Security guards in Brazil: 30% hazard pay, training and rights

Security guards (vigilantes), private security professionals regulated by Law 7,102/1983, are entitled to 30% hazard pay on base salary because the job exposes them to robbery and physical violence (CLT, art. 193, II, added by Law 12,740/2012). To work, they need a training course approved by the Federal Police and periodic refresher training.

Quick summary

• Hazard pay: 30% on base salary.
• Requirements: age 21 or over, at least four years of primary schooling, training and refresher courses, no criminal record.
• Employer: a security company authorized by the Federal Police or a company with its own security service.
• 12x36 schedule: common in the category, must be set in a company or collective agreement.
• Collective agreement: usually sets the pay floor, meal vouchers and life insurance.

Security guards vs. doormen and watchmen

Security guards provide property or personal security, may carry weapons on duty and need the Federal Police course. Doormen or watchmen control access and observe, without armed or visible security work. The art. 193, II premium is owed to security professionals exposed to robbery and violence, and the Labor Courts look at the actual activity, not the job title.

Other rights

1. Refresher training: paid by the employer, during working hours or with compensating time off.
2. Uniform and equipment: provided by the employer, including bulletproof vests when required.
3. Life insurance: provided for in Law 7,102 and collective agreements.
4. Night premium: for hours between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m.

Frequently asked questions

Do unarmed security guards get hazard pay?

The premium comes from exposure to robbery and violence in security work. Many decisions also grant it to unarmed guards.

Are doormen entitled to hazard pay?

As a rule, no, if they do not perform property security work. Each case depends on the actual activity.

Who pays for refresher training?

The security company, as part of the requirement to keep the guard active.

Read more in this series

• Hazard and unhealthy-conditions pay
• 12x36 shift schedule
• Night shift premium
• Index: complete guide to labor rights

Topic: this guide is part of Working hours, with all the guides on the subject.