Key Points

• Security guards protect people and property in diverse settings like corporate offices, hospitals, and retail stores.
• The average salary for a security guard in Kentucky is $36,760 per year ($17.67 per hour).
• Kentucky does not have a single, statewide license or training mandate for all private security guards; requirements are set by employers and local laws.
• Basic requirements include being at least 18 years old, passing a background check, and having a high school diploma or GED.
• The job outlook is stable, with consistent hiring opportunities driven by employee turnover and replacement needs.

What Does a Security Guard Do?

A security guard is a professional responsible for maintaining a safe and secure environment. They prevent unauthorized access, deter crime, and respond to emergencies.

Typical duties include:

• Patrolling and monitoring premises
• Operating surveillance equipment
• Controlling access for employees and visitors
• Responding to alarms and incidents
• Writing detailed reports on daily activities and irregularities
• Enforcing property rules and safety regulations

Security guards work in a wide range of environments, from corporate offices and hospitals to retail malls, banks, schools, and event venues.

Kentucky Security Guard Salary and Job Outlook

The job market for security guards in Kentucky is projected to remain stable with consistent demand driven by replacement needs. While net employment growth is expected to be minimal, ongoing hiring provides steady opportunities across the state.

• Kentucky Average Salary: The mean annual wage for security guards in Kentucky was $36,760 per year ($17.67 per hour).
• Advertised Pay: Job postings in Kentucky over the last year show an average advertised base wage of $15.71 per hour.
• National Average Salary: Nationally, security guards earned a mean annual wage of $42,890 ($20.62 per hour) as of May 2024.

Requirements to Become a Security Guard in Kentucky

While Kentucky does not have a statewide licensing body for all security guards, employers and local ordinances set the standards. To be hired, you must generally meet the following requirements:

• Age: Be at least 18 years old.
• Education: Hold a high school diploma or GED.
• Background Check: Pass a criminal background investigation and drug screening. Felony convictions or offenses related to dishonesty may be disqualifying.
• Citizenship: Be a U.S. citizen or have legal authorization to work in the U.S.
• Training: Complete any training required by your employer or local laws.

Understanding Kentucky's Security Guard Regulations

It is critical to understand that Kentucky's regulatory framework for security guards is different from many other states.

• No Statewide License: There is no single, mandatory state license or "guard card" for all private security guards in Kentucky.
• Employer and Local Standards: Training, hiring, and operational standards are primarily set by individual employers and local governments.
• Armed Guard Regulations: Armed guards are often subject to stricter local ordinances. For example, Louisville Metro requires agencies and individual armed officers to be licensed under its specific code.
• Peace Officer Certification: Some security roles, particularly those with law enforcement authority, may fall under the state's peace officer certification process managed by the Kentucky Law Enforcement Council (KLEC).

Completing Security Guard Training in Kentucky

Since there is no single state-mandated curriculum, training is tailored to the needs of the employer and the specific job site.

1. Find Employer-Required Training

Your first step is to identify the training your prospective employer requires. This often includes topics like patrol procedures, emergency response, report writing, and use of force. Dreambound helps you find and compare security training programs that can meet these requirements.

You can explore programs in cities like Louisville-Jefferson County, KY and nearby areas through Dreambound’s platform.

2. Pass a Background Check

A clean criminal record is essential. Employers will conduct a background check, which may involve fingerprinting through a service like IdentoGO, to verify your history.

3. Meet All Hiring Requirements

Once you complete any required training and pass the background check, you can finalize the hiring process with your employer. Unlike in other states, you do not submit an application to the Kentucky State Police for a general security guard registration.

Note that courses offered by the Kentucky Department of Criminal Justice Training (DOCJT) are typically for certified court security officers or law enforcement personnel and are not open to the general public for private security certification.

How to Find Security Guard Jobs in Kentucky

With consistent demand for security professionals, finding a job in Kentucky is a straightforward process. Job boards show hundreds of open positions across the state.

Look for openings with:

• Security Agencies: Companies like Allied Universal and Securitas are major employers.
• Direct Employers: Hospitals, corporations, and retail chains often hire their own in-house security teams.
• Job Boards: Use platforms like MyNextMove to search for local openings.

When applying, highlight any completed training, first aid/CPR certifications, and skills in communication, observation, and conflict resolution.