Security Guards Salary in Detroit, MI

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI

Median annual salary $38,190 -0.5% vs national
Median hourly $18.36
10th percentile $28,000
90th percentile $54,610
Employed locally 12,900
National median $38,370

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    In Detroit, Michigan, security guards earn a median annual salary of $38,190, which translates to approximately $18.36 per hour. This figure is slightly below the national median for security guards, which stands at $38,370. When compared to the local area's median household income of $75,123, it becomes evident that the earnings of typical security guards are considerably lower than what an average household in Detroit earns annually. With an estimated 12,900 individuals employed as security guards in the region and a local unemployment rate of 4.50%, these positions represent a significant portion of the employment landscape but also highlight the economic challenges faced by workers within this occupation.

    Entry-level security guards in Detroit generally earn around $28,000 per year, which is at the 10th percentile of earnings for the profession in the area. In contrast, more experienced security guards can expect to make significantly higher salaries, with those at the 75th percentile earning up to $47,480 annually. The upper end of the spectrum sees some guards reaching the 90th percentile, where annual earnings can exceed $54,610. Several factors drive these salary differences, including years of experience, level of responsibility, and specialized skills or certifications. For instance, security personnel with advanced training in surveillance systems or those working in high-risk environments may command higher wages due to the increased demands and risks associated with their roles. Additionally, longer tenures at a single employer can lead to incremental salary increases and greater job stability for experienced guards.

    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $28,000
    25th
    $31,070
    50th (median)
    $38,190
    75th
    $47,480
    90th
    $54,610

    Detroit economic context

    Unemployment rate 4.50% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $75,123 2023 • Census ACS
    Security Guards salary vs area income 51% Median Security Guards salary is 49% below the area median household income

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Security Guards make per hour in Detroit?

    The median hourly wage for Security Guards in Detroit, MI is $18.36, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $26.41 or more per hour.

    Is Detroit above or below average for Security Guards salaries?

    The median Security Guards salary in Detroit, MI is 0.5% below the national median of $38,370. The national figure is from BLS OEWS 2025 data covering all US metropolitan areas.

    What is the entry-level salary for Security Guards in Detroit?

    Entry-level Security Guards (10th percentile) earn around $28,000 per year in Detroit, MI. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $31,070.