Security Officer
Shortage Now
States / territories with a shortage signal
Snapshot
Median salary
A$77,600
Full-time annual
People employed
42,200
Estimated workforce
Shortage signal
No shortage (national)
Categories identify where a shortage occurs; they are not a severity score.
What you actually do
Patrols and guards industrial and commercial property and other facilities.
Alternative titles
Security Guard
Specialisations
Skills & main tasks
Official main tasks
- Undertakes patrols to ensure the security and safety of property and personnel, including checking doors, windows and gates for unauthorised entry, and watching for irregularities such as fire hazards, malfunctioning equipment and property damage
- Operates security equipment, such as CCTV cameras and alarm systems
- Responds to alarms, investigates and records disturbances, and reports any suspicious activities or incidents to appropriate authorities
- Enforces security policies and procedures to maintain a secure environment, and conducts regular inspections of premises to identify and address security risks
- Monitors and controls access and exit of persons and vehicles from premises, and monitors individuals and crowds for suspicious or disruptive behaviour
- Provides assistance and support to staff and visitors during emergencies or security incidents
- May use alarm, restraint and duress systems to manage, control and prevent aggressive and violent incidents, and ensure the safety of patients, staff and visitors in health service settings
Where people work
State / territory distribution
Highest education
Share of workers
Education & work pattern
Part-time
30%
Female rate
15%
Median age
41
2030 & 2035 employment outlook
to 2030
+5%
3,587 projected jobs
to 2035
+11%
6,949 projected jobs
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OSCA skill level 4
A classification attribute describing the occupation; it is not a personal eligibility or qualification decision.
Registration or licensing
Registration or licensing is required.
Official VET pathways
Certificate II in Security Operations
Occupation ready
Certificate III in Security Operations
Specialised training
Certificate III in Technical Security
Specialised training
Certificate III in Close Protection Operations
Specialised training
Certificate IV in Security Management
Specialised training
Certificate IV in Government Security
Specialised training
Certificate II in Technical Security
Transferable skills
Real jobs right now
Live signal from SEEK, Indeed & moreCurrent vacancy signal
QLD · May 2026
173
ACT · May 2026
73
VIC · May 2026
204
NT · May 2026
17
SA · May 2026
62
NSW · May 2026
259
Where could this career take you?
Compare state-level shortage signals, salary context, study options and visa information for Security Officer.
Regional demand
Largest employment base
#1 Melbourne - West
4,176 estimated employed
- 1
Melbourne - West
4,176 employed
VIC
+14.38%
year on year
- 2
Melbourne - North West
2,773 employed
VIC
+9.17%
year on year
- 3
Perth - South East
2,483 employed
WA
-6.55%
year on year
- 4
Melbourne - South East
2,409 employed
VIC
+12.89%
year on year
- 5
Adelaide - North
2,239 employed
SA
+2.47%
year on year
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Ranked by current shortage signal and projected employment growth.
Workers in this occupation
41,035
Moved in from another occupation
7,715
Moved to another occupation
5,140
Recommendation score: shortage = 2 points, no shortage = 1 point, plus 1 point for each 10% of projected growth to 2035.
- 1
4
points
- 2
3
points
- 3
3
points
- 4
3
points
- 5
3
points
Data status
- Classification
- OSCA 452238
- Last updated
- Refresh pending
- Sources
- Jobs and Skills Australia OSL · Jobs and Skills Australia DOM · ABS OSCA · OSCA 2024 — Jobs and Skills Australia
Labour-market data coverage
- Shortage signal and drivers: JSA Occupation Shortage List (ANZSCO unit group where applicable).
- Work profile, state distribution and education: JSA Occupation Profiles (ANZSCO mapped).
- Regional employment: JSA NERO, June 2026.
- Career-move observations: JSA DOM, last available 2020–21. Observed Australian worker transitions are not personalised recommendations; many contractors and sole traders are excluded, as are transitions below 10 workers.
- Vacancy signal: JSA Internet Vacancy Index, 3-month average (ANZSCO unit group).
- Employment outlook: JSA employment projections (ANZSCO unit group).
- Training pathways: JSA Training Occupation Pathways.
Data confidence: estimate. A missing CSOL flag is not a finding of visa ineligibility; check the current Home Affairs list.