Security guards and gaming surveillance officers held about 1.1 million jobs in 2014, of which nearly all were held by security guards.
Security guards work in a wide variety of places, including public buildings, stores, and office buildings. Gaming surveillance officers and investigators mostly work in gaming facilities operated by local governments. They are employed only in those states, and on those Indian reservations, where gambling is legal.
Security guards held nearly 1.1 million jobs in 2014. The industries that employed the most security guards in 2014 were as follows:
Investigation, guard, and armored car services
58%
Educational services; state, local, and private
6
Health care and social assistance
6
Gaming surveillance officers held about 7,000 jobs in 2014. The industries that employed the most gaming surveillance officers in 2014 were as follows:
Gambling industries (except casino hotels)
38%
Casino hotels
30
Local government, excluding education and hospitals
20
Most security guards spend considerable time on their feet, either at a single post or patrolling buildings and grounds. Some may sit for long periods behind a counter or in a guardhouse at the entrance to a gated facility or community.
Guards who work during the day may have a great deal of contact with other employees and the public.
Although the work can be routine, it can also be hazardous, particularly when an altercation occurs.
Most gaming surveillance officers sit behind a desk observing gamers on video surveillance equipment.
Injuries and Illnesses
Security guards have a higher rate of injuries and illnesses than the national average. Although the work is mostly routine, the work can also be dangerous. As a result, guards must always be alert for threats to themselves and the people and property they are protecting.
Work Schedules
Security guards and gaming surveillance officers usually work in shifts of 8 hours, or longer, with rotating schedules.