So exactly what is a private security contractor?
A private security contractor is a company or individual that typically provides protective services to individuals, businesses, the federal government, military, or other organizations or properties. Private security contractors sometimes operate in high risk areas to protect clients from crime or kidnapping. But PSCs more often work in lower risk civilian environments, corporate settings, during events, for high-profile individuals and in other mostly non-combat scenarios. Defensive tactics and soft skills such as communication and conflict resolution are prioritized for PSC jobs.
Private security contractor (PSC) services include guarding facilities, providing bodyguards, conducting security assessments, and protecting assets. They sometimes offer training for security personnel in surveillance, threat assessment and defensive tactics. Private security contractors also give logistical support for security in transportation, communications, and emergency planning. A private security contractor will create a totally secure infrastructure for a business, along with supplying equipment and instruments to safeguard a specific location, person, or object. Examples of some private security contractor companies are G4S or Allied Universal.
There is some confusion associated with the term “private security contractor” (PSC). This is due to the terms “private security contractor” or “private contractor” often being used interchangeably in describing a private military company (PMC) or private military security contractor/company (PMSC). However there are actually distinctions between a private security contractor and a private military company, even though some of their activities and services overlap and are related.
The distinction between private security contractors (PSC) and private military companies (PMC) lies in the nature and scope of their services. As previously stated, private security contractors typically offer protective services to individuals, businesses, the federal government, military, or other organizations or properties. PSCs provide actual security for commercial or governmental interests, and protection of VIPs.
On the other hand, private military contractors (PMCs) usually operate in direct combat military actions in unstable high-risk conflict-prone areas. They are frequently contracted by governments to supplement the official military forces- so as a result they are sometimes referred to as “mercenaries” or “hired guns.”
Private military contractors (PMCs) provide military combat services at higher risk levels, and use offensive tactics, technical skills and military operations. How much do “mercenaries” make is based on the higher risk level of the jobs. Some private military contractors are companies such as Blackwater/Academi or DynCorp.
How Do You Become a Private Security Contractor?
There are key qualities associated with how to be a security contractor. It is helpful for you to:
- Have a background in law enforcement, the military, as a protection officer, or in a government agency such as the CIA or FBI.
- Pass fingerprinting and a background check.
- Prove you are legally able to carry/operate firearms with proper certification, since many private security contractor duties require being armed.
- Have knowledge of foreign languages and geopolitics.
- Be skilled in critical thinking.
- Remain calm in stressful situations.
- Possess additional skills such as excellent operational awareness and strong verbal communication.
By the way, women security guards should take note. There is a need for skilled female candidates as private security contractors, particularly in executive protection jobs, mobile protective security and as surveillance operators. Additionally, any candidates with federal air marshal experience also have necessary valuable skills that translate well to private security contractor jobs.
What Does a Private Security Contractor Earn?
As of May 2024, the average hourly pay for private security contractors across the United States is $19.03/hour (annually $39,582). While hourly wages can range from a high of $25/hour to as low as $11.54/hour, the majority of wages generally range between $15.38-$18.75/hour. These rates are based on the employee’s skill level, years of experience, and company location.
In California as of May 2024, a private security contractor makes $19.57/hour (or $40,706 annually). The cities with the top pay levels for private security contractor jobs are San Buenaventura and Santa Clara in CA, with the cities of Federal Way, WA,Washington DC, San Francisco, CA and Los Angeles, CA following.
So in summary, private security contractor work can provide a challenging and rewarding profession. There are many career opportunities available as a private security contractor (PSC). Those jobs offer you employment opportunities with a wide range of specialized services, and high levels of expertise and adaptability.
