5 reasons security is a great career in Washington DC

Most areas across the country tend only to have opportunities to work in commercial or local job sites.  Either you can protect the local quickie mart or you are protecting the local courthouse or some other local government building.  If you live near a state capital opportunity to work state contracts come in to play.  Security officers in the Washington DC Metropolitan area have the benefit of working in an environment that has commercial, local, state, and federal job opportunities.  Most people recognize the fact that state and federal job opportunities are large.  What many don’t recognize is the fact that the counties and localities surrounding DC have an abundance of large businesses resulting in significant opportunities that are unmatched in many other metropolitan areas.    Security service in Washingtn DC and its Maryland and Virginia suburbs includes every type of security contract.

While the starting pay is low in most cases, the long term income potential is impressive. A talented security officer with several years of service can earn $30,000-$40,000per year or more.  Joining the ranks of management is not a prerequisite to obtain that level of income.  The key to making this happen is having steady work history, a clean criminal record, and plenty of certifications.   Security officers can achieve these income levels with or without a degree.  That being said, it is a good idea to have a degree.  Doing so, speeds up the process of getting to higher pay rates, and many managerial positions require it.  With or without a degree, work as a security officer for a security service company in Washington DC or the suburbs in Maryland or Virginia pays well.

As an industry, security service has proven itself to be one of the most resilient industries in the world. State, local, and federal security work tends to be unaffected by economic environments.  Economic times affect why the demand for security stays high rather than whether demand will stay high.  In times of a booming economy, companies have more money and items of value that need to be protected.  This results in an increased demand for security.   In times of struggling economies, crime rates rise.  The increase in crime rates results in an increased need to protect people, places, and things from criminals.  This is especially the case for property crime.  The security industry thrives regardless of which direction the economy is headed.   Security officers are the foundation of the industry.

There is no shortage of security companies in Washington DC or the surrounding areas.  Security guards in Washington DC or the surrounding suburbs in Maryland or Virginia have plenty of options.  High demand for security is a reality of the post 911 world. The high demand for security services in Washington DC, Maryland, and Virginia has resulted in large numbers or security companies establishing themselves in the area.  Security companies in Washington DC and the surrounding areas have a steady demand for qualified security officers.

Security officers in the Washington DC metropolitan area have the opportunity to work in exciting places.  Security guards in DC find themselves doing everything from protecting Nationals Stadium to the Capital building.  Guards in the DC metro area often find themselves witnessing history while they work.  No other region in the world provides the number of opportunities to work in exciting places.  Yes, guards still protect the local quickie mart and shopping malls.  However, in the DC area, you can be on duty at the mall and have to adjust due to a visit from the President of the United States who decided to get a gift for the First Lady while you are on duty….it could happen.

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