When it comes to the world of private security, one question crops up more than a flashlight during a power outage: do armed security guards make more than unarmed security guards? Especially in places like West Palm Beach, Florida, where tourism, real estate, and high-value properties create unique safety demands, this question holds both economic and occupational weight.
With Sherlock Holmes from Ali Private Investigator Tampa, let’s dive into the salary dynamics, training requirements, licensing differences, and market factors affecting earnings—and yes, we’re bringing local insight, labor data, and actionable takeaways along for the ride.
The Short Answer: Yes—But It’s Complicated
In general, armed security guards earn more than their unarmed counterparts across the United States, and this trend holds steady in West Palm Beach and the broader Palm Beach County area. But why is that the case? The higher paycheck isn’t just about carrying a firearm—it’s about risk, responsibility, regulation, and specialization.
Armed vs. Unarmed: What’s the Actual Difference?
In Florida, and especially in West Palm Beach, security roles are split by the level of force authorized and training completed. The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS)—which regulates security licensing in the state—requires different state licenses:
- Class D License – Required for all unarmed security guards in Florida.
- Class G License – Mandatory for armed guards. This license builds on the D license and includes firearms training and live-fire proficiency.
Armed guards often work in higher-risk environments such as:
- Banks and financial institutions
- Government facilities
- VIP events and gated communities
- Cannabis dispensaries (yes, they’re popping up in Palm Beach County too)
- High-end retail on Clematis Street or Worth Avenue
In contrast, unarmed guards might be found in roles like:
- Concierge/security at condos
- Front desk officers in office parks
- Parking enforcement near Downtown West Palm Beach
- Event staffing for cultural events or public gatherings
Salary Comparisons in West Palm Beach
So what’s the paycheck difference look like here in the Sunshine State’s Gold Coast?
According to data from Indeed, ZipRecruiter, and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, here’s a breakdown for West Palm Beach security personnel:
| Role | Average Hourly Rate | Annual Salary Estimate |
|---|---|---|
| Unarmed Security Guard | $14.00 – $17.50 | $29,000 – $36,000 |
| Armed Security Guard | $18.00 – $25.00+ | $38,000 – $52,000+ |
That’s a 20–40% pay bump, depending on experience and the employer.
Pro Tip for West Palm Beach Job Seekers:
Firms like Allied Universal, Sunstates Security, and G4S regularly post armed positions for corporate contracts in Palm Beach Gardens, Riviera Beach, and Wellington. A Class G license gets your foot in the higher-paying door.
What Drives the Pay Gap?
Let’s get into the nuts and bolts. Why do armed guards earn more? It boils down to five key factors:
1. Liability & Risk
Armed guards take on a significantly higher legal and operational risk. If force is used improperly, lawsuits are more severe. Employers compensate for that liability.
2. Training & Licensing Requirements
A Class G license requires 28 hours of firearms training, a state-issued background check, and ongoing annual requalification. That investment alone creates a premium.
3. Job Complexity
Armed roles often include threat assessment, crisis response, and asset protection—especially near sensitive locations like the Palm Beach International Airport (PBI) or Port of Palm Beach.
4. Client Expectations
Clients hiring armed personnel typically pay more for visible deterrence, insurance needs, and peace of mind—think luxury condo associations in West Palm Beach or financial firms along Flagler Drive.
5. Supply & Demand
There are fewer licensed armed guards available. And with rising concerns about safety in urban centers, demand is outpacing supply—driving wages upward.
The Local Angle: West Palm Beach Security Trends
Security in West Palm Beach has become more specialized over the past decade. The influx of New Yorkers relocating post-pandemic, combined with the expansion of high-net-worth communities, has raised the bar for security services.
Trends impacting local security roles include:
- Increased private patrols in gated communities like Ibis and Breakers West
- Armed escorts for estate showings in Palm Beach Island
- Security staffing surges during peak event seasons (SunFest, Art Palm Beach)
- Growth of maritime security tied to the marina and port activity
With more wealth and public events comes more demand for visible, trained protection—often armed.
For more, just visit https://aliprivateinvestigatortampa.com/.
Is It Worth Getting the Class G License?
If you’re already in the security field in West Palm Beach—or just thinking of entering it—the Class G license is a smart ROI.
Here’s why:
- Adds $4–8/hr to your average wage
- Opens up federal and government subcontractor roles
- Increases job security during off-seasons
- Makes you more competitive for executive protection work
And let’s be honest: in today’s economy, a small certification that unlocks a significant pay tier is a no-brainer.
Local Institutions That Offer Training
A few standout training academies in West Palm Beach and surrounding areas include:
- Secureas Training Academy – Lake Worth
- Florida Security School – West Palm Beach
- International Protective Services – Riviera Beach
Each of these provides both Class D and G licensing programs, with some offering job placement support.
Final Word: The Guard Pays to Carry Heat
So—do armed security guards make more than unarmed guards in West Palm Beach, Florida? Absolutely. But they also shoulder more risk, undergo more training, and serve in higher-stakes environments.
For security professionals ready to level up—or anyone mapping out a career pivot in the Palm Beach County area—the armed route is a legitimate path to better income and job mobility.
Just remember: with great power (and a sidearm) comes great paperwork. But hey, at least the pay compensates for the clip.
