Public Service Detroit, MI Pop. 639,111

Security Guard Salary in Detroit, Michigan

The median security guard salary in Detroit, MI is $30,580 per year, which is 12% below the national median and 2.2% below the Michigan state average.

City Median
$30,580
vs State Avg
$-695
vs National
$-4,170
Cost of Living
88%

Security Guard Pay in Detroit: What to Expect (2026)

Detroit offers a median security guard salary of $30,580, which is $695 below the Michigan state average of $31,275. Compared to the national median of $34,750, Detroit pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Detroit's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 88% of the national average. This means the $30,580 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $34,750 in an average-cost city. This makes Detroit an attractive option for security guards seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for security guards in Detroit spans from $22,000 at the 10th percentile to $45,760 at the 90th percentile — a $23,760 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $22,880, while senior security guards with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $44,000. As a major metro area with a population of 639,111, Detroit typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Security Guard Salary in Detroit by Experience

In Detroit, an entry-level security guard earns around $22,880, while experienced professionals earn up to $44,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$22,880
$-3,120 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$31,680
$-4,320 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$44,000
$-6,000 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Detroit, MI

Percentile Detroit
10th Percentile $22,000
25th Percentile $25,520
Median (50th) $30,580
75th Percentile $36,960
90th Percentile $45,760

Security Guard Salary in Other Michigan Cities

Ann Arbor, MI
$36,488
Pop. 123,851
Grand Rapids, MI
$31,275
Pop. 198,917
Warren, MI
$30,580
Pop. 139,387
Lansing, MI
$29,885
Pop. 112,644

How to Become a Security Guard in Detroit

Education

Most security guard positions require a high school diploma. Detroit and the surrounding Michigan area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

SurveillanceAccess ControlReport WritingCommunicationObservationCPR/First Aid

Job Outlook

Nationally, security guard employment is projected to grow 3% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Detroit may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Security Guard Jobs in Detroit

Browse open security guard positions in Detroit, MI:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Security Guard Salary in Detroit

How much does a Security Guard make in Detroit, MI? ▼
The median security guard salary in Detroit, Michigan is $30,580 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $34,750. Salaries range from $22,000 (10th percentile) to $45,760 (90th percentile).
How much does a Security Guard make per hour in Detroit? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $30,580, a security guard in Detroit earns approximately $15 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Detroit compare to the Michigan state average for security guard pay? ▼
Detroit's median security guard salary of $30,580 is 2.2% below the Michigan state average of $31,275. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Detroit, MI? ▼
Detroit has a cost of living index of 88% compared to the national average. This means a security guard salary of $30,580 in Detroit has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a security guard in Detroit? ▼
Most security guard positions in Detroit require a high school diploma. Key skills include Surveillance, Access Control, Report Writing, Communication. The job market is projected to grow 3% nationally over the next decade.