A security officer is an SIA-licensed guard who controls access, monitors premises, and responds to incidents on behalf of the site operator. It's the entry point to the industry and accounts for the bulk of vacancies on this site.
Most posts are static — corporate reception, industrial estate gatehouse, construction compound, hospital — or mobile, driving a marked patrol vehicle between client sites overnight. The static-versus-mobile split usually decides the hourly rate: mobile pays a quid or two more because of the lone-working premium. London and the M25 belt are higher again, often £14-£16; outside the South East, £11-£13 is the norm.
The SIA Security Guard or Door Supervisor licence is the entry ticket. The Security Guard licence covers manned guarding only. The Door Supervisor licence covers both manned guarding and licensed-premises work, so most officers get the DS first to keep their options open. Training is 5-6 days through a Get Licensed-approved provider, plus a DBS check, plus the SIA fee (£190 at time of writing). Some employers refund the licence cost after probation. Career progression typically runs officer → supervisor → site manager → operations or contracts manager.
Security Officer Jobs
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Commercial & Contracts Officer
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Frequently asked questions
Do I need an SIA licence to be a security officer in the UK?
Yes. You need either the SIA Security Guard licence (manned guarding only) or the SIA Door Supervisor licence (manned guarding plus licensed-premises work). The licence costs £190 and requires a 5-6 day training course and a DBS check.
How much do security officers earn in the UK?
Most static and mobile roles pay £11-£14 an hour outside London. Inside the M25 the rate typically rises to £13-£16. Mobile patrol officers earn a small premium over static guards because of the lone-working factor.
What's the difference between the SIA Security Guard and Door Supervisor licences?
The Security Guard licence covers manned guarding only — sites that aren't licensed premises. The Door Supervisor licence covers both manned guarding AND door work at pubs, bars, clubs and events. The DS is more versatile so most officers get it first.