Security guards serve a very essential role in ensuring security and property protection across Australia. Working at shopping malls, functions, or offices, the security guards are always present around us. Should you be looking at a security career, then you might wish to learn more about the potential opportunities and wages. Here, we will examine the Australian security guard pay, how they are impacted by their pay, and opportunities for career advancement.
Overview of Australia's Security Guard Jobs
Security officers are supposed to safeguard people, property, and assets. Their duties include some of the following: monitoring systems, supervision, patrolling, checking security equipment, and reporting emergencies. They work in a very broad range of businesses, from retail stores, residential complexes, company offices, airports, and recreational centres.
The Australian security industry is wide and presents ample opportunities for those who seek to pursue a career in the field. one to initiate a career in security, they need to pursue a Certificate II in Security Operations. The certificate equips the individual with training and competency in performing security tasks, including crowd control, observation, and deployment of security gear.
If you wish to become a security guard, read here about security guard courses in SITS College.
Factors Affecting Security Guard Earnings
The compensation of an Australian security guard may be significantly varied based on many
factors. Let us talk more about those factors:
1. Number of Experience
Experience is a significant factor in the earnings of a security guard. Rookies, with one or less than a year of experience, earn a lower salary, usually $22 to $25 an hour. With experience, as their professionalism and experience grow, so does their salary.
Trained security guards with 3 to 5 years of experience will earn between $25 and $30 per hour, while those with 10 or more years of experience will take one up to $35 per hour or more depending on individual work and ability.
2. Location
Where one works as a security guard is also the most important element in determining how much one must be paid. Security officers employed in large cities such as Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane earn more due to the living standards and need for security services. For instance, security officers working in Sydney will be paid between $25-$35 per hour, while security officers working in small towns or rural areas will be paid $22-$28 per hour.
3. Industry
The line of industry a security guard finds employment in also determines how much they make based on pay. Security guards operating in high-risk situations or professional work make more income. Having corporate security, event security, or government security, for example, usually means better pay, especially when working on high-level or sensitive types of projects.
Security guards employed in residential or retail environments would earn a little less, between $22 and $28 per hour. Those who operate in high-end environments like bank security or as close protection officers command much higher fees.
4. Shift Work and Overtime
Security officers generally have irregular shifts, including evening shifts, night shifts during regular weekdays, and on public holidays. Penalty rates, or increased rates of payment, are usually applied to such standardless shifts. For example, working during public holidays can increase the hourly rate of a security officer by 25-50%, depending on the employer.
Overtime is also yet another means through which security guards can earn extra pay. When they work overtime either before or after their regular time, they typically get overtime pay, more than their usual hourly rate. It can become a wonderful addition to their overall wages, particularly for those who work overtime or longer hours.
5. Certifications and Training
The holding of the appropriate certificates can be a key factor in the potential income of a security guard. Whilst Entry-level security advertisements for jobs require no more than a Certificate II in Security Operations, holding additional qualifications like a Certificate III in Security Operations or even higher education in crowd control and first aid is likely to result in better-paying work.
For example, the close protection security officer can command a higher salary since the specialised training and tasks given enable them to earn more.
Average Salary for Security Guards in Australia
Current figures have indicated that the average annual income of an Australian security guard is approximately $50,000 to $60,000. This depends on a multitude of factors, including years of employment, area of work, and sector. There are security guards who earn just $45,000 annually, while others are more experienced and qualified to receive $70,000 and upwards.
The career of security has a wide scope for career growth. With the growth of skills and experience, security guards can shift to higher levels. Some of the possibilities are:
Conclusion
The career earning opportunities for security guards in Australia are excellent, with high hourly rates of remuneration and career growth opportunities. The remuneration for new security guards is between $22 and $25 per hour, while veterans earn $30 an hour and more. The career growth opportunities for career growth in the line of business are excellent for individuals who certify and possess a specialist niche.
If you want a career in security, then SITS College Certificate II in Security Operations is a good starting point. This course equips you with the knowledge and skills that you need to be successful in the security business and build a good career.
For further information on how to become a security professional, visit SITS College - Certificate II in Security Operations.
With proper training and experience, the security profession in Australia is a safe and rewarding job with fair compensation and chances to develop a career.
