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Things that raise your pay

• An armed permit

  The clearest single pay increase available, and it comes with much heavier responsibility and ongoing training.

• Security certifications

  ASIS International (the main professional body for security managers) offers the Associate Protection Professional for early careers and the Certified Protection Professional and Physical Security Professional for experienced staff.

• Eligibility for a security clearance

  Opens defense contractor, government facility and data center work that pays well above the median.

• CPR, first aid and emergency medical training

  Hospitals, campuses and large venues pay more for officers who can act before the ambulance arrives.

• Fire and life safety qualifications

  Some cities require building fire safety directors, and those posts sit well above ordinary guard rates.