Location: Easy access to Denver, Boulder, and the mountains.	Competitive Housing Market: Buying a home is out of reach for most on a single median salary.
Diverse Work Environments: From quiet schools to high-tech facilities.	Job Growth is Modest: Advancement requires proactive specialization, not just tenure.

Final Recommendation:
Westminster is a solid choice for a Security Guard if you are a strategic career planner. If you are willing to obtain a security clearance, specialize in technical systems, or advance to a supervisory role within 3-5 years, the financial equation becomes much more manageable. It’s an excellent place to gain experience in high-tech security.

However, if you are looking for a low-pressure, entry-level job to support a comfortable, single-income lifestyle, Westminster’s cost of living will be a constant struggle. In that case, you might consider neighboring towns like Arvada or Thornton for more affordable rent, while still commuting to Westminster for the better-paying specialty jobs.

FAQs

Q: How long does it take to get hired after applying for my license?
A: From application to start date can be 6-8 weeks. However, you can begin working as a trainee under supervision after you submit your application and complete training. Use this period to interview and get a conditional job offer.

Q: Is the cost of living in Westminster really that much worse than other Colorado cities?
A: Yes. While Denver is more expensive, Westminster's rent-to-income ratio is challenging for the median salary. The Cost of Living Index of 105.5 (US avg = 100) means you're paying 5.5% more for goods and services than the national average, and housing is the primary driver.

Q: Do I need my own car to work as a security guard in Westminster?
A: Absolutely. Public transit (RTD) does not adequately serve most major employers like the Interlocken tech park or the AdventHealth campus. A reliable vehicle is non-negotiable for shift work.

Q: What's the single best way to increase my salary quickly?
A: Obtain a Department of Defense security clearance. The process can take months, but once you have it, you become eligible for the highest-paying jobs at Ball, Northrop Grumman, and other contractors. Many employers will sponsor your clearance if you're hired into a qualifying role.

Q: Are there union jobs for security guards in Westminster?
A: It's rare. Most security jobs are with private contract companies (like Allied Universal, Securitas) or direct government/healthcare employees. Union representation is more common in public sector roles, such as school district security. Check job postings specifically for "school district" or "city of Westminster" positions for potential union membership.