Level 3 armed security officer in Dallas TX
Dallas, TX

Level 3 Armed Security
Jobs in Dallas

Get alerted about Level 3 commissioned security officer openings across Dallas — financial institutions, data centers, medical campuses, government buildings, and high-value commercial properties.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

What Level 3 armed security jobs are hiring in Dallas right now? +
Active Level 3 openings in Dallas span financial institution branches in the CBD, data center access control in the Design District, medical campus armed posts in the Medical District, government buildings and courthouses in downtown, and high-value commercial properties across Uptown and North Dallas. Sign up for alerts to get notified when openings match your area.
How do I get a Level 3 security license in Texas? +
You must first hold or complete a Level 2 commission. Then complete a DPS-approved Level 3 firearms training course (minimum 40 hours) and pass a live-fire range qualification. Apply for the Level 3 commission through the Texas Online Private Security portal with your training certificate and range qualification documentation. Total additional cost is typically $240–$510 on top of Level 2 costs.
How much do Level 3 armed security officers make in Dallas? +
Entry-level Level 3 security in Dallas runs $20–24/hr. Experienced armed officers earn $24–30/hr. Senior and specialist Level 3 roles — data centers, executive protection, government contracts — reach $30–40/hr. Overnight Level 3 posts carry an additional $1–3/hr differential on top of the armed rate.
Do I need prior law enforcement experience for Level 3 jobs in Dallas? +
Prior law enforcement or military experience is strongly preferred at most Dallas Level 3 postings but is not universally required. The baseline requirements are a valid Level 3 commission, current range qualification, and a clean background. Candidates with verifiable armed security experience from other markets are competitive even without law enforcement backgrounds.
What is the difference between Level 2 and Level 3 security in Dallas? +
Level 2 is unarmed — officers hold a Non-Commissioned Security Officer Commission and cannot carry a firearm on duty. Level 3 is armed — officers hold a Commissioned Security Officer Commission and are authorized to carry a handgun. Level 3 requires additional firearms training and ongoing range qualification, and typically pays $5–10/hr more than comparable Level 2 positions in Dallas.
Can I carry any firearm with a Level 3 commission in Texas? +
Level 3 commissions authorize officers to carry the specific firearm they qualified with during their range qualification — typically a semi-automatic handgun. Officers must carry the same make and model they qualified with or complete a new qualification for a different firearm. Employer policies may further restrict firearm types and carry methods beyond the DPS minimum requirements.
Dallas Level 3 Market

Level 3 Armed Security Jobs in Dallas

Level 3 — the Texas Commissioned Security Officer Commission — is the armed security credential required for any paid security role where the officer carries a firearm. Dallas's dense concentration of financial institutions, data centers, pharmaceutical facilities, government buildings, and high-value commercial properties creates consistent demand for Level 3 officers across all shifts and districts.

The Dallas CBD financial district along Main, Commerce, and Elm streets is the highest-density Level 3 hiring zone in the city. Banks, credit unions, brokerage firms, and financial operations centers all maintain armed security programs. The Design District's growing data center corridor, the Medical District along Harry Hines Boulevard, and federal and state government buildings across downtown add depth to the Level 3 market.

Level 3 positions in Dallas pay meaningfully above comparable Level 2 roles — typically $5–10/hr more — reflecting the additional training burden, ongoing range qualification requirement, and elevated responsibility of carrying a firearm on duty. Active hiring zip codes for Level 3 work include 75201, 75202, 75207, 75235, and 75219.

Commissioned Officer Armed Security Financial Institutions Data Centers Medical District Government Buildings High-Value Properties CBD Dallas
Overview & Duties
Role Overview

What Is a Level 3 Security Officer in Texas?

A Level 3 Commissioned Security Officer Commission is issued by the Texas Department of Public Safety and authorizes the holder to carry a firearm while working as a paid security officer. It is required for all armed security roles in Texas — there are no exceptions. Officers must complete Level 2 training or hold an existing Level 2 commission before obtaining Level 3.

The Level 3 credential requires a minimum of 40 hours of DPS-approved firearms training plus a live-fire range qualification demonstrating proficiency with the approved handgun. This is in addition to the Level 2 training requirement. The commission renews every two years and requires both 6 hours of continuing education and a current range qualification at renewal.

Level 3 officers in Dallas are deployed at sites where the risk profile, asset value, or regulatory requirements justify an armed security presence. Common Dallas assignments include bank branches, armored car operations, pharmaceutical distribution, data centers, court security, and high-profile corporate campus protection. The visibility and responsibility of these assignments drives pay rates significantly above the Level 2 market.

Duties

Common Duties & Responsibilities

  • Provide armed deterrence and response at financial institutions, data centers, and government facilities
  • Control access to secured areas requiring a commissioned armed officer presence
  • Conduct armed patrols of high-value properties across assigned shifts
  • Respond to security incidents and threats with appropriate use-of-force protocols
  • Maintain detailed shift logs and incident reports with full documentation of any use-of-force events
  • Coordinate with Dallas PD on incidents requiring law enforcement response
  • Conduct ongoing firearms qualification and training as required by employer and DPS
  • Maintain holster, firearm, and equipment in accordance with employer standards and Texas law
Compensation

Typical Pay in Dallas, TX

Level 3 positions pay significantly above Level 2 rates in Dallas. Financial institution and data center armed assignments are among the highest-paying security positions in the city. Overnight Level 3 posts carry shift differentials on top of the armed premium.

Entry Level
$20–24/hr
~$42k–50k/yr
Experienced
$24–30/hr
~$50k–62k/yr
Lead / Senior
$30–40/hr
~$62k–83k/yr
Requirements & Schedules
Requirements

What You Need

  • Valid Texas Level 3 Commissioned Security Officer Commission — required without exception
  • Current firearms range qualification — most Dallas Level 3 employers verify qualification currency before first assignment
  • Clean criminal background check and no federal firearms prohibitions
  • Prior military, law enforcement, or armed security experience strongly preferred
  • Valid driver's license for armed patrol and response roles
  • Strong judgment and composure under pressure — Level 3 assignments involve higher-stakes situations than Level 2 posts
Schedules

Typical Schedules & Environments

  • All shift types available — Dallas Level 3 demand spans days, evenings, and overnight at financial, healthcare, and government sites
  • Overnight Level 3 positions at data centers and 24-hour financial operations are the highest-compensated in the Dallas armed market
  • Government and courthouse Level 3 assignments typically follow business hours Monday through Friday
  • Weekend Level 3 coverage available at hotels, entertainment venues, and properties with 24-hour armed programs
  • Overnight Level 3 shifts carry the armed pay premium plus $1–3/hr overnight differential
  • 12-hour Level 3 shifts increasingly common at data centers and high-security facilities preferring fewer shift handoffs
Now Hiring

Current Openings in Dallas, TX

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