Security Guard in Bloomington, MN

The Salary Picture: Where Bloomington Stands

As a local, I can tell you that Bloomington isn't the highest-paying city for security guards in the Twin Cities metro, but it's not the bottom either. You're looking at a median salary of $36,627/year, which breaks down to about $17.61/hour. It's important to understand that this median figure is pulled in two directions by the job market here. On one end, you have high-profile, unionized posts at places like the Mall of America or the airport, which can start closer to $20/hour with premium benefits. On the other, you have many residential and small business postings that anchor the lower end, often starting at $15.50-$16.50/hour.

The National Average for security guards sits at $36,140/year, so Bloomington's median salary is slightly above the national curve. However, the local cost of living is the real determinant of your purchasing power. With a Cost of Living Index of 104.5 (where the US average is 100), you're paying a 4.5% premium just to live here compared to the typical American city. This is driven largely by housing and specific goods and services, not necessarily by wages.

When you compare Bloomington to other major Minnesota cities, the picture gets clearer. The Minneapolis-St. Paul metro area, which includes Bloomington, has a higher concentration of specialized security roles (think corporate headquarters, data centers, government buildings) that can pay significantly more. However, those jobs often come with longer commutes from affordable suburbs. Rochester, home to the Mayo Clinic, has a robust healthcare security market with union-scale wages that can outpace Bloomington's median. Duluth, with its port and university, has a different market structure. For a security guard looking for a stable market with a mix of retail, corporate, and healthcare posts, Bloomington offers a reasonable balance, especially if you live near the I-494/I-35W corridor.

Here’s a breakdown by experience level, which is the most critical factor in your earning potential. These are typical ranges for the Bloomington market, based on local job postings and industry chatter.

Experience Level	Typical Years	Salary Range (Annual)	Hourly Range	Common Posts
Entry-Level	0-2 years	$32,000 - $36,000	$15.38 - $17.31	Retail, Residential, Basic Patrol
Mid-Level	2-5 years	$36,000 - $42,000	$17.31 - $20.19	Corporate, Hospital, Mall of America
Senior/Lead	5-10 years	$42,000 - $50,000	$20.19 - $24.04	Lead Guard, Client Liaison, Supervisor
Expert/Manager	10+ years	$50,000+	$24.04+	Site Manager, Operations Manager, Trainer

Insider Tip: The jump from Entry to Mid-Level isn't just about time served. It's about certifications and specialization. Getting your MN Armed Guard license (an additional $100+ in fees and training) or a CPR/First Aid certification can bump you immediately into the $18-$20 range, especially for hospital or corporate posts. The 10-Year Job Growth for security guards in the metro is projected at just 3%, which is slower than average. This means the market isn't exploding, so your strategy should be about moving up within existing roles, not just waiting for new jobs to appear.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's get brutally practical. A gross annual salary of $36,627 is one thing; your net take-home is what matters. In Minnesota, you're looking at a total tax burden (federal, state, and FICA) of roughly 20-25% for this income bracket. After taxes, your monthly take-home pay will be approximately $2,200 - $2,300. This is a conservative estimate that includes state and federal income tax, Social Security, and Medicare.

Now, factor in the rent. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Bloomington is $1,327/month. This is the citywide average; we'll drill into neighborhoods next. A quick budget breakdown looks like this for a single person:

• Gross Monthly Income: $3,052
• Est. Taxes & Deductions (~22%): -$671
• Net Monthly Income: ~$2,381
• Rent (1-BR Average): -$1,327
• Remaining for Utilities, Food, Transport, Insurance, Savings: $1,054

This is a tight but manageable budget if you're single and have no major debt. Utilities (electric, heat, internet) in a Minnesota winter can easily add $150-$200. A monthly Metro Transit pass is $98. After these essentials, you're left with about $750 for groceries, gas, car insurance (if you own a car), personal care, and any savings. Owning a home on this salary in Bloomington is a significant challenge. The median home value in Bloomington is well over $300,000. A 20% down payment is $60,000, and a monthly mortgage payment with taxes and insurance would likely exceed your entire net income. This is a renter's market for security guards at this income level.

Where the Jobs Are: Bloomington's Major Employers

Bloomington's job market for security is unique, anchored by its specific industrial and retail geography. It's not a traditional downtown core; it's a city of major employment nodes. Here are the key players:

1. Mall of America (MOA): The largest employer in the state. They hire directly and through contractors like G4S and Securitas. These are often union jobs (SEIU) with competitive wages starting around $19/hour plus benefits. It's a high-energy, public-facing environment. Hiring is steady but competitive; networking with current guards is key.

2. Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP): A major hub. Security roles here are a mix of TSA (federal), airline-specific, and contractor positions for the airport authority and tenants. Pay is generally higher, often starting in the $18-$22/hour range. The airport is in Minneapolis, but it's a 10-minute commute for many Bloomington residents. These jobs are highly stable but require rigorous background checks.

3. Healthcare Systems (Fairview & HealthPartners): Bloomington is home to the Fairview Southdale Hospital campus and numerous HealthPartners clinics. Hospital security is a specialized, high-demand field requiring de-escalation training and often CPR certification. Wages are competitive, often in the $19-$23/hour range, and benefits are excellent. Hiring trends are strong due to ongoing healthcare expansions.

4. Corporate Campuses (North Star, Best Buy HQ): Bloomington hosts the headquarters of Best Buy and the North Star Mutual Insurance campus, among others. These are premium posts—clean, professional, and often day-shift only. They typically hire through large security firms like Allied Universal or GardaWorld. Pay is in the mid-to-upper range ($18-$22/hour) and offers a more stable, less confrontational environment than retail or hospital posts.

5. University of Minnesota (East Bank & St. Paul): While not in Bloomington proper, the U of M is a massive employer a short drive or bus ride away. Campus security and dorm patrol jobs are plentiful, often with tuition benefits for employees. Wages are unionized and start around $18/hour. It's a great option for career growth and education.

6. Logistics & Industrial Parks (Near MSP Airport): The area around the airport and along I-494 is packed with warehouses and distribution centers for companies like Amazon, Target, and others. These posts are often 24/7, involve vehicle patrols, and pay in the $17-$20/hour range. They can be physically demanding but offer plenty of overtime.

Insider Tip: Most of these jobs are not advertised on generic job boards. Check the "Careers" pages directly on the MOA, Fairview, and HealthPartners websites. For contractor jobs, set up alerts on Indeed for "Security" with filters for Bloomington and South Minneapolis, but follow up with a direct application on the firm's site (Allied, Securitas, etc.).

Getting Licensed in MN

Minnesota's security licensing is straightforward but non-negotiable. You cannot work as a security guard without a license from the Minnesota Board of Private Detective and Protective Agent Services.

Step 1: Basic Requirements

• You must be at least 18 years old.
• You must have a High School Diploma or GED.
• You must pass a criminal background check. Felonies, especially those involving violence, theft, or fraud, are disqualifying.

Step 2: Training

• Unarmed Guard: You must complete a 16-hour basic training course from a state-approved school. This covers MN statutes, use of force, and report writing. The course typically costs $100 - $175.
• Armed Guard: If you want to carry a firearm, you must first complete the 16-hour unarmed course, then an additional 8-hour armed guard course. You will also need to qualify with a firearm at a range. The total cost for armed training is typically $250 - $400.

Step 3: Application & Fingerprinting

• After training, you apply online through the MN Board's website. The application fee is $50.
• You must get your fingerprints taken at an approved location (often at the training school or a local police station). This costs about $45.
• The total licensing cost (training + fees) for unarmed is roughly $195 - $270. For armed, it's $345 - $495.

Timeline: The entire process, from starting training to receiving your license in the mail, can take 4-8 weeks. The training itself is only 2 days, but the background check and processing by the board take the bulk of the time. Pro-Tip: Start your application before you finish training. You can list your training course on the application, and the board will grant a provisional license while your full application is processed, allowing you to start working slightly sooner.

Best Neighborhoods for Security Guards

Living in the right neighborhood can drastically reduce your commute and cost of living. Bloomington is divided by major freeways, and each area has a distinct vibe.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Avg. 1-BR Rent	Best For
Normandale Lake	Quiet, residential, near the lake. Easy access to I-494 and MOA.	$1,250 - $1,400	Guards working at MOA, corporate parks, or Fairview Southdale. A 10-15 minute commute to most jobs.
Old Shakopee Road	Older, more affordable housing stock. Close to I-35W for airport/logistics jobs.	$1,050 - $1,250	Budget-conscious guards. Commutes to MSP Airport or South Minneapolis are fast. Less "polished" but practical.
South Loop	Newer, mixed-use development near MOA. Walkable to restaurants and shops.	$1,400 - $1,600	Guards who want to be near the action and can afford a higher rent. Very short commute to MOA.
Penn-Fulton	Classic suburban neighborhood with older apartments and townhomes.	$1,100 - $1,300	A great middle-ground. Central location, easy access to all major job nodes via I-494 or Lyndale Ave.
Bloomington Central Station	Urban, transit-oriented, near the light rail. Can be noisier.	$1,200 - $1,450	If you rely on Metro Transit. Direct light rail to MSP Airport and downtown Minneapolis.

Insider Tip: Don't overlook smaller "mom-and-pop" apartment buildings in the Old Shakopee Road and Penn-Fulton areas. They often have lower rents than the big complexes and may be more flexible on lease terms or credit checks. Drive around and look for "For Rent" signs.

The Long Game: Career Growth

With a 3% job growth rate, you can't just wait for the market to expand. You have to engineer your own growth. Here’s the path forward in Bloomington:

Specialty Premiums:

• Armed Guard: The single biggest salary booster. Expect a $2-$4/hour premium over unarmed posts. However, the stress and liability are higher.
• CPR/AED & First Aid: A must-have for hospital and corporate posts. Often a prerequisite for mid-level roles.
• Specialized Training: Courses in crisis intervention, de-escalation, or even basic IT security (for data center posts) make you stand out. Many employers will pay for this if you commit to them.
• Security Director (CPP): The gold standard. The Certified Protection Professional (CPP) from ASIS International is a long-term goal. It requires years of experience and passing a rigorous exam. It opens doors to management and consultant roles paying $70,000+.

Advancement Paths:

1. Guard → Senior/Lead Guard: Takes 2-4 years. You're training new hires and handling complex incidents.
2. Lead Guard → Supervisor/Manager: This is the big jump. You're now managing schedules, budgets, and client relations. Often requires an Associate's degree or equivalent experience.
3. Site Manager → Operations Manager: You oversee multiple sites for a security firm. This is a corporate role, often based in an office but requiring travel.
4. Lateral Move to a New Field: Your security experience is a great foundation for careers in loss prevention, facilities management, or even law enforcement (with additional training).

10-Year Outlook: The demand for warm-body guards (just sitting at a desk) may decline with automation and AI monitoring. The demand for skilled guards—those who can de-escalate, write reports, use tech, and act as a first responder—will grow. Your career in Bloomington will depend on specializing. The hospital and corporate sectors are your best bets for long-term, stable growth. The retail sector (like MOA) offers great experience but can have higher turnover and stress.

The Verdict: Is Bloomington Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Diverse Job Market: Not reliant on one industry. Strong mix of retail, healthcare, and corporate.	Lower Median Salary: $36,627 is modest, and the cost of living is 4.5% above average.
Central Location: Easy access to the entire metro. Commutes to Minneapolis, St. Paul, or Edina are manageable.	High Rent Burden: $1,327/month for a 1-BR eats up a large portion of take-home pay.
Major Employers: Home to MOA, major hospitals, and corporate HQs, providing job stability.	Stagnant Job Growth: 3% growth means you must actively seek promotions, not new jobs.
Good Transit Access: Metro Transit buses and light rail cover the city well, reducing car dependency.	Weather: Harsh Minnesota winters can make patrols and commutes challenging.
Suburban Lifestyle: Generally safe, clean, and family-friendly with good parks and amenities.	Limited "Walkability": It's a car-centric city. Living without a car is tough.

Final Recommendation: Bloomington is a practical, stable choice for security guards who are strategic about their career. It's not a place to get rich quickly, but it offers a solid foundation. If you're willing to get licensed (especially armed), specialize in healthcare or corporate security, and are proactive about advancement, you can build a sustainable career here. It's ideal for someone who values a predictable schedule and access to a major metro area's amenities without the core downtown costs. If your primary goal is the highest possible wage and you're willing to commute, looking at Minneapolis or St. Paul might yield slightly better pay, but with a higher cost of living and longer commutes. For a balanced life, Bloomington works.

FAQs

1. Can I work as a security guard with a criminal record in MN?
It depends on the offense and the time passed. MN law allows the Board to grant a license to applicants with certain convictions if they can show rehabilitation. However, violent felonies, theft, and fraud are often permanent disqualifiers. Be honest on your application; the background check will find it.

2. Do I need my own car?
Highly recommended, if not essential. While Bloomington has public transit, many security jobs (especially patrols, corporate parks, and logistics) require you to be mobile or have a reliable way to get to and from shifts at all hours. A car also expands your job search radius significantly.

3. How long does it take to see a wage increase?
For an unarmed guard, expect your first raise after 6-12 months, typically $0.50 - $1.00/hour. The biggest jumps come with a promotion to Senior/Lead (after 2-3 years) or by switching to a higher-paying sector like armed or hospital security, which can be