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Security Guards

The short answer

This job is less likely to change much. Most of the work is the kind AI can't help with. In New York State, the number of these jobs is expected to hold steady over the next decade, with about 18,792 openings expected each year.

Step 1

Where your job stands

Compared with other New York jobs, this one is in the second least exposed fifth for how much AI could touch it. Most of what it involves isn't the kind of work AI can take over.

How much AI could touch this job

Less exposedband 2 of 5
least exposedmost exposed

Looking at the job itself, AI could help with about a quarter of this job's tasks.

What this means

Compared with other New York jobs, this one is in the second least exposed fifth, out of 656 jobs we could rank. Read more in the methodology.

Step 2

What AI can and can’t help with in this job

This job is in the second least exposed fifth of New York jobs for AI exposure. The tasks below show why: most of what it involves is work AI can't simply take over.

AI can help with or automate about 14% of the tasks in this job.

Tasks AI can help with or automate

  1. Write reports of daily activities and irregularities, such as equipment or property damage, theft, presence of unauthorized persons, or unusual occurrences.

    AI could do much of this on its own

  2. Answer telephone calls to take messages, answer questions, and provide information during non-business hours or when switchboard is closed.

    AI could do much of this on its own

Tasks AI can't do much of

  1. Lock doors and gates of entrances and exits to secure buildings.

    AI is unlikely to speed this up

  2. Patrol industrial or commercial premises to prevent and detect signs of intrusion and ensure security of doors, windows, and gates.

    AI is unlikely to speed this up

  3. Respond to medical emergencies by administering basic first aid or by obtaining assistance from paramedics.

    AI is unlikely to speed this up

  4. Answer alarms and investigate disturbances.

    AI is unlikely to speed this up

  5. Circulate among visitors, patrons, or employees to preserve order and protect property.

    AI is unlikely to speed this up

Step 3

Jobs you could switch to

If you're thinking about a change, these are jobs your experience already fits—related work you could move into. Pick your area to see local options.

See related jobs in

The closest matches by the skills they use—each has projected openings in New York State, pays within reach of your job now, and is no more exposed to AI than your job. Each card shows what the move would take.

  • Crossing Guards and Flaggers

    Very similar work
    +1% pay2,590 openings/yrLess exposed than your job now

    Pays about 1% more—$45,867 vs your $45,360 here.

    What the move takes

    Usually requires no formal educational credential, plus short-term on-the-job training.

    Getting ready typically takes up to about a year.

    Skills you already have

    • Oral Expression
    • Public Safety and Security
    • Oral Comprehension
    • Problem Sensitivity
    • Customer and Personal Service

    Your current skills largely cover this move.

  • Transportation Security Screeners

    Similar work
    +63% pay445 openings/yrAbout as exposed as your job now

    Pays about 63% more—$73,834 vs your $45,360 here.

    What the move takes

    Usually requires a high school diploma or equivalent, plus short-term on-the-job training.

    Getting ready typically takes up to about a year.

    Skills you already have

    • Public Safety and Security
    • Problem Sensitivity
    • Customer and Personal Service
    • Selective Attention
    • Oral Comprehension

    New skills to build

    • Manual Dexterity
  • Correctional Officers and Jailers

    Similar work
    +74% pay3,072 openings/yrAbout as exposed as your job now

    Pays about 74% more—$78,765 vs your $45,360 here.

    What the move takes

    Usually requires a high school diploma or equivalent, plus moderate-term on-the-job training.

    Getting ready typically takes up to about a year.

    Skills you already have

    • Public Safety and Security
    • English Language
    • Customer and Personal Service
    • Computers and Electronics
    • Problem Sensitivity

    New skills to build

    • Speed of Limb Movement
    • Social Perceptiveness
    • Manual Dexterity
    • Inductive Reasoning
  • Firefighters

    Similar work
    +128% pay1,622 openings/yrAbout as exposed as your job now

    Pays about 128% more—$103,521 vs your $45,360 here.

    What the move takes

    A step up—usually requires a postsecondary nondegree award, plus long-term on-the-job training.

    Getting ready typically takes one to two years.

    Skills you already have

    • Customer and Personal Service
    • Public Safety and Security
    • Education and Training
    • English Language
    • Problem Sensitivity

    New skills to build

    • Mechanical
    • Building and Construction
    • Reaction Time
    • Multilimb Coordination
    • Control Precision