Security Guard Jobs in Stockton With No Experience: How to Get Your Guard Card (2026)

Security guard is one of the best entry-level jobs you can get in Stockton — decent pay, tons of openings, and you don't need any prior experience. The catch? You need a guard card first.

This guide covers everything: how to get your California guard card, what it costs, where to train in the 209, and which security companies are hiring right now.

Why Security Is a Solid Career Move

Before we get into the how, here's why security work is worth considering:

Always hiring — Warehouses, hospitals, events, retail stores all need guards
No experience required — The guard card IS your qualification
Flexible schedules — Day, night, weekend shifts available
Room to grow — Can advance to armed guard, supervisor, or corporate security
Weekly pay — Most security companies pay weekly

Looking for other jobs that pay weekly? Check out our complete guide to weekly pay jobs in Stockton.

What Is a Guard Card?

A "guard card" is your California security guard license, officially called a BSIS Guard Card (Bureau of Security and Investigative Services). It's required by law to work as a security guard in California.

The card proves you've completed the required training and passed a background check. Without it, you can't legally work security — period.

How to Get Your Guard Card: Step-by-Step

Step 1: Complete the 8-Hour Training Course

California requires an 8-hour "Powers to Arrest" training course before you can apply for your guard card. This covers:

Legal powers and limitations of security guards
When you can (and can't) detain someone
Use of force guidelines
Emergency procedures
Communication and public relations
Liability and ethics

Cost: $50-150 depending on the training provider
Time: One day (8 hours)

Step 2: Get Your Live Scan (Fingerprints)

You need to submit fingerprints for a background check. This is done through "Live Scan" — electronic fingerprinting that goes directly to the DOJ and FBI.

Where to go: UPS stores, some police stations, and dedicated Live Scan locations. Search "Live Scan near me Stockton."

Cost: $80-100 (includes DOJ and FBI processing fees)

Step 3: Apply Online Through BSIS

Once you have your training certificate and Live Scan receipt, apply online at the BSIS website (bsis.ca.gov).

What you'll need:

Training certificate (from your 8-hour course)
Live Scan receipt/ATI number
Valid ID
Application fee payment

Application fee: $50

Step 4: Wait for Approval

BSIS will process your application and run your background check. If everything clears, you'll receive your guard card in the mail.

Timeline: 2-4 weeks typically (can be faster or slower depending on background check)

Step 5: Complete Additional Training (Within 30 Days of Hire)

Once you get hired, California requires 16 more hours of training within your first 30 days on the job. Most employers provide this training.

Total Cost Breakdown:

8-Hour Training Course: $50-150
Live Scan (Fingerprints): $80-100
BSIS Application Fee: $50

Total: $180-300 to get your guard card

Where to Get Guard Card Training in the 209

Here are training options in and around Stockton, Modesto, and the Central Valley:

Local Training Providers:

Security Training Schools (Various)
Search "guard card training Stockton" — multiple private schools offer weekend classes.
Cost: $75-150
Online Training (BSIS Approved)
Several online courses are approved by BSIS. Convenient if you have transportation issues.
Cost: $50-100
Security Companies That Train
Some employers (like Allied Universal, Securitas) will train you and deduct the cost from your first paychecks — essentially free if you stay with them.
San Joaquin Delta College
Check their community education catalog for security training courses.
Phone: (209) 954-5151

Pro tip: Call security companies before paying for training. Some will hire you first and train you on their dime.

Security Guard Pay in Stockton (2026 Rates)

Here's what security guards actually make in the Central Valley:

Pay Rates by Position:

Unarmed Security Guard: $17-21/hour
Armed Security Guard: $21-28/hour
Warehouse/Industrial Security: $18-22/hour
Hospital Security: $19-24/hour
Event Security: $18-25/hour (often paid per event)
Security Supervisor: $24-32/hour

Night shift premium: Many companies pay $1-3/hour extra for overnight shifts (10pm-6am).

Interested in night work? See our guide to night shift jobs in the 209.

Types of Security Jobs in Stockton

Warehouse & Distribution Center Security

The 209 has tons of warehouses (Amazon, UNFI, etc.) that need security 24/7. You'll monitor entry points, check badges, patrol the facility, and respond to incidents.

Good for: People who like routine, night owls, those who want steady hours.

Retail Loss Prevention

Stores like Target, Walmart, and Home Depot hire loss prevention officers to deter theft. Mix of uniformed presence and plainclothes observation.

Good for: People who like variety and don't mind confrontation.

Hospital & Healthcare Security

Hospitals like St. Joseph's, Dameron, and San Joaquin General need security around the clock. You'll handle everything from parking enforcement to de-escalating agitated patients.

Good for: People with calm demeanor, those interested in healthcare environment.

Event Security

Concerts, festivals, sporting events, private parties. Stockton Arena and local venues regularly need event staff.

Good for: People who want flexible/part-time work, enjoy being around crowds.

Mobile Patrol

Drive between multiple locations checking on properties, responding to alarms, doing lock/unlock services.

Good for: People who don't want to stand in one spot, clean driving record required.

Armed Security

Higher pay, but requires additional certification (firearms permit through BSIS). Common for banks, dispensaries, high-value cargo.

Requirements: Guard card + BSIS Firearms Permit + additional training.

Security Companies Hiring in the 209

These companies regularly hire security guards in Stockton, Modesto, and Tracy:

Major Employers:

Allied Universal — Largest security company, tons of local contracts
Securitas — Warehouse and corporate security
GardaWorld — Various sites including healthcare
Brosnan Risk Consultants — Retail and distribution
American Guard Services — Local company, various sites
Per Mar Security — Industrial and warehouse
Direct hire (hospitals, warehouses) — Check individual employer career pages

How to Get Hired With No Experience

Here's the reality: security companies are almost always hiring. If you have a guard card and can pass a background check, you can get a job. Here's how to stand out:

1. Get Your Guard Card First

Some companies will train you, but having your card already makes you immediately deployable. That's attractive to employers.

2. Highlight Transferable Skills

Even without security experience, you have relevant skills:

Customer service — Dealt with the public? That's security.
Military/law enforcement — Obvious fit, mention it prominently.
Warehouse work — You know industrial environments.
Retail — You've dealt with difficult people.
Any job with responsibility — Cashier, shift lead, anything.

3. Be Flexible on Shifts

Willing to work nights and weekends? Say so. Graveyard shifts are hardest to fill, so you'll get hired faster.

4. Apply to Multiple Companies

Don't just apply to one. Hit Allied, Securitas, GardaWorld, and a few local companies. Whoever calls back first, take the interview.

5. Dress the Part for Interviews

Security is about presence. Show up in business casual (slacks, collared shirt). Look like someone a client would trust on their property.

What to Say in the Interview:

"I just got my guard card and I'm ready to start immediately. I'm reliable, I show up on time, and I'm looking for steady work. I'm open to any shift, including nights and weekends."

That's it. They want someone who will show up. Make it clear that's you.

Background Check: What Disqualifies You?

The BSIS background check looks at criminal history. Here's the reality:

Automatic disqualifiers:

Felony convictions (in most cases)
Certain misdemeanors involving violence, theft, or dishonesty
Active warrants
Sex offender registration

May NOT disqualify you:

Old misdemeanors (especially if expunged)
Non-violent offenses from years ago
Arrests without conviction

If you're unsure, apply anyway. BSIS will review your specific situation. Many people with past mistakes still get approved.

From Guard Card to Career Growth

Security doesn't have to be a dead-end job. Here's how people move up:

Unarmed Guard → Get experience, prove reliability (6-12 months)
Armed Guard → Get firearms permit, bump pay $3-5/hour (optional path)
Site Supervisor → Manage a team at one location ($24-32/hour)
Account Manager → Oversee multiple sites, salaried position ($50-70K)
Corporate Security → In-house security for companies, hospitals, etc.
Law Enforcement → Some use security as a stepping stone to police/sheriff

Quick Start Timeline

Here's how fast you can go from zero to working security guard:

Realistic Timeline:

Day 1: Take 8-hour training course ($75-150)
Day 2: Get Live Scan fingerprints ($80-100)
Day 2: Submit BSIS application online ($50)
Days 3-14: Apply to security companies while you wait
Days 14-28: Receive guard card in mail
Days 14-30: Get hired, start orientation

Total time: 2-4 weeks from start to first paycheck

Get Started Today

Ready to become a security guard in Stockton? Here's your action plan:

Sign up for an 8-hour guard card course (this weekend)
Schedule your Live Scan appointment
Submit your BSIS application
Start applying to security companies while you wait

Looking for your first job? Check out our guide to getting your first job with no experience for more tips.

Questions about security work in the 209? Reach out: hello@209.works