Security in Tennessee


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

About Tennessee

Located in the southeast region of the United States, Tennessee is the 17th most populous state in the country with a total of 6,456,243 residents. According to the United States Census Bureau, the state is seeing a 1.7 percent increase annually in population size. The eastern part of the state is dominated by the Appalachian Mountains, and the western border is naturally formed by the Mississippi River. Within eastern Tennessee is the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, which is the most visited national park in the nation.

Besides some of the higher elevations in the Appalachians, the majority of the state experiences a humid subtropical climate. This means that Tennessee has hot summers and cool winters, with some generous precipitation all year with winds coming from the Gulf of Mexico.

The capital and second-largest city is Nashville. However, Memphis is the largest city in the state with a population of 652,050. These cities and the rest of the state are well-known for their tremendous role in nurturing musical styles, including country, rock and roll, blues, and rockabilly.

Tennessee Security Education and Scholarship Opportunities

The following are a number of different state-based scholarships and grants offered to students in Tennessee:

  • Tennessee Student Assistance Award Program (TSAA) – provides non-repayable financial assistance to undergraduate students that are residents of the state. Applicants need to be enrolled at least part-time at a public or eligible private postsecondary institution within the state’s borders.
  • The Helping Heroes Grant – offers award amounts of $1,000 per semester to students in Tennessee that have been honorably discharged or are current members of any branch of the military.
  • Tennessee Hope Access Grant – available to entering freshmen that have shown outstanding achievement in high school with a minimum GPA of 2.75 and minimum ACT scores between 18 and 20. It is designed for students, or parents of students, that make an income of less than $36,000.

Tennessee Security Jobs and Career Outlook

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are 22,300 security and protective service jobs in Tennessee in May of 2021. Additionally, the BLS expects the profession to grow at a rate of 15 percent from 2020 to 2030.

As the population continues to grow, the need to have more protective service providers will also rise in the state. Employees in the field earn an average salary of $31,660.

LocationTotal Security Guard EmploymentAverage Salary
All of United States1,057,100$35,830
Tennessee22,300$31,660
BLS May 2021 employment of Security Guards by State

Unarmed and Armed Security Guard Requirements

Does Tennessee require a security guard license? A Tennessee Private Protective Services license comes from the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance. Visit their website to find out more details.

Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance


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