Here is a comprehensive career guide for Security Guards considering Farmington Hills, MI.

A Local’s Guide to Security Guard Careers in Farmington Hills, MI

If you’re thinking about moving to or working in Farmington Hills as a security guard, you’re looking at a stable market in a solid suburban community. I’ve lived in this area for years and watched the security industry evolve with the city’s growth. This isn’t a boomtown for security—Detroit’s metro area is where the high-volume action is—but Farmington Hills offers a unique blend of corporate, healthcare, and residential security needs. It’s a place where you can build a steady career without the constant chaos of downtown Detroit, but you need to know where to look and what to expect.

Let’s break down the reality of this career path here, using hard data and local insights.

The Salary Picture: Where Farmington Hills Stands

First, let’s talk numbers. The security field in this part of Michigan isn’t known for high pay, but it’s consistent. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and local wage data, here’s what you’re looking at for a Security Guard in the Farmington Hills area.

The median salary for a Security Guard in the area is $35,923 per year, which breaks down to about $17.27 per hour. This is slightly below the national average of $36,140/year. While the difference is small, it’s a data point to keep in mind. The broader Detroit-Warren-Dearborn metro area has about 165 jobs for this role, with a projected 10-year job growth of 3%. This growth is slow and steady, largely driven by new construction, aging infrastructure needing security, and the continued expansion of healthcare facilities.

Your pay will vary significantly based on experience, the type of assignment (e.g., standing post at a corporate building vs. patrolling a large site), and whether you work for a contract security company or directly for a private employer.

Experience-Level Breakdown

Level	Typical Years of Experience	Approximate Hourly Rate	Annual Salary Range
Entry-Level	0-2 years	$15.00 - $17.50	$31,200 - $36,400
Mid-Level	2-5 years	$17.50 - $20.00	$36,400 - $41,600
Senior/Lead	5-10 years	$20.00 - $24.00	$41,600 - $49,920
Expert/Supervisor	10+ years	$24.00 - $28.00+	$49,920 - $58,240+

Comparison to Other Michigan Cities

While Farmington Hills is part of the larger metro, pay can differ. Detroit itself often has more postings but can be more competitive. Ann Arbor, with its university and hospital systems, sometimes offers slightly higher starting wages due to demand. Grand Rapids is another major market. Here’s a quick comparison:

City	Median Annual Salary	Key Market Drivers
Farmington Hills	$35,923	Corporate offices, healthcare, retail
Detroit	~$36,500	High-volume events, downtown corporations, auto plants
Ann Arbor	~$36,800	University of Michigan, healthcare, research parks
Grand Rapids	~$35,500	Manufacturing, healthcare, logistics

Insider Tip: The highest pay in this region is often found in specialized assignments—like armed security for financial institutions or executive protection for top-level corporate officers. These roles can push your wage into the $25+/hour range, but they require additional certifications (like armed guard licensure) and experience.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

A salary of $35,923/year is the starting point. Let’s see what that actually means for your monthly budget in Farmington Hills.

First, taxes. For a single filer in 2023, your take-home pay after federal, state (Michigan has a flat 4.25% income tax), and FICA (Social Security and Medicare) will be roughly 70-75% of your gross. Let’s use a conservative 72% for this calculation.

• Gross Monthly: $35,923 / 12 = $2,993.58
• Estimated Net Monthly (Take-Home): $2,993.58 * 0.72 ≈ $2,155

Now, let’s factor in the average rent. The average 1-bedroom apartment rent in Farmington Hills is $1,029/month.

Monthly Budget Breakdown (Security Guard Earning $35,923/year)

Expense Category	Estimated Cost	Notes
Gross Monthly Income	$2,993.58	Based on $35,923/year
Estimated Net Income	$2,155	After taxes (~72%)
Rent (1-BR Avg)	$1,029	48% of net income
Utilities (Electric, Gas, Water)	$150	Average for a 1-BR apartment
Groceries	$300	Basic, home-cooked meals
Car Payment/Insurance	$400	A typical used car payment + MI insurance
Gas & Maintenance	$150	Commuting within the metro
Phone/Internet	$80	Basic plan
Health Insurance	$150	If not fully covered by employer
Remaining Discretionary	-$104	This is tight.

Analysis: At this salary, renting a standard one-bedroom apartment alone is challenging. The Cost of Living Index for Farmington Hills is 98.0 (US avg = 100), meaning it’s slightly cheaper than the national average. However, housing is the biggest strain. You would likely need a roommate to comfortably afford a 2-bedroom apartment, or consider a studio or a more affordable suburb like Redford or Livonia.

Can They Afford to Buy a Home?

No, not on this salary alone. The median home price in Farmington Hills is well over $300,000. A monthly mortgage payment, including taxes and insurance, would easily exceed $1,800/month. This is far beyond the $2,155 monthly take-home pay. Homeownership on a security guard’s salary in this specific suburb is unrealistic without a significant down payment, a dual household income, or moving to a more affordable area within the broader metro.

Where the Jobs Are: Farmington Hills’s Major Employers

The job market here isn’t dominated by a single giant employer. Instead, it’s a mix of several key sectors that consistently need security personnel.

1. Healthcare Systems: This is a major driver. Beaumont Hospital Farmington Hills (now part of Corewell Health) is a massive employer. Security roles here include access control at entrances, patrolling parking structures, and monitoring patient areas. Hiring is steady due to 24/7 operations.
2. Corporate Offices & Tech Parks: Farmington Hills has numerous corporate headquarters and office parks, especially along the I-275 and M-14 corridors. Companies like Gentex (automotive tech) and Magna International have facilities in the area. They often hire for overnight and weekend posts to protect assets and intellectual property.
3. Retail & Shopping Centers: West Bloomfield Hills Mall (technically in West Bloomfield but feeds the local market) and the Farmington Central Business District need security for loss prevention and crowd management, especially during holidays.
4. Educational Institutions: Schoolcraft College (Livonia campus is close) and local school districts hire security for after-hours events, campus patrol, and facility protection.
5. Government & Municipal: The City of Farmington Hills and Farmington Public Schools employ security staff for city buildings, recreational facilities, and school events.
6. Industrial & Manufacturing: The nearby I-275 Industrial Corridor (just south in Plymouth and Livonia) has warehouses and manufacturing plants that require perimeter security and access control.

Insider Tip: The best way to find these jobs isn’t always Indeed. Check the “Careers” pages directly on the websites of Beaumont Corewell Health, the City of Farmington Hills, and major corporate employers. Contract security companies like Securitas, Allied Universal, and G4S also have local contracts, but direct-hire positions often come with better benefits.

Getting Licensed in MI

Michigan has specific requirements for security guards. You don’t need a state license to work as an unarmed guard, but completing training dramatically increases your employability and pay.

• Basic Requirement: Most employers require a high school diploma or GED.
• Training: A 24-hour Michigan Department of Public Safety (MIPS) approved security training course is the industry standard. It covers legal authority, use of force, emergency procedures, and report writing. This course typically costs $150-$300.
• Timeline: You can complete the course over a weekend. After finishing, you can apply for jobs and start working almost immediately.
• Armed Guard Licensure: If you want to work armed (which pays significantly more), you need a separate Michigan Concealed Pistol License (CPL) and additional training (usually 8-16 hours of specific armed guard training). The CPL process alone can take 2-3 months. Armed guard jobs are less common in Farmington Hills but available at banks, jewelry stores, and some corporate sites.
• Cost Breakdown:
  • Unarmed Guard Training: $150 - $300
  • Michigan CPL Application Fee: $100 (plus fingerprinting fees)
  • Armed Guard Course: $200 - $500

Insider Tip: Some larger security companies will sponsor your training if you commit to working for them. Always ask about this during the hiring process. It saves you upfront costs.

Best Neighborhoods for Security Guards

Location matters for both commute and livability. Here’s a breakdown of neighborhoods and nearby areas, considering the $35,923 salary.

Neighborhood/Area	Vibe & Commute	Estimated 1-BR Rent	Why It’s a Good Fit
Farmington/Farmington Hills (Core)	Suburban, walkable downtown, good schools. Commute to jobs is short.	$1,029 - $1,200	Zero commute to major employers (Beaumont, offices). Highest rent on this list. Best with a roommate.
West Bloomfield	More affluent, larger homes, lakes. Slightly longer commute but still close.	$1,100 - $1,300	If you land a job at the mall or a corporate site in West Bloomfield, it’s ideal. Pricier.
Livonia	Classic suburban, very affordable, excellent highway access (I-96, I-275).	$900 - $1,050	The Sweet Spot. Tons of security jobs (hospitals, schools, industrial). Rent is manageable on a single income.
Redford	Blue-collar, affordable, older housing stock. Directly south of Farmington Hills.	$800 - $950	Great for saving money. Commute to Farmington Hills jobs is 10-15 minutes.
Plymouth	Charming downtown, a bit more upscale, but has affordable pockets.	$950 - $1,150	Close to the I-275 industrial corridor. Good balance of lifestyle and job access.

Insider Tip: If you’re single and on a tight budget, Livonia or Redford are your best bets. You’ll have more money left over for savings and a manageable commute to almost any job in the Farmington Hills area.

The Long Game: Career Growth

The 10-year job growth of 3% tells you this isn’t a field for rapid advancement, but there are paths to increase your income.

• Specialty Premiums:
  • Armed Guard: Adding a CPL and armed certification can increase your hourly rate by $5-$10/hour.
  • Fire Watch/Safety: Certifications in fire safety or first responder training can make you valuable on construction sites or large facilities.
  • System Monitoring: Experience with CCTV, access control systems (like LenelS2 or Genetec), and alarm systems can lead to roles in security operations centers (SOC) or as a site supervisor.
• Advancement Paths:
  1. Field Officer → Shift Supervisor: Oversee a small team at a site.
  2. Supervisor → Account Manager (for contract companies): Manage client relationships for a security company.
  3. Direct Hire → Corporate Security Specialist: Move from a contract guard to an in-house employee for a corporation, often with better pay and benefits.
  4. Pivot to Law Enforcement/Corrections: Many security guards use this as a stepping stone, especially with the training and experience gained.

10-Year Outlook: The demand will remain stable, fueled by healthcare and corporate needs. The key to growth will be upskilling in technology. Guards who are comfortable with digital reporting, basic IT troubleshooting for security systems, and integrated facility management will be most valuable. The old model of just “standing post” is fading.

The Verdict: Is Farmington Hills Right for You?

Here’s a straightforward look at the pros and cons.

Pros	Cons
Stable Job Market: Consistent demand from healthcare and corporate sectors.	Modest Pay: $35,923 median salary makes solo living in the core city difficult.
Good Work-Life Balance: Many posts are overnight or weekends, offering daytime freedom.	Slow Growth: 3% job growth means you must be proactive to advance.
Manageable Commute: Most jobs are within a 15-20 minute drive.	High Competition: For the best posts (day shift, good companies), competition can be stiff.
Solid Cost of Living: Slightly below national average, offsetting the low wage.	Specialization Needed for High Pay: To break the $40k+ barrier, you’ll need extra skills or licenses.
Pathway to Detroit Metro: Experience here can be a stepping stone to higher-paying roles in downtown Detroit.	Limited Nightlife/Urban Vibe: It’s a suburb; if you want a bustling city scene, this isn’t it.

Final Recommendation: Farmington Hills is a good fit for security guards who value stability and a quiet suburban lifestyle over high earning potential. It’s ideal if you’re starting your career, are willing to work a second job or live with a roommate, and see this as a step toward something else (like law enforcement or a corporate security role). If your primary goal is to maximize income immediately, you might be better served looking in downtown Detroit or Ann Arbor, but you’d trade off the community feel and shorter commutes.

FAQs

1. Do I need a car to work as a security guard in Farmington Hills?
Yes, absolutely. Public transportation (SMART buses) is limited, especially for the overnight shifts common in security. Most job sites, like hospitals and industrial parks, are not easily accessible by transit. A reliable car is a non-negotiable requirement.

2. Are there part-time security jobs available?
Yes, many. This is a common entry point. Hospitals, events, and retail stores often hire for part-time or seasonal positions. This is a great way to get your foot in the door, gain experience, and see if the field is right for you without committing to full-time hours.

3. What’s the difference between working for a contract company (like Allied) vs. direct hire?
Contract companies manage security for multiple clients. You might be assigned to a new site every few months. Direct hire means you work for one employer (e.g., Beaumont Hospital) and are part of their internal team. Direct-hire roles often have better benefits (healthcare, retirement) and more job security, while contract offers more variety.

4. Is armed security work common in Farmington Hills?
It’s not as common as unarmed, but it exists. The most common armed positions are at financial institutions (banks, credit unions), some jewelry stores in shopping plazas, and occasionally at corporate headquarters with high-value assets. The pay is better, but the responsibility and risk are higher.

5. How competitive is the job market here?
For standard unarmed posts, there are always openings, but the best shifts (weekdays, days) are competitive. To stand out, complete your 24-hour training course before you apply, have a clean driving record, and highlight any customer service experience on your resume. Being flexible with shifts (nights/weekends) will make you a much more attractive candidate.