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How good is Security?
Would being a Security Guard be worth it in the long term? Such as being a TSA agent, TSO or just a Security Guard in general? Are they hard to get into?
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3 answers
Updated
Dr’s Answer
Hey Drake,
Alright so, Ken gave some solid advice, especially about the challenges of working in security, particularly as a TSA officer. Staffing shortages and dealing with difficult passengers can definitely make the job stressful, but as he pointed out, if you believe in the mission, it can be rewarding.
Now, let’s break it down further. Is being a security guard, TSA agent, or TSO worth it long-term? That depends on what you want out of a career.
Pros or positives:
Job Stability: Security jobs are always in demand, whether in transportation, private security, or government agencies.
Growth Opportunities: You can move up to supervisory roles, specialize in areas like cybersecurity, or transition into law enforcement.
Decent Pay & Benefits (Especially for TSA Officers): With recent pay increases, TSA salaries are now more in line with other federal jobs, plus you get government benefits.
Challenges, because you gotta know right?
Stressful Situations: You’ll deal with the occasional unruly person (or several in a day), so patience and de-escalation skills are crucial.
Repetitive Work (Depending on the Role): Some security jobs, like guarding a location, can feel monotonous unless you're in a high-risk environment.
Suggestions for Success or just a little suggestion for ya buddy!
Find a Mentor: Someone experienced can guide you through the industry and help you grow. Just offer to shadow them. Or just use your binoculars....hehehe....
Get Additional Certifications: CPR, conflict resolution, or even cybersecurity basics can make you a stronger candidate for promotions.
Stay Physically & Mentally Sharp: The best security professionals aren’t just standing around; they’re always alert. Training in self-defense or taking mindfulness courses can help.
At the end of the day, security can be a great career path if you’re someone who likes structure, values safety, and doesn’t mind the occasional challenge. Plus, if you ever want to switch it up, there are plenty of ways to advance into higher-paying and more specialized roles. All the best Drake, hope this helps
Alright so, Ken gave some solid advice, especially about the challenges of working in security, particularly as a TSA officer. Staffing shortages and dealing with difficult passengers can definitely make the job stressful, but as he pointed out, if you believe in the mission, it can be rewarding.
Now, let’s break it down further. Is being a security guard, TSA agent, or TSO worth it long-term? That depends on what you want out of a career.
Pros or positives:
Job Stability: Security jobs are always in demand, whether in transportation, private security, or government agencies.
Growth Opportunities: You can move up to supervisory roles, specialize in areas like cybersecurity, or transition into law enforcement.
Decent Pay & Benefits (Especially for TSA Officers): With recent pay increases, TSA salaries are now more in line with other federal jobs, plus you get government benefits.
Challenges, because you gotta know right?
Stressful Situations: You’ll deal with the occasional unruly person (or several in a day), so patience and de-escalation skills are crucial.
Repetitive Work (Depending on the Role): Some security jobs, like guarding a location, can feel monotonous unless you're in a high-risk environment.
Suggestions for Success or just a little suggestion for ya buddy!
Find a Mentor: Someone experienced can guide you through the industry and help you grow. Just offer to shadow them. Or just use your binoculars....hehehe....
Get Additional Certifications: CPR, conflict resolution, or even cybersecurity basics can make you a stronger candidate for promotions.
Stay Physically & Mentally Sharp: The best security professionals aren’t just standing around; they’re always alert. Training in self-defense or taking mindfulness courses can help.
At the end of the day, security can be a great career path if you’re someone who likes structure, values safety, and doesn’t mind the occasional challenge. Plus, if you ever want to switch it up, there are plenty of ways to advance into higher-paying and more specialized roles. All the best Drake, hope this helps
Updated
Shane’s Answer
Hi Drake,
Is Security a Good Long-Term Career?
Pros:
Job Stability
Security jobs are always needed in many areas like retail, healthcare, government, and transportation. There are over a million such jobs in the U.S., and this number is expected to stay strong.
Flexible Hours
Many security jobs offer night shifts, weekends, and part-time work, making it easy to fit different lifestyles.
Easy to Start
Most security roles only need a high school diploma and basic training, making it accessible to many.
Skill Building
You'll learn valuable skills like observation, conflict resolution, emergency response, and communication, which are useful in law enforcement or corporate security.
Growth Opportunities
With experience, you can advance to supervisory roles or even federal positions like TSA or private security contracting.
Cons:
Modest Pay
Security guards earn about $37,000 per year, while TSA agents start around $40,000, with chances for raises based on performance.
Physical & Mental Stress
The job can be tiring with long hours on your feet and dealing with confrontations.
Limited Benefits in Private Sector
Many private security jobs offer few benefits unless you're in a union or government role.
Slow Advancement Without More Education
Moving up can be slow unless you get additional certifications or degrees.
TSA Agent / TSO: Is It Hard to Get Into?
Requirements
- Be a U.S. citizen
- At least 18 years old
- Have a high school diploma or GED
- Pass a CBT test (writing + X-ray image analysis)
- Pass a background check, drug test, and meet physical requirements
Difficulty Level
The CBT test is competitive, especially the X-ray part, and failing means you have to wait 6 months to try again. The hiring process can take up to 90 days.
Career Potential
TSA jobs offer good benefits, union protection, and chances to move up internally. Many people use TSA as a stepping stone to other federal agencies.
Is It Worth It Long-Term?
Yes, If You:
- Want a stable job with easy entry requirements
- Are physically active and enjoy routine
- See it as a path to law enforcement or federal careers
- Appreciate flexible hours and don't mind working holidays
Maybe Not, If You:
- Want high pay and fast advancement
- Prefer desk jobs or consistent schedules
- Need strong retirement benefits (private security often lacks this)
Is Security a Good Long-Term Career?
Pros:
Job Stability
Security jobs are always needed in many areas like retail, healthcare, government, and transportation. There are over a million such jobs in the U.S., and this number is expected to stay strong.
Flexible Hours
Many security jobs offer night shifts, weekends, and part-time work, making it easy to fit different lifestyles.
Easy to Start
Most security roles only need a high school diploma and basic training, making it accessible to many.
Skill Building
You'll learn valuable skills like observation, conflict resolution, emergency response, and communication, which are useful in law enforcement or corporate security.
Growth Opportunities
With experience, you can advance to supervisory roles or even federal positions like TSA or private security contracting.
Cons:
Modest Pay
Security guards earn about $37,000 per year, while TSA agents start around $40,000, with chances for raises based on performance.
Physical & Mental Stress
The job can be tiring with long hours on your feet and dealing with confrontations.
Limited Benefits in Private Sector
Many private security jobs offer few benefits unless you're in a union or government role.
Slow Advancement Without More Education
Moving up can be slow unless you get additional certifications or degrees.
TSA Agent / TSO: Is It Hard to Get Into?
Requirements
- Be a U.S. citizen
- At least 18 years old
- Have a high school diploma or GED
- Pass a CBT test (writing + X-ray image analysis)
- Pass a background check, drug test, and meet physical requirements
Difficulty Level
The CBT test is competitive, especially the X-ray part, and failing means you have to wait 6 months to try again. The hiring process can take up to 90 days.
Career Potential
TSA jobs offer good benefits, union protection, and chances to move up internally. Many people use TSA as a stepping stone to other federal agencies.
Is It Worth It Long-Term?
Yes, If You:
- Want a stable job with easy entry requirements
- Are physically active and enjoy routine
- See it as a path to law enforcement or federal careers
- Appreciate flexible hours and don't mind working holidays
Maybe Not, If You:
- Want high pay and fast advancement
- Prefer desk jobs or consistent schedules
- Need strong retirement benefits (private security often lacks this)
Updated
Ken’s Answer
Hello Drake,
Great question! I was a contractor for the TSA and my sister was a TSO. So, I am very aware of what it is like to work for the TSA. One of the projects I worked on as a contractor involved interviewing officers (TSO, Lead TSO, and Supervisory TSO) to find issues. We would then try to ameliorate the issues but this was very challenging as it involved many different stakeholders.
One of the biggest issues TSA has is understaffing. This, in turn, causes a number of other issues. I can't give you too much detail about issues at TSA but I just want you to know that the TSA needs more officers. To give people more incentive to become officers and improve retention, officers recently got a pay increase to be more in line with the rest of the federal government. The job is difficult but extremely important.
One of the first challenges you will face as a TSO is training. Officers need to know a lot in order to do their job well. Once you are trained, you will deal with passengers who can be cruel. However, if you believe in the mission, you will be able to handle unruly passengers.
Ken
Great question! I was a contractor for the TSA and my sister was a TSO. So, I am very aware of what it is like to work for the TSA. One of the projects I worked on as a contractor involved interviewing officers (TSO, Lead TSO, and Supervisory TSO) to find issues. We would then try to ameliorate the issues but this was very challenging as it involved many different stakeholders.
One of the biggest issues TSA has is understaffing. This, in turn, causes a number of other issues. I can't give you too much detail about issues at TSA but I just want you to know that the TSA needs more officers. To give people more incentive to become officers and improve retention, officers recently got a pay increase to be more in line with the rest of the federal government. The job is difficult but extremely important.
One of the first challenges you will face as a TSO is training. Officers need to know a lot in order to do their job well. Once you are trained, you will deal with passengers who can be cruel. However, if you believe in the mission, you will be able to handle unruly passengers.
Ken
This is incredibly helpful! Thank you so much for answering!
Drake