Can Agents Work?

Jobs / Protective service / 33-9032.00

Security Guards

Guard, patrol, or monitor premises to prevent theft, violence, or infractions of rules. May operate x-ray and metal detector equipment.

US jobs
1,283,470
Median wage
$38,020 a year
Job family
Protective service

Can agents do the work of security guards?

We read the evidence for the whole job family, Protective service: Unmeasured (no change in 12 months)

No direct benchmark gives a success rate.

0% of this occupation's work, by O*NET work activities, is measured by a direct benchmark.

  • 25%Maintain safety or securityNot measured
  • 12%Monitor safety or security of work areas, facilities, or propertiesNot measured
  • 12%Notify others of emergencies or problemsNot measured
  • 9%Operate audiovisual or related equipmentNot measured
  • 8%Prepare reports of operational or procedural activitiesNot measured
  • 8%Provide information to guests, clients, or customersNot measured
  • 7%Administer emergency medical treatmentNot measured
  • 5%Operate transportation equipment or vehiclesNot measured

Unmeasured territory

No benchmark in this atlas covers this work yet.

Typical tasks

From O*NET 31.0. Core tasks first. Few of these tasks have a benchmark today.

  • Lock doors and gates of entrances and exits to secure buildings.
  • Patrol industrial or commercial premises to prevent and detect signs of intrusion and ensure security of doors, windows, and gates.
  • Respond to medical emergencies by administering basic first aid or by obtaining assistance from paramedics.
  • Answer alarms and investigate disturbances.
  • Circulate among visitors, patrons, or employees to preserve order and protect property.
  • Monitor and authorize entrance and departure of employees, visitors, and other persons to guard against theft and maintain security of premises.
  • Write reports of daily activities and irregularities, such as equipment or property damage, theft, presence of unauthorized persons, or unusual occurrences.
  • Warn persons of rule infractions or violations, and apprehend or evict violators from premises, using force when necessary.
  • Answer telephone calls to take messages, answer questions, and provide information during non-business hours or when switchboard is closed.
  • Call police or fire departments in cases of emergency, such as fire or presence of unauthorized persons.
  • Operate detecting devices to screen individuals and prevent passage of prohibited articles into restricted areas.
  • Inspect and adjust security systems, equipment, or machinery to ensure operational use and to detect evidence of tampering.
Other job titles for this occupation (79)

Armed Security Officer · Campus Security Officer (CSO) · Custom Protection Officer (CPO) · Customer Service Security Officer · Hotel Security Officer · Loss Prevention Officer · Safety and Security Officer · Security Agent · Security Guard · Security Officer · Access Control Security Officer · Alarm Investigator · Armed Guard · Armed Security Guard · Armored Car Driver · Armored Car Guard · Bag Checker · Baggage Inspector · Baggage Screener · Baggage Security Checker · Bank Guard · Bodyguard · Bouncer · Camp Guard · Closed Circuit Screen Watcher · Customer Security Clerk · Door Tender · Doorshaker · Driver Guard · Elevated Guard · Flex Officer · Floorperson · Floorwalker · Gate Attendant · Gate Guard · Gate Keeper · Gate Operator · Gate Person · Gate Tender · Gate Watchman · Gateman · Government Guard · Hall Tender · Loss Prevention Representative (Loss Prevention Rep) · Maritime Guard · Merchant Patroller · Merchant Police · Package Checker · Patrol Guard · Patrol Officer · Patrol Security Guard · Patrolman · Plant Guard · Plant Protection Guard · Plant Protection Officer · Plant Security Guard · Police Guard · Private Security Guard · Private Watchman · Protective Officer · Retail Security Officer · Security Assistant · Security Checker · Security Inspector · Security Patrol Officer · Security Police · Security Professional · Security Screener · Security Specialist · Ship Keeper · Special Officer · Special Police · Station Gateman · Surveillance Officer · Truck Guard · Unarmed Security Guard · Unarmed Security Officer · Watchguard · Watchman