Security officers or guards protect people, property, goods and money from theft and damage. They must be ready to deal with intruders and emergency situations. You could work in a range of organisations, with your role varying depending on the type of industry you work in. All security work has an element of risk.
Door Supervisor (Bouncer)
You could be:
Reception Security Officer (Concierge)
You could be:
Patrolling Security Officer or Guard
You could be:
Cash-in-Transit Security Officer or Guard
You could be:
Prison Custody Officer
You could be:
Airport Security Officer
You could be:
Bodyguard
You could be:
The figures below are only a guide. Actual pay rates may vary, depending on:
Starting pay is often based on the National Minimum Wage (NMW) or the National Living Wage (NLW).
As of 1 April 2023 the National Minimum Wage is £7.49 an hour for workers aged 18 to 20 and £10.18 an hour for workers aged 21 to 22. The National Living Wage for those aged 23 and over. is £10.42 an hour. This may rise to £10.50 an hour with experience. Supervisors might earn up to £20,000 a year. Pay rates for security managers also vary, but can be £21,000 a year or more.
Most bodyguards work on a self-employed basis. Pay depends on the client or company, experience and the risk of the job involved. A low risk job can pay anywhere from £100 to £500 a day A high risk job, or one involving the protection of high profile or very wealthy clients, can pay between £500 and £1000 a day. An extremely high risk job can pay up to £1,500 a day.
Workforce Employment Status
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Jobs are usually advertised in the press, on the Find a Job website (formerly Universal Jobmatch) or in Jobcentre Plus offices.
Workforce Education Levels (UK)
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Employment
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You need to have:
You need to be able to:
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The following organisations may be able to provide further information.
British Bodyguard Association
E-mail:
admin@the-bba.org.uk
Website:
https://www.the-bba.org.uk
Twitter:
@theBBA
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/BritishBodyguardAssociation/
Security Industry Authority (SIA)
Website:
https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/security-industry-authority
Twitter:
@SIAuk
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/thesiauk/
The website has an online step-by-step guide to applying for a licence.
Security Institute
Tel: 02476 346 464
E-mail:
info@security-institute.org
Website:
http://www.security-institute.org/
Twitter:
@SyInstitute
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/syinstitute/
Skills for Security (including SITO)
Tel: 01905 744000
E-mail:
info@skillsforsecurity.org.uk
Website:
http://www.skillsforsecurity.org.uk
Twitter:
@Skills4Security
Skills for Security is the Sector Skills Council for the security business sector.