Security Guard in Quincy, MA

As a career analyst with years of experience in the Boston metro area, I've watched Quincy's job market evolve. For security guards, Quincy isn't just another Boston suburb—it's a distinct ecosystem with its own opportunities and challenges. This guide cuts through the fluff and gives you the data-driven reality of working here.

The Salary Picture: Where Quincy Stands

Let's start with the numbers that matter. The median salary for a security guard in Quincy is $37,397/year, which breaks down to $17.98/hour. This is slightly above the national average of $36,140/year, but when you factor in Quincy's cost of living, that advantage shrinks fast.

The experience-level breakdown tells a clearer story:

Experience Level	Annual Salary	Hourly Rate	Key Employers Hiring at This Level
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$32,000 - $35,000	$15.38 - $16.83	MBTA, Patriot Security, smaller property management firms
Mid-Level (3-5 years)	$37,397 - $42,000	$17.98 - $20.19	Hospitals, Quincy College, retail security at Marina Bay
Senior (6-10 years)	$42,000 - $48,000	$20.19 - $23.08	Corporate campuses (State Street), special events
Expert/Supervisor (10+ years)	$48,000 - $55,000+	$23.08 - $26.44	Federal sites (USCG), major property security managers

Insider tip: Quincy's proximity to Boston means you can often find shift differentials (typically $1.50 - $2.50/hour overnight) that push you above the median. The 203 jobs in the metro area (per BLS data) translate to steady turnover, but competition is real.

Compared to other Massachusetts cities:

• Boston proper: Median $40,200 (higher cost of living)
• Worcester: Median $35,100 (lower cost of living)
• Springfield: Median $34,800 (lower cost of living)

Quincy sits in the middle—not the highest pay, but not the lowest either. The 10-year job growth of 3% is modest but stable, driven more by replacement needs than expansion. In practical terms, that means about 5-6 new positions annually across the metro area.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's do the math for a security guard earning the median $37,397/year. After federal, state (Massachusetts has a 5% flat income tax), and FICA taxes, your take-home pay is roughly $29,500/year or $2,458/month.

Now subtract the average 1BR rent of $2,377/month. That leaves you with $81/month for utilities, food, transportation, insurance, and everything else. It's not impossible, but it's tight.

Monthly Budget Breakdown:

• Take-home pay: $2,458
• Rent (1BR average): -$2,377
• Utilities (Quincy average): -$150
• Groceries: -$300
• Transportation (MBTA pass): -$90
• Phone/Internet: -$80
• Miscellaneous: -$150
• Remaining: -$689 (deficit)

Insider tip: Most security guards in Quincy don't live alone. Many have roommates in North Quincy or Wollaston, cutting rent to $1,200 - $1,500/month. Others commute from more affordable suburbs like Brockton or Randolph, trading commute time for financial breathing room.

Can they afford to buy a home?
Not on this salary alone. The median home price in Quincy is $650,000+. Even with a 10% down payment ($65,000), your monthly mortgage payment would exceed $3,500—more than your take-home pay. Homeownership for security guards in Quincy typically requires dual incomes or years of saving.

Where the Jobs Are: Quincy's Major Employers

Quincy's security job market is anchored by several key sectors. Here's where the 203 positions in the metro actually manifest:

1. Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA)

• Location: Quincy Center station, Adams Yard, various bus depots
• Positions: Station agents, exterior patrols, control center operators
• Hiring trend: Steady due to safety initiatives post-2020. They prioritize candidates with clean driving records for mobile patrols.
• Pay range: $18.50 - $22.00/hour with full state benefits.

2. Boston Medical Center (BMC) - Quincy Campus

• Location: 1015 Hancock Street (former Quincy Medical Center site)
• Positions: Hospital security, ED screening, parking enforcement
• Hiring trend: Expanding as BMC invests in community health services. Requires MA Security License and often healthcare-specific training.
• Insider tip: BMC offers $2.00/hour shift premiums for nights and weekends.

3. Marina Bay & Waterfront Properties

• Location: Marina Bay, Squantum, Wollaston Beach area
• Positions: Residential security, event security, marina patrols
• Hiring trend: Seasonal spikes in summer (tourists, events). Property management companies like Redfin and local firms hire consistently.
• Pay range: $17.00 - $19.50/hour, often cash tips during events.

4. Quincy College

• Location: Multiple campuses, main location on Southern Artery
• Positions: Campus security, after-hours patrols, event security
• Hiring trend: Academic calendar creates seasonal needs. They prefer candidates with some college background or prior campus experience.
• Benefits: Tuition remission for employees (huge perk for career advancement).

5. State Street Corporation

• Location: 1 Federal Street (Quincy office)
• Positions: Corporate security, front desk screening, access control
• Hiring trend: Selective but pays above median ($20 - $25/hour). Requires background checks that can take 60+ days.
• Insider tip: They value military veterans and often partner with local VSOs for recruitment.

6. Patriot Security Services (Local Firm)

• Location: Based in South Quincy, services 30+ properties
• Positions: Flexible patrols, retail security, construction sites
• Hiring trend: Always hiring due to high turnover. Good for entry-level candidates needing experience.
• Pay: Starts at $16.50/hour but quick promotions possible.

7. Federal Sites (US Coast Guard, Federal Courthouse)

• Location: USCG Base Boston (adjacent to Quincy), Federal Courthouse on Quincy Center
• Positions: Federal Protective Service, contract security
• Hiring trend: Slow, complex hiring (security clearance required). Pay is higher ($22 - $28/hour) with federal benefits.
• Note: These jobs are competitive but offer the best long-term career trajectory.

Getting Licensed in MA

Massachusetts has specific requirements that every security guard must meet before working. The process is straightforward but has costs and timelines.

State Requirements (via MA State Police Licensing Division):

• Minimum age: 18 (21 for armed positions)
• Clean criminal background (no felonies)
• Complete a 10-hour pre-licensing course from a state-approved provider
• Pass the state exam (80% minimum)
• Fingerprinting and background check
• Cost: $350 - $500 total (course: $200, exam: $75, fingerprinting: $50, application: $75)
• Timeline: 4-6 weeks from start to license in hand

Armed Guard Requirements (if considering):

• Additional 8-hour firearms course
• Psychological evaluation
• $1,200 - $1,500 total additional cost
• Timeline: 8-12 weeks

Insider tip: Take your course through a local provider like Security Training Academy of New England in nearby Braintree. They often have job placement connections. Many employers will reimburse your costs after 6 months of employment.

Ongoing Requirements:

• License renewal every 2 years (requires 8 hours of continuing education)
• No state-mandated health insurance, but many employers offer it

Best Neighborhoods for Security Guards

Where you live matters as much as where you work. Quincy is divided into distinct neighborhoods with different vibes and price points.

1. North Quincy

• Rent (1BR): $2,100 - $2,400
• Commute: Red Line to downtown Boston (25 mins), walking distance to many jobs
• Lifestyle: Diverse, plenty of restaurants, younger crowd
• Best for: Guards working downtown, at hospitals, or college campuses
• Insider tip: Look for basement apartments or shared houses to get rent under $1,500

2. Braintree/Weymouth Line (South Quincy)

• Rent (1BR): $1,800 - $2,200
• Commute: Drive to most Quincy jobs (15-20 mins)
• Lifestyle: More residential, quieter, family-oriented
• Best for: Guards driving to construction sites or marina patrols
• Insider tip: Some apartment complexes offer security guard discounts (ask!)

3. Marina Bay

• Rent (1BR): $2,400 - $2,800 (higher end)
• Commute: Walk/bike to waterfront jobs, 30-minute bus to downtown
• Lifestyle: Upscale, waterfront views, touristy in summer
• Best for: Guards working in property security or event security
• Insider tip: Many buildings have concierge/security hybrid roles—good for networking

4. Wollaston

• Rent (1BR): $1,900 - $2,300
• Commute: Red Line access, 20 minutes to downtown
• Lifestyle: Residential, beach access, quieter than North Quincy
• Best for: Guards seeking a balance between urban and suburban
• Insider tip: Wollaston Beach has seasonal security jobs that pay $20+/hour

5. Quincy Center

• Rent (1BR): $2,200 - $2,600
• Commute: Walk to many jobs, Red Line hub
• Lifestyle: Urban, walkable, lots of retail and services
• Best for: Guards who want to eliminate commute costs
• Insider tip: Older buildings have lower rents but fewer amenities—check carefully

Neighborhood Selection Strategy: If you're new to Quincy, start with North Quincy or Braintree. They offer the best balance of affordability and access to the 203 available jobs. Marina Bay is tempting but may stretch your budget too thin.

The Long Game: Career Growth

The 10-year growth of 3% might seem discouraging, but that doesn't mean you're stuck. Here's how to advance beyond the median:

Specialty Premiums:

• Armed Security: $5 - $10/hour premium (requires extra licensing)
• Fire Safety Certified: $1 - $3/hour premium (many buildings require this)
• CPR/First Aid Instructor: $2 - $4/hour premium
• Bilingual (Spanish, Portuguese): $1 - $2/hour premium in Quincy's diverse neighborhoods

Advancement Paths:

1. Guard → Supervisor (2-3 years): $2 - $4/hour increase, plus benefits
2. Supervisor → Site Manager (5-7 years): $45,000 - $55,000 salary
3. Site Manager → Security Director (8-10 years): $65,000 - $85,000 (for larger companies)
4. Specialization → Consulting (10+ years): $75,000 - $120,000 (requires network and reputation)

Insider tip: The fastest growth path in Quincy is through healthcare security. BMC and other medical facilities offer clear promotion ladders. Many guards become supervisors within 2-3 years due to high turnover.

10-Year Outlook:
While the overall job growth is modest (3%), the nature of security work is changing. Technology integration (cameras, access control systems) means guards with tech skills will be more valuable. Quincy's aging population will also increase demand for security in senior living facilities—a growing sector not fully reflected in traditional security guard statistics.

The Verdict: Is Quincy Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Above-average median salary ($37,397) compared to some MA cities	High cost of living (111.6 index vs. 100 national average)
Steady job market with 203 positions in the metro	Competition from Boston-based guards willing to commute
Diverse employer base (hospitals, transit, colleges, federal)	Modest 10-year growth (3%) limits long-term expansion
Good public transit (Red Line) reduces transportation costs	Homeownership nearly impossible on single income
Seasonal/event opportunities for extra income	Winter weather can complicate patrols and commutes
Access to Boston's job market without Boston rents	Licensing costs can be barrier for some

Final Recommendation:

Quincy is a good-to-great option for security guards who are:

• Early in their career (entry/mid-level)
• Willing to share housing or commute from cheaper suburbs
• Interested in healthcare or transit security
• Open to specialty training (armed, fire safety, bilingual)

It's a poor option if you:

• Expect to buy a home on a single security guard salary
• Want rapid career growth beyond supervision
• Dislike urban living or winter weather
• Can't afford the $350 - $500 licensing start-up cost

Bottom line: Quincy offers a stable, above-average starting point with access to Boston's broader opportunities. The key is managing the cost of living through smart neighborhood choices and seeking specialty premiums. For many guards, it's a 3-5 year stepping stone to better-paying positions in Boston or specialized security fields.

FAQs

Q: Can I work in Quincy with an out-of-state security license?
A: No. Massachusetts requires its own license. However, if you have experience, some employers will hire you as a "trainee" while you complete the MA licensing process (typically 4-6 weeks).

Q: How competitive are the jobs at State Street or federal sites?
A: Very competitive. These positions often receive 50+ applications. Having a clean background, military veteran status, or prior corporate security experience significantly improves chances. The hiring process can take 60-90 days.

Q: Is it worth getting armed certification in Quincy?
A: For long-term residents, yes. Armed guards in Quincy earn $5 - $10/hour more and have access to higher-paying federal and corporate positions. However, the $1,200 - $1,500 initial cost and continuing training requirements mean it's best for those committed to the field for 5+ years.

Q: What's the best way to find security jobs in Quincy?
A: Beyond indeed.com, check:

• Direct employer websites: MBTA, BMC, Quincy College
• Local firms: Patriot Security, Securitas (has Quincy contracts)
• Networking: MA Security Guards Facebook group has Quincy-specific posts
• Insider tip: Many Quincy jobs are posted on LinkedIn rather than job boards—create a profile if you haven't already.

Q: Can I make a living as a security guard if I'm single?
A: Yes, but with careful budgeting. Most single security guards in Quincy either: (1) Have roommates, (2) Live in a studio apartment with rent under $1,800, or (3) Commute from outside Quincy (Brockton, Randolph, etc.). The median salary of $37,397 is workable if you keep housing costs under 40% of take-home pay.

Q: Do employers in Quincy provide uniforms and equipment?
A: Typically yes for basic uniforms and radios. However, many require you to purchase your own duty belt, boots, and sometimes even flashlights. Budget $200 - $400 for initial gear if not provided.

Q: How does Quincy's cost of living affect my purchasing power?
A: With a cost of living index of 111.6 (11.6% above national average), your dollar goes further in Springfield or Worcester. However, Quincy's proximity to Boston's job market offers more opportunity. The trade-off is real: you earn more here but pay more for housing and services.

Q: Are there seasonal or part-time security jobs in Quincy?
A: Absolutely. Summer at Marina Bay and Wollaston Beach creates 50+ seasonal positions. Quincy College has event security needs throughout the year. Many retail locations need holiday help. These can supplement your income by **$3,00