Security Officers and Guards
Overview
Snapshot
Summary
Security Officers and Guards provide security and investigative services to organisations and individuals.
Tasks
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patrolling property and checking doors, windows and gates for unauthorised entry
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watching for irregularities such as fire hazards, malfunctions of machines and equipment, lights left on, leaking water pipes and unlocked security doors
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issuing security passes to authorised visitors and giving directions
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monitoring alarms and contacting supervisors, police and fire brigades by radio or phone if security is breached or fire is detected
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picking up and ensuring the safe delivery of cash, payrolls and valuables
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operating coin and currency counting machines, and carrying out cash counting and packaging functions
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maintaining order at venues where there are large gatherings of people
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conducting investigations for clients and preparing evidence for court proceedings
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detecting and investigating theft and other unlawful acts carried out in retail establishments
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advising clients on security requirements and designing security specifications
Characteristics
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Vocational Education and Training (VET)
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Informal or on-the-job
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Practical
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Administrative
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Enterprising
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Sedentary
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Light
-
Medium
-
Heavy
Outlook
JSA produces employment projections to show where likely future job opportunities may be. The latest data are for the five years from November 2021 to November 2026. Over this period, the number of workers:
- is expected to grow moderately
- is likely to reach 64,100 by 2026.
Source: Jobs and Skills Australia Employment Projections to 2026.
Notes: The number employed includes people who work in this occupation as their main job. People who work in more than one job are counted against the occupation they work the most hours in.
Employment projections figures are rounded to the nearest 100. Calculations based on these rounded figures may result in differences to the numbers that are displayed on this page. Employment projections data (including occupations) can be downloaded from the Employment Projections page.
Number of Workers
Year | Employment |
---|---|
2011 | 54,900 |
2012 | 50,000 |
2013 | 55,600 |
2014 | 56,100 |
2015 | 55,900 |
2016 | 52,500 |
2017 | 61,800 |
2018 | 54,300 |
2019 | 57,100 |
2020 | 59,500 |
2021 | 61,100 |
2026 | 64,100 |
Source: ABS Labour Force Survey, ABS seasonally adjusted data to November 2021 and Jobs and Skills Australia Employment Projections to 2026.
Earnings and hours
Working arrangements
-
Around 68% of people employed as Security Officers and Guards work full-time hours, in all their jobs combined. This is similar to the all jobs average (66%).
Full-time workers work an average of 45 hours per week in their main job. This is similar to the all jobs average (44 hours per week).
Median full-time earnings are $1,382 per week, this is much lower than the all jobs median ($1,593):
- 3 in 4 workers earn more than $1,179
- 1 in 4 earn more than $1,633
Median hourly earnings are $33, this is lower than the all jobs median ($41 per hour).
Sources: Full-time share and full-time hours: ABS, 2016 Census, customised report. Compared to the all jobs average. Full-time median earnings and median hourly earnings: ABS, Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours, May 2021. Compared to all jobs median.
Weekly Earnings (Before Tax)
Earnings | Security Officers and Guards | All Jobs Average |
---|---|---|
Full-Time Earnings | 1,382 | 1,593 |
Total Earnings | 0 | 0 |
Source: Based on ABS Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours, May 2021, Customised Report. Median weekly total cash earnings for full-time non-managerial employees paid at the adult rate. Earnings are before tax and include amounts salary sacrificed. Earnings can vary greatly depending on the skills and experience of the worker and the demands of the role. These figures should be used as a guide only, not to determine a wage rate.
Industries
Main industries
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Most Security Officers and Guards work in the Public administration and safety industry. They are also employed in industries like:
Source: ABS Labour Force Survey, annual average 2021.
Regions
Employment across Australia
NSW
VIC
QLD
SA
WA
TAS
NT
ACT
Employment by State and Territory (% Share)
State | Security Officers and Guards | All Jobs Average |
---|---|---|
NSW | 29.1 | 31.6 |
VIC | 25.1 | 25.6 |
QLD | 19.9 | 20.0 |
SA | 6.7 | 7.0 |
WA | 12.2 | 10.8 |
TAS | 1.7 | 2.0 |
NT | 1.9 | 1.0 |
ACT | 3.3 | 1.9 |
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Around 67% of Security Officers and Guards live in capital cities, compared with the all jobs average of 62%.
Source: Based on ABS Census 2016, Customised Report. Share of workers across Australian states, territories and regions, in this job compared to the all jobs average.
Worker profile
Age and gender
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The median age of Security Officers and Guards is 41 years. This is similar to the all jobs average of 40 years.
A large share of workers are aged 25 to 34 years.
Females make up 16% of the workforce. This is 32 percentage points below the all jobs average of 48%.
Source: Based on ABS Census 2016, Customised Report. Age profile and gender share compared to the all jobs average.
Age Profile (% Share)
Age Bracket | Security Officers and Guards | All Jobs Average |
---|---|---|
15-19 | 1.4 | 5.0 |
20-24 | 9.1 | 9.3 |
25-34 | 24.9 | 22.9 |
35-44 | 21.7 | 22.0 |
45-54 | 22.0 | 21.6 |
55-59 | 9.2 | 9.0 |
60-64 | 7.0 | 6.0 |
65 and Over | 4.7 | 4.2 |
Median Age | 41 | 40 |
Source: Based on ABS Census 2016, Customised Report. Age profile of workers in this job compared to the all jobs average.
Employment Pathways
Education, training and experience
Formal qualifications are needed for some Security Officer and Guard roles. Qualification requirements vary between states and territories.
Registration or licencing may be required.
Visit
- My Skills to compare Vocational Education and Training (VET) courses, providers and student outcomes.
- AAPathways website to explore Property Services and Public Sector VET training pathways.
Highest Level of Education (% Share)
Type of Qualification | Security Officers and Guards | All Jobs Average |
---|---|---|
Post Graduate/Graduate Diploma or Graduate Certificate | 5.1 | 10.1 |
Bachelor degree | 10.2 | 21.8 |
Advanced Diploma/Diploma | 12.6 | 11.6 |
Certificate III/IV | 27.3 | 21.1 |
Year 12 | 23.5 | 18.1 |
Year 11 | 5.9 | 4.8 |
Year 10 and below | 15.4 | 12.5 |
Source: ABS Census 2016, Customised Report. Highest qualification completed by workers in this job (in any field of study). Qualifications needed by new workers might be different from the qualifications of workers already in the job.
Skills and Knowledge
Employers look for Security Officers and Guards who can connect with others, are trustworthy, responsible and reliable.
Skills
Skills can be improved through training or experience.
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45%
MonitoringKeeping track of how well work is progressing so you can make changes or improvements.
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43%
Reading comprehensionReading work related information.
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41%
Active listeningListening to others, not interrupting, and asking good questions.
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41%
Coordination with othersBeing adaptable and coordinating work with other people.
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41%
Critical thinkingThinking about the pros and cons of different ways to solve a problem.
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41%
WritingWriting things for co-workers or customers.
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39%
SpeakingTalking to others.
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37%
Serving othersLooking for ways to help people.
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37%
Social perceptivenessUnderstanding why people react the way they do.
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36%
Active learningBeing able to use what you have learnt to solve problems now and again in the future.
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36%
PersuasionTalking people into changing their minds or their behaviour.
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32%
Judgment and decision makingFiguring out the pros and cons of different options and choosing the best one.
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32%
Complex problem solvingNoticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it.
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32%
Learning strategiesFiguring out the best way to teach or learn something new.
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30%
InstructingTeaching people how to do something.
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30%
Operation monitoringWatching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
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29%
NegotiationBringing people together and trying to sort out their differences.
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29%
Time managementManaging your own and other peoples' time to get work done.
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27%
Operation and controlControlling equipment or systems.
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25%
Management of personnel resourcesMotivating, developing, and directing people as they work, and choosing the best people for the job.
Knowledge
These are important topics, subjects or knowledge areas.
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55%
Customer and personal serviceUnderstanding customer needs, providing good quality service, and measuring customer satisfaction.
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54%
Public safety and securityUse of equipment, rules and ideas to protect people, data, property, and institutions.
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45%
PsychologyHuman behaviour; differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; research methods; assessing and treating disorders.
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45%
English languageEnglish language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
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35%
Education and trainingCurriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
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32%
Law and governmentHow our laws and courts work. Government rules and regulations, and the political system.
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31%
ClericalWord processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and other office work.
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27%
Communications and mediaMedia production, communication, and dissemination. Includes written, spoken, and visual media.
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26%
TelecommunicationsTransmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems.
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25%
Computers and electronicsCircuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
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25%
Therapy and counsellingDiagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of physical and mental dysfunctions, and career counselling and guidance.
-
24%
GeographyDescribing land, sea, and air, including their physical characteristics, locations, how they work together, and the location of plant, animal, and human life.
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24%
TransportationMoving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road.
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24%
Sociology and anthropologyGroup behaviour and dynamics, societal trends and influences, human migrations, ethnicity, cultures and their history and origins.
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22%
Medicine and dentistryDiagnose and treat human injuries, diseases, and deformities, including preventive health-care measures.
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21%
Personnel and human resourcesRecruiting and training people, managing pay and other entitlements (like sick leave), and negotiating pay and conditions.
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20%
MathematicsArithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, or statistics.
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19%
Administration and managementBusiness principles involved in strategic planning, leadership, and coordinating people and resources.
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19%
Philosophy and theologyPhilosophical systems and religions, including their basic principles, values, ethics, ways of thinking, customs, practices, and impact on society.
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14%
Foreign languageForeign (non-English) language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition and grammar, and pronunciation.
Abilities
Workers use these physical and mental abilities..
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54%
Selective attentionPay attention to something without being distracted.
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52%
Oral comprehensionListen to and understand what people say.
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52%
Oral expressionCommunicate by speaking.
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50%
Problem spottingNotice when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong, even if you can't solve the problem.
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48%
Far visionSee details that are far away.
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45%
Flexibility of closureSee a pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) hidden in other distracting material.
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45%
Near visionSee details that are up-close (within a few feet).
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43%
Deductive reasoningUse general rules to find answers or solve problems logically.
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43%
Inductive reasoningUse lots of detailed information to come up with answers or make general rules.
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41%
Speech recognitionIdentify and understand the speech of another person.
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41%
Perceptual speedUse your eyes to quickly compare groups of letters, numbers, pictures, or other things.
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41%
Sorting or orderingOrder or arrange things in a pattern or sequence (e.g., numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
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41%
Written comprehensionRead and understand written information.
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39%
Speech claritySpeak clearly so others can understand you.
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39%
Static strengthLift, push, pull, or carry things.
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34%
Hearing sensitivityTell the difference between sounds.
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34%
Written expressionWrite in a way that people can understand.
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34%
MultitaskingDo two or more things at the same time.
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32%
Auditory attentionPay attention to a certain sound when there are other distracting sounds.
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32%
Colour discriminationNotice differences between colours, including shades of colour and brightness.
Activities
These are kinds of activities workers regularly do in this job.
-
71%
Documenting or recording informationEntering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
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69%
Monitoring people, processes and thingsChecking objects, actions, or events, and keeping an eye out for problems.
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69%
Working with the publicGreeting or serving customers, clients or guests, and public speaking or performing.
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66%
Making decisions and solving problemsUsing information to work out the best solution and solve problems.
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66%
Looking for changes over timeComparing objects, actions, or events. Looking for differences between them or changes over time.
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64%
Planning and prioritising workDeciding on goals and putting together a detailed plan to get the work done.
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61%
Building good relationshipsBuilding good working relationships and keeping them over time.
-
60%
Collecting and organising informationCompiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or checking information or data.
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60%
Keeping your knowledge up-to-dateKeeping up-to-date with technology and new ideas.
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58%
Checking compliance with standardsDeciding whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
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58%
Negotiating and resolving conflictsHandling complaints and disagreements, and negotiating with people.
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57%
Communicating within a teamGiving information to co-workers by telephone, in writing, or in person.
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55%
Researching and investigatingLooking for, getting and understanding different kinds of information.
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55%
Guiding and directing staffGuiding and directing staff, including setting and monitoring performance standards.
-
54%
Training and teaching othersUnderstanding the needs of others, developing training programs, and teaching or instructing.
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52%
Scheduling work and activitiesWorking out the timing of events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
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51%
Checking for errors or defectsInspecting equipment, structures, or materials for errors, problems or defects.
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50%
Coordinating the work of a teamGetting members of a group to work together to finish a task.
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46%
Explaining things to peopleHelping people to understand and use information.
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44%
Leading and encouraging a teamEncouraging and building trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
Interests and demands
Learn about the daily activities, and physical and social demands faced by workers. Explore the values and work styles that workers rate as most important.
Interests
Interests are the style or type of work we prefer to do. All interest areas are shown below.
-
100%
PracticalPractical, hands-on work. Often with plants and animals, or materials like wood, tools, and machinery.
-
76%
AdministrativeFollowing set procedures and routines. Working with numbers and details more than with ideas, usually following rules.
-
62%
EnterprisingStarting up and carrying out projects. Leading people and making many decisions. Sometimes require risk taking and often deal with business.
-
48%
HelpingWorking with people. Helping or providing service to others.
-
33%
AnalyticalIdeas and thinking. Searching for facts and figuring out problems in your head.
-
19%
CreativeWorking with forms, designs and patterns. Often need self-expression and can be done without following rules.
Values
-
76%
SupportSupportive management that stands behind employees. Workers are treated fairly by their company, they are supported by management, and have supervisors who train them well.
-
71%
RelationshipsServe and work with others. Workers usually get along well with each other, do things to help other people, and are rarely pressured to do things that go against their sense of right and wrong.
-
67%
IndependenceWork alone and make decisions. Workers are able to try out their own ideas, make decisions on their own, and work with little or no supervision.
-
48%
AchievementResults oriented. Workers are able to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment.
-
43%
RecognitionAdvancement and the potential to lead. Workers are recognised for the work that they do, they may give directions and instructions to others, and they are looked up to in their company and their community.
-
43%
Working conditionsJob security and good working conditions. There is usually a steady flow of interesting work, and the pay and conditions are generally good.
Demands
-
94%
Indoors, heat controlledWork indoors with access to heating or cooling.
-
89%
Contact with peopleHave contact with people by telephone, face-to-face, or any other way.
-
89%
Face-to-face discussionsTalk with people face-to-face.
-
88%
Being exact or accurateBe very exact or highly accurate.
-
87%
TelephoneTalk on the telephone.
-
85%
Impact of decisionsMake decisions that have a large impact on other people.
-
84%
TeamworkWork with people in a group or team.
-
83%
Freedom to make decisionsHave freedom to make decision on your own.
-
82%
Frequent decision makingFrequently make decisions that impact other people.
-
81%
Contact with the publicWork with customers or the public.
-
77%
Repeating same tasksRepeat the same tasks or activities (e.g., key entry) over and over, without stopping.
-
76%
Health and safety of othersTake responsibility for the health and safety of others.
-
75%
Outdoors, exposed to weatherWork outdoors, exposed to the weather.
-
74%
Physically close to peopleWork physically close to other people.
-
73%
Unstructured workHave freedom to decide on tasks, priorities, and goals.
-
72%
Letters and memosWrite letters and memos.
-
69%
Angry or unpleasant peopleDeal with unpleasant, angry, or rude people.
-
68%
CompetitionCompete with others, or be aware of competitive pressures.
-
68%
Lead or coordinate a teamLead others to do work activities.
-
67%
Conflict situationsDeal with conflict or disagreements.
O*NET is a trademark of the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration.
The skills and importance ratings on this page are derived from the US Department of Labor O*NET Database Version 21.2, 33-9032.00 - Security Guards.
Links and downloads
Research and reports
The Skills Priority List provides a current labour market rating and a future demand rating for nearly 800 occupations nationally. Current labour market ratings are available for occupations at a state and territory level.
Downloads
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Occupation profiles data are available for download.
The Employment Projections are available for download.