Unarmed (non-commissioned) security officers watch a site, check people in, patrol and report problems. You don't carry a weapon. Many companies hire people with no security experience and train them.

What you need in Texas

Texas requires every non-commissioned security officer to complete the Level II training course and test (Texas Department of Public Safety). Licensed guard companies are allowed to give that training themselves, and the course is about 6 hours. You must have your license number from DPS before you start working.

Armed (commissioned) security needs Level III training on top, a minimum of 45 hours. Most no-experience jobs are unarmed.

What security pays in Texas

Texas minimum wage is $7.25 an hour, and Texas cities can't set a higher one. Security pay varies by site and shift; overnight and event shifts sometimes pay more. Check the pay on each listing.

BLS figures are area averages for the whole occupation group, including experienced workers. They are not employer-confirmed. A pay rate stated in a job posting always wins.

City highlights

Houston: Protective service makes up 2.3% of Houston jobs (BLS, May 2025).
Dallas–Fort Worth: Protective service makes up 2.0% of DFW jobs (BLS, May 2025).
San Antonio: Protective service makes up 2.6% of San Antonio jobs, the highest share of the three metros (BLS, May 2025).

Tips

Look for "will train" or "licensing assistance." It often means the company covers your Level II course.
Ask how long the DPS license takes to come through.
Be clear about which shifts you can work. Overnight coverage is always needed.

Sources

Texas Labor Code §62.051 (Texas Minimum Wage Act) and §62.0515 (state minimum wage supersedes local ordinances). Texas Workforce Commission, Texas Minimum Wage Law.
U.S. Department of Labor, Minimum Wages for Tipped Employees ($2.13 cash wage). https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/state/minimum-wage/tipped
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, "Occupational Employment and Wages in Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, May 2025," Aug. 13, 2026. https://www.bls.gov/regions/southwest/news-release/2026/occupationalemploymentandwages_houston_20260813.htm
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, "Occupational Employment and Wages in Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, May 2025," Aug. 13, 2026. https://www.bls.gov/regions/southwest/news-release/2026/occupationalemploymentandwages_dallasfortworth_20260813.htm
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, "Occupational Employment and Wages in San Antonio-New Braunfels, May 2025," Aug. 13, 2026. https://www.bls.gov/regions/southwest/news-release/2026/occupationalemploymentandwages_sanantonio_20260813.htm
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Retail Sales Workers. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/sales/retail-sales-workers.htm
Texas Food Establishment Rules, 25 TAC §228.33(d) (food handler course within 60 days of employment), via City of San Antonio Food Protection Manager and Food Handler Requirements. https://cosatx.us/home/showpublisheddocument/32446/637357656486870000
Texas Department of State Health Services, Food Handlers Licensing. https://www.dshs.texas.gov/food-safety/food-handlers/food-handlers-licensing
Texas Commission on Jail Standards memo citing DSHS food handler FAQ (certificate valid two years, 25 TAC §229.178). https://www.tcjs.state.tx.us/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/TAMemo-FoodHandlersandFHP-FAQ-1.pdf
Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission, TABC Certification FAQs (safe harbor, Alcoholic Beverage Code §106.14(a), certificate valid two years). https://tabc.texas.gov/faqs/tabc-certification-faqs/
Texas Department of Public Safety, Private Security: Training and Continuing Education (Level II required for non-commissioned officers; Level III minimum 45 hours). https://www.dps.texas.gov/section/private-security/training-and-continuing-education
TEEX, Private Security Level II course (6 hours; license number required before working). https://teex.org/class/sap201
OSHA, Powered Industrial Trucks eTool: Training. https://www.osha.gov/etools/powered-industrial-trucks/training