Protect people, property, and assets at businesses, gated communities, ports, and events. Private security is one of Jamaica's largest employment sectors, regulated by the Private Security Regulation Authority (PSRA), with its own minimum wage above the national rate.
Salary Breakdown
Unarmed guard at commercial or residential posts. Security guards have a separate, higher statutory minimum wage. Indicative market estimate, not a published salary scale. Industrial security guards have a statutory minimum of $17,000 per 40-hour week ($425 per hour) from 1 July 2026 - the same rate as the national minimum wage.
Estimated Take-Home Pay
Based on the midpoint of the Entry salary range ($1,050,000 JMD), after NIS, NHT, Education Tax, and PAYE.
Show deduction breakdown
- Gross (annual)
- $1,050,000 JMD
- NIS (3%)
- −$31,500 JMD
- NHT (2%)
- −$21,000 JMD
- Education Tax
- −$22,916 JMD
- PAYE Income Tax
- −$0 JMD
- Net (annual)
- $974,583 JMD
Estimate only — illustrative rates and thresholds, not tax advice. Confirm current figures with Tax Administration Jamaica (TAJ) and the National Insurance Scheme (NIS).
Career Path Roadmap
- 1
Basic Requirements
Be 18+, complete secondary school, and maintain a clean police record - mandatory for PSRA registration.
Forms 1-5 - 2
PSRA Registration & Training
Complete basic security training with a PSRA-approved provider and register with the Private Security Regulation Authority.
1 - 3 months - 3
Unarmed Guard Experience
Work commercial, retail, or residential posts with firms like Guardsman, Marksman, or KingAlarm. Build a reliability record.
1 - 3 years - 4
Firearm Certification & Premium Posts
Qualify for a firearm user's licence through your employer for armed posts (banks, cash-in-transit, ports) which pay significantly more.
1 - 2 years - 5
Supervision & Specialisation
Move into supervision, control room operations, event security management, or close protection. Some officers transition to the JCF or JDF.
Ongoing
Required Education
- Secondary school and clean police record
- PSRA-approved basic security training
- First aid certification (advantage)
Common Local Certifications
- PSRA registration (required by law)
- Firearm user's certification (for armed posts)
- First Aid & CPR
- HEART security/customer service short courses
Local Institutions Offering Programs
- Private Security Regulation Authority (PSRA) - licensing body, not a training provider
- PSRA-approved training providers
- Employer route: major security firms' academies (Guardsman, Marksman, KingAlarm)