How to become a Security Officer

Also called: Security Guard

Patrols and guards industrial and commercial property and other facilities.

Main tasks

• Undertakes patrols to ensure the security and safety of property and personnel, including checking doors, windows and gates for unauthorised entry, and watching for irregularities such as fire hazards, malfunctioning equipment and property damage
• Operates security equipment, such as CCTV cameras and alarm systems
• Responds to alarms, investigates and records disturbances, and reports any suspicious activities or incidents to appropriate authorities
• Enforces security policies and procedures to maintain a secure environment, and conducts regular inspections of premises to identify and address security risks
• Monitors and controls access and exit of persons and vehicles from premises, and monitors individuals and crowds for suspicious or disruptive behaviour
• Provides assistance and support to staff and visitors during emergencies or security incidents
• May use alarm, restraint and duress systems to manage, control and prevent aggressive and violent incidents, and ensure the safety of patients, staff and visitors in health service settings

Ways in

• TAFE and VET: Certificate II in Security Operations (CPP20218); Certificate III in Close Protection Operations (CPP31418); Certificate III in Security Operations (CPP31318); Certificate III in Technical Security (CPP30519); Certificate IV in Government Security (PSP40316); Certificate IV in Security Management (CPP40719); Certificate II in Technical Security (CPP20319)
• Licence or registration: Registration or licensing is required.

Pay · Outlook · AI and this job

• Typical full-time pay: $94,536 a year
• About 65,300 people work in this job group now, and about 72,200 are projected by 2035. (+10.6%)
• AI is more likely to help with parts of this job than to do it. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as low.

Related jobs

• Alarm, Security or Surveillance Monitor
• Cash In Transit Officer
• Crowd Controller
• Private Investigator
• Protective Services Officer
• Retail Loss Prevention Officer

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Questions people ask

How do I become a Security Officer?

Ways in include: Certificate II in Security Operations; Certificate III in Close Protection Operations.

How much does a Security Officer earn in Australia?

Median full-time pay is $94,536 a year (Jobs and Skills Australia).

Is a Security Officer a growing career in Australia?

Yes. Employment is projected to grow 11% by 2035, from about 65,300 to about 72,200 people (Jobs and Skills Australia).

Do you need a degree to become a Security Officer?

Usually not. Only 20% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Ways in include: Certificate II in Security Operations; Certificate III in Close Protection Operations.

Will AI change the work of a Security Officer?

AI is more likely to help with parts of this job than to do it. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as low.

Sources

• Jobs and Skills Australia: Occupation data (ANZSCO), from ABS Labour Force and Census (February 2026), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Jobs and Skills Australia: Generative AI Capacity Study, interactive table data (September 2025), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Jobs and Skills Australia: Employment Projections (Victoria University) (May 2025 to May 2035), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Australian Taxation Office: Taxation Statistics, Individuals Table 15A (2023-24), CC BY 2.5 AU, retrieved 2026-10-04

Updated 2026-10-04