Security Jobs in Atlanta, Georgia: How to Start and Grow Your Career

Security jobs in Atlanta, Georgia span far more than traditional guard roles. From high-rise buildings downtown to film sets, hospitals, data centers, and major event venues, Atlanta offers a wide range of opportunities for people interested in protective services, safety, and loss prevention.

This guide walks you through what kinds of security jobs exist in Atlanta, what they pay, how to qualify, who hires, and how to get started locally.

Types of Security Jobs in Atlanta

Security work in Atlanta falls into several broad categories. Many people move between these over time as they gain experience and credentials.

1. Unarmed Security Guard Jobs

Unarmed security roles are among the most common entry points.

You’ll typically see these positions at:

• Office buildings and corporate campuses (Downtown, Midtown, Perimeter Center)
• Retail stores, malls, and shopping centers (Lenox Square, Phipps Plaza, Cumberland Mall, Greenbriar Mall)
• Residential communities and high-rise apartments (Buckhead, Midtown, Sandy Springs)
• Colleges and universities (Georgia State University, Georgia Tech, Atlanta University Center campuses)

Typical responsibilities:

• Monitoring entrances and exits
• Front-desk or lobby check-in
• Walking patrols and documenting activity
• Reporting suspicious behavior
• Assisting visitors and employees

These jobs are often available day, evening, overnight, and weekend shifts, so they can be flexible for students or people changing careers.

2. Armed Security Jobs

Armed positions involve more responsibility and stricter requirements.

Common settings in Atlanta:

• Banks and financial institutions
• High-value retail (jewelry, luxury brands)
• Cash-in-transit and armored truck services
• Certain government or critical infrastructure sites

You’re expected to:

• Carry and operate a firearm responsibly
• Protect high-value assets or sensitive locations
• Respond more directly to serious threats

Armed roles typically require extra training, licensing, and background checks beyond what’s needed for unarmed work.

3. Corporate & Facility Security

Larger organizations in Atlanta often have their own security teams or contract with a dedicated firm.

Typical employers include:

• Corporate headquarters and office towers in Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead
• Healthcare systems (Emory Healthcare facilities, Grady Memorial Hospital, Wellstar hospitals)
• Universities (Georgia Tech, Georgia State, Emory University)
• Manufacturing, logistics, and data centers on the I‑75, I‑85, and I‑285 corridors

Jobs can include:

• Security officer / security specialist
• Control room / CCTV operator
• Access control coordinator
• Safety and security coordinator

These roles often combine customer service, policy enforcement, and monitoring security systems.

4. Event & Venue Security

Atlanta’s busy event scene creates steady demand for temporary and part-time security jobs:

• Mercedes-Benz Stadium
• State Farm Arena
• Georgia World Congress Center
• Fox Theatre and other performance venues
• Festivals and outdoor events across the city

Duties often include:

• Crowd management and access control
• Bag checks and metal detector screening
• Backstage or VIP area security
• Emergency evacuation support

This type of work can be ideal if you need flexible, nights-and-weekends income or want exposure to the field before committing to full-time work.

5. Campus & School Security

Several Atlanta-area institutions employ dedicated security or police departments:

• Georgia Tech Police Department – 879 Hemphill Ave NW, Atlanta, GA 30332
• Georgia State University Police Department – 15 Edgewood Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30303
• Atlanta Public Schools Police Department – 1631 La France St NE, Atlanta, GA 30307

Roles range from security officers and dispatchers to sworn campus police officers (which require law enforcement certification).

6. Transportation & Transit Security

In and around Atlanta, security teams help protect:

• Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport
• MARTA rail and bus system
• Freight, logistics, and warehouse facilities near major interstates and the airport

Jobs may include:

• Access control at secure areas
• Passenger and baggage screening (for federal roles, see USAJobs listings)
• Patrols of parking lots, terminals, and rail stations

7. Specialized & Executive Protection

More specialized security work in Atlanta may involve:

• Executive protection / bodyguard services for business leaders, public figures, or film industry personnel
• Film and TV production security, especially as Atlanta is a regional hub for production
• Loss prevention in major retail chains
• Security consulting, risk assessments, and emergency planning

These roles usually expect prior experience, military or law enforcement background, or advanced training.

Basic Requirements for Security Jobs in Atlanta

Specific requirements vary by employer, but most security positions around Atlanta expect:

• Minimum age: Usually 18 for unarmed roles; 21 typical for armed positions
• Background check: Criminal history and sometimes credit checks, depending on the role
• Valid government-issued ID
• Reliable transportation to reach different sites and shifts
• High school diploma or GED for many full-time roles
• Ability to stand, walk, and patrol for extended periods

For armed security, additional expectations often include:

• Being legally allowed to possess a firearm
• Completion of firearm and use-of-force training
• Periodic qualification and re-certification

Employers usually outline their exact requirements in job postings.

Security Licensing and Training in Georgia

Georgia’s requirements for private security are set at the state level, but how they apply to you depends on your role.

State-Level Oversight

Most private security work in Georgia is overseen by the Georgia Board of Private Detectives and Security Agencies, part of the Professional Licensing Boards Division:

• Office Location: 237 Coliseum Drive, Macon, GA 31217
• Phone (main line): (404) 424‑9966 (Atlanta area callers can reach state licensing through this number)

In many cases:

• The security company holds the primary license.
• Individual officers are registered and trained through the company, especially for armed roles.

Before committing to a training program, it’s wise to confirm with potential employers what credentials they require and how they handle registration with the state.

Typical Training Topics

Whether through an employer or third-party trainer, guards in Atlanta often receive instruction on:

• Georgia law relevant to security work
• Report writing and documentation
• De-escalation and communication skills
• Emergency response and basic first aid
• Patrol techniques and observation skills
• Use-of-force policies (especially for armed or high‑risk roles)

For armed positions, you can expect firearms proficiency training, safe handling, and range qualification.

What Security Jobs in Atlanta Usually Pay

Pay varies based on:

• Armed vs. unarmed
• Experience level
• Type of site (hospital, corporate HQ, event venue, etc.)
• Shift (overnight and weekends may pay more)

Below is a general, simplified snapshot of what’s commonly seen in the Atlanta market. Actual pay can differ by employer and over time.

Checking current job postings is the best way to see up-to-date wages for Atlanta-specific roles.

Who Hires Security Staff in Atlanta?

Security jobs are spread across multiple sectors in the city and metro area.

1. Security Guard Companies

Many guards in Atlanta are employed by contract security firms that staff multiple client sites. These companies might assign you to:

• Office towers in Downtown or Midtown
• Residential complexes in Buckhead or Sandy Springs
• Industrial or warehouse sites along I‑285 or near the airport

These firms are often a gateway into the field because they are used to training and onboarding people with limited prior experience.

2. Hospitals and Healthcare Systems

Major healthcare networks in the Atlanta area often keep in-house security teams, sometimes supplemented by contracted guards:

• Grady Memorial Hospital – 80 Jesse Hill Jr Dr SE, Atlanta, GA 30303
• Emory University Hospital – 1364 Clifton Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30322
• Wellstar facilities around Metro Atlanta

Hospital security tends to involve:

• Patient and visitor access control
• Patrols of emergency rooms and public areas
• Coordination with local law enforcement when needed
• De-escalation skills in high-stress situations

3. Colleges and Universities

Universities operate their own police or security departments, employing:

• Security officers
• Dispatchers and communications specialists
• Community service officers
• Sworn campus police (for those who pursue law enforcement training)

In Atlanta, examples include:

• Georgia Tech Police Department – 879 Hemphill Ave NW, Atlanta, GA 30332
• Georgia State University Police Department – 15 Edgewood Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30303
• Morehouse, Spelman, and Clark Atlanta University campus security teams

4. Retail & Shopping Centers

High-traffic retail areas often have dedicated security:

• Lenox Square – 3393 Peachtree Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30326
• Phipps Plaza – 3500 Peachtree Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30326
• Cumberland Mall – 2860 Cumberland Mall, Atlanta, GA 30339

Within retail, you’ll find:

• Mall and property security
• Store-level loss prevention associates

5. Government & Public Facilities

Government-related security roles in the Atlanta area can involve:

• Courthouse security
• State or federal building security
• Transit and transportation facilities

Some of these positions are managed through:

• City of Atlanta or Fulton County careers pages
• State of Georgia job listings
• Federal employment portals (for positions like airport screening)

6. Events, Sports, and Entertainment

Atlanta’s sports and entertainment scene creates steady demand for security staff at:

• Mercedes-Benz Stadium – 1 AMB Dr NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
• State Farm Arena – 1 State Farm Dr, Atlanta, GA 30303
• Georgia World Congress Center – 285 Andrew Young International Blvd NW, Atlanta, GA 30313

Event security jobs are often posted by:

• The venues themselves
• Contract security firms
• Event staffing agencies

How to Get a Security Job in Atlanta: Step-by-Step

If you’re starting from scratch in Atlanta, here’s a practical path you can follow.

Step 1: Decide What Type of Role Fits You

Ask yourself:

• Do you want steady full-time work, or part-time and flexible hours?
• Are you comfortable working nights, weekends, and holidays?
• Do you see yourself eventually moving into supervision, corporate security, or law enforcement?

For most beginners, unarmed guard or event security roles are the easiest entry points.

Step 2: Prepare a Basic Resume

Even for entry-level security roles in Atlanta, a simple resume helps. Highlight:

• Any customer service, retail, hospitality, or military experience
• Your ability to handle stressful situations calmly
• Any CPR, first aid, or safety-related training
• A clean and professional email and phone number

If you don’t have direct security experience, focus on reliability, communication skills, and prior jobs involving responsibility and public interaction.

Step 3: Apply to Local Employers

Look at:

• Contract security companies with a strong presence in Atlanta
• Major hospitals and universities in the city
• Sports and entertainment venues looking for event staff

Most large employers use online applications and may invite you for an in-person or virtual interview.

Step 4: Complete Required Training and Background Checks

Once you receive a job offer, your employer will usually guide you through:

• Background screening
• Any needed state registrations
• Company-specific training
• Firearms training and qualification, if you’re hired for an armed role

Ask how your training fits with Georgia’s statewide requirements so you understand what credentials you’re building.

Step 5: Show Reliability and Build Experience

In Atlanta’s security market, reliable performance is often the fastest way to advance. This means:

• Arriving on time consistently
• Completing reports accurately
• Following post orders and company policies
• Treating residents, customers, and visitors respectfully

Over time, this can lead to chances to become a shift lead, field supervisor, or site supervisor.

Where to Build Skills and Credentials in Atlanta

Adding certifications and education can make you more competitive for higher-level roles.

1. Local Colleges & Technical Schools

Around Metro Atlanta, community and technical colleges sometimes offer:

• Criminal justice associate degree programs
• Public safety or homeland security courses
• Certificates in emergency management or related fields

These can be helpful if you see security work as a stepping stone into law enforcement, emergency management, or corporate security leadership.

2. First Aid, CPR, and Safety Training

Atlanta-area organizations, including local chapters of national nonprofits and healthcare systems, may provide:

• CPR and AED certification
• Basic first aid training
• Workplace safety and emergency response courses

Security employers often view these extra skills as a plus.

3. Firearms and Defensive Training (for Armed Roles)

If you’re considering armed security in Atlanta:

• Seek reputable local ranges or training schools that focus on professional security training, not just recreational shooting.
• Confirm that any course you pay for aligns with employer expectations and Georgia law before enrolling.

Many armed employers prefer to handle or approve your firearms training directly.

Working Conditions and Schedules in Atlanta Security Jobs

Security work in Atlanta can be demanding but stable.

Common realities:

• Shift work: Days, evenings, overnights, weekends, and holidays
• Indoor and outdoor posts: From climate-controlled lobbies to parking lots in summer heat or winter cold
• Standing and walking for long periods
• Dealing with difficult or upset individuals at times

On the positive side, security jobs can offer:

• Opportunities to move up quickly if you perform well
• Exposure to different industries (healthcare, corporate, retail, events)
• A relatively accessible entry point into public safety careers in the Atlanta area

Advancing Your Security Career in Atlanta

Once you gain experience, Atlanta offers room to grow beyond basic officer roles.

Common next steps:

• Shift supervisor / site supervisor – Oversee guards at a single property
• Field supervisor – Travel between client sites and manage multiple teams
• Security manager or director – Often work directly for a corporation, university, or hospital
• Transition to law enforcement – Some officers use security experience as preparation for police academy applications or sheriff’s office roles
• Specialized roles – Such as loss prevention, risk analysis, or executive protection

Building strong references, a record of reliability, and additional training can make these paths more accessible.

Practical Tips for Job Seekers in Atlanta

Here are a few Atlanta-focused pointers if you’re actively searching:

• 🕒 Be open to nights and weekends. Many entry-level openings are on less popular shifts.
• 🚗 Consider commuting options. Some posts may be outside central Atlanta; check MARTA accessibility or driving distance.
• 📄 Apply to several employers. Security firms and large institutions often have ongoing hiring needs.
• ☎️ Follow up professionally. A polite call or email after applying can show initiative.
• 🎯 Think long-term. If your goal is law enforcement or corporate security, look for roles that build relevant experience, such as campus, hospital, or large-facility assignments.

Security jobs in Atlanta, Georgia can be a solid entry point into the broader world of public safety and risk management. With clear goals, basic training, and consistent performance, you can build a stable and evolving career in the city’s diverse security landscape.