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Security Guards Licensing in Ohio

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

Last verified: Feb 18, 2026

Current

Application Fee

See agency

Exam Requirement

State-approved exam

Renewal Cycle

See board renewal rules

Licensing Blueprint for Security Guards in Ohio

Estimated timeline: Varies by board

Core Requirements

  1. 1

    Certification: Certification required.

  2. 2

    License Type: Register with licensing agency.

  3. 3

    Please refer to the licensing authority or the Ohio Career Information System (OCIS) at (800) 700-6247 for more information on license requirements.

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    Ohio Department of Commerce • Division of Financial Institutions

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $36,180 median (6% below national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #39 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (4)

  1. 1. Meet Ohio eligibility requirements for Security Guards licensure.
  2. 2. Complete approved education or training requirements.
  3. 3. Pass required state examinations.
  4. 4. Submit the application to Ohio Department of Commerce~Division of Financial Institutions and monitor board communications.

Salary Insights in Ohio

With a median salary of $36,180, Security Guardss in Ohio earn 6% below the national median of $38,370. Ohio ranks #39 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.

State Hiring Climate (QCEW)

Rising

QoQ Employment Change

+1.9%

Average Weekly Wage

$1,256

Median annual salary

$36,180

Hourly estimate

$17.39
6% below national median

Difference: -$2,190

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$28,540
  • P2525th percentile$30,540
  • P50Median$36,180
  • P7575th percentile$43,190
  • P9090th percentile$61,940

State vs National Median

State: $36,180
National: $38,370

Total employment: 34,590 | Annual openings: N/A

Security Guards Salary Ranking

#39 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
Ohio$36,180Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board
Michigan$38,120No educational requirementsNo exam requiredVaries by board
Pennsylvania$37,680No educational requirementsNo exam requiredVaries by board
West Virginia$37,220No educational requirementsNo exam requiredVaries by board
Kentucky$35,520Degree requiredThird-party exam required1 month
Indiana$37,560Degree requiredState exam required18 years

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
Ohio78HighBoard-specific review required.
Michigan54LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Pennsylvania54LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
West Virginia54LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Kentucky50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Indiana54LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
  • License status indicator: Active.
  • Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Official Licensing Agency

Official website verified

Ohio Department of Commerce • Division of Financial Institutions

77 S. High Street, 23rd Floor, Columbus, OH, 43215

Phone: 6147288400

Visit Official WebsiteCall BoardOpen in Maps

Related Careers in Ohio

ProfessionMedian SalaryEducationTimeline
Corrections Officer$58,840Varies by state boardVaries by board
Firefighter$59,470Varies by state boardVaries by board
Police Officer$77,050Varies by state boardVaries by board
Acupuncturist$78,140Specific course requiredVaries by board

FAQ

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

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 is the typical Security Guards salary in Ohio?

The median annual salary for Security Guardss in Ohio is $36,180. Salaries range from $28,540 (10th percentile) to $61,940 (90th percentile).

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

Security Guardss in Ohio earn 6% below the national median of $38,370, with a state median of $36,180.

How many Security Guardss work in Ohio?

Ohio employs approximately 34,590 Security Guardss according to BLS data.

Can I transfer my Security Guards license to Ohio 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 Ohio?

The licensing agency is Ohio Department of Commerce / Division of Financial Institutions. Review agency details at https://www.com.ohio.gov/divisions-and-programs/financial-institutions.

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

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