Security Guard in Detroit, MI

Here is a comprehensive career guide for Security Guards considering a move to Detroit, MI.

---

The Salary Picture: Where Detroit Stands

If you’re looking at security work in Detroit, the money is a starting point. The median salary for Security Guards here is $35,923 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $17.27/hour. This sits just below the national average for the profession, which is $36,140/year. The metro area, including the suburbs, supports roughly 1,266 security guard jobs, with a projected 10-year job growth of 3%. This isn't a high-growth field, but it's stable, with consistent demand tied to the city's commercial and institutional footprint.

To understand what you might earn as you gain experience, here’s a typical breakdown:

Experience Level	Typical Years	Estimated Salary Range
Entry-Level	0-2 years	$30,000 - $34,000
Mid-Level	2-5 years	$35,000 - $39,000
Senior/Lead	5-10 years	$40,000 - $45,000
Expert/Specialist	10+ years	$45,000 - $55,000+

Insider Tip: The jump from mid-level to senior often comes with taking on a lead guard role or a site supervisor position. The $35,923 median is heavily influenced by the volume of entry and mid-level positions at large corporate facilities and hospitals. Specialists in areas like executive protection or critical infrastructure can command higher wages, but those roles are less common.

When we compare Detroit to other major Michigan cities, the pay is relatively consistent, but cost of living is the differentiator.

City	Median Salary (Security Guard)	Cost of Living Index (US Avg=100)
Detroit, MI	$35,923	98.0
Grand Rapids, MI	$34,800	95.0
Ann Arbor, MI	$36,500	105.0
Lansing, MI	$34,100	92.0

Detroit’s salary is on par with Ann Arbor but the cost of living is significantly lower, giving it a better purchasing power than the more expensive college town. Compared to Grand Rapids, the pay is slightly higher, and the cost of living is a touch higher, making them roughly comparable.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

With a median salary of $35,923, your take-home pay after taxes (estimated at 22% for federal, state, and FICA) will be roughly $28,000 annually, or about $2,333 per month. Detroit’s average rent! For a one-bedroom apartment is $1,019/month. This leaves about $1,314 per month for all other expenses.

Here’s a sample monthly budget for a single person living in Detroit earning the median:

Expense Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Rent (1BR)	$1,019	City average; varies by neighborhood.
Utilities (Elec/Gas/Water)	$150	Higher in winter due to heating.
Groceries	$350
Car Payment/Insurance	$300	Essential in Detroit; public transit is limited.
Gas & Maintenance	$150
Health Insurance	$100	(If not fully covered by employer)
Phone/Internet	$100
Miscellaneous	$150	Emergentials, personal care.
Total	$2,319	Leaves a $14 buffer.

Can they afford to buy a home? It’s a stretch on this income. The median home price in the Detroit metro is around $225,000. A 20% down payment is $45,000. On a $35,923 salary, a mortgage payment (including taxes and insurance) would likely be unaffordable without a significant down payment or a dual-income household. Homeownership is a long-term goal that would require career advancement to a supervisory role (bringing income closer to $50,000+) or moving to a more affordable suburb.

Insider Tip: Many security companies, especially those contracted for municipal or large corporate sites, offer health benefits. Prioritize jobs with benefits to save on the $100/month health insurance line item. Also, living with a roommate can slash your housing cost, making savings possible.

Where the Jobs Are: Detroit's Major Employers

Detroit’s security job market is anchored by a few key sectors: healthcare, automotive, hospitality, and municipal contracts. Here’s where to look:

1. Henry Ford Health System: A massive employer with multiple locations (Henry Ford Hospital in New Center, Henry Ford Macomb, etc.). They need 24/7 security for patient safety and asset protection. They often hire internally and promote from within.
2. Detroit Medical Center (DMC): Another healthcare giant, with hospitals like Detroit Receiving Hospital and Sinai-Grace. Their security teams are large and unionized (SEIU) in some cases, offering structured pay scales.
3. General Motors / Ford Motor Company: While many security roles are outsourced to contractors, direct-hire positions exist at facilities like GM’s Renaissance Center (the "RenCen") or Ford’s World Headquarters in Dearborn (just outside Detroit). These are highly coveted roles.
4. BorgWarner: A major automotive supplier with a significant presence in Auburn Hills and Detroit. They hire security for their plants and R&D centers.
5. Hospitals: Beyond the big two, look at Ascension Providence Hospital and Beaumont Health (now Corewell) facilities in the metro area.
6. The City of Detroit: The city’s own Department of Transportation (DDOT) and public facilities hire security officers. These are government jobs, often with better benefits and pensions, but can be competitive.
7. Casinos: MGM Grand Detroit and MotorCity Casino have large, in-house security departments. They require a state gaming license and offer a different, more dynamic environment.
8. Contract Companies: Names like Securitas, Allied Universal, and G4S (now part of Allied) manage contracts for countless Detroit businesses, from downtown offices to automotive plants. They are the largest volume employers.

Hiring Trend: The trend is toward specialization. General guard duties are plentiful but pay at the median. The growth is in roles requiring additional certifications: armed security for critical infrastructure, cybersecurity awareness for data centers, and crowd management for events at venues like Little Caesars Arena or Ford Field.

Getting Licensed in MI

Michigan has clear requirements for security guards. You cannot work as an armed guard without this process.

Unarmed Security Guard:

• Requirement: Must be 18, have a clean criminal record, and complete a 8-hour state-approved training course.
• Cost: Training course can range from $75 - $150.
• Process: Complete training, submit an application to the Michigan Department of State Police (MSP), get fingerprinted, and pass a background check. The license is valid for 2 years.
• Timeline: From starting training to holding a license, expect 4-6 weeks.

Armed Security Guard: This is a more involved process.

1. Prerequisite: You must first obtain an unarmed license.
2. Training: Complete a 12-hour state-approved armed guard course (covering firearm safety, law, and range qualification). Cost: $200 - $400.
3. CPR/First Aid: Must be certified.
4. Background & Application: Submit a separate armed guard application to the MSP, which includes a more thorough background check and mental health statement.
5. Fees: Application and licensing fees are in addition to training costs.
6. Timeline: Starting from zero, getting fully licensed as an armed guard can take 2-3 months.

Key Resource: The Michigan Department of State Police, Security Guard Licensing Unit is the official source. Always verify the latest requirements and approved training providers on their website.

Insider Tip: Many employers, especially in hospitals, will pay for your initial unarmed training if you agree to work for them for a set period. For armed roles, the employer often covers or reimburses the high-cost armed training. Ask about this during interviews.

Best Neighborhoods for Security Guards

Where you live in Detroit affects your commute, lifestyle, and budget. Here are 4-5 areas to consider:

1. Corktown: Detroit’s oldest neighborhood, now a trendy hub with new apartments and restaurants. Close to downtown jobs (Renaissance Center, casinos) and the I-75/I-94 interchange. Rent Estimate: $1,100 - $1,400 for a 1BR. Commute: 10-15 min to most downtown sites.
2. New Center: The hub for healthcare jobs, anchored by Henry Ford Hospital and the Fisher Building. Has a mix of historic and new apartment buildings. Rent Estimate: $950 - $1,200 for a 1BR. Walkable to work if you land at Henry Ford.
3. Warren (Suburb): A more affordable, sprawling suburb northeast of the city. Home to General Motors’ Technical Center and many automotive suppliers. Less urban, more car-dependent. Rent Estimate: $850 - $1,000 for a 1BR. Commute: 20-30 min to Detroit, 10-15 min to Warren employers.
4. Southwest Detroit (Vernor/Bagley): A vibrant, culturally rich area close to downtown and the I-75 corridor. More affordable housing. Rent Estimate: $800 - $1,000 for a 1BR. Commute: 10-20 min to most jobs. Note: Some areas have higher crime rates; research specific blocks.
5. Downtown Detroit: If you work at a downtown casino, the RenCen, or a corporate office, living here minimizes your commute. However, rent is highest. Rent Estimate: $1,200 - $1,600+ for a 1BR. Commute: Walk or short drive.

Insider Tip: For healthcare workers, New Center is unbeatable for a short commute. For those in automotive security, Warren or Madison Heights offer lower rent and proximity to plant security posts.

The Long Game: Career Growth

The 10-year job growth of 3% means you need to be strategic to advance. Simply staying in the same guard post won’t yield big salary jumps.

Specialty Premiums (Directly increase earning potential):

• Armed Guard: Typically a $2-$5/hour premium over unarmed rates. Can push your annual income toward $45,000+.
• Executive Protection (Bodyguard): Requires specialized training, often in close protection, defensive driving, and first aid. Can pay $50,000 - $75,000+, but jobs are less common and often based on networking.
• Hospital Security Specialist: Training in de-escalation, behavioral health, and trauma-informed care. May come with a pay bump and is a highly transferable skill.
• CDL for Armored Car Guard: Requires a Commercial Driver’s License. Pay is often $18-$22/hour.

Advancement Paths:

1. Guard → Lead Guard → Site Supervisor: The most common path. You learn the site, take on administrative duties, and manage a team. Supervisor roles can pay $45,000 - $55,000.
2. Corporate Security: Move from a contract guard to an in-house security officer for a large company (like GM or Ford). In-house roles often have better benefits, clearer promotion tracks, and paths into security management or risk assessment.
3. Law Enforcement: Many security guards use the experience as a stepping stone to apply for police academies. Detroit Police Department is a large local employer.

10-Year Outlook: The field will remain steady. Automation and AI will change some monitoring tasks, but the need for a physical, human presence for deterrence, response, and customer service will remain. The guards who advance will be those who specialize, get licensed, and move into supervisory or in-house corporate roles.

The Verdict: Is Detroit Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Abundant Entry-Level Jobs: High volume of openings in healthcare and automotive.	Median Salary is Modest: $35,923 is a tight budget for a family or if you have major debt.
Low Cost of Living: Rent is affordable relative to many US cities (Index: 98.0).	Car is a Necessity: Public transit is limited; commuting requires a reliable vehicle.
Path to Specialization: Clear steps to become armed, work in healthcare, or move in-house.	Job Growth is Slow: 3% growth means competition for the best-paying senior roles.
Strong Union Presence: SEIU represents guards at some major hospitals, offering structure and grievance processes.	Weather: Winters are long, cold, and snowy, which can make outdoor patrols challenging.
Local Networking: A concentrated industry makes it easier to meet people and learn about opportunities.	Urban Challenges: Like any major city, some areas require heightened situational awareness.

Final Recommendation: Detroit is an excellent choice for a security guard who is practical, patient, and career-focused. If you are starting out, need a stable job with a low cost of living, and are willing to pursue further training (especially armed licensing or hospital specialties), Detroit offers a solid foundation. It’s not a place to get rich quick as an entry-level guard, but it’s a place to build a reliable career in security. If your goal is rapid income growth without further investment in training, or if you prefer a more suburban, less urban environment, you might find better opportunities in the growing suburbs of Grand Rapids or Ann Arbor.

FAQs

Q: Is the cost of living really as low as you say?
A: Yes, the 98.0 index is accurate, but it’s an average. Your personal costs will depend heavily on your neighborhood choice and lifestyle. Housing is the biggest variable. A $1,019/month average rent is realistic for a basic 1BR, but utilities and car insurance can be higher than national averages.

Q: How long does it take to get hired after getting my license?
A: It can be quick. Large contractors like Allied Universal often have a pipeline from training to hiring. If you have a clean record and are flexible on shifts (overnights/weekends), you could be placed within 2-4 weeks of obtaining your license. Direct-hire roles at hospitals or the city may take longer, with a formal interview and background process lasting 1-2 months.

Q: Are there drug tests for security jobs in Michigan?
A: Yes, virtually all employers, especially those with government contracts (hospitals, auto plants, casinos), will require a pre-employment drug screen. Marijuana is legal for recreation in Michigan, but employers can still enforce a zero-tolerance policy, especially for safety-sensitive positions. Assume you will be tested.

Q: What’s the biggest mistake new security guards make in Detroit?
A: Not investing in proper winter gear. Detroit winters are brutal. If you’re working an outdoor post (like a parking garage or construction site), a cheap coat won’t cut it. Invest in waterproof boots, thermal layers, and a quality insulated coat. Your comfort and safety on the job depend on it.

Q: Can I make enough to support a family on a security guard salary in Detroit?
A: On a single $35,923 income, it would be very challenging. To support a family, you would likely need to advance to a supervisory role (aiming for $50,000+) or have a partner who also works. Many guards in Detroit work dual shifts or overtime to make ends meet. Careful budgeting and choosing an affordable neighborhood are critical.