Public Service Michigan (MI) Rank #35 of 50

Security Guard Salary in Michigan

The median security guard salary in Michigan is $31,275 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $34,750.

Median Salary
$31,275
vs National
$-3,475
State Rank
#35 of 50
Cost of Living
90%

Security Guard Salary Overview in Michigan (2026)

Michigan ranks #35 out of 50 states for security guard compensation. Security Guard salaries in Michigan are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $31,275 per year, security guards in Michigan earn $3,475 less than the national median of $34,750.

A key advantage of working in Michigan is its below-average cost of living (90% of the national index). This means the $31,275 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $34,750 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in Michigan is significant: security guards at the 10th percentile earn $22,500, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $46,800 — a $24,300 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Michigan for this role is Ann Arbor, where the median reaches $36,488.

Nationally, security guard employment is projected to grow 3% over the next decade (as fast as average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for security guards across the country.

Security Guard Salary in Michigan by Experience

In Michigan, an entry-level security guard earns around $23,400, while experienced professionals earn up to $45,000 per year. The cost of living index in Michigan is 90% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$23,400
$-2,600 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$32,400
$-3,600 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$45,000
$-5,000 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Michigan

Percentile MI Salary
10th Percentile $22,500
25th Percentile $26,100
Median (50th) $31,275
75th Percentile $37,800
90th Percentile $46,800

Security Guard Salary by City in Michigan

The largest employment areas for security guards in Michigan include Detroit, Grand Rapids, Ann Arbor, and Warren. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Security Guard in Michigan

Education

Most security guard positions require a high school diploma. Michigan has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

SurveillanceAccess ControlReport WritingCommunicationObservationCPR/First Aid

Job Outlook in Michigan

Nationally, security guard employment is projected to grow 3% over the next decade (as fast as average). Michigan's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Security Guard Salary in Michigan

How much does a Security Guard make in Michigan? ▼
The median security guard salary in Michigan is $31,275 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $34,750. Salaries range from $22,500 (10th percentile) to $46,800 (90th percentile).
How much does a Security Guard make per hour in Michigan? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $31,275, a security guard in Michigan earns approximately $15 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Michigan a good state for security guards? ▼
Michigan ranks #35 out of 50 states for security guard pay. The cost of living index is 90% of the national average. Entry-level security guards earn $23,400, while senior professionals earn $45,000.
How does Michigan compare to other states for security guard salary? ▼
The highest paying state for security guards is Hawaii at $59,075. Michigan's median of $31,275 ranks #35 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Louisiana ($31,623) and Indiana ($31,275).
What is the entry-level security guard salary in Michigan? ▼
An entry-level security guard in Michigan earns approximately $23,400 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $32,400. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $45,000.
What city in Michigan pays security guards the most? ▼
Ann Arbor is the highest paying city in Michigan for security guards, with a median salary of $36,488. Other cities include Detroit and Grand Rapids.