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Unarmed vs. Armed Security: Which Pays More in Washington State? (2025 Guide)

If you're considering a career in private security in Washington State, one of the biggest questions you may have is:“Should I stay unarmed or get my armed certification—and will it actually pay more?”

The short answer: Yes, armed security guards almost always earn more.But the real question is: How much more, and is it worth the extra training and responsibility?

In this guide, we compare pay, training, job opportunities, and long-term benefits so you can decide the best path for your career and income.


Unarmed Security Guard – Overview

What They Do:

  • Patrol properties

  • Monitor cameras

  • Control access points

  • Report incidents

  • Provide customer service

  • Observe and deter crime


Where They Work:

  • Retail stores

  • Office buildings

  • Hospitals

  • Schools

  • Events

  • Residential communities


Requirements:

  • Must be at least 18

  • Washington State unarmed security license

  • 8 hours of pre-assignment training

  • Background check & fingerprints


Average Pay in Washington:

  • $17–$22/hr (depending on city & employer)

  • Entry level may start around $16/hr

  • Experienced guards can reach $23/hr+


Armed Security Guard – Overview

What They Do (In addition to unarmed duties):

  • Protect high-value assets

  • Transport money/valuables

  • Handle high-risk situations

  • Respond to threats

  • May work with law enforcement


Where They Work:

  • Banks

  • Government facilities

  • Cannabis businesses

  • High-risk locations

  • Executive protection

  • Critical infrastructure


Requirements:

  • Must be at least 21

  • Valid unarmed license

  • Firearms training & qualification

  • Armed guard license endorsement

  • Clean criminal record

  • Possibly an Alien Firearm License (if not a U.S. citizen)


Average Pay in Washington:

  • $22–$30/hr (or more)

  • Specialized roles: $32–$40/hr

  • Executive protection: $50+/hr

✅ On average, Washington armed guards earn $5–$10 more per hour than unarmed guards!


Why Armed Guards Get Paid More

Here’s why the raise is real:

✅ Higher Risk = Higher Pay

✅ More Training & Skill Required

✅ Legal Liability & Responsibility

✅ Fewer Qualified Candidates

✅ Employers rely on them for critical roles


Career Growth: Unarmed vs. Armed

Unarmed Guards:

  • Easier to start

  • Great entry-level opportunity

  • Limited advancement

  • Often part-time or contract work


Armed Guards:

  • More full-time positions

  • Higher-level security jobs

  • Leadership or supervisor roles

  • Entry into law enforcement or executive protection

  • Specialized certifications = BIG raises

Role

Starting Pay

5-Year Potential

Unarmed Guard

$17/hr

$20–$23/hr

Armed Guard

$22/hr

$30–$40+/hr

Armed + Specialized (EP, Tactical, Executive)

$30/hr

$50+/hr

Over 5 years, that’s a difference of $40,000–$80,000 or more in total earnings.


✅ YES… it’s worth it!


But armed security isn’t for everyone. Consider:

Pros:

✅ Higher pay

✅ More job options

✅ More respect & responsibility

✅ Promotion opportunities

✅ Stepping stone to law enforcement


Cons:

⚠️ More responsibility

⚠️ Legal liability

⚠️ Annual firearm qualification required

⚠️ Must always remain alert and professional


Pro Tip: Stack Certifications to Boost Pay Even More

Whether you’re unarmed or armed, adding certifications can increase your value:

  • Pepper Spray / OC Certification

  • Baton Certification

  • First Aid / CPR / AED

  • Defensive Tactics

  • De-escalation Training

  • Report Writing

  • Executive Protection Training

  • 1:1 Tactical Skills Training


The more you know, the more you earn.

Employers LOVE guards who are trained, reliable, and versatile.


Which One Should YOU Choose?

Ask yourself:

Do you want a starting job with easy entry? → UnarmedDo you want a long-term security career with higher pay? → ArmedDo you want leadership, specialized roles, or executive protection? → Armed + advanced training


How to Get Started on Either Path

✅ Step 1: Get your Unarmed Security Guard License

✅ Step 2: Get hired (or get a conditional offer)

✅ Step 3: Complete required training

✅ Step 4: Upgrade to Armed Certification (optional but recommended)

✅ Step 5: Add additional certifications to increase your pay even more


At Blueridge Advance Solutions, we offer:

✔ Unarmed Security Guard Training

✔ Armed Guard Certification

✔ Pepper Spray Certification

✔ First Aid/CPR Courses

✔ 1:1 Specialized Tactical Training

✔ Career Guidance & Job Prep


Final Verdict: So… which pays more?

💰 Armed Security Guards WIN.On average, armed guards in Washington State earn $5–$15 more per hour than unarmed guards, with even higher pay in specialized roles.

If you want higher income, better job security, and more career options, upgrading to armed guard certification is one of the BEST moves you can make.


Ready to Level Up?

Whether you're starting out or ready to move from unarmed to armed, we can walk you through every step.


👉 Learn more about our Unarmed and Armed Security Training Programs

👉 Contact us for upcoming course dates

👉 Or schedule a 1:1 consultation to plan your career path

Blueridge Advance Solutions — Train. Certify. Get Hired. Get Paid.

 
 
 

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