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Verified by MA Board of Public Safety

Security Guards Licensing in Massachusetts

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

Last verified: Feb 18, 2026

Current

Application Fee

See agency

Exam Requirement

Third-party exam required

Renewal Cycle

See board renewal rules

Licensing Blueprint for Security Guards in Massachusetts

Estimated timeline: Varies by board

Core Requirements

  1. 1

    Education: Degree required.

  2. 2

    Experience: Work experience required.

  3. 3

    Background/Criminal Review: No criminal record prohibitions.

  4. 4

    License Type: Stand-alone license.

Exam and processing details

  • Third-party exam required

Continuing education and program notes

  • Continuing education required to maintain license

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    Massachusetts Gaming Commission Massachusetts Gaming Commission

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $44,950 median (17% above national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #5 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (7)

  1. 1. Meet Massachusetts eligibility requirements for Security Guards licensure.
  2. 2. Complete required education or training: Degree required.
  3. 3. Document required supervised experience: Work experience required.
  4. 4. Pass required examination steps: Third-party exam required.
  5. 5. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: No criminal record prohibitions; Background/Criminal Review: No criminal record prohibitions.).
  6. 6. Submit the application to Massachusetts Gaming Commission Massachusetts Gaming Commission and monitor board communications.
  7. 7. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: Continuing education required to maintain license).

Salary Insights in Massachusetts

With a median salary of $44,950, Security Guardss in Massachusetts earn 17% above the national median of $38,370. Massachusetts ranks #5 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.

State Hiring Climate (QCEW)

Rising

QoQ Employment Change

+2.1%

Average Weekly Wage

$1,805

Median annual salary

$44,950

Hourly estimate

$21.61
17% above national median

Difference: +$6,580

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$36,090
  • P2525th percentile$38,390
  • P50Median$44,950
  • P7575th percentile$47,190
  • P9090th percentile$57,440

State vs National Median

State: $44,950
National: $38,370

Total employment: 24,100 | Annual openings: N/A

Security Guards Salary Ranking

#5 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
Massachusetts$44,950Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
New Hampshire$44,510Varies by state boardNo exam required18 years
Vermont$42,800No educational requirementsState exam requiredVaries by board
New York$42,680Varies by state boardNo exam requiredVaries by board
Connecticut$39,990Specific course requiredNo exam requiredVaries by board
Rhode Island$38,900Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries 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
Massachusetts50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
New Hampshire50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Vermont54LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
New York54LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Connecticut54LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Rhode Island50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
  • License status indicator: Active.
  • Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license.
  • Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Official Licensing Agency

Official website verified

Massachusetts Gaming Commission Massachusetts Gaming Commission

84 State Street, 10th Floor, Boston, MA, 02109

Phone: 6179798400

Related Careers in Massachusetts

ProfessionMedian SalaryEducationTimeline
Corrections Officer$78,830Varies by state boardVaries by board
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Acupuncturist$135,250Degree required1-18 years

FAQ

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

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 Massachusetts?

Massachusetts lists Third-party exam required as part of the licensure process for Security Guardss.

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

The board typically expects Degree required for Security Guards licensure in Massachusetts.

What is the typical Security Guards salary in Massachusetts?

The median annual salary for Security Guardss in Massachusetts is $44,950. Salaries range from $36,090 (10th percentile) to $57,440 (90th percentile).

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

Security Guardss in Massachusetts earn 17% above the national median of $38,370, with a state median of $44,950.

How many Security Guardss work in Massachusetts?

Massachusetts employs approximately 24,100 Security Guardss according to BLS data.

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

Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Who is the licensing agency for Security Guardss in Massachusetts?

The licensing agency is Massachusetts Gaming Commission Massachusetts Gaming Commission. Review agency details at https://massgaming.com/licensing/.

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

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