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- Security Guard Part Time Badge Check Patrol— Lacey, WA
- Security Officer Full Time Unarmed Patrol— Lacey, WA
- Security Officer Unarmed Full Time Patrol— Lacey, WA
- Security Officer Part Time Access Control Patrol— Seattle, WA
- Asset Protection Customer Host— Tacoma, WA
- Security Officer Patrol - Aircraft Manufacturer— Quincy, WA
- Security Officer Patrol Driver - Data Center— East Wenatchee, WA
- Security Officer Unarmed Part Time Patrol— Lacey, WA
- Security Guard Full Time Patrol— Auburn, WA
- Security Officer Part Time Mobile Patrol Driver— Anacortes, WA
- Security Officer Patrol Access Control— Auburn, WA
- Security Officer - Unarmed Patrol— Spokane Valley, WA
- Security Patrol Driver - Full Time— Yakima, WA
- Security Officer Full Time Reception Driver— Bothell, WA
- Security Officer - Part Time Patrol— Burbank, WA
- Security Patrol Driver - Resort— Cle Elum, WA
- Security Officer Full Time Patrol Services— Seattle, WA
- Security Officer Full Time Patrol Driver— Seattle, WA
- Security Lobby Receptionist— Ferndale, WA
- Security Patrol Driver— Yakima, WA
- Target Security Specialist— Bellingham, WA
- Security Officer Part Time - Shipping Warehouse— Spokane, WA
- Security Officer Part Time - Roving Patrol— Burbank, WA
- Asset Protection Customer Host— Tulalip, WA
The Security Job Market in Washington State
Security officers watch over buildings, stores, hospitals, campuses, events and job sites. The work includes patrolling, checking IDs and visitors, answering alarms, writing incident reports, helping people find their way, and calling for help in an emergency. Many buildings are open around the clock, so night shifts are common. Most employers train new officers on the job, and most people learn the work in a few weeks.
The Washington security guard license
If you work for a security company that provides guards to other businesses, Washington requires a Department of Licensing (DOL) security guard license. You don’t need it to apply, and you can’t get it on your own first: you need a job offer from a licensed security company.
How it works for an unarmed guard:
- Get a job offer from a licensed private security guard company. You must be at least 18.
- Complete 8 hours of pre-assignment training from a DOL-certified trainer. Many companies run this in-house.
- Apply for your license. The application fee is $101. DOL can take up to 60 days to issue it.
- Start working on a temporary card. Once training is done and your application is in, your company can issue a temporary registration card that lets you work for up to 60 days while DOL processes your license.
- Finish 8 more hours of training after you start, and then 4 hours of refresher training each year.
Armed security is a separate step: you must be 21 or older and hold a firearms certificate from the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission. Most no-experience security jobs are unarmed.
In-house security: some guards employed directly by a single business, rather than by a security company, may not need this license. The employer will tell you what applies.
What security pays in Washington
Most security guards work full time, and night shifts are common.
How hiring usually works
Every company is different, but security hiring usually looks like this:
- Apply online. You’ll give your contact info and your availability. Nights, weekends and holidays are common, so be clear about what you can cover.
- Interview. Expect questions about staying calm, following procedures, writing things down clearly, and dealing with difficult people. School, volunteer or life examples count.
- Background check. Security companies check backgrounds as part of hiring and licensing.
- Training and license. Complete the 8-hour pre-assignment training, submit your license application, and start on a temporary card while DOL processes it.
Timelines vary by employer. The license itself can take up to 60 days, but the temporary card lets you work in the meantime.
How to land a security job with no experience
- Lead with reliability. Security is about showing up on time for every shift. Say so, and back it up with an example.
- Be open about shifts. Nights, weekends and overnight posts are the easiest to fill and the fastest way in.
- Apply to security companies, not just businesses. Contract security companies hire the most guards and handle the licensing with you.
- Ask about training and fees up front. Find out who pays for the 8-hour training and the $101 license.
- Talk about calm and communication. Managers want people who stay steady, follow instructions, and write clear reports.
- Follow up. A short call or email a few days after applying is normal.
Where security can lead
Security has clear steps up, in Washington pay terms:
Armed officer is a separate path: 21 or older, with a state firearms certificate.