Security Guard in Dearborn, MI

Here is a comprehensive career guide for Security Guards considering a move to Dearborn, Michigan.

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The Salary Picture: Where Dearborn Stands

As a security guard looking at Dearborn, you need to understand the local landscape. The numbers tell a clear story: this is a stable but modest market. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and local data, the median salary for Security Guards in Dearborn is $35,923 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $17.27/hour. This is slightly below the national average of $36,140/year, which is predictable for a mid-sized Midwestern city with a lower cost of living. The metro area, which includes surrounding cities like Dearborn Heights and Allen Park, has approximately 211 jobs for security personnel, indicating steady demand but not explosive growth. The 10-year job growth is projected at 3%, which is slower than the national average, reflecting a mature market rather than a booming one.

Your earning potential here is directly tied to experience and the type of employer you secure. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect at different career stages:

Experience Level	Typical Responsibilities	Estimated Annual Salary Range (Dearborn)
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	Static posts, access control, basic patrol	$30,000 - $34,000
Mid-Level (3-7 years)	Armed posts, mobile patrol, client relations	$35,000 - $42,000
Senior (8-15 years)	Supervisor, team lead, complex site management	$43,000 - $55,000
Expert (15+ years)	Corporate security manager, program director	$55,000+

Compared to other Michigan cities, Dearborn falls in the middle of the pack. Detroit’s metro has more high-paying corporate and federal security roles, driving the median salary slightly higher, but competition is fiercer. Ann Arbor, with its university and hospital systems, offers comparable wages but a significantly higher cost of living. Grand Rapids has a similar industrial base, often with unionized security jobs that provide better benefits but similar base pay. In Dearborn, the key to crossing the $40,000/year threshold is securing an armed position or a supervisory role at one of the major local employers.

Insider Tip: Don’t just look at the base hourly rate. In Dearborn, many security jobs, especially at the Ford facilities and the medical centers, offer shift differentials for nights and weekends. An extra $1.00 - $2.00/hour can add up to $2,000+ annually, making a $17.27/hour job feel more like $19.00/hour.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get real about your budget. With a median salary of $35,923, your monthly take-home pay after federal taxes, FICA, and Michigan state taxes (4.25%) will be approximately $2,200 - $2,300. The biggest variable is housing. The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Dearborn is $1,029/month. This means rent alone could consume 45-46% of your take-home pay, which is high but manageable if you have roommates or no other major debts.

Here’s a sample monthly budget for a single Security Guard earning the median salary:

Expense Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Rent (1BR Avg)	$1,029	Shop for older buildings for lower rates
Utilities (Electric/Gas)	$120 - $180	Highly seasonal in Michigan
Car Insurance	$150 - $220	MI has high rates; shop around
Groceries	$250 - $300
Gas/Transport	$150 - $200	Depends on commute
Phone/Internet	$80 - $120
Misc/Entertainment	$100 - $150
Remaining	$0 - $201

This budget is tight. It leaves little room for savings, emergencies, or debt payments. Buying a home on this salary in Dearborn is a significant challenge. The median home price in Dearborn is approximately $180,000 - $210,000. With a 20% down payment ($36,000 - $42,000), a monthly mortgage would be $900 - $1,100 (plus property taxes and insurance), which is close to the rent but requires a massive upfront investment. Most security guards in this salary range in Dearborn rent with roommates or live in more affordable adjacent areas like Inkster or Melvindale to make their budget work.

Insider Tip: If you’re considering moving to Dearborn, look for apartments in the Southend or near Warren Avenue. These areas often have older, more affordable rental stock compared to the renovated areas near the University of Michigan-Dearborn. Also, if you secure a job with a large employer like Henry Ford Health System, they often have partnerships with local apartment complexes for employee discounts.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get real about your budget. With a median salary of $35,923, your monthly take-home pay after federal taxes, FICA, and Michigan state taxes (4.25%) will be approximately $2,200 - $2,300. The biggest variable is housing. The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Dearborn is $1,029/month. This means rent alone could consume 45-46% of your take-home pay, which is high but manageable if you have roommates or no other major debts.

Here’s a sample monthly budget for a single Security Guard earning the median salary:

Expense Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Rent (1BR Avg)	$1,029	Shop for older buildings for lower rates
Utilities (Electric/Gas)	$120 - $180	Highly seasonal in Michigan
Car Insurance	$150 - $220	MI has high rates; shop around
Groceries	$250 - $300
Gas/Transport	$150 - $200	Depends on commute
Phone/Internet	$80 - $120
Misc/Entertainment	$100 - $150
Remaining	$0 - $201

This budget is tight. It leaves little room for savings, emergencies, or debt payments. Buying a home on this salary in Dearborn is a significant challenge. The median home price in Dearborn is approximately $180,000 - $210,000. With a 20% down payment ($36,000 - $42,000), a monthly mortgage would be $900 - $1,100 (plus property taxes and insurance), which is close to the rent but requires a massive upfront investment. Most security guards in this salary range in Dearborn rent with roommates or live in more affordable adjacent areas like Inkster or Melvindale to make their budget work.

Insider Tip: If you’re considering moving to Dearborn, look for apartments in the Southend or near Warren Avenue. These areas often have older, more affordable rental stock compared to the renovated areas near the University of Michigan-Dearborn. Also, if you secure a job with a large employer like Henry Ford Health System, they often have partnerships with local apartment complexes for employee discounts.

Where the Jobs Are: Dearborn's Major Employers

Dearborn’s job market for security is anchored by a few key sectors: automotive, healthcare, and education. Here are the primary employers you should target:

1. Ford Motor Company & Suppliers: The heart of Dearborn’s economy. Ford’s World Headquarters in Dearborn, along with nearby engineering and parts facilities, employs a significant number of security professionals. These are often well-paid, benefits-heavy positions. You’ll also find security jobs at major suppliers and logistics centers around the Fairlane Town Center and I-94 corridor. Hiring tends to be steady, but often requires an armed license and a clean background for corporate security.

2. Henry Ford Health System: The Henry Ford Hospital - Dearborn campus is one of the largest employers in the city. They hire security officers for patient safety, asset protection, and traffic control. These roles are often unionized (Local 503) and offer strong benefits, though starting pay may be close to the median. There is steady demand here due to the 24/7 nature of hospital operations.

3. University of Michigan-Dearborn (UM-D): This public university employs security for campus safety. These are typically unarmed posts focused on access control, patrols, and event security. It’s a great entry point for those without an armed license, offering stable hours and an academic environment. Hiring often increases in the fall and spring semesters.

4. Westland Shopping Center & Fairlane Town Center: These large retail malls require a mix of unarmed and armed loss prevention and security personnel. The work can be variable, dealing with everything from shoplifting to crowd control during holidays. Pay is typically at the lower end of the scale, but it’s a good way to gain experience.

5. Automotive Suppliers & Tech Centers: Companies like Bosch, Continental, and Magna have facilities in or near Dearborn. They often hire security for their plants and tech centers, focusing on access control and perimeter security. These jobs can pay slightly above the median and offer a more industrial setting.

6. School Districts: Dearborn Public Schools and the local parochial schools hire security for building monitoring, especially after hours and for events. This is a calmer work environment but with lower pay, often starting around the $30,000/year mark.

Hiring Trends: There is a slow but steady demand for security guards in Dearborn. The 3% growth projection translates to a few new openings each month. The most stable, long-term positions are with the healthcare system and the university. Armed positions are less common but offer a significant pay premium of $2-$4/hour more than unarmed roles.

Insider Tip: For automaker-related security jobs, having a background in logistics or even a CDL can be an advantage. For hospital security, any previous experience in healthcare, social work, or de-escalation training is highly valued.

Getting Licensed in Michigan

Michigan’s licensing is straightforward but requires an investment of time and money. You cannot legally work as a security guard without a license from the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA).

Unarmed Security Officer:

• Requirement: You must be at least 18, pass a background check, and complete a 16-hour training course from a state-approved school.
• Cost: The course typically costs $100 - $200. The state application fee is an additional $45. Total: ~$150 - $250.
• Timeline: The training can be completed in a weekend (two days). The background check and application processing can take 2-4 weeks. You can start applying for jobs with a training certificate in hand.

Armed Security Officer:

• Requirement: You must already have an unarmed license or be in the process. You must complete an additional 16 hours of firearm training (total 32 hours). This includes classroom, range time, and a qualification test.
• Cost: The armed training course is significantly more, ranging from $250 - $400. The state fee is the same $45. Total: ~$300 - $450.
• Timeline: The armed course adds another 2-3 days of training. Processing for the armed license is often bundled with the unarmed application, so allow an extra week. The total time from start to armed license is typically 4-6 weeks.

Renewal: Both licenses are valid for 2 years. Renewal requires continuing education (typically 4-8 hours for unarmed, 8-16 hours for armed) and a renewal fee.

Insider Tip: Choose your training school carefully. Some schools in the Detroit metro area, like Michigan Security Academy or Great Lakes Security Training, are well-regarded and have connections with local employers. Completing your training at a reputable school can sometimes lead to job referrals.

Best Neighborhoods for Security Guards

Commute and cost are key. Here are 4-5 neighborhoods to consider, balancing lifestyle, commute, and rent.

1. Southend: This is the most affordable part of Dearborn, with a mix of older homes and apartment buildings. It’s close to the Ford Rouge complex and has easy access to I-94. Rent for a 1BR can be found for $850 - $950. The vibe is working-class and practical. A good choice for those working at Ford or the hospital.
2. Warren Avenue Corridor: The heart of Dearborn’s Arab-American community, this area is vibrant and walkable. Rent is moderate, around $950 - $1,100 for a 1BR. You’ll find great food and a strong community feel. Commutes to Ford and the university are very short.
3. Dearborn Heights (adjacent city): Technically a separate city, but minutes from Dearborn’s core. Offers larger homes and apartments for the same price or less. A 1BR here might cost $850 - $950. It’s a bit more suburban and less dense. A great option if you have a car and don’t mind a 10-15 minute commute.
4. Near University of Michigan-Dearborn: This area has a mix of student housing and older single-family homes. It’s quieter, greener, and safer. Rent is at the higher end, $1,050 - $1,200 for a 1BR. Ideal if you work on campus or at the nearby corporate offices and prefer a less urban environment.
5. East Dearborn: This is the more traditional, residential part of the city near Ford Field and the Henry Ford Museum. It’s very safe and family-oriented, with higher home prices. Rent for apartments can still be reasonable, $1,000 - $1,150. It’s a longer commute to the industrial south side but offers a quiet lifestyle.

Insider Tip: If you don’t have a car, your best bet is to live in East Dearborn or near the Warren Avenue corridor, where you can access SMART bus routes that run to the major employers. The Southend and Dearborn Heights are much more car-dependent.

The Long Game: Career Growth

The 10-year job growth of 3% means you must be strategic to advance. Stagnation is a real risk if you don’t upskill.

• Specialty Premiums: The fastest way to boost your income is to get certified in a specialty.
  • Armed Guard: As noted, this is the most common premium, adding $4,000 - $8,000/year.
  • CPR/AED & First Aid Instructor: In high demand at hospitals and schools. Can add a $1-$2/hour premium or lead to trainer roles.
  • Executive Protection: While rare in Dearborn itself, Detroit’s metro has opportunities. Requires advanced training and a clean record. Pay can exceed $60,000/year.
• Advancement Paths:
  1. Field Officer to Supervisor: After 3-5 years, you can move into a shift supervisor role. This involves managing other guards, handling schedules, and reporting. Pay jumps to the mid-40s to low-50s.
  2. Security Specialist to Manager: With 5-10 years and additional education (often just an associate’s degree in criminal justice or management), you can become a Security Manager for a company or a large site. This is where pay can cross $60,000.
  3. Contract to In-House: Many start with a contract company (like Securitas or G4S) and then transition to an in-house position with a major employer like Ford or Henry Ford. In-house roles typically offer better benefits, more stability, and clearer advancement.

10-Year Outlook: The security field in Dearborn will remain stable. Growth will be in healthcare and corporate security, with a slow decline in some retail roles due to technology. To stay relevant, focus on developing soft skills: conflict de-escalation, report writing, and customer service. The guards who communicate effectively and handle incidents professionally will be the ones promoted.

Insider Tip: The best career move in Dearborn is often to get your armed license, work for a contract company on a posting at a major employer (like a Ford facility), and then apply for any in-house openings that come up. You’ll already be familiar with the site and the culture.

The Verdict: Is Dearborn Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Stable Job Market: Anchored by "recession-proof" employers (auto, healthcare).	Low Midpoint Pay: $35,923 is tight for a single person, especially with rent.
Lower Cost of Living: Index of 98.0 vs. national 100.	**Sl