Explore how your federal experience as a Security Guard (GS-0085) translates into civilian opportunities — including salary comparisons, transferable skills, certifications, and top employers.
Understand how your GS level aligns with common corporate roles, responsibilities, and compensation. This helps frame your experience in terms that civilian employers recognize.
| GS Level Group | Corporate Titles | Responsibilities | Salary Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-4 | Junior Security Officer, Security Assistant, Security Technician | Assist in maintaining a safe environment by monitoring entrance and exit points, conducting regular patrols, and reporting security incidents under supervision. | $30,000 - $40,000 |
| 5-7 | Security Officer, Security Coordinator, Loss Prevention Officer | Supervise security operations, conduct investigations for security breaches, and implement safety protocols. May lead a team of lower-level security personnel and coordinate responses to incidents. | $40,000 - $60,000 |
| 8-9 | Senior Security Officer, Security Supervisor, Physical Security Specialist | Oversee daily security operations, develop and conduct employee training on safety practices, and liaise with law enforcement on significant security issues. Responsible for creating and enforcing security policies. | $60,000 - $80,000 |
| 10-11 | Security Manager, Security Operations Manager, Corporate Risk Manager | Manage security programs and staff, conduct risk assessments, develop emergency response protocols, and ensure compliance with safety regulations and company policies. Handle interaction with executives on security concerns. | $80,000 - $100,000 |
| 12-13 | Director of Security, Chief Security Officer, Security Program Director | Direct and oversee the organization's security strategy, implement advanced security procedures, ensure physical and cybersecurity measures are integrated, and manage security budgets and resources across multiple locations. | $100,000 - $130,000 |
| 14-15 | Vice President of Security, Senior Vice President of Corporate Safety, Global Security Director | Establish security policies at a corporate level, lead security strategy development across all divisions, collaborate with executive teams to align security initiatives with organizational goals, and represent security interests in international operations. | $130,000 - $160,000 |
| SES | Chief Security Officer (CSO), Executive Director of Global Security | Provide executive leadership in developing security policies, assess risks on a global scale, and integrate security into corporate governance while ensuring senior management accountability for security initiatives. | $160,000 - $200,000 |
Highlight the skills you've developed in federal service that directly apply to private sector roles. These core strengths help you stand out in interviews and on resumes.
Explore certifications and academic paths that enhance your value in the civilian job market. These credentials can bridge gaps and validate your expertise to employers.
Certified Protection Professional (CPP)
The CPP certification is recognized globally and demonstrates a professional’s knowledge and skills in security management. Achieving this credential can make a candidate more attractive to civilian employers by highlighting their commitment to the security field and their ability to implement security systems and manage security teams effectively.
Physical Security Professional (PSP)
The PSP certification focuses on physical security assessments, application, and integration of physical security systems, and implementation of security measures. Holding a PSP signifies expertise in safeguarding facilities, which is critical for many positions in the civilian security sector, thereby enhancing job prospects.
Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
While primarily an IT security certification, the CISSP demonstrates a wide range of security knowledge, including risk management and security architecture that can complement physical security roles. Civilian organizations value this credential, as it shows a well-rounded understanding of security in both physical and digital realms.
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Certification
OSHA certifications show commitment to workplace safety, a crucial aspect of the security guard role that ensures compliance with safety regulations. Civilian employers find this certification beneficial as it indicates the ability to identify hazards and implement safety protocols, enhancing overall workplace safety.
First Aid/CPR/AED Certification
This certification is vital for security guards, providing crucial skills in emergency response and ensuring the safety of individuals in various scenarios. Employers in the civilian sector often prefer candidates with such certifications, as they enhance the overall safety and readiness of security teams.
Crisis Prevention Institute (CPI) Certification
The CPI certification provides training in de-escalation techniques and managing aggressive behaviors safely and effectively. This certification is valuable for civilian security roles where conflict resolution and maintaining order are pivotal, giving candidates an edge in crisis situations.
Guard Card or State License
Obtaining a guard card or state-issued license is mandatory in many states for security personnel and confirms compliance with local regulations. This certification enhances a candidate's credibility and ensures they meet the necessary legal requirements to work in various civilian security settings.
Security Management Certificate from a Recognized Institution
A certificate in security management provides foundational knowledge in security principles and practices, making it an excellent educational credential for transitioning from a federal security role. This type of formal education is valued by civilian employers as it showcases theoretical knowledge alongside practical experience.
Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice or Security Management
Having a degree in criminal justice or a related field provides a comprehensive understanding of the legal aspects and practices pertinent to security work. Such educational backgrounds can set candidates apart in the civilian sector, indicating a higher level of professionalism and dedication to the field.
See which companies and industries commonly hire professionals with your background. Use this insight to focus your job search and tailor your applications.
Get practical strategies to navigate the shift from federal to private sector work. Learn how to present your experience and avoid common transition pitfalls.
Stay informed on how your field is evolving and where opportunities are growing. These trends can guide your next steps and help you future-proof your career.
Transitioning from a federal GS-0085 Security Guard role to a private sector job can be an exciting opportunity for growth and new challenges. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you navigate this transition successfully, including key mindset shifts, practical advice on resumes and interviews, networking strategies, and tips on translating your federal experience into language that resonates in the private sector.
Embrace Change: Transitioning from the federal sector to private industry means adapting to a different culture and work environment. Be open to new experiences, workflows, and expectations.
Value Your Skills: Understand that your skills as a security guard—awareness, vigilance, conflict resolution, and customer service—are valuable. Recognize how they translate to roles in the private sector, such as risk management, safety compliance, or facility management.
Be Client-Focused: In the private sector, there is often a stronger emphasis on customer satisfaction and service. Shift your mindset from a compliance-focused perspective to understanding client needs and how to meet them effectively.
Translate Your Experience: Federal job titles and terminology can be unfamiliar to hiring managers in the private sector. Translate your duties into more common industry terms. For example:
Highlight Achievements: Quantify your accomplishments. Use metrics whenever possible. For example, “Reduced incidents by 50% through proactive safety measures” is more impactful than just stating duties.
Tailor Your Resume: Customize your resume for each job application, focusing on relevant skills and experiences that align with the job description. Use keywords from the job posting to increase your chances of passing through Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS).
Professional Summary: Start with a strong summary that highlights your years of experience, key skills, and what you bring to the new role. Make sure it communicates how you can add value to the prospective employer.
Prepare for Behavioral Questions: Many companies use behavioral interview techniques. Be ready to share specific examples that demonstrate your skills, using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result).
Communicate Your Experience: Articulate how your security background relates to the job you’re applying for. Focus on how your skills can improve safety, efficiency, or customer satisfaction in their environment.
Ask Questions: Use the interview as a two-way conversation. Prepare thoughtful questions that show your interest in the company and how they value employee contributions. For example, “How does this role contribute to the overall safety strategy of the company?”
Present Yourself Professionally: Treat the interview environment seriously. Dress appropriately for the industry and arrive on time. Your demeanor should reflect a professional attitude and eagerness to learn.
Expand Your Network: Begin networking in fields that interest you. Use LinkedIn to reach out to former colleagues, classmates, or veterans in industries you’re curious about.
Attend Industry Events: Look for local meet-ups, webinars, or industry conferences related to your field. Engaging in face-to-face interactions can help you build relationships and learn about opportunities firsthand.
Informational Interviews: Request informational interviews with professionals in roles you aspire to. Ask them about their day-to-day responsibilities, required skills, and advice for entering the field.
Volunteer for Extra Experience: Consider volunteer opportunities in related fields. This can enhance your resume and expand your professional network.
Focus on Transferable Skills: Consider transferable skills you gained in your federal role that align with private sector needs, such as:
Language Adjustment: Learn the private sector terminology that relates to your skills. This includes understanding differences in job titles (e.g., "Security Analyst" vs. "Security Guard") and responsibilities.
Certifications and Training Matches: If you’ve taken any specific training or certifications (like First Aid/CPR or security management courses), emphasize this on your resume, as many employers look for formal training in safety and security.
Use the ‘Why’ Statement: Craft a statement about why you want to transition from the federal role, emphasizing your desire for growth, new challenges, and your enthusiasm to bring your skills to a new environment.
Transitioning from a federal GS-0085 Security Guard role to a private sector job can seem daunting at first, but by embracing change and understanding how to present your skills, you can position yourself successfully. Remember, your background has given you a wealth of knowledge and experience that can be incredibly valuable in the private sector.
Stay positive and proactive in your job search, and don't hesitate to lean into your network for support. With your determination and the right strategies, you will find a fulfilling career path in the private sector.