Security Contractor Jobs (2024)

People will do anything for money. Even go to war. Mercenaries have been fighting in wars for all of recorded history. They do the military’s dirty work and are paid a huge paycheck for doing it. Mercenaries do more than you think. Today they are called security contractors…

Security Contractor Jobs (1)

Security contractors, commonly called mercenaries, perform security, intelligence, and combat across the globe for money. They can be found in every military hot spot – Afghanistan, Colombia, or Iraq. Private military companies like Blackwater Security, Military Professional Resources Inc., Sandline, Global Dynamics, or Triple Canopy hire these civilians to accompany and assist the military.

Security contractors are more than just guns for hire. They are professional soldiers who fight for money, not for a nation or a cause. The majority of these mercenaries are experienced ex-military or ex-law enforcement professionals. The government and global corporations hire private military companies to come to war zones to help train troops, provide security, or perform special missions. Security contractors don’t ask questions, they just perform their duty, and get paid.

The private military industry is a multi-billion dollar industry. In the military a grunt soldier makes about $20,000 per year. An experienced, capable security contractor is in a six figure employment category, pulling in $150,000 to $250,000 per year for a similar job. It’s very dangerous, but for a career soldier, working for a private military company makes financial sense.

Security Contractor Jobs (2)

Private military companies don’t hire just anyone. They only want the best of the best – Navy SEALS, Army Rangers, SWAT. This makes for an elite force of experienced civilians, who can roam the jungles of South East Asia, take fire on the rooftops of Baghdad, provide convoy protection in Saudi Arabia, hunt terrorists in the mountains of Afghanistan, or destroy drug labs in Colombia.

Security contractors have a controversial job. They don’t necessarily answer to anyone. They perform their missions without justifications. They work hand in hand with the military and it makes it difficult to establish what can and cannot be done. Legally, security contractors cannot perform offensive maneuvers – that means they can only fire when fired upon.

If you want to become a mercenary, the first thing you need to do is get military or law enforcement work experience. Join the military and put in your time. Follow orders, get fit, learn languages, and gain experience. Try to join a special operations branch of the military to become specialized in a niche like explosives, security, weapons, intelligence, or jungle combat. Basically become a tough, professional fighting machine.

The next step is to apply to private military companies. The demand for mercenaries will depend on the world at the time. If they offer you a job, it will be contract based to complete a specific mission. Always remember what you are getting into. Your life is on the line. Is your life worth the reward of great paychecks? If so get ready to travel to the world’s hot spots and assume the risks.

By the way, if this type of work sounds interesting, then don’t overlook our sniper jobs page in this same section.

The pay for a security contractor is off the charts. Some mercenaries make $500 to $1,500 per day. Interrogators are rumored to make up to $14,000 per week. The salary ranges from $89,000 to $250,000 per year. Employer, experience, expertise, specialty, location, and danger potential ultimately determine the paycheck.

Being a security contractor is a heart racing, adrenaline pumping career. It’s also very dangerous. If you have military experience and still enjoy taking sniper fire, removing landmines, training troops, or protecting politicians then put in your application to be a mercenary. The pay is outstanding.

Security Contractor Jobs (3)

Quick Facts About Security Contractor Work

Job Title: Private Military Contractors, Security Contractors, or Mercenary
Office: Military hot spots across the globe
Description: Perform security, intelligence, and combat for money
Certifications/Education: Military or law enforcement background
Necessary Skills: Specialized military skills, physically fit
Potential Employers: Private Military Companies or Military Service Providers
Pay:$500 to $1000 per day or over $100,000 per year

Helpful Security Contractor Employment Links:

Search Security Contractor Jobs on JobMonkey
Soldier of Fortune Magazine
U.S. Training Center
DynCorp International
Association of the Stability Operations Industry
List of Private Military Companies
Shadow Company Film

Security Contractor Jobs (2024)

FAQs

How much does a security contractor earn in the US? ›

Private Security Contractor Salary
Annual SalaryMonthly Pay
Top Earners$46,000$3,833
75th Percentile$38,000$3,166
Average$42,612$3,551
25th Percentile$31,000$2,583

What is a US security contractor? ›

A private military company (PMC) or private military and security company (PMSC) is a private company providing armed combat or security services for financial gain. PMCs refer to their personnel as "security contractors" or "private military contractors".

What is the highest paying PMC? ›

In general, roving and static security are some of the highest-paying private military contractor jobs on the planet.

How to be a mercenary without military experience? ›

Here are some steps you can use to start your career as a private military contractor if you have no prior military experience:
  1. Earn a degree. ...
  2. Complete firearms training. ...
  3. Maintain your physical fitness. ...
  4. Ensure you meet all qualifications. ...
  5. Gain experience in a security or defense role.
Jan 26, 2023

What is the highest paid security service? ›

High Paying Security Officer Jobs
  • Corporate Security Officer. ...
  • Safety Security Officer. ...
  • Security Attendant. ...
  • Gate Guard. ...
  • Commissioned Security Officer. ...
  • Unarmed Security Guard. Salary range: $30,500-$36,000 per year. ...
  • Upscale Security Officer. Salary range: $28,000-$36,000 per year. ...
  • Watchman. Salary range: $26,500-$33,500 per year.

What do CIA contractors get paid? ›

As of Jun 8, 2023, the average annual pay for a Cia Contractor in the United States is $92,108 a year. Just in case you need a simple salary calculator, that works out to be approximately $44.28 an hour. This is the equivalent of $1,771/week or $7,675/month.

How do I become a CIA security contractor? ›

Minimum Qualifications
  1. Bachelor's degree in one of the following fields or related studies: Accounting. ...
  2. Strong analytic and critical thinking skills.
  3. Exceptional customer service skills.
  4. Excellent written and verbal communications skills.
  5. Attention to administrative detail.
  6. Ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment.

How do I become a US contractor? ›

Register your small business for government contracting services
  1. Legally register your business name. ...
  2. Apply for your federal and state tax ID numbers. ...
  3. Request for your DUNS Number. ...
  4. Know your North American Industry Classification Systems (NAICS) Code. ...
  5. Confirm your business size.
Nov 29, 2021

How do I become a US defense contractor? ›

How to become a military contractor
  1. Earn a high school diploma or GED. ...
  2. Consider earning a bachelor's degree. ...
  3. Enlist in the military or a security role. ...
  4. Create a bid that advocates your skills to the Department of Defense. ...
  5. Consider working for a private military contracting company.
Jul 21, 2022

How much did Blackwater contractors make? ›

Blackwater Security Systems pays an average salary of $3,248,289 and salaries range from a low of $2,857,655 to a high of $3,681,012.

What is Blackwater now called? ›

United States Training Center (USTC, formerly Blackwater Training Center) offers tactics and weapons training to military, government, and law enforcement agencies.

How do you become a Blackwater mercenary? ›

(1) Three (3) years of military, similar police, or local guard force experience. (2) Familiarity with physical security and access control matters. This experience and background may have been gained in any of the following assignments: U.S. Department of State Diplomatic Security Service.

Is it a crime to be a mercenary? ›

Geneva Convention

The use and recruitment of mercenaries are legally forbidden by the 1989 International Convention against the Recruitment, Use, Financing and Training of Mercenaries. A mercenary is defined as any person who is specially recruited locally or abroad in order to fight in an armed conflict.

Is it a war crime to be a mercenary? ›

International law prohibits the use of mercenaries in armed conflict and certain peaceful situations.

Is a mercenary a hired gun? ›

A mercenary or mercs, sometimes also called a soldier of fortune, hired gun, or, archaically, sellsword, is a private individual who joins a military conflict for personal profit, is otherwise an outsider to the conflict, and is not a member of any other official military.

What state pays security the most? ›

Security Guard Salary By State FAQs

The highest-paid state for security guards is Hawaii with an average salary of $42,908 per year. What city pays security guards the most? Lakewood, WA pays security guards the most with an average salary of $41,745 per year.

What state pays the highest for security guards? ›

Highest paying cities for Security Guards near United States
  • San Francisco, CA. $21.64 per hour. 385 salaries reported.
  • New York, NY. $18.52 per hour.
  • Los Angeles, CA. $17.81 per hour. 819 salaries reported.
  • Phoenix, AZ. $17.67 per hour. 559 salaries reported.
  • Brooklyn, NY. $17.47 per hour.
  • Show more nearby cities.

What is the highest rank in security? ›

Commander or Chief: This is the highest-ranking position. The commander or chief oversees all security personnel within an organization.

What is a FBI contractor? ›

Contract specialists are the only FBI employees allowed to contractually obligate federal government funds for the purchase of goods and services. They engage in highly complex contract negotiations representing large dollar values.

Do military contractors see combat? ›

Private military contractors are hired for protection, not combat missions. The companies normally look for veterans or people with law enforcement experience, and they recruit all around the globe.

Do CIA agents make 6 figures? ›

The average salary for a CIA agent is $81,207 per year . Salaries range from $25,000 to $169,000 per year.

Is it hard to get hired by CIA? ›

Challenges with the CIA Hiring Process

One of the challenges that the CIA has faced is an incredibly long hiring process. In order to get a diverse talent pool, the agency needs to shorten the hiring and vetting timeline. People can't remain unemployed for months or years at a time.

What is the age limit for the CIA? ›

Most candidates are between 26 and 35 years old. Candidates for CIA agent jobs in clandestine services must: Be a citizen of the United States. Be at least 18 years old.

Can you tell your family you work for the CIA? ›

In order to protect sources and methods, and in the interest of maintaining national security, most CIA employees can't discuss their work, even with family.

What is a DOD contractor? ›

The word can describe the private companies, academic institutions, and other entities with which DOD contracts to provide supplies, construction services, or other types of services.

How hard is it to get into defense contracting? ›

Breaking into defense contracting requires going through a lot of red tape, and can be difficult at first, but if you are motivated and able to obtain a security clearance, there are many opportunities to be had in the defense industry.

What is the easiest contractors license to get? ›

RMO License

One of the most common ways that individuals with no experience can have access to a contractor license is through an RMO or RME. RMO stands for Responsible Managing Officer.

Who is the largest defense contractor? ›

1. Lockheed Martin. Lockheed Martin Corporation is one of the world's largest defense contractors. The company operates in aerospace and defense markets, developing world-class weapons systems in its four business areas: (1) Aeronautics; (2) Missiles and Fire Control; (3) Rotary and Mission Systems; and (4) Space.

Do defense contractors make a lot of money? ›

The average Private Military Contractor in the US makes $90,057. Private Military Contractors make the most in San Francisco, CA at $135,685, averaging total compensation 51% greater than the US average.

Is defense contracting a good career? ›

Your defense contractor salary could easily be as much as $83,000 for a Network Security Administrator, but even entry level defense contractor jobs can pay handsomely. Many defense contractors provide ample education benefits to keep their workers certified and compliant.

How much is a mercenary paid? ›

Some mercenaries make $500 to $1,500 per day. Interrogators are rumored to make up to $14,000 per week. The salary ranges from $89,000 to $250,000 per year. Employer, experience, expertise, specialty, location, and danger potential ultimately determine the paycheck.

Who owns Blackwater? ›

How much does a US soldier get paid in Iraq? ›

¶ Imminent Danger Pay: All servicemembers deployed to Iraq qualify for $225 per month in danger pay, which was boosted from $150 per month by Congress in April. Servicemembers get a month’s worth of this pay even if they were assigned to a designated area for just a single day.

How many civilians has Blackwater killed? ›

Donald Trump has pardoned four security guards from the private military firm Blackwater who were serving jail sentences for killing 14 civilians including two children in Baghdad in 2007, a massacre that sparked an international outcry over the use of mercenaries in war.

What is the largest mercenary company? ›

5 Of the World's Most Elite Mercenary Armies
  • Academi.
  • Defion Internacional.
  • Aegis Defense Services.
  • Triple Canopy.
  • G4S Secure Solutions.
May 8, 2013

Did Trump pardon Blackwater? ›

Among the pardons made by President Trump this week, the pardon of four former guards for Blackwater has been regarded by some as particularly galling.

How hard is it to work for Blackwater? ›

Difficult work environment but worked with tremendous people in a team format. Working in hostile environments was difficult but the teams worked very well together and it made the jobs a lot easier. Our work was 120 days in area of operation them 30 days off.

Can a civilian be a mercenary? ›

However, they may not have broken U.S. law. Under current laws and regulations, it is not illegal for a U.S. citizen to provide combat services as a foreign mercenary fighter. The closest legal prohibition to U.S. mercenaries might be found in the Neutrality Act (18 U.S.C. §960).

Do you need military experience to be a private contractor? ›

If you're unable to join the military, you can still provide service to the country as a private military contractor. While many positions require military experience, some private military contractor jobs require no experience in the military. That doesn't mean there aren't hoops to jump through to get those jobs.

What happens if a mercenary is captured? ›

Under international humanitarian law, being a mercenary does not constitute a specific crime. The same holds true for the Statute of the International Criminal Court. If arrested, mercenaries are not entitled to the status of prisoners of war, but the detaining power can decide to treat them according to this status.

Is Wagner Group legal? ›

Parliamentary representatives in the Duma have attempted in recent years to update Russia's national laws to permit PMC activities but without success. As matters stand, therefore, Russian law does not recognize the Wagner Group or its operations. They are effectively illegal under Russian law.

Can a girl be a mercenary? ›

In many such companies female relatives invested their own money, whether as inheritance or as a loan. And many women worked in the family mercenary business. These services were not given purely out of family devotion.

What happens if a soldier commits a war crime? ›

-Whoever, whether inside or outside the United States, commits a war crime, in any of the circ*mstances described in subsection (b), shall be fined under this title or imprisoned for life or any term of years, or both, and if death results to the victim, shall also be subject to the penalty of death.

Does the US use private military contractors? ›

The Department of Defense has made significant use of private security contractors in the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. Contractors' involvement in the deaths of civilians and other incidents prompted a renewed call in 2008 for nations to ensure that contractors respect international humanitarian law.

What is a mercenary killer? ›

These hitman are typically private individuals who offer thier services for money. A mercenary is someone who has the ability to assassinate people who offers his services for not only the right price but because he enjoys his work too much. He's a killer for hire who loves what he does.

Do all soldiers get a pistol? ›

Soldiers who do not serve in a direct combat role are often issued a pistol (such as officers, artillery crews, and other rear-echelon personnel), but conventional riflemen are not generally issued a pistol as part of their standard kit.

How do you identify a mercenary? ›

You can uncover the identity of any unknown mercenary by encountering them in the in-game world or collecting clues about them. Once discovered, you can see each mercenary's name, story, strengths or weaknesses, as well as the reward you can expect when you defeat them.

What is a hired gun called? ›

Synonyms of hired gun (noun professional killer) assassin. butcher. contract killer. executioner.

How profitable is a security company? ›

Security companies can generate approximately $40,000-$60,000 per security guard, per year. If you hire a team of 5 security guards at startup, then you may be able to clear $300,000 in revenue. Net profits vary based on your insurance costs, labor costs, and regulatory costs in your state.

How much can you make with a security+ certification? ›

Average Salary of CompTIA Security+ Professional

According to a salary study conducted by Certification Magazine in 2022, Security+ professionals in the United States earn an average salary of $115,170.

How do security companies get clients? ›

If you're wondering how to get clients for your security company, you should:
  1. Promote your company across channels like social media, your website, third-party directories, Google ads, and word of mouth.
  2. Determine your target market first.
  3. Always ask for reviews from happy customers.
  4. Embrace cold outreach tactics.

Is security a good side hustle? ›

One of the greatest advantages of security work is its sheer flexibility and the potential for advancement. Experience in the security field also allows many to make the transition to private consulting, which can be even more lucrative.

Is security in high demand? ›

It is one of the fastest-growing professional fields. Currently, the demand for cybersecurity professionals is at a high level.

Which defense contractor pays the best? ›

1. Lockheed Martin. Lockheed is not surprising, especially since their 2021 defense revenue was 64,458,000. Daily, they are generally awarded a defense contract valued at $7 million and above.

Why do contractors get paid so much? ›

As an independent contractor, you may earn more money than as an employee. Companies might be willing to pay more for independent contractors because the companies don't have the enter into expensive, long-term commitments or pay health benefits, unemployment compensation, Social Security taxes, and Medicare taxes.

What is the most difficult security certification? ›

Many consider the hardest security certification to obtain to be the Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP). This certification requires a minimum of five years of experience in the field of information security and passing an extensive exam.

How hard is IT to pass the Security+ exam? ›

Share: The Security+ exam is used to assess candidates' knowledge of basic security concepts and best practices. This is considered an entry-level exam but is not an easy test to pass.

Can I take security+ without experience? ›

Although there are no prerequisites for CompTIA Security+, we recommend at least two years of IT administration experience with a security focus and earning the CompTIA Network+ certification before taking the exam.

Why does the CIA hire contractors? ›

A sense of urgency permeated everything, but there were multiple impediments to quickly expanding the workforce. So the CIA deployed contractors to plug the gap. In so doing, the immediate demand could be met at apparent cost savings; unlike government employees, contractors do not need to be paid benefits.

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