The Complete Career Guide for Security Guards in Lawrence, MA

If you're considering a move to Lawrence, Massachusetts, as a security guard, you're looking at a city with a distinct personality. It’s working-class, historic, and densely packed. It’s not Boston, but it has its own pulse, its own challenges, and its own opportunities. This guide is brutally honest about what your life will look like here, from the paycheck to the commute to the neighborhoods you might call home. We'll use hard data—median salaries, rent averages, and job growth projections—to give you a clear-eyed view, not a sales pitch.

The Salary Picture: Where Lawrence Stands

The first question is always: how much will I earn? In Lawrence, the security field pays modestly, tracking close to the national average but slightly below it. The median salary for a security guard in Lawrence is $37,397/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $17.98/hour. This is just above the national average for the role, which sits at $36,140/year. While that may seem encouraging, the cost of living in the Lawrence metro area is about 11.6% higher than the national average, which will eat into that paycheck.

The job market is stable but small. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and local data, there are approximately 176 security guard jobs in the metro area. The 10-year job growth projection is a modest 3%, which indicates a steady demand for replacements and slight expansion, but not a booming market. You're not moving to a city where security jobs are exploding; you're moving to one where they are a consistent part of the economic fabric.

Experience-Level Breakdown

Here’s how salaries typically progress within the security field in this region. These are realistic estimates based on local job postings and industry standards.

Experience Level	Typical Years	Estimated Annual Salary	Hourly Equivalent
Entry-Level	0-2 years	$32,000 - $35,000	$15.38 - $16.83
Mid-Level	2-5 years	$37,000 - $42,000	$17.79 - $20.19
Senior/Supervisor	5-10 years	$43,000 - $50,000	$20.67 - $24.04
Expert/Management	10+ years	$50,000 - $60,000+	$24.04 - $28.85+

Note: These figures are estimates. Specialized roles (see "The Long Game" section) can command higher premiums.

Comparison to Other MA Cities

Lawrence's salaries are competitive for a mid-sized city but lag behind more affluent suburbs. A security guard in Lowell or Haverhill might see similar pay, but the cost of living difference is often negligible. The real gap is when you compare Lawrence to the Boston-Cambridge metro area, where the median salary can be $5,000-$7,000 higher, though the rent is also exponentially higher.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get real about what $37,397/year means in your pocket. After federal and state taxes (Massachusetts has a flat 5% income tax), a single filer with no dependents would take home roughly $30,000-$31,000 annually, or about $2,500-$2,580 per month. Now, we factor in the biggest expense: rent.

The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Lawrence is $1,483/month. That’s your reality.

Monthly Budget Breakdown for an Entry-Level Guard

Let’s run the numbers for a guard earning the median salary.

Expense Category	Monthly Cost	% of Take-Home Pay
Rent (1BR Apartment)	$1,483	~58%
Utilities (Est.)	$150	~6%
Groceries	$350	~14%
Transportation	$250	~10%
Phone/Internet	$80	~3%
Health Insurance	$150 (if not through employer)	~6%
Miscellaneous/Savings	$157	~6%
TOTAL	$2,620	~102%

Insider Tip: This budget is extremely tight. At $17.98/hour, you cannot comfortably live alone in a one-bedroom apartment without overtime or a second income. Most security guards in Lawrence live with roommates, in shared housing, or in more affordable 2-3 bedroom apartments where the cost per person is lower. A $1,483 rent for a single person on this salary is unsustainable without significant overtime.

Can They Afford to Buy a Home?

Short answer: No, not on a single guard's salary. The median home price in Lawrence is significantly higher than the national average. With a $37,397 income, your debt-to-income ratio would be too high for a lender to approve a mortgage for a typical home in the area. Homeownership for a security guard in Lawrence is a long-term goal that requires dual incomes, a significant down payment from savings over many years, or a move to a more affordable neighboring town like Dracut or North Andover (though the latter is much more expensive). It’s a serious financial stretch.

Where the Jobs Are: Lawrence's Major Employers

Where you work is just as important as what you earn. Lawrence’s economy is diverse, offering security roles across several key sectors. Here are the primary employers and hiring trends for security guards.

1. Lawrence General Hospital: This is a major employer. Hospital security is a specialized role involving patient safety, conflict de-escalation in emergency rooms, and managing visitor flow. They often hire in-house security teams that may offer better benefits than contract firms. Hiring is steady due to the essential nature of healthcare.

2. Lawrence Public Schools: The school district employs security guards for its buildings. These roles often follow a school-year schedule (roughly 10 months) with summers off, which can be a pro or a con depending on your cash flow needs. Positions are posted on the City of Lawrence’s official job board.

3. The City of Lawrence (Municipal Jobs): The city hires security for municipal buildings, parks, and events. These are often city civil service positions, which come with structured pay scales, pensions, and union benefits. They are highly competitive, and you typically need to take a civil service exam. Check the City of Lawrence’s Human Resources page for postings.

4. Taylor Rental Center (Corporate Headquarters): While a rental company, their corporate HQ in Lawrence, MA, requires facility security. They are a local, stable employer. Corporate security roles often have more regular daytime hours compared to shift work.

5. Local Retail & Industrial Parks: The area around the Lawrence Municipal Airport and the industrial parks along Route 125 and I-93 host warehouses, distribution centers (like those for Amazon or other logistics companies), and large retail plazas (e.g., near the Shoppes at the Riverwalk). These employers often use contract security firms like Securitas, G4S, or local companies. Hiring here is frequently driven by contract wins, so it can be project-based.

6. University of Massachusetts Lowell (UMass Lowell): While technically in Lowell, UMass Lowell is a major employer in the region and a short commute for many Lawrence residents. They hire security for dorms, campus facilities, and events. The university environment offers a different pace than corporate or hospital security.

Insider Tip: The most stable, best-paying jobs are often in-house at places like Lawrence General or the City of Lawrence. Contract security (through a firm like Securitas) gets your foot in the door but often starts at the lower end of the pay scale. Network locally; many of these jobs are filled through word-of-mouth before they're formally posted.

Getting Licensed in MA

Massachusetts has clear, mandatory licensing for security guards. You cannot legally work without a valid license.

State Licensing Board: The Massachusetts Executive Office of Public Safety and Security (EOPSS), specifically the Department of State Police (MSP), oversees this. The license is a Class D Security Guard License.

Requirements:

1. Training: You must complete a 16-hour pre-assignment training course from a state-approved vendor. This covers laws, use of force, emergency procedures, and ethics.
2. Background Check: A thorough criminal background check (CORI) and a fingerprint check are required. Felony convictions will disqualify you.
3. Application: Submit an application with the training certificate, passport-style photos, and the required fee to the MSP.
4. Cost: The total cost, including the training course, application fee, and fingerprinting, typically ranges from $250 to $400. The training course alone is usually $150-$250.

Timeline:

• Training Course: 2 days (weekend options available).
• Application Processing: After submitting your complete application, it can take 6-10 weeks for the MSP to process and issue your license.
• Total Timeline: Expect 2-3 months from starting training to having your license in hand. Plan accordingly if you’re moving for a job.

Insider Tip: Some employers will hire you contingent on you obtaining your license. They may even reimburse your training costs upon successful completion of a probationary period. Ask about this during interviews.

Best Neighborhoods for Security Guards

Living in Lawrence means balancing commute, safety, and rent. Here are neighborhoods to consider, with estimated 1BR rent ranges (note: "1BR" in Lawrence is often a small apartment in a multi-family house).

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Estimated 1BR Rent	Best For...
Downtown Lawrence	Walkable, dense, historic. Close to city jobs and bus routes. Can be noisy.	$1,200 - $1,600	Those who want to minimize a commute and don't mind city life.
Tower Hill	Residential, quieter, single-family and multi-family homes. Good access to I-93.	$1,400 - $1,700	Guards with a car; easier access to jobs in industrial parks or hospitals.
Lower Reading Road	Working-class, tight-knit. Very affordable rent. Closer to the river.	$1,100 - $1,450	The most budget-conscious. Be aware of older housing stock.
East Lawrence	More suburban feel, some newer developments. Good for families.	$1,500 - $1,800+	Guards with families or those seeking a quieter, more residential lifestyle.
North Andover (Bordering)	A separate, more affluent town. Much safer, excellent schools, but higher costs.	$1,800 - $2,200+	Not typically on a guard's salary, but worth knowing for future goals.

Insider Tip: Look for apartments in multi-family houses. They are the most common and often the most affordable housing stock in Lawrence. Use local Facebook groups (e.g., "Lawrence, MA Rentals") and local real estate agencies like "A-1 Realty" to find listings that may not be on major websites.

The Long Game: Career Growth

A security guard's career isn't static. With experience and additional certifications, you can significantly increase your earning potential and job stability.

Specialty Premiums:

• Armed Guard: Requires an additional 8-hour armed guard course and a separate permit. Armed guards in the Lawrence area can earn $3-$5 more per hour (roughly $45,000 - $55,000/year). High-risk sites like banks, armored transport, or certain corporate facilities pay the premium.
• Executive Protection: A niche field. Requires advanced training in close protection, defensive driving, and risk assessment. It’s not common in Lawrence itself but is an option in the broader Boston metro area for those willing to commute.
• Corporate Security: Moving from a post to an in-house security coordinator or manager at a company like those in the industrial parks. Requires management skills and often a two-year degree in criminal justice or security management.

Advancement Paths:

1. Field Officer to Supervisor: Manage a team of guards at a site. Pay bump to $24-$28/hour.
2. Supervisor to Account Manager (Contract Firm): Oversee multiple client sites. Requires strong client relations skills.
3. In-House to Security Director: This is the top tier, often requiring a Bachelor’s degree and 10+ years of experience. Salaries can exceed $70,000, but these roles are rare in the immediate Lawrence area.

10-Year Outlook: With a 3% job growth rate, the market isn't expanding rapidly. Your best bet for growth is to specialize and move into management or a higher-paying specialty like armed security. The growth will come from replacing retiring guards and from the continued need for security in healthcare, schools, and logistics.

The Verdict: Is Lawrence Right for You?

Lawrence is a city of contrasts. It offers affordable housing (relative to the region) but a high cost of living for its salary levels. It has steady jobs but limited career explosiveness. It’s gritty and real, not polished and curated.

Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
Affordable Entry Point: Lower rent than Boston or premium suburbs.	Tight Budget: On a $17.98/hour salary, living alone is a major financial stretch.
Stable Job Market: Consistent demand in healthcare, schools, and city government.	Modest Growth: 3% 10-year growth means competition for better jobs.
Diverse Employer Base: Hospitals, schools, city, and industrial jobs.	High Cost of Living: 111.6 index means your paycheck doesn't go far.
Good Transit Access: Lawrence is on the commuter rail line to Boston (though expensive).	Limited Luxury: Not a city for high-end retail or dining. It's a working city.
Strong Community: Tight-knit neighborhoods and a rich immigrant culture.	Safety Varies: Like many cities, some neighborhoods are safer than others. Research is key.

Final Recommendation

Lawrence is a viable option for a security guard who is financially prepared, likely with a roommate or partner, and is looking for a stable, no-frills life. It's a good place to start or continue a security career, especially if you can land an in-house job at the hospital or city. However, if your goal is to maximize income and savings quickly, you might find better opportunities in the higher-paying Boston metro area, with the understanding that your rent will be 50-100% higher. For a single person on a $37,397 salary, Lawrence is possible but requires strict budgeting and a willingness to live modestly.

FAQs

1. Can I get a security job in Lawrence with just a high school diploma?
Yes. The state license is the primary requirement, not a college degree. However, having an associate's degree in criminal justice or prior military/police experience can make you a more competitive candidate for the better-paying, in-house positions.

2. Is overtime common for security guards in Lawrence?
It depends on the employer. Contract security firms often have more overtime opportunities, especially covering shifts. City and hospital jobs may have less overtime but better benefits. Always ask about overtime policy in interviews.

3. What’s the weather like, and does it affect the job?
New England weather is four seasons. You will work outside in the cold, snow, rain, and heat. A good portion of security work in Lawrence involves checking exteriors, parking lots, and events. Layered clothing is a must. Winters can be harsh, so a reliable vehicle is important if you work overnight shifts in industrial parks.

4. How do I find a roommate to make the budget work?
Use local Facebook groups like "Lawrence MA Rentals, Roommates, Sublets" and "Massachusetts Roommates." Also, check bulletin boards at Lawrence General Hospital, the public library, and community colleges. Be upfront about your work schedule (especially if you work nights).

5. Is it better to work for a contract company or directly for an employer?
There's no single right answer. Contract (e.g., Securitas): Easier to get hired, good for building experience, but lower pay and benefits. In-House (e.g., Hospital, City): Harder to get into, but better pay, benefits, job security, and a direct career path. For long-term stability in Lawrence, aim for an in-house position.