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Bank guards are armed security officers who monitor banks in order to recognize and deflect security threats. They physically patrol the area and review security tapes, noting and reporting any suspicious activity. While the profession can be dangerous in extraordinary circumstances, the Federal Bureau of Investigation reports that not only were 2010 bank robbery statistics among the lowest in recent history, but only 4 percent were violent.

Typical bank guard salaries

Bank guards have minimal education requirements, so they tend to earn less than other law enforcement or security professionals. According to the BLS, the median bank guard salary in 2010 was $23,920, though the top 10 percent earned in excess of $41,240. This estimate includes all types of security guards, however; armed guards tend to make more. Salary.com reports bank guards specifically earned a median annual salary of $29,229 in 2011, while PayScale.com lists typical, entry-level armed guard earnings ranging from $20,151 to $53,804. Large banks tend to pay more than small, local firms.

Where you live can impact your earnings. According to the BLS, the following areas offered the highest median bank guard salary in 2010:

• Washington D.C.: $37,870
• Washington: $37,190
• Alaska: $35,470

It is also important to consider cost-of-living when estimating your total earnings: Alaska may offer higher-than-average salaries,but they are quickly offset by some of the highest living costs in the nation. According to 2010 data provided by both the BLS and the Council for Community and Economic Research, the following metro areas were among the most lucrative for bank guards relative to cost of living:

• Los Alamos County N.M.: $54,450
• Amarillo, Texas: $48,770
• Burlington, N.C.: $48,670

Note that many bank guards improve their earning potential by either advancing to senior guard positions, or by entering a more specialized, but related industry like law enforcement. The right training can make either transition much smoother.

How to become a bank guard

According to the BLS, employers prefer to hire bank guards with high school diplomas and who meet certain background and physical requirements. While bank guard schools may not be an option, college courses in areas like criminal justice or police science can help, particularly among larger banks offering better wages. Once hired, bank guards tend to learn on the job, advancing to managerial positions through merit and experience. While guards cannot complete bank guard training online, they can enroll in online criminal justice or related courses.

Bank guards' career outlook: secure

According to the BLS, demand for security guards, including bank guards, is projected to grow by 14 percent in the decade preceding 2018. Armed guards will be in particularly high demand, as will those working for private firms, but contracted to banks. Washington D.C., Hawaii and Nevada boasted the highest concentration of security guard positions in 2010.

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