Security Guard in New Bedford, MA

The Salary Picture: Where New Bedford Stands

If you're looking at security work in the South Coast, New Bedford's numbers are a mixed bag. The city's median salary for security guards sits at $36,237/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $17.42/hour. That's just a hair above the national average of $36,140/year. The metro area, which includes surrounding towns like Fairhaven, Dartmouth, and Acushnet, supports about 201 jobs in the field. The 10-year job growth projection is modest at 3%, which tells you this isn't a booming industry, but it's stable.

Here’s how pay typically breaks down by experience level in this region:

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary	Typical Duties
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$32,000 - $36,000	Patrols, access control, basic monitoring
Mid-Level (2-5 years)	$36,000 - $40,000	Supervision, report writing, some client interaction
Senior (5-10 years)	$40,000 - $45,000	Lead guard, training, complex site management
Expert/Supervisor (10+ years)	$45,000 - $55,000+	Operations manager, client liaison, high-risk sites

Insider Tip: Don't just look at the base rate. Many security companies in the New Bedford area offer differential pay for overnight shifts (often $1-2 more per hour), weekends, and especially for posts at healthcare facilities like St. Luke's or the VA Hospital. If you have a clean driving record, you can also get premium pay for transport duties. Always ask about shift differentials during the interview; it's not always advertised upfront.

Compared to other Massachusetts cities, New Bedford is an affordable option. Boston's median is significantly higher (often above $45k), but so is the cost of living. Worcester is closer in salary range but has a slightly higher cost of living. New Bedford's pay is competitive for the South Coast, especially considering the lower living costs.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's get real about the monthly budget. We'll use the median salary of $36,237/year, which is about $3,020/month before taxes.

Estimated Monthly Budget Breakdown:

• Gross Income: $3,020
• Taxes (Federal, State, FICA - ~22% est.): -$664
• Net Income (Take-Home): ~$2,356
• Rent (Avg. 1BR): -$1,205
• Remaining for Utilities, Food, Transport, Savings: $1,151

This leaves you with roughly $1,150 for all other expenses. Utilities (electric, gas, internet) in a 1BR apartment can run $150-$250/month. Groceries for one person: $300-$400. Car payment/insurance (a necessity outside the core downtown): $300-$500. This budget is tight but manageable with disciplined spending. You will not have much room for savings or discretionary spending, especially if you have a car loan or debt.

Can they afford to buy a home? On a single security guard's median salary, it's extremely challenging. The median home price in New Bedford is around $400,000. Even with a good credit score, a 20% down payment ($80,000) is a massive hurdle. A more realistic path is buying a multi-family property (with rental income) or partnering with a spouse/partner with a second income. Renting is the more feasible option for the foreseeable future.

Where the Jobs Are: New Bedford's Major Employers

The job market for security guards here is dominated by a mix of healthcare, municipal, and private contract companies. Here are the key players:

1. St. Luke's Hospital (Southcoast Health System): The largest hospital in the region. They employ both in-house security officers and contract through firms like Securitas or Allied Universal. Hiring is steady, especially for 24/7 coverage. Preference often given to those with healthcare security experience (which is different from retail).
2. Southcoast Hospitals Group: Includes St. Luke's and other facilities. They are a major source of stable, unionized (SEIU) security jobs with better benefits than typical contract guards.
3. New Bedford Public Schools: The school district hires security monitors and school resource officers (often requiring additional law enforcement certification). This is a daytime shift, aligning with school hours, and is popular for those with families.
4. Whaling City Security & Investigations: A locally-owned and operated firm that contracts with many of the city's businesses, from the waterfront to downtown offices. They know the local landscape intimately and are a good choice for those who want to work for a local company rather than a national chain.
5. New Bedford Police Department (Special Police): The NBPD hires "Special Police" officers, who are essentially armed security guards for specific city properties or events. This requires MA Class A/B firearms licensing and is a step up in responsibility and pay.
6. Port of New Bedford: The fishing industry and port operations require security for terminals, warehouses, and specialized cargo. These jobs often require additional certifications and can pay better due to the nature of the work.
7. National Chains (Allied Universal, Securitas, G4S): These companies have contracts for retail locations (like Target, the New Bedford Mall), corporate offices, and industrial sites. They are the largest employers by volume and often serve as the entry point into the field.

Hiring Trends: Hiring is consistent but not explosive. The healthcare and education sectors are the most stable. The retail and contract side can be more volatile, tied to the local economy. The push for "community policing" models has also created more hybrid security roles in downtown areas and parks.

Getting Licensed in MA

Massachusetts has clear, state-mandated requirements. You cannot work without proper licensure.

State Licensing Board: The Massachusetts Department of Public Safety, Division of Professional Licensure (DPL). You'll apply for a Security Guard License (Class D). The process is handled online through the state's website.

Requirements & Costs:

1. Criminal Background Check: Mandatory. No felony convictions or certain misdemeanors (e.g., violent crimes, sexual offenses). Cost: ~$50.
2. Fingerprinting: Conducted through a state-approved vendor (like identoGO). Cost: $45.
3. Training: You must complete a 10-hour pre-assignment training course from a DPL-approved school. This covers law, ethics, and emergency procedures. Cost: $125 - $200 (varies by provider).
4. Application Fee: The state license fee is $75.
5. Application: Submit all documents (training certificate, fingerprints, background check results) via the online portal.

Total Estimated Cost: $295 - $370 (plus any travel costs for training).
Timeline: From start to finish, expect 4-6 weeks. This includes time to schedule fingerprinting and the processing time for the background check and application. Some employers may hire you contingent on you obtaining the license within 30 days.

Insider Tip: A clean driving record is almost as important as a clean criminal record. Many jobs require driving a patrol vehicle or from site to site. A DUI or major traffic violation can be a disqualifier.

Best Neighborhoods for Security Guards

Where you live affects your commute, cost, and lifestyle. Here’s a neighborhood breakdown:

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Avg. 1BR Rent	Why It's Good for a Guard
Downtown / North End	Urban, walkable, near the waterfront, nightlife. Short commute to hospital/downtown jobs.	$1,250 - $1,450	You can walk to work, saving on car costs. Close to the action and major employers.
South End	Residential, family-oriented, near parks (Fort Taber). Easy access to I-195.	$1,100 - $1,300	More affordable, quieter. Good for those who want a residential feel with a reasonable commute.
West End / Shawmut	Working-class, blue-collar, close to the port and industrial areas.	$900 - $1,100	Cheapest option. Close to port jobs and some industrial sites. Proximity to I-95.
North Dartmouth (Border)	Suburban, shopping centers (Northwind Plaza), more spacious.	$1,150 - $1,350	Good for those with a car. Easy access to major retailers and suburban contract jobs.
Fairhaven (Border)	Historic, quiet, coastal village feel. Commute to NB is short via the bridge.	$1,200 - $1,400	Great for those wanting a smaller-town feel without being far from the job market.

Insider Tip: If you don't have a car, Downtown or South End are your best bets. Public transportation (BAT) is limited, but these areas have the most routes. If you have a car, the West End offers the lowest rent, maximizing your take-home pay.

The Long Game: Career Growth

In New Bedford, career growth is less about becoming a "senior guard" and more about specialization or moving into management.

Specialty Premiums (where the higher pay is):

• Armed Security: Requires an additional MA Class A/B license and extensive training. Premium can be $3-$5/hour more. Employers: St. Luke's (for specific posts), NBPD Special Police, certain port/industrial sites.
• Fire Inspector / Watchman: For licensed firefighters who work security at industrial sites (e.g., chemical facilities, maritime). High premium due to specialized certification.
• Executive Protection: Rare in New Bedford itself, but a potential path if you connect with agencies serving the South Coast's wealthy coastal communities (e.g., Marion, Mattapoisett).
• Cybersecurity / IT Security: A growing field, but requires IT certifications, not just a guard license. This is a pivot, not a direct step up.

Advancement Paths:

1. Field Supervisor: Move from guard to overseeing a team of guards for a specific contract (e.g., managing the security team for a hospital wing). Pay jumps to the $40k-$50k range.
2. Operations Manager: For larger contracts, managing multiple sites, client relations, and scheduling. This is a true management role, often paying $50k+.
3. Public Sector: Transition to municipal roles like School Monitor, then possibly become a School Resource Officer (requires POST certification) or a City Hall security position, which come with municipal benefits and pensions.
4. Private Business: Use your security experience to move into facility management or loss prevention for a local retailer or business.

10-Year Outlook (3% Growth): The 3% growth means jobs will be there, but competition will be steady. The key to advancement isn't just tenure; it's specialization and networking. Get to know the supervisors at your post. Take extra courses (CPR/AED, de-escalation). The security community in New Bedford is small; your reputation matters. The long-term outlook favors those who move into healthcare security, public sector roles, or take on supervisory duties.

The Verdict: Is New Bedford Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Cost of Living: More affordable than Boston or the Cape.	Pay Ceiling: Salaries are modest; hard to get rich as a guard.
Stable Employers: Healthcare and education offer steady work.	Limited Growth: The industry isn't growing fast; advancement requires initiative.
Diverse Posts: From hospitals to the historic waterfront.	Car Dependency: Most jobs and affordable neighborhoods require a vehicle.
Community Feel: A smaller city where you can build local ties.	Seasonal Fluctuations: Some retail posts can be cut post-holiday season.
Path to Specialization: Real opportunities in armed security or public sector.	On-Call/Contract Work: Some positions lack the stability of direct municipal jobs.

Final Recommendation:
New Bedford is an excellent choice for security guards who are:

• Early in their career looking to get started with stable, affordable living.
• Interested in healthcare or education security as a long-term niche.
• Practical and budget-conscious who can manage on the median salary.
• Looking for a community rather than a big anonymous city.

It's not ideal if your primary goal is rapid, high-income advancement or if you want to live without a car. For the right person, New Bedford offers a realistic, grounded path to a stable career in security.

FAQs

1. Can I get a security job without prior experience?
Yes. Many entry-level positions at hospitals, schools, or contract firms are designed for those with no experience. Your 10-hour training course and clean background check are the main entry tickets. Highlight any customer service or relevant experience from other jobs.

2. How common are armed security jobs in New Bedford?
They are not common, but they exist. The primary employers are the hospital (for specific high-risk areas), the NBPD Special Police, and some industrial/port facilities. You must first obtain your basic Class D license, then apply for the separate Class A/B license for firearms. It's a significant investment of time and money.

3. Is the cost of living really that low compared to the salary?
It's manageable but tight. The key is housing. If you can find a roommate or a slightly cheaper apartment in the West End, your budget opens up. A car is a major expense; if you can use public transit or bicycle (for some downtown jobs), you save hundreds.

4. What's the best way to find a job?
Check the Southcoast Health careers page for hospital jobs. For contract work, look on Indeed and Glassdoor for national companies (Allied, Securitas) and local firms like Whaling City Security. Networking at local job fairs or through the MA Security Association can also help.

5. Do I need to know Portuguese?
While not a requirement, New Bedford has a large Portuguese-speaking community. Knowing basic phrases can be a significant asset, especially in retail, healthcare, or community-facing security roles. It demonstrates cultural competency and can make you a preferred candidate.

Data Sources: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, Massachusetts DPL, New Bedford-area rental listings, and local employer career pages.