What is the salary, skills, and education for a security officer?

Question

like how much do they make and what kind of education do they have to have to become a security officer

Answer 1

Not very much from the looks of what security guards drive or dress like.

Answer 2

Usually it's just a six weeks course at a community college (Basic Law Enforcement), a weapons course (if you want more money become weapons certified) and plan on making in the $25000 range.  

I'd look into doing this with a major corporation, prison system, federal government (TSA - airline) and the like.  More room for advancement and paid training opportunities.

Answer 3

This is very hard to answer as the field and compensation is vast.  There are many types of security officer jobs available and the list is still growing.  Each state has there own licensing requirements and most employers go beyond those.

My best estimate for a basic, licensed security officer performing high visibility guard duties requires not much more than a H.S. diploma and pays $20k to $31k per year.

For a corporate security officer who develops security plans for the company and leads the security department the requirements are usually a BS in criminal justice and the pay is from $60k to $100k per year.

For your advanced security officer who provides security for nuclear facilities, weapons depots military or law enforcement experience is usually required and the pay is around $75k per year.

I hope this helps.  You can check out http://www.CaliforniaSecurityNews.com for a list of security jobs along with pay.