For many Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), the dream of working abroad is often driven by the promise of better financial opportunities and an improved quality of life. The United States is a popular destination, with various job roles offering competitive salaries. One such role is that of a Flex Security Officer, a position that not only provides stability but also the potential for higher earnings due to its unique work schedule.
This article delves into the specifics of the salary and benefits of a Flex Security Officer in the USA, drawing insights from Elton Bandayrel’s YouTube video.
Earning Potential and Benefits of Flex Security Officers in the USA
To watch the full video from Elton Bandayrel’s YouTube channel, click on the link below
Understanding the Role of a Flex Security Officer
A Flex Security Officer is essentially a security professional with a flexible schedule. Unlike regular security officers who have fixed shifts, Flex Officers step in to cover for employees or administrators on vacation or leave. This means that their work schedule can be highly variable, often requiring them to adapt to different shifts and locations. While this can be challenging, it also comes with the advantage of a higher salary compared to regular security officers.
Salary Overview
In California, one of the most expensive states in the USA, Flex Security Officers are compensated well for their flexibility and adaptability. According to the vlogger, a Flex Security Officer can earn around $30 per hour for a 40-hour workweek. This translates to a gross income of $1,200 per week before any deductions. Over a month, this would amount to approximately $4,800, and annually, a Flex Security Officer could potentially earn around $62,400 before taxes and deductions.
Pre-Tax Deductions
Before diving into the net income, it’s essential to understand the various pre-tax deductions that apply. These typically include:
- Dental Insurance: Coverage for dental care, which is crucial for maintaining oral health.
- Medical Insurance: Health insurance that covers medical expenses, including doctor visits, hospital stays, and prescriptions.
- Vision Insurance: Insurance that covers eye care, including eye exams and corrective lenses.
These benefits are essential as they help mitigate the high costs of healthcare in the United States, ensuring that employees and their families have access to necessary medical services.
Tax Deductions
In addition to pre-tax deductions, there are several tax deductions that further reduce the gross income. These include:
- FICA (Social Security): A federal payroll tax that funds Social Security benefits, including retirement, disability, and survivorship benefits.
- FICA (Medicare): A federal payroll tax that funds Medicare, the federal health insurance program for people aged 65 and over and certain younger people with disabilities.
- Withholding (M-1): Federal income tax withholding based on the employee’s earnings and tax bracket.
- California State Disability Insurance (SDI): A state payroll tax that funds disability insurance and paid family leave programs in California.
After these deductions, the net income for a standard 40-hour workweek comes down to approximately $920.85.
The Impact of Overtime and Holiday Pay
One of the significant benefits of being a Flex Security Officer is the opportunity to earn overtime and holiday pay. Overtime is typically paid at time and a half, meaning that for every hour worked beyond the standard 40-hour workweek, the pay rate increases by 50%.
For instance, during a holiday week, the vlogger worked an additional 4 hours of overtime, earning an extra $240. Additionally, 12 more hours of overtime resulted in an extra $540. This brought his gross income for the week to $1,740. After deductions, the net income stood at $1,334.96.
Maximizing Earnings through Overtime
Bandayrel shared an example of a particularly lucrative week when his family was on vacation, and he was still under probation. Being a workaholic, he worked 65.33 hours in a week, resulting in a gross income of $2,243.85. Despite higher taxes due to the increased income, his net earnings for that week were $1,670.90.
This example highlights the potential for significantly increased earnings through overtime. However, it’s essential to consider the physical and mental toll of working such long hours. Balancing work and personal life is crucial to maintaining overall well-being, and while the financial benefits are tempting, it’s important not to overextend oneself.
Is Overtime Worth It?
While working overtime can significantly boost earnings, it’s essential to consider the tax implications. The more you work, the higher the tax deductions. Therefore, it is crucial to weigh the benefits of increased gross income against the impact of higher taxes. Additionally, the decision to work overtime should consider personal health and work-life balance.
Living in an Expensive City
San Francisco, where the vlogger works, is known for its high cost of living. While the salaries are higher to compensate for this, so are the expenses. Housing, transportation, food, and other daily necessities are all more expensive compared to other parts of the country. For OFWs considering a similar path, it’s important to factor in the cost of living when evaluating potential earnings.
Government Assistance and Benefits
Despite the high costs, there are several government assistance programs available to help manage living expenses. Bandayrel mentions that government aid can provide:
- $300 for food: Assistance for purchasing groceries and other food items.
- $100 for additional expenses: Financial aid for other necessary expenses.
- Free food programs: Access to food banks and community food programs that provide free groceries.
- Low-income housing options: Affordable housing options for low-income families and individuals, which can significantly reduce living expenses.
These benefits can significantly ease the financial burden, making it more manageable to live and work in expensive cities like San Francisco.
For OFWs looking to work as Flex Security Officers in the USA, the role offers a promising financial opportunity, especially in high-paying states like California. While the job comes with its challenges, such as a variable schedule and the need to adapt to different shifts, the potential for higher earnings and benefits can make it a worthwhile endeavor. Additionally, understanding the various deductions and the impact of overtime is crucial for financial planning.