How Much Can A Security Operative Earn?

At Get Licensed, whilst we strongly believe any job should not be selected based on the salary offered alone, we can’t deny that money is important. However, would it not be an amazing win-win situation to get paid for a job you are actually interested or passionate about, rather than something you are doing just for the money?

Well, If this statement resonates with you, read on to find out how you can earn, grow and succeed in this dynamic industry.

Wondering how much you can get paid working in the security industry? If you have ever been interested or curious about starting a career within this industry, you will have no doubt asked or wondered about the answer to this question.

Security Operatives vs Police Officers

Approximately, there are about half a million people employed in the private security industry. From security guards to intelligence analysis operatives, each field within the industry plays a role in the effectual running of UK society on a daily basis through the protection and safeguarding of people and property.

Effectively we can separate the industry into two divisions – the front license operatives (those who carry out licensable activity in the guise of routine guarding), and the non-front license operatives (those who manage, supervise and/or employ individuals who engage in licensable activity). If you are starting from the bottom of the ladder, you will most likely start off in a front-line license position. The SIA estimates that there are currently 400,000 people actively carrying out licensable activity – compare that to a less substantial 150,000 active police officers!

The Top Three

When such a big industry offers a variety of roles, how do you choose which position is for you? In order to identify what training course is the most complimentary to your interests and lifestyle, ask yourself what sort of environment would you feel most comfortable working in? Maybe a club, or an up-market bar? Or maybe you’d rather prefer to work in a retail or corporate environment? Do you mind having early morning starts, or would you prefer night-time shifts? Whatever the answer, you will most definitely be able to find a role to accommodate your choice.

Currently, the three most popular training courses in the industry are Door Supervisor, Security Guard, and Public Space Surveillance (CCTV).

As of 2019, there were 248,656 individuals who had a Door Supervisor Licence in the UK, compared to 66,684 in Security Guarding,

This can be explained by the fact that qualified door supervisors can legally work in all of the same roles as security guards, but not vice versa. Taking this into account, Door Supervisors have access to a wider range of job opportunities, which can explain while this position is more lucrative. The third most populated role in the security industry is Public Space Surveillance (CCTV), with a recorded number of 49,428 holding valid licenses.

Talking Money

Whilst all three roles function towards the same purpose, the average salary differs within each role due depending on experience, location, venue and organisation of work.

The average pay for a Security Guard is approximately £17,700 per year.

A Door Supervisor can earn between £10 to £15 per hour which which equals to approximately £22.000 to £25.000 per year.

While a CCTV Operative can look to earn approximately £20.000 to £21.000 per year.

However, the salary you would receive in London in any security operative position will vary from the salary you would receive in Glasgow. This is because the cost of living in London is considerably higher than anywhere else in the UK. Generally, the bigger the city, the salary you receive will be at the higher end of the scale.

Although the difference between the three salaries is quite significant, we must also take into account that the intensity of role, the responsibility required, and risk involved also contribute to amount of salary received. Door Supervisors undoubtedly face higher amounts of risk on a daily basis than other security operatives.  For this reason, the training provided is more intensive than the other mentioned courses.

Climbing the Ladder

There is plenty of scope for growth and progression in the security industry. However, like every other occupation, accessing these opportunities is only possible through the development of personal strengths, abilities and skills. In this case, being certified in more than one area of training opens doors to better prospects and higher pay. Imagine that you are an employer looking to recruit a door supervisor. Whilst all twenty candidates that have applied have valid SIA Licenses and the basic required training, only one of the candidates is also qualified in First Aid and CCTV. Who would you choose for the job?

To get a gauge of how much you can earn when you supplement your training with additional qualifications, take a look at the table below.

Forging a Rewarding Career

Progression up the security ladder need not stop in a front line capacity. It is not unusual for security operatives to become security trainers, or even work for themselves as managers of their own security company, earning an  average of £43,096 per year. 

A survey of a group of security managers conducted by Seevaratnam (2007) identified the most sought after traits in managers by order of importance as personal integrity, concern for others, general security competence, the ability to persuade others, and understanding of employers business. With the theoretical knowledge, practical skills, and experience gained on the front line, you will no doubt already be in possession of these characteristics.

Whatever path you choose, always remember that the process to enhancing your future can only be effective with determination, perseverance and commitment.

How To Work In The Security Sector

If you are interested in working in the security sector, whether it be as a Door Supervisor, Security Guard or CCTV Operative, you will need to obtain a SIA Licence.

To obtain a SIA Licence, you will need to complete a course. Once you have completed the course, will you then be able to apply for an SIA Licence and work in the security sector.

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