Career guides / Careers in security

18 employers, including councils, central government and police, are seeking security professionals across the UK.

Types of security roles in the UK

The largest public sector employer for security roles is HM Prison and Probation Service, with prison officers encompassing a third of listings. You will also find roles across The Ministry of Defence and police forces.

The most common job titles advertised on Jobs Go Public for security staff include:

• Prison Officer
• Operational Support Grade
• Security Guard
• Security Officer
• CCTV Operator
• Police Officer
• Intelligence Officer
• Enforcement Officer
• Security Analyst
• Investigation / Fraud Officer

Salary overview for security jobs in the UK

Salaries for security roles vary by employer type and location. Progression and growth in salary typically come through experience and promotion within security occupations. Many roles in prisons also offer additional allowances for unsociable hours and pension supplements.

Typical average salary ranges in 2026:

• Entry level: £33,742 - £35,742 per year
• Mid-level: £42,410 - £46,160 per year
• Senior level: £73,376 - £80,634 per year

FAQs about security careers

How much do security jobs pay?

Pay varies significantly depending on the role type and level. Based on recent listings on Jobs Go Public, entry-level roles such as CCTV operators and security officers typically start between £22,000 and £27,000 per year.

Mid-level roles, including intelligence analysts and enforcement officers commonly sit in the £30,000–£45,000 range. Specialist and senior roles—such as cyber security analysts, security architects, and heads of security—can reach £60,000–£104,000 in central government.

What is a security job?

A security job involves protecting people, property, and information. In the public sector, roles range from security officers and CCTV operators guarding public buildings, to enforcement officers, intelligence analysts, and cyber security professionals working in central government and emergency services.

Some roles are site-based and uniformed; others are desk-based or technical. Our current listings span local authorities, civil service departments, and emergency services — so whether you're drawn to frontline work or specialist roles, there's real variety to explore.

How do I get a job in security?

For frontline security roles such as security officer, CCTV operator, or door supervisor, you'll need a valid Security Industry Authority (SIA) licence. To obtain one, complete an approved Level 2 training course (typically around six days), then apply online—the fee is currently £184 and the licence is valid for three years.

A DBS check is also required. For more specialist public sector roles such as intelligence analyst, enforcement officer, or cyber security professional, relevant qualifications or prior experience in the field are usually expected. Apprenticeship routes also exist for those starting out.

Is it hard to get a job in security?

Entry-level security roles are relatively accessible compared to many public sector positions—a valid SIA licence, clean DBS, and right to work in the UK are the core requirements for frontline roles.

The bigger challenge is often competition for specialist or senior roles in areas like cyber security, intelligence, or counter-terrorism, which require specific qualifications and experience. Public sector security roles in civil service and emergency services attract strong interest.

Having your SIA licence, first aid certification, and some relevant experience will make your application stand out.

What are the highest-paying security jobs?

The highest-paying security positions are found in central government and specialist fields. Top earners include Principal Security Architects (up to £104,000), Directors of Security and Resilience (up to £117,800), and Deputy Chief Constables (up to £142,000).

Senior cyber security professionals, heads of personnel security, and security risk leads typically earn between £60,000 and £87,000. These roles usually require significant experience, specialist qualifications, and security vetting. For those earlier in their career, progression through analyst and manager grades offers a clear route to higher salaries over time.

Is security a good job?

Public sector security roles offer a number of practical advantages. They tend to come with stable employment, access to the Local Government Pension Scheme or equivalent, and clear pay scales.

Frontline roles like security officer or CCTV operator offer accessible entry points for those without degrees, while the sector also provides long-term progression into management, intelligence, and cyber security.

Shift patterns mean flexible scheduling is possible for some. Whether it suits you depends on your preferences around working environment, hours, and career goals. Browse current security jobs on Jobs Go Public to get a real sense of what's available and what employers are offering.

Is security a public service job?

A significant proportion of security roles in the UK are public sector positions. Based on current listings on Jobs Go Public, around 75% of public sector security vacancies sit within central government, with a further 15% in local government and 8% in emergency services.

Public sector security roles cover a broad spectrum, from security officers protecting government buildings and CCTV operators in local councils, to intelligence analysts and cyber security professionals in civil service departments. These are roles that contribute directly to public safety and national security: purposeful work with genuine community impact.

What are entry level jobs in cyber security?

Entry points include Graduate Security Analyst roles (from around £30,000), Personnel Security Analyst positions (£33,000–£38,000), and Data Protection and Information Security Officer roles at local authority level (£37,000–£39,000).

These roles typically require a relevant degree or equivalent technical foundation, and many sit within civil service departments. From there, career progression moves through senior analyst and security architect grades, with experienced professionals reaching £70,000–£104,000.

What is a security officer's job description?

A security officer is responsible for keeping premises, staff, and visitors safe. Day-to-day duties typically include controlling access to buildings, monitoring CCTV, patrolling sites, responding to alarms, and writing incident reports.

In the public sector, you might be based at a council building, civic centre, school, or government facility. Shift work and evening hours are common. Most roles require a valid SIA licence and a DBS check. Responsibilities vary by employer, but the core purpose is consistent: maintaining a safe, secure environment.