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Verified by IA Board of Public Safety

Security Guards Licensing in Iowa

Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for security guards in Iowa, including See agency and board contact links.

Last verified: Feb 18, 2026

Current

Application Fee

See agency

Exam Requirement

No exam required

Renewal Cycle

See board renewal rules

Licensing Blueprint for Security Guards in Iowa

Estimated timeline: Varies by board

Core Requirements

  1. 1

    Education: Specific course required.

  2. 2

    Background/Criminal Review: Specific type of conviction prohibited.

  3. 3

    Certification: Certification required.

  4. 4

    License Type: Stand-alone license.

Exam and processing details

  • No exam required

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    Iowa Department of Public Safety • Program Services Bureau

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $37,380 median (3% below national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #33 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (5)

  1. 1. Meet Iowa eligibility requirements for Security Guards licensure.
  2. 2. Complete required education or training: Specific course required.
  3. 3. Pass required examination steps: No exam required.
  4. 4. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: Specific type of conviction prohibited; Background/Criminal Review: Specific type of conviction prohibited.).
  5. 5. Submit the application to Iowa Department of Public Safety~Program Services Bureau and monitor board communications.

Salary Insights in Iowa

With a median salary of $37,380, Security Guardss in Iowa earn 3% below the national median of $38,370. Iowa ranks #33 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.

State Hiring Climate (QCEW)

Rising

QoQ Employment Change

+2.4%

Average Weekly Wage

$1,154

Median annual salary

$37,380

Hourly estimate

$17.97
3% below national median

Difference: -$990

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$30,810
  • P2525th percentile$34,740
  • P50Median$37,380
  • P7575th percentile$44,250
  • P9090th percentile$49,710

State vs National Median

State: $37,380
National: $38,370

Total employment: 6,450 | Annual openings: N/A

Security Guards Salary Ranking

#33 of 50 statesfor Security Guards median salary
RankStateMedian Salary
#1Alaska$48,620
#2Washington$48,010
#3Colorado$46,080
#4Minnesota$46,020
#5Massachusetts$44,950

Nearby States Comparison

Security Guards licensing across the region
StateMedian SalaryEducationExamTimeline
Iowa$37,380Specific course requiredNo exam requiredVaries by board
Minnesota$46,020Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board
Wisconsin$39,110No educational requirementsNo exam requiredVaries by board
Illinois$38,630Specific course requiredState exam requiredVaries by board
Missouri$40,680Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Nebraska$38,940Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board
South Dakota$37,010Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board

License by Endorsement

Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.

StateReciprocity ScoreTierNotes
Iowa62MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply. Background check or criminal history review is indicated.
Minnesota78HighBoard-specific review required.
Wisconsin54LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Illinois50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Missouri54LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Nebraska78HighBoard-specific review required.
  • License status indicator: Active.
  • Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Official Licensing Agency

Official website verified

Iowa Department of Public Safety • Program Services Bureau

Department of Public Safety Building, 215 East 7th Street, Des Moines, IA, 50319

Phone: 5157256230

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Related Careers in Iowa

ProfessionMedian SalaryEducationTimeline
Corrections Officer$51,420Specific course requiredVaries by board
Firefighter$55,190Specific course requiredVaries by board
Police Officer$73,900Specific course requiredVaries by board
Acupuncturist$78,140Specific course requiredVaries by board

FAQ

How long does it take to become a Security Guards in Iowa?

Most applicants finish the licensing path in about Varies by board, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.

What exams are required for Security Guardss in Iowa?

Iowa lists No exam required as part of the licensure process for Security Guardss.

What education do you need to become a Security Guards in Iowa?

The board typically expects Specific course required for Security Guards licensure in Iowa.

What is the typical Security Guards salary in Iowa?

The median annual salary for Security Guardss in Iowa is $37,380. Salaries range from $30,810 (10th percentile) to $49,710 (90th percentile).

How does the Security Guards salary in Iowa compare to the national average?

Security Guardss in Iowa earn 3% below the national median of $38,370, with a state median of $37,380.

How many Security Guardss work in Iowa?

Iowa employs approximately 6,450 Security Guardss according to BLS data.

Can I transfer my Security Guards license to Iowa from another state?

Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Who is the licensing agency for Security Guardss in Iowa?

The licensing agency is Iowa Department of Public Safety / Program Services Bureau. Review agency details at http://www.dps.state.ia.us/asd/licensing.shtml.

How often do you renew a Security Guards license in Iowa?

Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.