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Security Guards

Protective Servicelowaugment
Projected change (est.): ~-5%
Median Wage (est.): ~$35,900
Employment (est.): ~1.0M

Overall Exposure

22+6

2025 vs 2023

Theoretical Exposure

38

What AI could do

Observed Exposure

10

What AI actually does

Automation Risk Score

18

Displacement risk

3-Year Outlook (2025 → 2028)

Projected changes in AI automation metrics over the next 3 years based on estimated data.

Overall Exposure

2226
+4

2025 → 2028 (estimated)

Theoretical Exposure

3845
+7

2025 → 2028 (estimated)

Observed Exposure

1012
+2

2025 → 2028 (estimated)

Automation Risk

1821
+3

2025 → 2028 (estimated)

Exposure Metrics (2023 - 2028)

Task Breakdown

Monitor surveillance systems
65%β 1
Patrol premises
8%β 0.5
Respond to incidents
5%β 0.5

About This Occupation

If you work as a Security Guards, AI is reshaping your profession. With an automation risk of 18/100 and overall exposure at 22%, this role faces low transformation. The highest-impact area is monitor surveillance systems at 65% automation. This is classified as an 'augment' role. BLS projects -5% decline through 2034. Professionals who embrace AI tools will see their capabilities significantly amplified.

ISCO-08 classification

Unit group 5414ILO official

Security Guards

Definition

ILO original text (English)

Security guards patrol or monitor premises to guard property against theft and vandalism. They control access to establishments and maintain order and enforce regulations at public events and within establishments.

Definition & vocabulary source

Source: International Labour Organization (ILO) — ISCO-08 Structure

License: ILO CC BY 4.0

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Official occupational information

  • ONET33-1099.00

    First-Line Supervisors of Protective Service Workers, All Other

    All protective service supervisors not listed separately above.

    View original
  • ONET33-9031.00

    Gambling Surveillance Officers and Gambling Investigators

    Observe gambling operation for irregular activities such as cheating or theft by either employees or patrons. Investigate potential threats to gambling assets such as money, chips, and gambling equipment. Act as oversight and security agent for management and customers.

    View original
  • ONET33-9032.00

    Security Guards

    Guard, patrol, or monitor premises to prevent theft, violence, or infractions of rules. May operate x-ray and metal detector equipment.

    View original
  • ONET33-9093.00

    Transportation Security Screeners

    Conduct screening of passengers, baggage, or cargo to ensure compliance with Transportation Security Administration (TSA) regulations. May operate basic security equipment such as x-ray machines and hand wands at screening checkpoints.

    View original

Source: O*NET 30.2, U.S. DOL/ETA

License: CC BY 4.0

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Frequently Asked Questions

With an automation risk score of 18%, Security Guards has a low risk of AI replacement. Most tasks in this role require skills that are difficult for AI to replicate, such as complex decision-making, physical dexterity, or deep interpersonal interaction. AI is more likely to serve as a supportive tool.

Our estimated AI automation risk score for Security Guards is 18% for 2025. Estimated overall AI exposure is 22%, with 38% theoretical exposure and 10% observed exposure. The estimated risk trend from 2023 to 2025 is +5 points. All of these are model-generated estimates, not measurements.

The tasks with the highest automation potential for Security Guards are: Monitor surveillance systems (65%), Patrol premises (8%), Respond to incidents (5%). These rates are our own estimates of how much of each task current AI systems can handle. They are not measurements and are not taken from any external dataset.

We estimate a -5% employment change for Security Guards between 2024 and 2034. This is our own estimate, not a figure published by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Combined with an estimated overall AI exposure of 22%, this occupation faces both traditional labor market shifts and AI-driven transformation. Workers should monitor both employment trends and AI capability growth.

Since AI primarily augments capabilities in this role, professionals in Security Guards should embrace AI as a productivity multiplier. Focus on learning to use AI tools effectively, developing higher-order analytical and creative skills, and positioning yourself as someone who can leverage AI to deliver greater value.

Recent AI Impact Changes

Mar 2026: Updated blog to cover security officers broadly including courthouse and maritime

[Source: Blog Wave 19]

Mar 2026: New evergreen blog post: AI impact analysis for bodyguards published

[Source: aichanging.work]