Salary guide · Security
Security: what the jobs pay
13 jobs, lowest paid first. Yearly ranges seen in real UK adverts in 2026, and the hourly rate on a 40 hour week.
| Job | A year | An hour, 40 hour week | Tickets or qualifications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Event steward | £12.71 to £15 an hour | varies | Level 2 in spectator safety for stewarding, or an SIA licence for the security roles. Football, concerts and shows, mostly weekends |
| Cash in transit officer | £24,800 to £30,000 | about £11.92 to £14.42 | SIA cash and valuables in transit licence, driving licence |
| Retail security officer | £24,800 to £30,000 | about £11.92 to £14.42 | SIA licence, and the store will want somebody calm rather than somebody big |
| Security officer | £24,800 to £30,000 | about £11.92 to £14.42 | SIA licence, which you must hold before you work |
| CCTV operator | £25,000 to £33,000 | about £12.02 to £15.87 | SIA PUBLIC SPACE SURVEILLANCE (CCTV) LICENCE. A different licence from door supervision, and a control room shift pattern that suits some people and nobody else |
| Locksmith | £25,000 to £35,000 | about £12.02 to £16.83 | None generally, Level 2 locksmithing qualification useful, DBS check often asked for |
| Mobile patrol and keyholder | £25,000 to £32,000 | about £12.02 to £15.38 | SIA licence and a clean driving licence. Nights, and you will be the one who opens the shop at six |
| Security dog handler | £25,000 to £32,000 | about £12.02 to £15.38 | SIA licence, NASDU or equivalent dog handler qualification |
| Door supervisor | £26,000 to £34,000 | about £12.50 to £16.35 | SIA DOOR SUPERVISOR LICENCE, which you must already hold. About £190 for the training plus £190 for the badge, renewed every three years, and it covers guarding as well |
| Security supervisor | £26,500 to £33,000 | about £12.74 to £15.87 | SIA licence (security guarding or door supervision) |
| Security systems engineer | £28,000 to £40,000 | about £13.46 to £19.23 | NSI or BAFE experience helps |
| Close protection officer | £30,000 to £50,000 | about £14.42 to £24.04 | SIA close protection licence, first aid at work |
| Security manager | £35,000 to £55,000 | about £16.83 to £26.44 | SIA licence often asked for, Level 5 security management qualification useful |
Advertised ranges, not a survey of take home pay, and the same job pays differently by region. The National Living Wage for anybody 21 and over is £12.71 an hour. Wrong for your area? Tell us.