Security in Alabama


Security Jobs in Alabama differ by location and job duties, but there are many roles available with all levels of training and education.

About Alabama

Alabama is in the southern part of the United States. The name originates from the Native American tribe European travelers found living in the area. The cost of living in the state is lower than the national average and the average worker takes home roughly 40,000 a year. Around 4.6 million people live in the state. Additionally, the state has many ports and railways and even the Talladega Superspeedway that hosts Nascar events.

One area of the country in particular that looks promising in terms of security jobs and available degree programs is Huntsville, Alabama. Huntsville has a population of roughly 182,000. This makes it about a quarter of the size of the largest city in the Southeast, Jacksonville, Florida. Well known for NASA, Government affiliations, Civil War culture, and beautiful parks and nature this area has a diverse community and beautiful, humble surroundings.

When pursuing a degree, it is important to consider location, employment outlook, and grant opportunities. Alabama is a great state with a rich history that can provide all of these options. Career training in security can land you a job with the state, the federal government, and more.

Security Education and Financial Aid in AL

Many look to college to gain job skills and land a degree. So, one dependable field of study is security. Security jobs include a police officer, private investigator, monitoring retail theft, and also firefighters. A degree in security can land you a job in homeland security. Alabama is a great place to study security as it has a growing job market and also offers financial aid.

Alabama offers several opportunities to receive grants for attending one of its schools. A grant is basically money the state gives you to pay for education. Moreover, you do not have to pay it back. One grant is The Alabama Student Assistance Program which funds the education of residents with low incomes. Additionally, the Alabama Student Grant Program is a merit-based grant which is only available to undergraduates. The state also helps to pay for education by providing scholarships to its residents.

Alabama is also home to several area colleges and professional schools that specialize in degree and certification programs for positions in the Security field. For example, Virginia College in Huntsville offers both two and four-year degree programs that will open up the door to jobs upon graduation. But, you may feel like a rigid, structured college degree program just doesn’t fit your mold. So, a training course may be more your speed. Private training schools and local community colleges also have short courses you can take.

Security Employment and Jobs Outlook

When pursuing a degree, many wonder what the job outlook will be upon graduation. Alabama jobs will increase in the next 5 years. Close to two-thirds of these jobs are because the older workforce will be retiring. As these positions become open, more and more entry-level positions will also open for recent graduates. Furthermore, the rest of the new jobs are a result of the state’s growing population.

There are currently around 14,450 security jobs available in the state of Alabama in several different categories. Some of the specific job titles include Security Guards, Private Detectives and Investigators, Transportation Security Screeners, and also Parking Enforcement Officers.

The range of pay for these positions can be anywhere from $9 to $40 per hour but depends on your level of experience. The BLS reports that over the next 10 years there will be roughly a 15 percent increase in jobs in Security Services nationwide.

LocationTotal Security Guard EmploymentAverage Salary
All of United States1,057,100$35,830
Alabama14,530$27,670
BLS May 2021 employment of Security Guards by State

Unarmed and Armed Security Guard Requirements

How do you get a security license in Alabama? The Alabama Security Regulatory Board issues licenses for security guards. So, visit their website for more details on the requirements.

Alabama Security Regulatory Board


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