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MASE Firearms Career and Pay Comparison Report

Reviewed October 8, 2026. Career planning information. No average armed-pay premium was established; chart examples are not job offers.

A progression, not an automatic promotion

  1. Guard registration and required foundational training.
  2. On-the-job communication, reporting and site readiness.
  3. Decide whether a specific role requires specialist qualifications.
  4. Approved training, assessment, application and permit approval for armed duties.
  5. Employer screening, post onboarding and continuing qualification.

This is a career pathway, not a historical wage time series. Leadership and specialist unarmed roles remain valid alternatives.

National security-guard wage context

May 2025 BLS data combine armed and unarmed guards nationwide. Thresholds are not minimum/maximum salaries and do not establish a local armed premium.

MeasureAnnual dollars
Bottom 10% earn less than$30,210
Median$38,020
Top 10% earn more than$58,840

BLS source. Broad occupation evidence, not MASE pay.

Hypothetical offer differences

Illustrative baseline: $20/hour. Compare equivalent offers; no claim that these rates are available or typical.

Comparison offerDifferenceIncrease
$22/hour$2/hour10%
$24/hour$4/hour20%
$26/hour$6/hour30%

Increase = (new rate − current rate) ÷ current rate × 100. Deduct additional qualification costs and compare hours, benefits and travel before deciding.

Role questions to ask an employer

Armed guarding: what permit and screening are required? Armored transport: what driving and handling duties apply? Executive protection: what experience and carry authorization fit the assignment? Houses of worship: what does the assessment recommend, and who approves the security plan?

Firearms permit requirements · Baton requirements · Apply for MASE employment review

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