With the 2024 minimum wage increase, salaries for private security officers have also changed. Armed and unarmed security personnel do not receive the same pay. The 2024 private security salaries generally range between 17,500 TL and 18,500 TL on average.
Salaries for entry-level security officers are usually calculated based on the minimum wage. Private security staff are employed in banks, shopping malls, schools and public institutions. While there are specific criteria for determining salaries, it is possible to speak of average amounts.
How Much Are Private Security Salaries by Institution in 2024?
Private security salaries by institution in 2024 vary depending on whether the position is in the public or private sector.
The typical salaries by workplace are as follows:
| Bank Private Security Officer | 18,000 TL – 22,000 TL |
| Civil Servant (Permanent) Private Security Officer | 30,000 TL – 32,000 TL |
| Airport Private Security Officer | 17,002 TL – 22,000 TL |
| State Hospital Private Security Officer (Permanent) | 30,000 TL – 32,000 TL |
| Private Hospital Private Security Officer | 18,000 TL – 19,000 TL |
2024 Public Institution Private Security Salaries
Public institution private security salaries in 2024 vary by workplace. Private security officers employed by public institutions earn an average of 8,506 TL. In some institutions, due to allocated security budgets, salaries can reach around 9,000 TL.
| Unarmed Private Security Salaries | 17,500 TL – 18,500 TL |
| Armed Private Security Salaries | 30,000 TL – 32,000 TL |
2024 Airport Private Security Salaries
Airport private security salaries in 2024 are mostly paid according to private sector standards. Personnel at airports typically work for private security companies. Salaries for security officers on airport payrolls range from 17,500 TL to 22,000 TL.
2024 Shopping Mall (AVM) Private Security Salaries
Shopping mall private security salaries in 2024 are often based on the pay for armed personnel. Shopping centers commonly employ armed security. An armed security officer working in a mall receives a minimum salary of 17,002 TL.
Salaries for armed and unarmed security in malls typically fall between 17,002 TL and 22,000 TL. Many malls prefer to hire personnel from private security firms.
2024 Municipality Private Security Salaries
Municipal private security salaries in 2024 differ by employment status. Salaries vary for staff hired through subcontractors or private companies.
Those on municipal permanent staff earn approximately 30,000 TL – 32,000 TL. Security personnel employed by private companies but working for municipalities typically earn between 17,002 TL and 18,500 TL.
2024 School Private Security Salaries
School security salaries in 2024 are calculated in two ways. Some schools directly employ their own security staff. In that case, permanent staff earn between 19,000 TL and 21,000 TL.
Another option is to hire security through temporary employment programs. Security staff employed temporarily receive a net salary of about 17,002 TL.
2024 Bank Private Security Salaries
Bank private security salaries in 2024 vary by bank. After airports, banks are among the largest employers of private security. Because banks require protection, they typically employ armed security officers.
Typical salary details for bank security in 2024 include:
- Depending on the city and branch, private security officers generally receive a minimum of 17,002 TL.
- Salaries for security working at postal branches are set by labor unions. Comparatively, post office security often receives higher pay. Postal security salaries range from 18,000 TL to 20,000 TL.
2024 Private Sector Security Salaries
Private sector security salaries in 2024 vary in many respects. Armed security staff working for private companies are generally paid around 17,500 TL. Unarmed personnel in the private sector usually start around the minimum wage, though their monthly earnings can exceed the minimum depending on the employer.
2024 Armed and Unarmed Private Security Salaries
In 2024, the minimum salary for an unarmed private security officer is 17,002 TL. The minimum salary for an armed private security officer is 21,000 TL.
What Are the Requirements to Become a Private Security Officer?
The requirements to become a private security officer are defined by law. Certain conditions are specified in relevant legislation and may differ for armed and unarmed positions.
The main requirements to qualify as a private security officer include:
- No mental illness or physical condition that would prevent duty.
- Must be at least 18 years old and a citizen.
- For armed duty, at least a high school diploma is required; for unarmed duty, a minimum primary/secondary education completion is expected.
- Security background checks must be favorable.
- Completion of the required private security training is mandatory.
Certain criminal record conditions also apply. Candidates with past convictions or ongoing investigations for specific offenses may be disqualified or must meet additional conditions. Prohibitions typically cover offenses such as drug-related crimes, crimes against constitutional order or personal rights, intentional crimes resulting in prison terms of one year or more, and various fraud, theft, corruption, and related offenses.
How to Become a Private Security Officer
Becoming a private security officer requires meeting several criteria.
Key points candidates should know:
- Candidates must choose whether to pursue armed or unarmed service; each path has different requirements and documents.
- Applicants must take the security exam administered by the competent authority. Those scoring a minimum passing grade are eligible. Fees apply for the exam, and candidates can take the exam up to four times.
- Armed candidates must complete 120 hours of training, including theory and practical lessons.
- Unarmed candidates must complete a 100-hour basic training program.
What Does a Private Security Officer Do?
The primary role of a private security officer is to ensure the safety and security of the premises where they are assigned. They can be employed in the private sector or by public institutions and are responsible for maintaining order and protecting people and property.
Main duties of private security officers include:
- Reviewing camera recordings in the event of security breaches or incidents,
- Keeping accurate records of entries and exits,
- Directing visitors and staff within the premises,
- Checking bags and outerwear of visitors when required,
- Encouraging compliance with safety rules,
- Coordinating and guiding people during emergency evacuations,
- Informing the workplace about any criminal incidents,
- Protecting the safety of areas and individuals within the institution.
How Are Private Security Salaries Determined?
Several criteria influence how private security salaries are set.
Factors that directly affect private security salaries include:
- Whether the officer serves armed or unarmed,
- Previous workplaces and accumulated experience,
- Level of education,
- Whether the officer is a civil servant or employed in the private sector.
These and other factors such as job responsibilities and additional qualifications can increase salary levels.
Documents Required for a Private Security Application
Required documents for a private security application typically include:
- A copy of the identity card,
- Recent photographs,
- A detailed population registry record obtainable from official systems,
- Proof of residence,
- Criminal record documentation,
- A health report (reports from family physicians are generally accepted),
- Documents proving educational status.
What KPSS Score Is Needed to Work as a Private Security Officer in a Public Institution?
To work in a public institution, candidates must take the public personnel exam and achieve a sufficient score before applying and awaiting placement. The required KPSS scores for private security positions can be high and vary by institution.
For example, a candidate aiming to work as private security at a provincial administration may need around 88.598 points, while security positions at the Ministry of Health may require approximately 91.01 points.
Where Can Private Security Officers Work?
Private security officers can be employed in many places, including:
- Shopping centers,
- Sporting events (football, basketball, volleyball),
- Buildings and facilities,
- Private residences and estates,
- Hospitals,
- Public buildings,
- Airport, railway and bus terminals.