Security Guard in Westland, MI

As a career analyst with a deep familiarity with the Metro Detroit economy, I’ve put together this comprehensive guide for security professionals considering a move to Westland, Michigan. Westland isn't just a suburb on the map; it's a strategic hub in Wayne County, offering unique opportunities for security guards who understand the local landscape. This guide is built on data, local knowledge, and the realities of the job market.

The Salary Picture: Where Westland Stands

Let's cut straight to the numbers. The financial reality for a security guard in Westland is dictated by the broader Metro Detroit market. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and local market data, the median salary for security guards in this area is $35,923/year, translating to an hourly rate of $17.27/hour. This is slightly below the national average of $36,140/year, a reflection of the region's lower cost of living, though the gap is minimal.

The market is active but competitive. There are approximately 165 security-related jobs available in the Metro Detroit area at any given time. Over the past decade, the sector has seen a modest 10-year job growth of 3%. This isn't a growth industry, but it's a stable one. The key to earning more lies in specialization, shifts (nights/weekends), and securing positions with premium employers.

Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect based on experience:

Experience Level	Typical Role Examples	Estimated Annual Salary Range
Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)	Retail patrol, Basic site security, Event staff	$30,000 - $34,000
Mid-Level (3-5 yrs)	Armed guard, Corporate campus, Hospital security	$35,000 - $40,000
Senior (5-10 yrs)	Supervisor, Lead guard, Loss Prevention Manager	$41,000 - $48,000
Expert (10+ yrs)	Security Director, Law Enforcement transition, Corporate Security	$49,000+ (often salaried)

How does this compare to other Michigan cities?

• Detroit: Salaries can be slightly higher ($37,500 median) but competition is fiercer and commute costs are higher.
• Ann Arbor: Higher demand due to the university and medical centers, with salaries often reaching $38,000+, but the cost of living is significantly steeper.
• Dearborn/Fordson: Similar to Westland, with a strong industrial and automotive security sector. Salaries are on par, around $35,500 - $36,500.
• Flint: Generally lower, around $33,000 - $34,000, with fewer corporate opportunities.

Westland hits a sweet spot: a lower cost of living than Ann Arbor or Detroit, with access to the same Metro Detroit job pool.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

The median salary of $35,923 is a gross figure. Let's break down a realistic monthly budget for a security guard living alone in Westland.

Assumptions:

• Gross Monthly Income: $35,923 / 12 = $2,994
• Taxes (Est. 15-20% for this bracket): ~$450 - $600 (Federal, FICA, State MI tax ~4.25%)
• Net Monthly Take-Home: ~$2,394 - $2,544
• Average 1BR Rent in Westland: $1,029/month

Monthly Budget Breakdown (Using $2,400 Net for calculation):

Category	Estimated Cost	Notes
Rent (1BR)	$1,029	Average for Westland; can be lower in some areas
Utilities	$150	Electric, gas, internet (not always included in rent)
Groceries	$300	For one person, cooking at home
Car Payment/Insurance	$350	Assumes a modest car payment + MI's high insurance rates
Fuel	$150	Commuting to jobs in Dearborn, Livonia, or Detroit
Phone Bill	$60	Basic plan
Health Insurance	$100	If not provided by employer
Miscellaneous	$200	Laundry, personal care, entertainment
Total Expenses	$2,339
Leftover/Savings	~$61	This is tight.

Can they afford to buy a home?
With a 98.0 Cost of Living Index (US avg = 100), Westland is slightly more affordable than the national average. However, with a median salary of $35,923, homeownership is a significant stretch. The median home price in Westland is around $220,000. A 20% down payment would be $44,000, and a mortgage payment (including taxes and insurance) could easily exceed $1,500/month—over 50% of the net take-home pay. Buying a home is not feasible on a single median salary as a security guard in Westland. It would require dual income, significant overtime, or moving up to a senior/management role.

Where the Jobs Are: Westland's Major Employers

Westland's economy is anchored by healthcare, retail, education, and industrial logistics. Security jobs are concentrated around these major employers. Here are the key players:

1. St. Joseph Mercy Westland Hospital (Part of Trinity Health Michigan): A major employer for hospital security. They need guards for entrances, patrolling, and emergency response. These roles often pay at the higher end of the scale ($18-$22/hr) and offer benefits. Hiring is steady due to the essential nature of healthcare.

2. Westland Community School District: School resource officers (SROs) and district security personnel. While some SROs are sworn officers, the district hires security for after-hours events, facility patrols, and monitoring. This is a stable, year-round position with summers off.

3. Amazon Fulfillment Centers (Nearby Livonia & Romulus): While not in Westland proper, the massive Amazon facilities in the surrounding area are a huge source of jobs. Security roles here focus on asset protection, gate control, and internal patrols. Pay is competitive, and due to 24/7 operations, shift differentials are common.

4. Westland Center (Mall): The aging but still active mall requires security for patrol, loss prevention, and event management. This is a classic entry-to-mid-level role. Hire often fluctuates with the season, but the mall management company (often a third-party contractor) hires regularly.

5. Industrial Parks (Hubbell, Stark, etc.): Westland has several industrial and business parks housing automotive suppliers, logistics companies, and manufacturing. Companies like Behr-Hella Thermocontrol or Magna have facilities nearby. Security here is often for access control and after-hours patrols. These are often third-party contract jobs (e.g., with Securitas, G4S, Allied Universal) which can be a gateway to other postings.

6. City of Westland (Municipal): The city itself hires security for the Westland Parks and Recreation department (for community center and park patrols) and for municipal building security. These are often part-time but stable, unionized positions with good perks.

Hiring Trends: There's a steady demand for security in healthcare and logistics. The retail sector is more volatile. The trend is toward employers who offer in-house security (like hospitals and schools) over pure third-party contracting, as they often provide better pay and benefits.

Getting Licensed in Michigan

Michigan has straightforward but mandatory requirements for security guards.

1. Basic Training: You must complete a state-approved 8-hour "Firearms Safety Training" course if you intend to carry a firearm. For non-armed roles, the requirement is an 8-hour "Security Guard Training" course covering law, ethics, and procedures. Cost: $75 - $150 for the course.
2. Fingerprinting: You must be fingerprinted by a Live Scan vendor. This is a mandatory background check. Cost: ~$65.
3. Licensing Application: Submit an application (Form DC-130) to the Michigan Department of State Police, Security Guard Licensing Unit. You'll need your training certificate, fingerprints, and a fee. Cost: $75 (Non-armed) / $125 (Armed).
4. Timeline: From start to finish, expect 4-6 weeks. It can be faster if your background check is clean, but allow time for processing. The license is valid for 2 years and must be renewed with continuing education.

Insider Tip: Many employers, especially large contractors like Allied Universal, will often sponsor your training and licensing if you commit to working for them. This is the most cost-effective way to get started if you're low on funds.

Best Neighborhoods for Security Guards

Choosing where to live in Westland impacts your commute, budget, and lifestyle. Here’s a neighborhood breakdown:

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Estimated 1BR Rent	Best For...
Central Westland	The heart of the city. Close to the mall, St. Joe's, and I-94 for commuting to Detroit or Dearborn. Walkable to some amenities.	$950 - $1,100	Those who want a central location and a short commute to major employers.
Fairview/Wayne Road Area	Older, established neighborhoods with a mix of single-family homes and apartments. Very accessible to Warren, Canton, and Livonia via Ford Rd or Warren Rd.	$900 - $1,050	Guards working in industrial parks or logistics in the I-96 corridor.
Plymouth Township (West)	Technically outside Westland city limits but adjacent. Quieter, more suburban feel. Commutes to Westland jobs are short (10-15 mins).	$1,000 - $1,200	Those seeking a quieter home base with easy access to both Westland and Plymouth/Canton jobs.
Inkster (Bordering Westland)	Lower cost of living. Be mindful of specific apartment complexes for safety. Commute to Westland is very short.	$800 - $950	Budget-conscious guards who prioritize savings over neighborhood amenities.
Livonia (South)	Just east of Westland. Higher rents but excellent access to I-96, I-275, and major employers in Livonia, Dearborn, and Detroit.	$1,100 - $1,300	Those who commute to jobs outside Westland but want to be in a well-maintained suburb.

Insider Tip: For a security guard, a short, predictable commute is a huge asset, especially for shift work. Living in Central Westland or the Wayne Road corridor minimizes commute time and cost, which can save you $100-$200/month in fuel.

The Long Game: Career Growth

With a 10-year job growth of only 3%, advancement requires proactive planning. Here’s how to move beyond the entry-level:

• Specialty Premiums:

  • Armed Guard: Add $1.50 - $3.00/hour to your base rate. This is the single biggest pay jump.
  • Hospitals: Specialized training in de-escalation and emergency response can add $1.00 - $2.00/hour.
  • Corporate/Executive Protection: Requires advanced training and often a law enforcement background. Pay jumps to $25+/hour.
  • Security Supervisor: Pay can reach $45,000 - $50,000 annually.

• Advancement Paths:

  1. Contract to In-House: Start with a contractor (like Securitas) to gain experience, then transition to an in-house role at a hospital or school for better benefits and pay.
  2. Specialize: Get certified in CPR/AED, emergency response, or loss prevention. This makes you eligible for higher-paying specialized posts.
  3. Move into Management: After 3-5 years, seek supervisor roles. This often requires leadership training and a clean record.
  4. Pivot to Law Enforcement: Many security guards use their experience as a stepping stone. The 10-year outlook shows that while traditional security growth is slow, the pathway to police, corrections, or federal security remains a viable and often lucrative long-term goal.

• 10-Year Outlook: The role of a security guard is evolving. Technology (CCTV, drones, AI monitoring) is reducing the need for static guards but increasing demand for tech-savvy guards who can monitor systems and respond to alarms. The guard of 2034 will be more like a "security operator." Upskilling in tech-related security will be key.

The Verdict: Is Westland Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Affordable Cost of Living: Rent is manageable on the local median salary.	Low Career Ceiling: Without specialization, pay caps out quickly.
Strategic Location: Easy access to Detroit, Dearborn, Ann Arbor, and major interstates (I-94, I-96, I-275).	Competitive Market: Many applicants for every good job.
Stable Employer Base: Healthcare, schools, and industrial parks provide steady demand.	Long Commutes: To get the highest-paying jobs (e.g., in Detroit or Ann Arbor), you must commute.
Diverse Housing Options: From budget apartments to single-family homes (if buying as a couple).	Moderate Job Growth: The field isn't exploding, so initiative is required for advancement.

Final Recommendation:
Westland is an excellent choice for a security guard in the early to mid-stage of their career, especially if you're willing to specialize. It offers a low-cost barrier to entry into the Metro Detroit security market. It's ideal for someone who wants a stable local job while having the option to commute to higher-paying opportunities in the metro area.

It is NOT the best choice for someone seeking rapid, exponential salary growth without pursuing specialization or a law enforcement path, or for someone who wants to buy a home on a single security guard's income without significant overtime or dual income.

FAQs

Q: What does "Cost of Living Index 98.0" really mean for my budget?
A: It means your dollar goes slightly further than the national average. For example, if something costs $100 in a median US city, it might cost about $98 in Westland. This is why rents are relatively lower than in comparable suburbs like Plymouth or Canton.

Q: Is it worth getting an armed guard license in Michigan?
A: Yes, if you're serious about maximizing your income. The extra training and licensing cost (around $200-$300 total) is quickly recouped through higher hourly wages. Armed positions are common in banks, armored transport, and corporate campuses in the Detroit metro area.

Q: How do I find the best security jobs in Westland?
A: Use a multi-pronged approach: 1) Check direct employers (St. Joe's, School District, City website). 2) Look on indeed.com and filter by "Westland" and "security." 3) Contact major contractors (Allied Universal, Securitas, G4S) as they have many local postings. 4) Network with guards at local sites.

Q: Is Westland safe for a security guard to live in?
A: Westland is a large, diverse suburb. Safety varies by specific neighborhood and apartment complex. Research specific areas using local police crime maps (Westland Police Department provides resources). Generally, the central and western parts are considered quieter. Living in a secure apartment complex is recommended.

Q: What's the biggest mistake security guards make when moving to this area?
A: Accepting the first low-paying, third-party contract job without a plan. While it gets your foot in the door, aim to transition to an in-house role at a hospital, school, or large corporation within 1-2 years for better pay and job security. Don't get stuck in a dead-end contract role.