Security guards and related occupations Pay Data UK — 2024
Security guards and related occupations roles in the UK earn a median of £28,245 per year, equivalent to £13.16 per hour as of 2024. This represents a 5.5% increase in annual pay compared to the previous year. Pay varies across the UK, ranging from £22,837 to £39,939 per year.
Median Annual Pay
£28,245
as of 2024
Median Hourly Pay
£13.16
per hour
Year-on-Year Change
+5.5%
vs 2023
Annual Pay Range
£26,603
–
£28,676
25th – 75th percentile
How Pay Varies Across the UK
Each bar shows how many areas of the UK have a median annual pay in that range for Security guards and related occupations roles.
The dashed line marks the national median.
Based on sub-regional area data. Want a precise figure for your area?
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Security guards and related occupations protect merchandise, individuals, hotels, offices, factories, shops, public grounds and private estates from injury, theft or damage.
Typical Tasks and Duties
walks or rides near person requiring protection, watches for suspicious occurrences and defends guarded person from attack
monitors, patrols and deals with security difficulties in hotels, factories, offices and other premises, and public or private estates to prevent theft and unauthorised entry
checks persons and vehicles entering and leaving premises, establishes their credentials and arranges for escorts for visitors
provides entry security, checks tickets, manages queues, takes entry fees, and escorts people from the premises where necessary in a variety of public venues such as nightclubs, pubs and bars
receives duty sheet, time-clock and keys for premises to be visited, checks locks, doors, windows, etc. and reports any suspicious circumstances to security headquarters
calls in civil police and gives evidence in court where necessary
ejects persons in illegal occupation of premises
watches for illegal fishing or attempted smuggling
patrols airport, checks passengers baggage, operates metal detectors and x-rays and assists in responding to emergency situations
greets and organises people attending court cases, ensures necessary parties are present, calls defendants and witnesses, directs oath taking and keeps order in the courtroom
Entry Routes and Qualifications
There are no formal academic entry requirements. For some vacancies a current and clean driving licence is required and entrants may have to pass a medical examination. Training is typically provided on-the-job. NVQs/SVQs covering various aspects of security guarding are available at level 2.