Security Officer

A Security Officer ensures the safety of an area, person or valuable item they have been assigned to. You may look after crowd control at a large event, manage the entry point to a premises or keep watch at a place where there are security concerns. Security Officers also conduct patrols and attend to any suspicious activity. You may also have to travel with an important person or item to keep them protected.

Security Officers need to have excellent awareness of things going on around them. It’s important that you can communicate with people from all backgrounds and you may be called on to deal with a difficult or challenging person. It’s important that you can focus for long periods of time and can remain physically fit for the job.

Future demand High
Average yearly income $57,200
Skill level Beginner

How do I become a security officer?

All skill levels Beginner Experienced
Recommended
CPP20218

Certificate II in Security Operations
On Campus, Online
3 weeks
$20 - $1,750
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Security Guard Security Officer CCTV Operator
Bodyguard Locksmith Crowd Controller
+ 3 more
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Security Guard Security Officer CCTV Operator Bodyguard Locksmith Crowd Controller + 3 more
PSP40316

Certificate IV in Government Security (Personnel Vetting)
Online
12 months
$2,495
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Security Officer Security Consultant
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Security Officer Security Consultant
CPP31418

Certificate III in Close Protection Operations
Blended, On Campus
3 weeks
$1,795
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Security Guard Security Officer Bodyguard
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Security Guard Security Officer Bodyguard
AVI20118

Certificate II in Transport Security Protection
Blended, On Campus
7 days
$51 - $1,750
  • Must pass a valid background check before accessing security-restricted resources for AVIG0001: Work in a transport security environment.
Additional requirements may apply.
Security Guard Security Officer Customs and Border Protection Officer
Multi-Crew Pilot Fuel Tanker Driver
+ 2 more
  • Must pass a valid background check before accessing security-restricted resources for AVIG0001: Work in a transport security environment.
  • Must pass a valid background check before accessing security-restricted resources for AVIG0001: Work in a transport security environment.
Additional requirements may apply.
Security Guard Security Officer Customs and Border Protection Officer Multi-Crew Pilot Fuel Tanker Driver + 2 more
CPPSS00063

Firearms Skill Set
On Campus
7 days
$1,350
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Security Guard Security Officer
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Security Guard Security Officer
11029NAT

Course in Firearms and Weapons Safety (Approved for Firearms Licensing in Queensland)
On Campus
4 days
$250
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Police Officer Security Guard Security Officer
Bodyguard Trapper or Hunter
+ 2 more
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Police Officer Security Guard Security Officer Bodyguard Trapper or Hunter + 2 more
CPPSS00061

Cash-in-Transit Skill Set
Blended, On Campus
2 days
$750
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Security Guard Security Officer
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Security Guard Security Officer
CPPSS00059

Batons and Handcuffs Skill Set
On Campus
1 day
$250
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Security Guard Security Officer
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Security Guard Security Officer
CPP31318

Certificate III in Security Operations
Blended, On Campus
2 - 7 weeks
$0 - $2,250
  • Must hold a current Security Officers licensing in the relevant jurisdiction.
Additional requirements may apply.
Security Guard Security Officer Correctional Emergency Response Officer
Crowd Controller
+ 1 more
  • Must hold a current Security Officers licensing in the relevant jurisdiction.
  • Must hold a current Security Officers licensing in the relevant jurisdiction.
Additional requirements may apply.
Security Guard Security Officer Correctional Emergency Response Officer Crowd Controller + 1 more
CPPSS00062

Control Room Operations Skill Set
Blended
3 months
Unavailable
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Security Guard Security Officer CCTV Operator
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Security Guard Security Officer CCTV Operator
*Showing course fees for all providers. Some providers may not be available in your area.

Related occupations

Security Guard

A Security Guard ensures the safety of people and property by monitoring areas, managing crowds, patrolling, and responding to incidents.

Avg yearly income $62,400
Skill level Beginner

CCTV Operator

A CCTV Operator monitors security footage for safety, identifies suspicious activity, and may alert emergency services when needed.

Avg yearly income $72,800
Skill level Beginner

Customs and Border Protection Officer

A Customs and Border Protection Officer inspects luggage, verifies documents, and enforces border laws, requiring strong focus, judgement, and communication skills.

Avg yearly income $98,800
Skill level Advanced

Security Consultant

A Security Consultant advises organisations on improving security systems, assessing risks, designing solutions, and communicating effectively with clients.

Avg yearly income $83,200
Skill level Advanced

Security Manager

A Security Manager oversees security teams, manages staffing and logistics, trains personnel, and provides security advice to organisations.

Avg yearly income $93,600
Skill level Advanced

Biosecurity Officer

A Biosecurity Officer inspects for environmental pests and diseases at borders or in the field, ensuring compliance and safety protocols.

Avg yearly income $80,080
Skill level Advanced

Customs Broker

A Customs Broker assists businesses with customs compliance, paperwork, and regulations, liaising with authorities to ensure smooth import/export processes.

Avg yearly income $109,980
Skill level Advanced

Intelligence Officer

An Intelligence Officer analyses and interprets information to support national security, assessing threats and ensuring data confidentiality.

Avg yearly income $91,000
Skill level Advanced

National Security Adviser

A National Security Adviser guides strategy, develops policies, coordinates agencies, analyses intelligence, and leads crisis management.

Avg yearly income $123,500
Skill level Advanced

Security Dog Handler

A Security Dog Handler manages and trains dogs to enhance safety by patrolling, responding to alarms, and conducting searches for security threats.

Avg yearly income $58,240
Skill level Beginner

Common questions

How much does a Security Officer earn?

In Australia, a full time Security Officer generally earns $1,100 per week ($57,200 annual salary) before tax. This is a median figure for full-time employees and should be considered a guide only. As you gain more experience you can expect a potentially higher salary than people who are new to the industry.

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What are the job opportunities for a Security Officer?

The number of people employed in the security industry has increased slightly in recent years. There are currently 39,900 people working as a Security Officer in Australia compared to 38,100 five years ago. Security Officers may find work across all regions of Australia.

Source: Australian Government Labour Market Insights

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How do I become a Security Officer?

A Certificate II in Security Operations is an ideal qualification if you’re planning a career as a Security Officer. This course will prepare you for work in a range of industries and will explore topics such as conducting patrols, crowd control and dealing with intoxicated people. You could also consider a Certificate III in Security Operations or a Certificate II in Transport Security Protection.

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Courses.com.au Team Industry expert

Further reading

What can you do with a Certificate II in Security Operations?

5th January 2022)

Choosing a security licence course in Australia: A step-by-step guide for jobseekers

10th November 2023)

Most popular security courses

13th June 2022)

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