Security Guard in Fall River, MA

The Salary Picture: Where Fall River Stands

As a local, I'll tell you straight up: security work in Fall River isn't a get-rich-quick scheme, but it's a stable, honest living if you play your cards right. The median salary for security guards here is $36,237/year, which breaks down to about $17.42/hour. That's slightly above the national average of $36,140/year, but don't get too excited—it's barely a statistical blip. The cost of living here is also slightly above the national average (100.9 index), so that edge gets eaten up.

The real story is in the experience curve. Here’s how it typically breaks down locally:

Experience Level	Hourly Rate	Annual Salary (Est.)	Notes
Entry-Level	$15.50 - $16.50	$32,240 - $34,320	Often starts with mobile patrol or overnight retail.
Mid-Level (2-5 yrs)	$16.75 - $18.50	$34,840 - $38,480	Hospital posts, construction sites, permanent posts.
Senior (5-10 yrs)	$19.00 - $21.00	$39,520 - $43,680	Supervisory roles, lead guard, specialized posts.
Expert/Supervisor	$22.00 - $25.00+	$45,760 - $52,000+	Site manager, corporate security, union positions.

Local Insight: The biggest jump comes from getting on with a unionized employer or a major hospital. Northeastern Security (unionized) at Southcoast Health's St. Luke's Hospital often pays at the top of that senior range, especially for night shift or supervisors. It’s not uncommon to see guards there with 10+ years pulling down $23-$24/hour.

Comparison to Other MA Cities: You're not competing with Boston wages ($44,000+ median), but you're also not paying Boston rent. Worcester's median is closer to $37,500, and Springfield is around $35,800. Fall River sits in a middle ground—more affordable than the major hubs but with fewer high-paying corporate security gigs than Worcester. The 187 security jobs in the metro area is a healthy number for a city of our size, but competition is real, especially for the better posts.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get real about the budget. On a $36,237/year salary, your take-home pay after Massachusetts taxes (4.95% state income tax, plus federal and FICA) is roughly $2,100 - $2,200 per month. I've run these numbers for friends in the field. That’s the reality.

The average 1-bedroom apartment in Fall River costs $1,398/month. That’s a brutal chunk of your income—about 63% of your take-home pay. Here’s a monthly budget breakdown, assuming you find an apartment at that median:

Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Rent (1BR)	$1,398	Factor in utilities ($100-150) if not included.
Groceries	$350	Going to Market Basket or Price Rite on President Ave.
Car/Gas/Insurance	$300	Essential. Public transit is limited. $50-$60 for gas.
Phone/Internet	$100	Comcast or Verizon.
Health Insurance	$250	If not covered by employer (many small firms don't).
Misc/Entertainment	$100	Basic.
Remaining Buffer	~$0 to $100	This is the danger zone.

Can They Afford to Buy a Home? On this salary, it's a stretch. The median home price in Fall River is around $400,000. A 20% down payment is $80,000. With a monthly take-home of ~$2,200, a mortgage, taxes, and insurance would be unsustainable. Insider Tip: The only way homeownership is feasible on a guard's salary here is through an FHA loan (3.5% down), buying a multi-family (live in one unit, rent the other), or pairing up with a partner. Many local guards I know rent in affordable neighborhoods like the Flint or grab a roommate in a nicer area like the South End to make ends meet.

Where the Jobs Are: Fall River's Major Employers

The job market here is a mix of large local institutions and regional security firms. You don't have the Fortune 500 corporate HQs of Boston, but you have solid, steady employers.

1. Southcoast Health (St. Luke's Hospital): The 800-lb gorilla. They have their own in-house security team and contract with Northeastern Security for additional posts. Hiring is sporadic but happens. Trend: They prefer candidates with experience, especially in medical settings. Unions are strong here.
2. Briggs & Stratton / Spherion (Manufacturing): The former Briggs plant is now a huge industrial park with various manufacturers. They often hire through staffing agencies like Spherion for site security. Trend: They need overnight coverage, which is a good entry point. Shift differentials are key here.
3. Fall River Public Schools: The district hires its own security monitors (though often called "safety officers"). These are year-round, salaried positions with benefits. Trend: They often require a driver's license and may have a preference for residents. Check the city's HR portal, not job boards.
4. Major Retail Centers (South Coast Plaza, Walmart): Many guards here are employed directly by the store or through a contractor like Securitas. Trend: High turnover, but good for building initial experience. The Walmart post is notoriously busy.
5. Local Security Firms: Northeastern Security (based in Worcester but covers Fall River), AlliedUniversal, and Securitas are the big three. They service everything from construction sites to office buildings. Trend: You'll start in their "float" pool. The key is to prove reliability to get a permanent post.
6. The City of Fall River (Parks & Recreation): Seasonal posts for summer events, concerts at the Nasional Amphitheater, and waterfront patrols. Trend: Hires through the city's temporary labor pool. Great for supplemental income and networking.

Getting Licensed in MA

Massachusetts licensing is straightforward but has a few hurdles. Don't start a job without it—employers will require it.

1. The Basic Requirement: You must obtain a First Class Security Guard License from the Massachusetts State Police. This requires a 30-minute online course (approved by the State Police) and a background check.
2. Cost: The course is typically $45-$75. The state license application fee is $75. You'll also need to get fingerprinted, which costs about $45. Total startup cost: ~$165-$195.
3. Timeline: From start to finish, plan for 3-4 weeks. The online course is instant, but the background check and mailing of the physical license take time. Insider Tip: Don't wait to apply. Start the process as soon as you decide to pursue this career.
4. Additional Certifications: To be competitive, especially for hospital or high-value work, get CPR/AED (costs ~$100 at the Red Cross in Fall River) and First Aid. Some employers pay for this, but having it on your resume makes you stand out. Fire Guard certification is another premium skill for construction sites, but it's a separate, more involved course.

Best Neighborhoods for Security Guards

Choosing where to live is a balance of commute, rent, and safety. As a security guard, you might be working overnight shifts, so your commute and personal safety matter.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Avg. 1BR Rent	Security Guard Fit
The Flint	Working-class, dense, close to downtown. Walkable to some posts.	$1,100 - $1,250	Most Affordable. Great for saving money, but some blocks can be rough. Best for senior guards who know the area.
Westport (border)	Suburban, quieter, requires a car. Easy to access Route 195 to other towns.	$1,300 - $1,500	Good Balance. Safer, more family-oriented. A longer commute to Fall River posts, but worth it for quality of life.
South End	Residential, slightly more upscale, near the waterfront.	$1,400 - $1,600	Best for Mid-Level. Quieter for day sleep after night shifts. Closer to St. Luke's and South Coast Plaza.
North End	Mixed residential/commercial, industrial edges.	$1,200 - $1,350	Practical. Close to many manufacturing employers (Briggs, etc.). Less scenic, but a straight shot to work.
Oak Grove (Somerset border)	Very quiet, suburban, safe.	$1,350 - $1,500	Long Commute. You'll be driving into Fall River for work, but it's a peaceful place to rest.

The Long Game: Career Growth

The 10-year job growth for security guards nationally is only 3%, which reflects automation and tighter budgets. In Fall River, it's even slower. Growth isn't about more jobs; it's about moving up.

• Specialty Premiums: The fastest way to earn more is specialization.
  • Armed Guard: Requires a separate Firearms License (Class A) from the local police department. Can add $4-$6/hour. High demand at Brinks or armored transport, but few local posts. More common in Boston metro.
  • Fire Watch: On construction sites, especially in the new waterfront developments. Can pay $20-$25/hour for the duration of the project.
  • Corporate/Executive Protection: Very limited in Fall River itself, but some travel opportunities to Boston for local firms.
• Advancement Paths:
  1. Supervisor: Move from guard to shift supervisor at a post. Manages 2-3 guards, handles reports. Pay jumps to $20-$22/hour.
  2. Site Manager: Oversee an entire facility (e.g., a school or hospital). Salaried position, often $45,000-$55,000. Requires experience and leadership skills.
  3. Private Investigator: If you have 3+ years as a guard, you can apply for a PI license. This opens up a different world of work, often with higher pay but more variability.
  4. Transition to Law Enforcement: Many local guards use the experience and stability to apply for the Fall River Police Department (requires a civil service exam) or State Police. The discipline and report-writing skills are a direct transfer.

10-Year Outlook: Demand will remain steady for warm bodies on posts, especially as life sciences and healthcare expand in the region (Southcoast is growing). The high-paying, stable, unionized posts will become more competitive. The key to thriving is to get on with Southcoast, the school system, or a major contractor, and then specialize or promote.

The Verdict: Is Fall River Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Lower Cost of Living than Boston/Worcester.	Low Wages relative to rent and MA's high taxes.
Steady Job Market in healthcare, schools, and manufacturing.	Limited Career Ceiling; few local corporate or high-level security roles.
No Extreme Weather (compared to Worcester/Buffalo). Summers are humid, winters are mild.	Strained Commute if you need to go to Providence or Boston for better pay.
Strong Sense of Community in the neighborhoods.	Neighborhood Variability is high; safety varies block-by-block.
Gateway to Providence (25 min drive for more opportunities).	Car Dependency is absolute; public transit won't cut it for shift work.

Final Recommendation: Fall River is a viable start or a stable home for a security guard, not a pinnacle. If you're early in your career, it's a good place to get your license and 2-3 years of experience without going broke. If you're mid-career, the equation only works if you land a union post at a hospital or a salaried city job. Do not move here expecting to save a fortune. Budget tightly, understand the rent trap, and have a plan to specialize or promote within 5 years. For the right person—someone who values community over career ambition—it can work. For someone looking to climb the security ladder to a six-figure income, Fall River is a stepping stone, not a destination.

FAQs

Q: I'm moving from another state. How long until I'm licensed and working?
A: Start your MA license application the moment you have a permanent address. It takes 3-4 weeks. In the meantime, you can work for a staffing agency on a temp-to-perm basis, but you cannot perform security duties until you have the physical license in hand. Factor in a month of no income before your first real paycheck.

Q: Is the Fall River job market competitive?
A: For entry-level posts, no. There's high turnover. For the good posts (hospital, schools, supervisory), yes. The key is networking. Visit security firms in person with a resume. Let the dispatchers at Northeastern or Allied know you're reliable and available for overnight/weekend shifts—that’s where the openings are.

Q: Do I need my own firearm license to get a good job?
A: Not necessarily. The vast majority of jobs in Fall River do not require a firearm. The best-paying jobs (hospital, corporate) are almost exclusively unarmed. An armed license is a niche specialty here and can limit your options. Focus on getting your basic license and CPR first.

Q: What's the biggest mistake new security guards make here?
A: Taking a low-paying post with zero benefits and no path to promotion, then getting comfortable. The market is stable, but stagnant. After 18 months, if you're not making $18/hour or have a chance for advancement, you need to aggressively look for a new post. Use your experience to jump to a better employer.

Q: Can I survive on a guard's salary if I have a family?
A: It's challenging. One income at $36,237 for a family is below the poverty line for a household of four in Massachusetts. It would require extreme budgeting, government assistance (SNAP, MassHealth), and likely living in a multi-family home or with extended family. Most guards with families have a partner working or rely on overtime and shift differentials.