Whether it is a sprawling residential complex, a commercial bank, a popular tourist spot, or a prominent industrial complex, safety and security are the priority in every setting. Security personnel perform an indispensable role of safeguarding individuals and their valuable assets. Various jobs exist within the domain of security, each with its unique set of roles, responsibilities, and income levels. This article analyzes the various security jobs in the country and provides information on each:

Security Guard
Although the job roles and responsibilities of a security guard are varied and may differ based on the premises or buildings being guarded, some of the basic duties of security personnel are as follows:

Monitoring guests’ signing in and out upon their entries and exits
Safeguarding the premises from trespassers and enforcing related rules and regulations
Registering the details of guests and outsiders
Reporting regularly to supervisors
Taking responsibility for carrying out bag-check and metal-detection procedures
Carrying out regular inspections
Governing activities on the premises through CCTV monitors
Reporting to the supervisors and police inspectors about any suspicious activities
Taking immediate action during emergency situations
Forbidding individuals from entering prohibited areas

Qualifications and other requirements
The requirements and qualifications of security guards may differ based on the nature of the role being offered. However, most jobs require security personnel to tick the following boxes:

High school or equivalent qualification
A degree in security training
Should be 18 years of age or above
Should be physically able and agile to perform daily duties
An understanding of rules and regulations governing public security and trespassing
Sound training in self-defense
Good observation skills and attention to detail
Good problem-solving skills and presence of mind
Good communication skills and ability to take charge
Experience as required by the specific employer

Salary projections
According to reports, security personnel in the country earn a base salary of approximately $33,035 per year. However, the salary range of security guards is $872 to $12,59,570, reflecting considerable diversity in salaries. The income earned by security guards differs based on individual qualifications, capabilities, and experience.

Surveillance Officer
A surveillance officer has to monitor and record the ongoings in public spaces. It is a mostly sedentary job. Some of their duties include:

Monitoring the activities taking place in public premises, such as streets, schools, and corporate areas
Operating and checking CCTV camera footage and GPS to derive specific information
Reporting any suspicious activity to other security personnel and police officers
Contributing to gathering evidence of unethical activities to be presented in the court
Monitoring security guards’ activities and alerting them in case of any potential issues
Identifying safety hazards and taking measures actively

Qualifications and other requirements

A high-school diploma
Excellent attention to detail and observational skills
Good communication skills
Problem-solving skills
Physical strength and fitness
Ability to work in isolation

Salary projections
Individuals working as surveillance officers earn approximately $39,097 per year, including the base pay and additional pay, which includes cash bonuses, commissions, tips, etc.

Security Escort
The role entails ensuring the safety and security of high-profile individuals, such as celebrities and government officials. Some of the major duties involve:

Escorting guests from and to their vehicles at public events
Physically searching individuals or using metal detectors to identify any weapons or harmful objects
Announcing the arrival of guests at public events
Ensuring overall safety and security at events and programs

Qualifications and other requirements

High-school diploma or a General Equivalency Diploma (GED)
Good observational skills
Physical fitness and agility
Ability to write reports, monitor alarms, and check CCTV surveillance footage
Sound knowledge of public safety and related rules and regulations

Salary projections
The average salary earned by security escorts is $53,665 per year, including the base and additional pay. The average base salary and additional income are approximately $50,192 and $3,473, respectively.

Security Officer
This role combines several responsibilities of the positions stated above. Some of the duties of a security officer include the following:

Monitoring the arrival and exit of vehicles and people on the premises
Safeguarding the area from trespassers and unruly elements
Checking CCTV footage if required
Monitoring the activities of security guards
Guarding all entrances of the premises
Submitting regular reports on the happenings on the premises based on live observations and CCTV footage
Following legal protocols to take action against perpetrators if required
Reporting unethical activities to other security personnel and police officers

Qualifications and other requirements

Prior experience as a security guard or personnel
Extensive knowledge of rules and regulations regarding public safety
Ability to write regular reports
Excellent observation skills and attention to detail
Experience with handling surveillance equipment
Training in self-defense and first aid
Prior registration as a security officer

Salary projections
The average income of a security officer is $35,334 per year.

System Security Engineer
The security job revolves around   identifying system security requirements and finding effective solutions. Additionally, it consists of duties such as:

Implementing and monitoring security measures to protect computer systems and confidential data
Implementing the standard protocols governing cyber security
Providing extensive information to companies about cyber-security-related incidents
Providing technical solutions to resolve issues pertaining to cyber security

Qualifications and other requirements

A relevant certification, such as OWSE or CCNA
Excellent critical thinking skills
Extensive knowledge of programming, agile development processes, HTTPS, etc.
Knowledge of computer programming
Knowledge of injection, XSS, hijacking, etc.
Ability to manage time effectively

Salary projections
The average income of a system security engineer ranges from $79,451 to $97,172. The salary differs based on the professional’s skills and experience.

Security and safety are always the first priority in residential as well as commercial areas. Security personnel play a crucial role in maintaining peace and harmony and warding off unruly elements in society. These roles require astuteness, observation skills, physical strength, and presence of mind more than educational qualifications. Understanding what each security job role entails and the salary it offers can help one determine the most suitable role and work toward securing relevant jobs.