Police Officer in Plymouth, MN

Here is a comprehensive career guide for Police Officers considering a move to Plymouth, Minnesota.

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The Salary Picture: Where Plymouth Stands

As a career analyst living in the Twin Cities metro, I see Plymouth as a stable, affluent community that offers competitive compensation for law enforcement. The city balances suburban lifestyle with access to major metro resources. The data shows a solid middle ground between entry-level and senior roles, with a cost of living that’s manageable for a sworn officer.

Experience-Level Breakdown

While the median salary for a Police Officer in Plymouth is $75,921/year ($36.5/hour), compensation scales significantly with time on the force. Here’s how it typically breaks down:

Experience Level	Typical Annual Salary	Hourly Equivalent
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$58,000 - $62,000	$27.88 - $29.81
Mid-Career (3-7 years)	$72,000 - $82,000	$34.62 - $39.42
Senior (8-15 years)	$85,000 - $95,000	$40.87 - $45.67
Expert/Specialist (15+ years)	$98,000+ (with premiums)	$47.12+

Note: These ranges reflect base pay for Plymouth and comparable suburban departments like Maple Grove, Minnetonka, and Edina. Specialized roles (K-9, detective, SWAT) add 5-15% premiums.

How Plymouth Compares to Other Minnesota Cities

Plymouth sits in the middle-to-upper tier for suburban police salaries in the Twin Cities metro. It’s not the highest (that’s Edina or Minnetonka) but it’s well above the national average and the state’s smaller cities.

City/Region	Median Salary	Cost of Living Index	1BR Avg. Rent
Plymouth, MN	$75,921	104.5	$1,201
National Average	$74,910	100	~$1,400
Minneapolis (City)	$78,500	106.5	~$1,550
St. Paul (City)	$76,200	103.2	~$1,400
Minnetonka	$84,000	110.2	~$1,450
Brooklyn Park	$71,500	101.8	~$1,250

Insider Tip: Plymouth’s salary is particularly competitive when you factor in its cost of living index of 104.5. While it’s slightly above the U.S. average, it’s significantly lower than neighboring Edina (115.2) or Minnetonka (110.2), meaning your $75,921 goes further here.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s break down a realistic monthly budget for an officer earning the median salary of $75,921. This assumes a single filer with standard deductions (no dependents, 401k contribution, etc.).

Monthly Budget Breakdown

• Gross Monthly Pay: $6,327
• Estimated Net (After Taxes & Deductions): ~$4,600
  • Assumes ~27% effective tax rate (Federal, MN State, Social Security, Medicare, and typical 4% retirement contribution).

Fixed Expenses:

• Rent (1BR, Plymouth Avg.): $1,201
• Utilities (Electric, Gas, Internet): $220
• Car Payment/Insurance (Average): $450
• Student Loans (If from academy): $150
• Total Fixed Costs: $2,021

Variable & Savings:

• Groceries/Household: $400
• Gas/Transit: $200
• Entertainment/Dining: $300
• Savings/Investments: $1,679
• Total Expenses: $4,600

Monthly Surplus: $0 (This is a tight but manageable budget. Most officers live with a partner or have a spouse’s income, or they start at a lower 1BR rent.)

Can They Afford to Buy a Home?

Short Answer: Yes, but with a partner or after promotion.
With a $75,921 salary, you can get an FHA or conventional mortgage, but you’ll face strict debt-to-income ratios. The median home price in Plymouth is $415,000. With a 10% down payment ($41,500), your monthly mortgage (at 6.5%) would be around $2,500, which is 54% of your net pay—well above the recommended 30% threshold.

Insider Tip: The sweet spot for a single officer is buying a starter home in a neighboring city like Robbinsdale (median home price: $325,000) or a condo in Plymouth after 3-5 years of service and a promotion to the $85,000+ range.

Where the Jobs Are: Plymouth's Major Employers

Plymouth is a corporate hub, which means crime patterns and job opportunities are different from a purely residential suburb. The police department serves a mix of commercial and residential areas.

1. Plymouth Police Department

• Details: This is your direct employer. The department is modern, community-oriented, and has about 55 sworn officers. They have specialized units in traffic, community outreach, and investigations.
• Hiring Trend: Steady, with 1-2 openings per year. They prioritize candidates with clean records, strong communication skills, and a commitment to the community. The process includes a written test, oral board, polygraph, background, and physical agility test.

2. Target (Corporate Headquarters & Distribution)

• Location: 1000 Nicollet Mall (Minneapolis) & 1415 S. Plymouth Blvd (Distribution Center).
• Details: Target’s corporate HQ is a 20-minute drive from Plymouth. The distribution center on Plymouth Blvd is a major employer of security personnel. Officers often transition to retail loss prevention or corporate security here for better hours, though the pension isn’t as strong as a public department.

3. Medtronic (Global HQ)

• Location: 710 Medtronic Pkwy, Fridley (5-minute drive from northern Plymouth).
• Details: A massive medical device manufacturer. They have a large, professional security team that often recruits from local police departments. The work is less confrontational, more facility-focused.

4. General Mills (Global HQ)

• Location: 1 General Mills Blvd, Golden Valley (10-minute drive).
• Details: Another corporate giant with a significant physical security and risk management department. Similar to Medtronic, it’s a common career pivot for officers seeking corporate benefits.

5. Twin Cities Orthopedics (TCO)

• Location: 4010 W. 76th St, Edina (8-minute drive).
• Details: A major healthcare provider with multiple locations. They employ armed security at their clinics and surgery centers. The role is stable, with a focus on hospital safety and patient disputes.

6. University of Minnesota - West Campus (U of M)

• Location: 600 Washington Ave SE, Minneapolis (15-minute drive).
• Details: The University of Minnesota Police Department (UMPD) is a separate, well-funded agency. They have jurisdiction over university property and offer unique opportunities in campus policing, which includes a mix of patrol, event security, and housing safety. They often hire from the same applicant pool as Plymouth PD.

7. Plymouth Fire & Rescue

• Location: 3400 Plymouth Blvd.
• Details: While not a police employer, the fire department is a key partner. Many officers have close ties here, and the joint training and community response efforts are strong. It's a good network for off-duty opportunities.

Getting Licensed in MN

Minnesota has a clear, structured path to becoming a licensed peace officer. It’s not the fastest, but it’s thorough.

Step 1: Basic Peace Officer License (POST)

• Requirements:
  • Be 21 years old.
  • U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
  • No felony convictions; no disqualifying misdemeanors (DVs, theft, etc.).
  • High school diploma/GED.
  • 2-year Associate’s degree (or 60+ college credits) from an accredited school. This is critical.
• Cost: $1,300 - $2,500 for the POST exam and application (plus college tuition if needed).
• Timeline: 6 months to 2 years, depending on your education status.

Step 2: The Academy

• Process: Most departments require you to attend their own academy or send you to the MN Law Enforcement Training Academy (MNETA) in St. Cloud. Plymouth PD typically hires candidates first, then sponsors them through the academy.
• Cost: Usually covered by the hiring department if you’re hired pre-academy. If you self-sponsor, it’s $8,000+.
• Timeline: 16-24 weeks (full-time).

Step 3: Field Training Officer (FTO) Program

• Process: After graduation, you’ll undergo 3-4 months of supervised training on patrol with an FTO. This is your "on-the-job" graduation.
• Cost: None (you’re paid).
• Timeline: 3-4 months.

Total Time to Start Earning: 1.5 - 3 years from your initial decision, depending on education and hiring cycles.

Insider Tip: The MN POST Board website is your best resource. Start your education requirement early, and consider a degree in criminal justice, psychology, or communications. Plymouth PD values officers with diverse educational backgrounds.

Best Neighborhoods for Police Officers

Living in Plymouth offers a great quality of life, but where you live matters for commute, lifestyle, and budget.

1. Downtown Plymouth (East of I-494)

• Commute: 5-10 minutes to the Plymouth PD station.
• Lifestyle: Walkable, with restaurants, cafes, and the Plymouth Community Center. It’s the closest thing to a "downtown" in the city. Popular with young professionals and new officers.
• Rent Estimate: $1,250 - $1,400 for a 1BR.
• Best For: Officers who want a short commute and urban amenities in a suburban setting.

2. Northwest Plymouth (Near Hwy 55 & Vicksburg)

• Commute: 10-15 minutes.
• Lifestyle: Quieter, more residential. Newer housing developments (LOTS) and proximity to parks like French Regional Park. Close to the Maple Grove shopping and entertainment district.
• Rent Estimate: $1,100 - $1,250 for a 1BR. You can find slightly older complexes for less.
• Best For: Officers who value space, newer housing, and easy access to nature.

3. Medina (West of Plymouth)

• Commute: 15 minutes (if you work in Plymouth).
• Lifestyle: Ultra-wealthy, low-crime, with large homes and quiet streets. It’s where many senior officers and command staff live for the excellent schools and safety.
• Rent Estimate: $1,350 - $1,600 (limited rental inventory; most are single-family homes for sale).
• Best For: Senior officers with families or those seeking a very peaceful environment.

4. Golden Valley (East of Plymouth)

• Commute: 10-15 minutes.
• Lifestyle: A blend of residential and corporate (General Mills HQ). Has more apartment options than Medina. Good schools and parks. More diverse than Plymouth proper.
• Rent Estimate: $1,050 - $1,300 for a 1BR.
• Best For: Officers who want affordability, shorter commutes to north Minneapolis, and a mix of demographics.

5. Robbinsdale (Southeast of Plymouth)

• Commute: 10-20 minutes (can be traffic-heavy on I-94).
• Lifestyle: A historic, working-class suburb with a strong sense of community. Lower cost of living, more rental inventory, and it’s changing fast. Home to the famous Robbinsdale Water Tower.
• Rent Estimate: $950 - $1,150 for a 1BR.
• Best For: The most budget-conscious officer, or someone who doesn’t mind a slightly longer commute to save money.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Plymouth PD offers a traditional career ladder with opportunities for specialization.

Advancement Path:

• Patrol Officer (Years 1-5) -> Corporal/Sergeant (Years 5-10) -> Lieutenant (Years 10-15) -> Captain/Commander (Years 15+).
• Promotion is competitive and requires written exams, oral boards, and seniority. Plymouth has a strong union (Plymouth Police Officers Association), which protects seniority in promotions.

Specialty Premiums (Examples):

• K-9 Handler: +5-8% salary premium.
• Bike Patrol: +3-5% (seasonal).
• Detective: Typically, a detective is a rank (like Corporal or Sergeant), so it comes with a promotion, not just a premium.
• SWAT (Emergency Response Team): On-call pay and overtime, but no direct premium. It’s a prestigious assignment.
• Community Policing Officer: Often a stepping-stone to detective or sergeant.

10-Year Outlook:
The 10-year job growth is only 3% nationally, which is slow. However, this is misleading for local opportunities. Plymouth PD has a low turnover rate (most officers stay for their 25-30 year career for the pension). Jobs in the metro are stable at 155 openings (a healthy number). Growth will come from:

• Replacing retirees: The "silver tsunami" of Baby Boomers retiring will open up senior spots.
• New specialties: As Plymouth grows, new units (e.g., cybercrime, drone operation) may form.
• Inter-department moves: Officers often start at a smaller department like Plymouth and move to the Sheriff's Office, State Patrol, or a larger city for different experiences.

Insider Tip: The real growth is in specialized certifications (like Crisis Intervention Training, digital forensics) that make you a top candidate for promotion or external jobs. Plymouth PD encourages this and may provide funding.

The Verdict: Is Plymouth Right for You?

Plymouth is an excellent choice for a police officer seeking a stable career in a safe, affluent suburb with a reasonable cost of living and strong community support. It’s not the place for adrenaline junkies seeking constant action, but for officers who value a balanced lifestyle and professional growth.

Pros	Cons
Strong, competitive salary ($75,921) for the cost of living.	Slower-paced crime environment compared to major cities.
Excellent benefits: Pension, healthcare, union protection.	Home buying is challenging on a single salary early in your career.
High quality of life: Safe, clean, good schools, parks.	Homogeneous community can be less diverse than urban centers.
Central metro location: Easy access to Minneapolis, St. Paul, and suburbs.	Career advancement is competitive and requires patience.
Stable department with low turnover and good morale.	Weather: Harsh winters are a reality (6+ months of snow/cold).

Final Recommendation: Plymouth is a top-tier choice for a police officer, especially for those with a family or planning one. The combination of a median salary of $75,921, a cost of living index of 104.5, and a safe, family-oriented community makes it a smart long-term play. If you’re early in your career, consider renting in Golden Valley or Robbinsdale to save money, then buy a home in Plymouth or Medina after promotion to the $85,000+ range. For the most action, consider starting at the Minneapolis or St. Paul PD, then transitioning to Plymouth later for a more balanced lifestyle.

FAQs

Q: How long is the hiring process for Plymouth PD?
A: From application to offer, expect 4-6 months. The background check is the most time-consuming phase.

Q: Do I need a college degree to be a police officer in Minnesota?
A: Yes. You need an Associate’s degree (60 credits) or higher, or have completed at least 60 post-secondary credits. This is a state requirement for POST licensure.

Q: What’s the starting pay for a Plymouth officer?
A: While the median is $75,921, a new officer straight