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Security Guards Licensing in New York

Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for security guards in New York, 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 New York

Estimated timeline: Varies by board

Core Requirements

  1. 1

    Experience: No experience required.

  2. 2

    Background/Criminal Review: No criminal record prohibitions.

  3. 3

    Physical Requirement: No physical requirements.

  4. 4

    License Type: Register with licensing agency.

Exam and processing details

  • No exam required

Continuing education and program notes

  • No continuing education requirement to maintain license

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    NYS Department of State • Division of Licensing Services • One Commerce Plaza

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $42,680 median (11% above national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #11 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (7)

  1. 1. Meet New York eligibility requirements for Security Guards licensure.
  2. 2. Complete approved education or training requirements.
  3. 3. Document required supervised experience: No experience required.
  4. 4. Pass required examination steps: No 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 NYS Department of State~Division of Licensing Services~One Commerce Plaza and monitor board communications.
  7. 7. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: No continuing education requirement to maintain license).

Salary Insights in New York

With a median salary of $42,680, Security Guardss in New York earn 11% above the national median of $38,370. New York ranks #11 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.

State Hiring Climate (QCEW)

Steady

QoQ Employment Change

+1.1%

Average Weekly Wage

$1,739

Median annual salary

$42,680

Hourly estimate

$20.52
11% above national median

Difference: +$4,310

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$35,630
  • P2525th percentile$37,050
  • P50Median$42,680
  • P7575th percentile$50,270
  • P9090th percentile$60,150

State vs National Median

State: $42,680
National: $38,370

Total employment: 132,140 | Annual openings: N/A

Security Guards Salary Ranking

#11 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
New York$42,680Varies by state boardNo exam requiredVaries by board
Vermont$42,800No educational requirementsState exam requiredVaries by board
Massachusetts$44,950Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Connecticut$39,990Specific course requiredNo exam requiredVaries by board
New Jersey$38,720Specific course requiredNo exam requiredVaries by board
Pennsylvania$37,680No educational requirementsNo 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
New York54LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Vermont54LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Massachusetts50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Connecticut54LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
New Jersey50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Pennsylvania54LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
  • License status indicator: Active.
  • Continuing education indicator: No continuing education requirement to maintain license.
  • Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Official Licensing Agency

Official website verified

NYS Department of State • Division of Licensing Services • One Commerce Plaza

99 Washington Avenue, P.O. Box 22001, Albany, NY, 12201

Phone: 5184744429

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ProfessionMedian SalaryEducationTimeline
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Police Officer$93,050Specific course requiredVaries by board
Acupuncturist$93,610Varies by state boardVaries by board

FAQ

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

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 New York?

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

What is the typical Security Guards salary in New York?

The median annual salary for Security Guardss in New York is $42,680. Salaries range from $35,630 (10th percentile) to $60,150 (90th percentile).

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

Security Guardss in New York earn 11% above the national median of $38,370, with a state median of $42,680.

How many Security Guardss work in New York?

New York employs approximately 132,140 Security Guardss according to BLS data.

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

Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Continuing education indicator: No continuing education requirement 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 New York?

The licensing agency is NYS Department of State / Division of Licensing Services / One Commerce Plaza. Review agency details at https://www.dos.ny.gov/.

How often do you renew a Security Guards license in New York?

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