Unarmed Security Guard Requirements For Tennessee

Going to Work in the Volunteer State of Tennessee

It's a warm summer's morning and you smile as you walk your beat around the factory. It's quiet in the early morning as you stroll by silent machines that are still sleeping. Within hours, their human crews will arrive to bring them to life. In the meantime, you make sure that no one breaks in to steal their secrets or pilfer their parts. While corporate espionage isn't your specialty, making sure the competitors don't get a peak at the technology your company uses is your top priority. It's an easy posting whose rewards are great and work environment always enjoyable.

That could be your day when you take a job in Tennessee. The state has become a magnet for manufacturing and there are currently over 900 auto, and auto parts manufacturers in the state. If you love being around cars and the machines that make them, then you will want to take a look at Nissan, General Motors, Hankook Tire, Bridgestone, Dupont, and the many automobile related companies that have headquarters or manufacturing facilities in Tennessee.

Tennessee's crime rate is climbing and that means that there is a growing need for top notch security professionals who can keep people and property safe. It's a problem that people and companies are eager to nip in the bud. Currently, the state has a violent crime rate of 6.08 per thousand which is significantly higher than the national median of 3.8. And, the property crime rate isn't any better. As of 2017, it's 30.61 per thousand residents as compared to the national median of 26. For security guards, these crime rates translate into solid job security.

The state requires security guards to obtain a license prior to beginning work. Individuals must be 18 years old, US citizens, or legal resident alien. Individuals must show that they are mentally competent and have a clean criminal history. The state also requires security professionals to have the required training under their belt. This includes basic training in the law, emergency procedures including First Aid and CPR, as well as the general duties you can expect to perform as a security guard. The license fee may be covered by your employer, so it's something you will want to discuss during the interview process. 

Security guards in Tennessee earn roughly $21,000 a year. Unfortunately, these salaries aren't climbing like they should be. However, the rising crime rate is forcing many employers to take a serious look at these salaries in order to attract skilled security guards capable of keeping their people and property safe. If you are just starting out, Tennessee is a great place to get your feet wet as the skills and experience you will obtain will serve you well throughout your career. And, if you take to the job like a duck to water, then you can move into managerial and training positions down the road which pay considerably more.   

The good news is that Tennessee is a cheap place to live and $21,000 goes a lot further in the state than it does elsewhere. The cost of healthcare, transportation, utilities, and food are all considerably lower. But, you'll really save on housing because prices are much lower than they are in neighboring state's. This means that you can stretch your dollars a lot further and live a lot more comfortably if you know how to budget and track your expenses. 

The state also has a good climate for you to enjoy. The summers are warm, but not too hot. The winter's are chilly, but not too frosty. It rains a lot in the spring and early summer, but the state doesn't get a lot of snow in the winter months. In the summer, it's normal for the temperature to get into the high 80's. In the winter, it's normal for it to drop below freezing, especially in January. Of course, these temperature averages vary considerably throughout the state, so you will want to look closely at the specific city where your potential employer is located.   

Tennessee's largest cities are Memphis and Nashville. Each have about 650,000 residents. Next up are Knoxville and Chattanooga which have about 180,000 a piece. If you are looking for somewhere just a little smaller, consider Jackson, Johnson City, Bartlett, Hendersonville, Kingsport, or Collierville. Each of these cities are between 50,000 and 75,000 residents which gives them a comfortable feel that is considerably more relaxed and less "bit city." Of course, if you are looking for something that's right out of a Southern novel, take a look at Farragut, Shelbyville, or Oak Ridge. Each have plenty of Southern charm that you are sure to appreciate.

The state's largest employers are Cracker Barrel, Shoney's and Kroger Company. Indeed, Tennessee loves to eat and this means there are plenty of opportunities available if you like being around food. If you'd rather spend your time around higher education, consider Vanderbilt University or the University of Tennessee. Both have thousands of employees and students who would be grateful to have you around. In fact, the state is home to 9 of the world's largest companies. These include International paper, Dollar General, AutoZone, Eastman Chemical, and Community Health Systems. So, if you are looking to get on with a big name company, these companies have their doors open for you. Going back, if you are looking at getting into the auto industry, then the GM Spring Hill Plant and the Nissan Company HQ in Franklin have the keys to your future success.   

There are so many fun and exciting things to do in Tennessee that you will be eager for your shift to end. You can take a hike through the Great Smoky Mountains, or stroll through memory lane at the Country Music Hall of Fame. If you feel like heading out on the town, catch an evening at the Ryman Auditorium and see why they call it the Grand Ole' Opry. You can get all shook up as you make your way through Graceland, or you can see how the other half lived not that long ago at the Belle Meade Plantation which is one of the South's finest homes. When you are ready for just a little rest and relaxation, head on over to Roaring Fork or any one of the state's many rivers where you can cast a line in the water and sit back and enjoy the sounds of nature in one of America's most beautiful states.