Some guards are likewise periodically tested for health, strength and endurance. Although guards in small companies receive periodic salary increases, advancement is limited. However, most large organizations use a military type of ranking that offers the possibility of advancement in position and salary. Guards with talent and some college education may advance to jobs that involve administrative and management duties. Guards with management skills may open their own contract security guard agencies.
Guards generally earn slightly more in urban areas.
Beginning salaries were slightly higher in selected areas where the prevailing local pay level was higher. These workers usually receive overtime pay as well as a wage differential for the second and third shifts. Industrial security firms and guard agencies employed 59 percent of all guards. These organizations provide security services on contract, assigning their guards to buildings and other sites as needed. The remainder were in-house guards, employed in many settings including banks, building management companies, hotels, hospitals, retail stores, restaurants, bars, schools and government.