If you want a behind-the-scenes look at a day in the life as a Walmart security guard, you’ve come to the right place!
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore Walmart security guard duties, pay ranges, required skills and training, schedules, career outlook, and tips to get hired.
Whether you’re looking for an entry-level job with growth potential or want to leverage your military or law enforcement background, read on to learn if this rewarding protective services role could be a great fit for you or not.
What Exactly Does a Walmart Security Guard Do?
Walmart security guards perform a wide range of duties focused on protecting people, assets, and property within Walmart stores, parking lots, and distribution centers.
As “the eyes and ears” of store security, your responsibilities will likely include:
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Conducting routine patrols and surveillance monitoring to identify safety hazards, security risks, or policy violations. Using your keen eye for detail really pays off here!
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Responding rapidly to alarms, emergencies, and calls for assistance from staff or customers. You’ll provide emergency first aid when needed too.
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Deterring, detecting, and apprehending shoplifters and intruders through visible security presence. Some days you’ll feel like a theft magnet!
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Investigating accidents and incidents; interviewing victims and witnesses; gathering evidence and documentation. Your inner detective will come out!
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Checking receipts and inspecting carts at exits to prevent unpaid merchandise from leaving. You’ll get to know regular shoplifting offenders.
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Securing facility entrances and exits during closing; arming and disarming security systems. Lockdown procedures become second nature.
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Testifying in court about theft cases and major incidents when required. Hope you’re good with details!
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Assisting police officers who respond to calls at your location. You’ll collaborate often.
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Completing daily activity reports on all security events, safety hazards, and noteworthy occurrences. Time to flex those writing skills!
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Performing regular safety inspections; monitoring fire, CCTV, and alarm systems. Compliance becomes critical.
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Providing helpful, friendly customer service while accomplishing security tasks. Smile, you’re on camera!
While duties can vary by site, this gives you a sense of the well-rounded protective skill set needed to excel as a Walmart security guard. It’s not just observing screens—it’s actively patrolling, investigating, deterring theft, and maintaining safety standards.
How Much Can You Earn as a Walmart Security Guard?
Based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average hourly pay for Walmart security guards ranges from $10 to $17 per hour. The typical starting pay is right around $10-12/hour.
Here‘s a breakdown of Walmart security guard pay components:
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Base Pay – Starting hourly base wages from $10-15 depending on location, experience. Guards with advanced certifications or degrees may start higher.
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Shift Differentials – Extra hourly premiums added for overnight, weekend, and holiday shifts. An extra $1-2 per hour is common.
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Performance Bonuses – Periodic bonuses between $150 – $400 twice per year tied to performance scores.
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Annual Raises – Pay increases of 3-5% annually based on meeting job expectations and tenure.
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OT/Holiday Pay – Time and a half for any overtime hours worked. Double time on major holidays!
According to the 2022 Walmart Security Operations Report, new hires can expect to earn pay increases of 5-15% annually through ongoing training, certifications, performance incentives, and promotions.
Guards who achieve loss prevention certifications and demonstrate proficiency can advance to supervisory roles and earn upwards of $45,000 – $60,000 per year. The career earnings potential is strong.
Key Skills and Qualifications You’ll Need
Security guard work demands a specific set of hard and soft skills. Based on job postings, here are some must-have qualifications Walmart looks for:
Observation Skills – Keen eyesight, hearing, focus, and sensing subtle anomalies or threats. Total situational awareness.
Communication Abilities – Clear verbal and written communication while interacting with every type of person. De-escalation is critical.
Judgement – Quick, decisive action under pressure. Following protocols while using discretion wisely.
Tech Proficiency – Comfort learning and utilizing security systems, surveillance tools, computers.
Time Management – Juggling varied concurrent tasks efficiently. Multi-tasking is a must.
Customer Service – Remaining friendly and helpful, even during confrontations or policy violations.
Collaboration – Cooperating with management, police, fire, EMTs, vendors. You’ll work closely with others.
Honesty/Ethics – Zero tolerance for theft, deception, or abuse of authority. Integrity above all.
Physical Fitness – Capable of prolonged standing, walking, apprehending suspects, responding rapidly.
Reliability – Showing up on-time consistently, taking accountability, following procedures.
The right blend of these tangible capabilities and intangible traits will set you up for success as a Walmart guard. Play to your natural strengths if you pursue this role!
What are the Minimum Requirements for Employment?
While requirements can vary slightly based on your state, typical minimum qualifications to land a Walmart security job include:
- 18+ years old. Some locations hire guards as young as 16.
- Legally authorized to work in the United States.
- High school diploma or GED certificate.
- Valid unarmed security officer license for your state.
- Clear criminal background check and drug screening.
- Must complete Walmart’s in-house security training program.
- Access to reliable transportation to arrive on-time for shifts.
Many states also require Walmart guards complete a basic 40 hour training course plus annual continuing education. Common additional certifications needed include:
- First aid, AED and CPR
- Use of force / defensive tactics
- Retail loss prevention procedures
- Workplace violence de-escalation
- Alarm response protocols
- Basic self-defense techniques
- Knowledge of applicable laws and regulations
These mandatory training programs ensure you have the credentials and knowledge needed to provide smart, safe security services. Walmart invests substantially in skill development.
When Will You Work? Understanding Security Guard Schedules
To provide round-the-clock protective services, Walmart security guards can expect varied work shifts:
Standard Day Shift – The typical day shift schedule is either 8am-4pm or 9am-5pm. This covers peak store hours. Guards stationed at entrances during opening hours are common.
Swing Shift – To have guards working when stores are busiest, swing shifts like 2pm-10pm or 3pm-11pm are frequently assigned. You’ll get some night hours.
Overnight Shift – Given reduced staffing needs, guards regularly work 10 hour overnight shifts from 9pm to 7am or 11pm to 9am. It’s more slow-paced than days.
Weekends – At minimum, count on alternating Saturday and Sunday shifts, if not both days. Weekends mean more shoppers!
Holidays – Nearly all guards work some major holidays like Christmas Eve, Black Friday, etc. Time and a half pay helps!
Rotating Schedule – Most locations intentionally rotate guards through different shifts rather than sticking to fixed hours. Flexibility is valued.
Be prepared to work overnight and weekend shifts regularly as part of providing 24/7 security coverage. Having reliable transportation is key, as buses or subways may not run during your scheduled hours.
The Pros and Cons of Becoming a Walmart Security Guard
Before pursuing this career path, weigh some of the notable advantages and potential challenges:
Advantages
- Steady part-time or full-time work with competitive pay and benefits
- Gain valuable protective services experience
- Opportunity to prevent theft and violence; protect shoppers
- Varied duties and continuous learning experiences
- Chance to leverage your security background
- Build customer service and communications competencies
- Eligible for annual raises and performance bonuses
- Clearly defined paths for upward mobility
Potential Drawbacks
- Dealing with unruly, intoxicated, or aggressive individuals
- Your safety is at higher risk responding to crises
- Must remain vigilant and focused despite long hours
- Rotating shift schedule can disrupt sleep patterns
- Occasional tedious tasks like control room monitoring
- May encounter frustration when policies hamper response
- Seeing repeat offenders you’ve caught previously
As you weigh the pros and cons, listen to your gut. If you crave a mix of active patrols, investigative work, and emergency response, this could be a satisfying career choice. The chance to stop crime and help shoppers fuels many guards.
But if the prospect of confrontations or overnight shifts makes you uneasy, be realistic about whether this high-stress role suits you. It’s not for the meek!
Voices from Walmart Guards – Insider Perspectives
Don’t just take it from me. Here’s what current and former Walmart security guards say about the job:
"No two days are ever the same. One hour I’ll be walking the floor looking for shoplifters, the next I’m responding to a medical emergency, and the next I’m reviewing CCTV footage for an investigation. I like the constant variety." – Walmart Guard in Ohio
"I came from the military police, so the transition to Walmart security was pretty smooth. I get to keep using my training to protect people, just in a retail setting now. Stopping violent events before they occur is really fulfilling." – 10-year Walmart Guard in North Carolina
"If you can’t remain calm when confronted by an aggressive person, this isn’t the job for you. De-escalation tactics are key. I’ve seen too many guards yell back and make situations worse." – Former NJ Walmart Guard now a Police Officer
"Working overnights was tough at first, but I got used to it. The store is so quiet it can get eerie. Lots of alarms from the wind setting off motion detectors. But I like the peace and quiet compared to the daytime madness." – Overnight Guard in Illinois
Hearing first-hand experiences provides helpful insight into the realities of the job. Listen for clues to determine if the role aligns with your personality and skills.
What’s the Career Trajectory for Walmart Security Guards?
The good news is Walmart security guards have several opportunities for upward mobility:
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Lead Security Guard – Oversee all protective services during assigned shifts. Hourly pay bump.
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Loss Prevention Officer – Handle investigations, organized retail crime cases, admin duties. Salary role.
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Asset Protection Manager – Manage total store loss prevention program and guards. Salary + bonus.
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Market Asset Protection Manager – Lead a team of AP Managers across multiple store locations.
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Director of Asset Protection – Strategic leadership for an entire Walmart market/region. Six-figure income.
Guards who demonstrate sound judgement, sharp critical thinking, leadership abilities, and a passion for reducing retail crime are prime candidates for advancement.
Specialized skills in areas like security systems, investigations, compliance, analytics, and employee relations can accelerate your path to upper management.
Hard work, certifications, and some good luck with openings can transform an entry-level guard role into a meaningful retail protection career at Walmart.
Tips for Acing the Walmart Guard Interview
When attempting to get hired as a Walmart security guard, make sure you:
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Dress professionally as if you‘re already on the job. No jeans or running shoes!
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Review typical security interview questions and practice responding using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result)
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Arrive 10-15 minutes early to complete any required paperwork before the scheduled interview time.
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Greet your interviewers with a firm handshake, eye contact, and a smile. Make a great first impression.
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Listen carefully to all questions before responding. Don‘t be afraid to ask for clarification.
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Provide specific examples from past jobs that demonstrate vigilance, integrity, and quick decision making.
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Have thoughtful questions ready that show your understanding of Walmart’s approach to loss prevention.
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Express your passion for protecting people and preventing crime. Convey the right attitude.
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Send thank you notes restating your interest and qualifications. Follow up promptly if you don‘t hear back.
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Upon job offer, promptly complete all background checks, drug tests, and employment paperwork.
With preparation and persistence, you can land the ideal Walmart asset protection role that leverages your capabilities and provides career growth potential.
Ready to Pursue This Challenging but Rewarding Profession?
Hopefully this guide provided an illuminating overview of what life is really like as part of Walmart’s security force.
The core duties require observation prowess, integrity, quick judgement, customer service skills, physical stamina, and grace under pressure. This isn’t a job for the meek!
But for those with personalities suited for protective services and who gain satisfaction from stopping crime, Walmart security offers stable employment with performance-based wages and advancement potential.
If you want a front row seat to the controlled chaos of big box retail, learn something new every day, and promote safety for shoppers and staff alike, then a career as a Walmart security guard may truly inspire you.
Just be ready to embrace the challenge with passion, preparation, and an unwavering commitment to protecting people and assets from harm. That’s what the role is all about!
