High Paying Armed Security Jobs (With Salaries And Duties)

Working in security involves protecting people, places or items from potential threats, and dangers. Armed security jobs tend to have relatively high salaries because they involve potentially dangerous situations and require candidates to have extensive experience and qualifications. If you have experience working with firearms or are interested in developing your skills in this area, you can benefit from learning about the different types of jobs available in armed security. In this article, we explore several high-paying armed security jobs and outline the steps to secure a job in this specialist field.

What Are High-Paying Armed Security Jobs?

High-paying armed security jobs are roles for specialists involved in protection work. They require handling firearms and protecting people, places, or high-value items. The job requires armed security specialists to be ready to tackle risky situations to protect life and property.

Roles and responsibilities in armed security positions can vary considerably. Some people work for private security firms, while firearms specialists may also work for the police, security services and armed forces. Additionally, people may work alone as private contractors. Security roles that involve protecting people can range from protecting individuals to working in crowded settings and protecting the public. Protection of property can include working in private residences or protecting significant or strategic public properties. Protecting items could mean working as an armed carrier or armored driver.

Related: What Is A Security Guard's Duty And Responsibility?

How To Get An Armed Security Job?

The qualifications and experience required for armed security jobs can vary substantially, but for anybody working in an armed security role, in-depth knowledge and experience of working with firearms is essential. If you are interested in pursuing a career in armed security, follow the steps below to understand how to improve your chances of gaining employment in high-paying armed security jobs:

1. Achieve academic qualifications

Academic requirements can vary greatly depending on the role, but it may help your chances of working in armed security if you are qualified in a relevant subject. Employers may not demand a degree-level education, but studying towards a degree in a related field can provide a strong foundation for your career.

You may choose to study for a degree in criminal justice, security or law enforcement. Criminal justice degrees can be useful for armed security roles, as they help you to understand the workings of the criminal justice system and also provide an insight into how criminals think, and act. Degrees in security and intelligence can equip you with the tactical and technical knowledge to handle high-risk security scenarios. Degree courses in law enforcement or policing can also provide you with a wealth of useful knowledge for future security roles.

2. Get a firearms license

Though some roles may provide firearms training and issue you with your firearms license, you may have a greater chance of getting a job in armed security if you are already a licensed firearms specialist. Certificates and licenses indicate that you are already a highly trained, proficient and responsible firearms user, and as such you are ready to take on a role in armed security. If you already possess a firearms license, you may not require going through such rigorous training with your employer.

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3. Develop your soft skills

Armed security jobs are not only about proficiency with firearms. Any security role requires excellent interpersonal skills, knowledge of negotiating, critical thinking, and problem-solving. You can attend courses to develop these skills, work on them in your own time or improve them in voluntary or paid roles outside the security industry. You may also want to work on your physical fitness because security roles demand candidates who are in exceptional physical form.

4. Gain relevant work experience

Before taking on a role in armed security, you might consider gaining work experience in any security-related role. This may include working as a home guard, security guard or bodyguard. Having an employment history with security experience is likely to put you in a stronger position once you want to apply for armed security roles.

5. Keep your skills up-to-date

When it comes to firearms, regular training is essential to keep your licenses valid and to keep your skills honed. Using weapons is a constant learning process, and regular training and practice can give you a competitive advantage over other candidates. Technologies and legislation surrounding weapons and firearms can also change regularly, so it is important to stay up-to-date with the latest developments.

Top 5 Armed Security Jobs To Consider

Whether you are an experienced firearms user or you have never used a weapon but want to work in this area, the armed security roles listed below may interest you. Here are some of the most common armed security jobs, their average salaries and their main duties:

1. Armed Guard

National average salary: ₹17,833 per month

Primary duties: An armed guard may work closely with a security officer, but usually in a more junior capacity as part of a wider security team. Armed guards may protect property or people, and may carry out administrative duties, including recording observations or completing status reports. Part of their role tends to involve observing surveillance footage, patrolling premises, inspecting buildings, and potentially guarding, and inspecting equipment. The role requires them to be security guards who are ready to respond to emergencies and if necessary, deploy their firearms.

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2. Armed Security Officer

National average salary: ₹24,688 per month

Primary duties: Security officers are typically in charge of the overall security operation at a venue or premises. They assume managerial responsibility and may oversee a team of guards and other surveillance and security operations. In their supervisory capacity, security officers may assume roaming duties around premises, checking on security guards and teams stationed at different positions.

Security officers tend to have experience and are well-qualified, with the role requiring a high degree of critical thinking, problem-solving and independent judgment. As supervisors of a team of security guards, it is essential that security officers can communicate their knowledge and experience to their junior team members and assume a position of leadership, authority, and responsibility.

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3. Security Screener

National average salary: ₹32,075 per month

Primary duties: The job of a security screener is to monitor and screen people and their belongings as they enter and pass through an airport. This security role tends to be relatively highly paid, as you are assuming responsibility for the safety of many people. Security screening employees are vital to the safe operation of an airport. They are in charge of scanning and monitoring people's belongings using X-ray machines and also deploying handheld search devices, and other search techniques where necessary.

As an airport security screener, you are expected to make quick decisions with clear judgment. The role demands candidates who are calm under pressure and are comfortable working closely with members of the public.

Related: Airport Security Officer Qualifications (And Skills)

4. Private Investigator

National average salary: ₹13,302 per month

Primary duties: Members of the public may employ the services of private investigators for a variety of reasons. You may investigate fraudulent activities and search for missing persons, help to resolve personal and relationship conflicts, or search and track down online criminal activity. The work varies, but it can involve handling difficult situations and putting yourself at risk. If you are interested in becoming a private investigator, you may wish to study for a qualification in criminal justice or a similar field, though work experience in the police, armed forces, and other security-related roles may be more useful.

The job is popular with retired soldiers, intelligence officers and law enforcement officers. Owing to the risks and the high level of skill and experience demanded out of candidates, jobs in private investigation pay quite well. Private investigators can carry firearms, subject to the relevant licenses and permits.

Related: Hierarchy Of Police Ranks In India (With Insignia)

5. Police Officer

National average salary: ₹37,166 per month

Primary duties: Becoming a police officer provides you with the opportunity to become proficient with firearms and become an armed officer or part of a tactical response team. Police officers help to ensure public safety, and as such, they are well-trained in all forms of security and surveillance. The police force is an ideal place to learn about weapons and receive on-the-job training in operating various firearms.

While rank-and-file police officers rarely carry weapons, higher-ranked officers are more likely to routinely carry firearms. Specialist armed response and tactical support units are also highly proficient in using weapons and are ready to deploy them instantly if situations escalate and an armed response is essential. Following firearms training and deployment as a police officer, you may find it easier to find employment in other armed security roles in the future.

Salary figures reflect data listed on Indeed Salaries at the time of writing. Salaries may vary depending on the hiring organization and a candidate's experience, academic background, and location.