Security Guard in Duluth, MN

The Salary Picture: Where Duluth Stands

If you're considering security work in Duluth, the numbers tell a straightforward story. The median salary for Security Guards in the Duluth metro area is $34,730/year, which breaks down to about $16.7/hour. This is slightly below the national average of $36,140/year, a common pattern for many professions in this region. It's important to understand that this is a median figure, meaning half of the security guards in the area earn more, and half earn less. Actual pay can swing based on experience, the specific employer, shift differentials, and whether you're working a post requiring a higher level of security clearance.

The local job market is stable but not booming for this field. There are approximately 175 security guard positions within the Duluth metro, which includes St. Louis County and parts of Wisconsin. The 10-year job growth is projected at 3%, which is slower than the national average. This isn't a field where you'll see explosive growth, but it's also not one that's disappearing. The need for security in healthcare, education, and commercial settings provides a steady baseline of demand.

To get a clearer picture, let's look at how experience level typically influences earnings in this area:

Experience-Level Breakdown

Level	Typical Years of Experience	Estimated Hourly Rate Range	Estimated Annual Salary Range*
Entry-Level	0-2	$14.50 - $17.00	$30,160 - $35,360
Mid-Career	2-7	$17.00 - $19.50	$35,360 - $40,560
Senior	7-15	$19.50 - $22.00	$40,560 - $45,760
Expert/Specialist	15+	$22.00 - $26.00+	$45,760 - $54,080+

Note: Annual ranges are calculated assuming 2,080 hours per year (40 hrs/week). Actual earnings can vary based on overtime, night/weekend differentials, and benefits packages.

Insider Tip: The biggest jump in pay often comes from moving from a generalist role (e.g., patrolling a vacant property) to a specialized post. A guard at a healthcare facility might earn $2-3 more per hour than one patrolling a warehouse, simply due to the higher-stakes environment and additional training required.

How Duluth Compares to Other Minnesota Cities

While Duluth's cost of living is a major advantage, its security guard salaries are on the lower end for major Minnesota metros. Here’s a quick comparison based on available BLS data:

• Minneapolis-St. Paul: The median is closer to $38,500-$40,000/year. The demand is higher, but so is the cost of living—especially rent and housing.
• Rochester: Home to the Mayo Clinic, salaries are competitive, often in the $36,000-$38,000/year range for experienced guards, driven by the massive healthcare security needs.
• St. Cloud: Salaries are very similar to Duluth, often hovering right around the $34,000-$35,000/year median.
• Fargo-Moorhead: Slightly higher than Duluth, with medians around $35,500-$36,500/year, due to its role as a regional commercial hub.

The takeaway: Duluth offers a lower salary, but its significantly lower cost of living (more on that later) can make your paycheck go further than it would in the Twin Cities or Rochester.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's get practical. On a $34,730 annual salary, your take-home pay will be what matters most. We'll estimate based on a single filer with no dependents, taking the standard deduction for 2024. We'll factor in federal income tax, FICA (7.65% for Social Security and Medicare), and Minnesota state tax (which for this bracket is roughly 4.5-5%). This leaves you with a net monthly take-home of approximately $2,200 - $2,300.

The biggest factor in your budget is housing. The average 1-bedroom apartment rent in Duluth is $868/month. Let's break down a realistic monthly budget for a security guard earning the median salary.

Monthly Budget Breakdown: Security Guard ($34,730/year)

Expense Category	Estimated Cost	Notes
Net Monthly Income	~$2,250	After taxes
Rent (1BR Average)	$868	Can be lower or higher by neighborhood
Utilities (Elec/Gas)	$120	Averaged across seasons; winter heating costs rise
Internet	$60	Basic plan
Groceries	$350	For one person
Car Payment/Insurance	$350	Assumption if financing a car; could be lower with a paid-off vehicle
Fuel/Transport	$120	Duluth is spread out; car is often necessary
Health Insurance	$200	If not covered by employer; employer plans vary
Phone Bill	$50	Basic smartphone plan
Misc/Entertainment	$132	For everything else (clothing, personal care, etc.)
Savings/Emergency Fund	~$0	This is the critical point.
Rent+Utilities Total	~$988	34% of net income

Can they afford to buy a home? Let's be direct. The median home price in Duluth is approximately $225,000. With a $34,730 salary, qualifying for a mortgage is extremely challenging. Lenders typically want your total debt-to-income (DTI) ratio to be under 43%. A monthly mortgage payment (including taxes and insurance) on a $225,000 home could be around $1,400-$1,500. That would be 62-67% of your take-home pay, which is unsustainable. Homeownership on this salary alone would require a significant down payment (to lower the loan amount) or a dual-income household. Renting is the realistic path for most in this field in Duluth, but the $868 average rent is manageable within the budget, leaving a small buffer for savings if expenses are tightly controlled.

Where the Jobs Are: Duluth's Major Employers

Duluth's security jobs are concentrated in a few key sectors. Here’s a look at the major local employers, what they look for, and current hiring trends.

1. Essentia Health & St. Luke's Healthcare System: These are the twin giants of local healthcare. They employ a large number of security officers for their hospitals (Essentia's main downtown campus and St. Luke's on the hill). This is one of the most stable employers for guards. Hiring is steady, often for 24/7 coverage. They look for guards with compassion, de-escalation skills, and often require specific healthcare security training. Insider Tip: Getting your MN Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) license, even just the private security guard portion, can give you a leg up here.

2. University of Minnesota Duluth (UMD): UMD hires security for campus patrol, event security (hockey games at AMSOIL Arena are a big one), and building access control. This is a good option if you prefer a more academic environment. Hiring often ramps up before the academic year and for major events.

3. City of Duluth: The city's police department sometimes hires for civilian security roles, and public facilities (like the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center - DECC) use private security contractors. These jobs can offer good benefits and are often unionized (e.g., AFSCME). Check the city's HR website directly.

4. Private Security Contract Firms: Companies like Allied Universal and Securitas have contracts with local businesses, including retail (like the Miller Hill Mall), industrial sites (potentially on the Port of Duluth), and corporate offices. These are often the entry points for new guards. Hiring trends here are directly tied to contract wins and losses, so job stability can be more variable.

5. Port of Duluth & Industrial Sites: While not always a direct hire, security at the port, grain elevators, and manufacturing plants (like those in the Lincoln Park or Gary-New Duluth neighborhoods) is a specific niche. It often requires a higher level of security clearance and sometimes a CDL (Commercial Driver's License) for mobile patrol. Pay can be at the higher end of the local scale ($18-$22/hour).

6. Duluth Public Schools & ISD 709: School security roles are growing. These positions focus on access control, student safety, and event security. They follow the school calendar, which can be a pro or con depending on your lifestyle.

Current Hiring Trend: There's a slow but steady demand for security in healthcare and education. Retail security, especially at the Miller Hill Mall, has seen some fluctuations post-pandemic. The most consistent hiring is for overnight and weekend shifts in healthcare and commercial settings. If you're willing to work undesirable hours, you'll find more openings.

Getting Licensed in Minnesota

Minnesota has clear requirements for security guards, regulated by the Minnesota Board of Private Protective Services (under the Department of Public Safety). Here’s the step-by-step process:

1. Basic Requirements:

• Be at least 18 years old.
• Be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident.
• Pass a background check (no felony convictions or certain misdemeanors).
• Complete an approved 14-hour training course.

2. The Training Course:

• You must complete a 14-hour training course from a state-approved provider. This covers laws, use of force, report writing, and emergency procedures.
• Cost: Typically $150 - $250.
• Timeline: Can be completed over 2-3 days. Several local community colleges (like Lake Superior College) and private trainers offer this course regularly.

3. Application & Fees:

• After training, you apply for a Private Security Guard Certificate from the Board.
• Application Fee: $100 (non-refundable).
• Fingerprinting Fee: $35 - $50 (paid to the fingerprinting vendor).
• Processing Time: The Board states a review can take 4-6 weeks after receiving a complete application.

4. On-the-Job Training:

• Once hired, your employer must provide an additional 2 hours of on-the-job training specific to your post, which they document.

Insider Tip: Some employers, especially larger ones like Essentia, may sponsor your training. It's worth asking during the interview process. If you're paying out of pocket, the total initial cost is roughly $300-$400. This is a worthwhile investment if you're serious about the field, as it makes you more employable and can lead to higher starting pay.

Best Neighborhoods for Security Guards

Choosing where to live in Duluth affects your commute, lifestyle, and budget. Here are 4-5 neighborhoods with pros and cons for security guards, based on proximity to major employers and typical rent.

1. Downtown / Hillside: This is the heart of the city, home to Essentia St. Mary's Medical Center, the DECC, and many office buildings. It's the best walkability and transit access, but also the most expensive for rent (1BR: $900-$1,200). Ideal if you work downtown and want to avoid a commute. The downside is parking and higher utility costs in older buildings.

2. Lincoln Park / West Duluth: These neighborhoods are close to industrial sites, the port, and some retail (like the West Duluth commercial strip). Rent is more affordable (1BR: $750-$950). Commute times are short if you work in the western part of the city. This area is grittier and has a strong industrial feel. It's a practical choice for budget-conscious guards working in western or central Duluth.

3. Congdon / East Hillside: This is a quieter, more residential area east of downtown. It's near UMD and some healthcare facilities. Rent is moderate (1BR: $800-$1,050). It offers a good balance: peaceful living with a reasonable drive to most job sites (10-15 minutes to downtown). It's popular with families and professionals, so it's a good option if you want a calmer environment.

4. Canal Park / Waterfront: This is a tourist-heavy area with hotels, restaurants, and the Lakewalk. Security jobs here are often event-based or at hospitality venues. Rent is very high (1BR: $1,100+), often in newer condos or apartments. It's less ideal for a full-time residential choice unless you have a high-paying job and love the tourist buzz. Better as a workplace than a home base for most on a $34,730 salary.

Insider Tip: Many security guards work in the downtown/hospital core but live in areas like Congdon or Woodland to save on rent. The commute is usually less than 15 minutes, and the savings on housing can be substantial, making it easier to build an emergency fund.

The Long Game: Career Growth

A security guard role can be a starting point, not a dead end. Growth in Duluth is less about climbing a corporate ladder and more about gaining specialized skills and licenses.

• Specialty Premiums: The fastest way to a higher wage is specialization.

  • Armed Guard: Requires an additional 8-hour course and a permit to carry. Can add $2-$5/hour to your pay. Used at banks, armored transport, or high-risk facilities.
  • Executive Protection: Very niche in Duluth, but possible for high-net-worth individuals or corporate events. Requires extensive training and networking.
  • Fire Safety Director: Required for certain large commercial buildings. Involves additional fire safety training and certification. Can lead to supervisory roles.
  • CDL for Mobile Patrol: A commercial driver's license can open up mobile patrol and security driver roles, often with higher pay.

• Advancement Paths:

  • Field Supervisor: Overseeing a team of guards. Requires leadership skills and experience. Pay may increase by $3-$6/hour.
  • Site Manager: Managing a specific contract or facility (e.g., the entire UMD campus security). This is a salaried role, often in the $45,000-$55,000 range.
  • Corporate Security in a Specialized Industry: Moving into the security department of a major local employer (like a healthcare system) can offer a career path into security coordination, risk assessment, or compliance.

• 10-Year Outlook: The 3% job growth indicates slow but steady demand. The key to longevity is adaptability. Technology (CCTV, access control systems) is changing the industry. Guards who are tech-savvy and can handle both physical and digital security tasks will be more valuable. Building a reputation for reliability and professionalism is crucial in a small city like Duluth, where employers and employees often know each other.

The Verdict: Is Duluth Right for You?

Pros and Cons Table

Pros	Cons
Low Cost of Living: Your $34,730 salary goes further here than in most major metros.	Slower Job Growth: Limited openings can make it hard to switch jobs quickly.
Stable Employers: Healthcare and education provide consistent demand.	Lower Wages: Pay is below the national and state average for this field.
Manageable Commute: Most jobs are within a 15-minute drive of each other.	Harsh Winters: Snow and ice can make commuting and patrolling challenging.
Natural Beauty & Quality of Life: Unmatched access to lakes, trails, and outdoor activities.	Limited Nightlife/Scene: Can feel sleepy if you prefer a bustling city atmosphere.
Tight-Knit Community: Easier to build a network and find opportunities through word-of-mouth.	Seasonal Economic Fluctuations: Tourism drives summer, but winter can be slow.

Final Recommendation: Duluth is a strong choice for a security guard who prioritizes cost-of-living and a stable, if slower-paced, environment. It's ideal for someone who wants to work a steady job in healthcare or education, enjoys outdoor recreation, and doesn't mind winters. It's less suitable for someone looking for rapid career advancement, high starting salaries, or a dynamic, fast-paced urban lifestyle. If you're willing to start in an entry-level role, get licensed, and perhaps specialize over time, you can build a comfortable, stable life here.

FAQs

Q: How competitive is the job market for security guards in Duluth?
A: It's moderately competitive. There are more applicants than openings, especially for day shifts at popular employers like the hospitals. Your best chance is to apply for overnight, weekend, or seasonal positions first, then seek a transfer. Having your MN security license already in hand makes you a more attractive candidate.

Q: Do I need a car to work as a security guard in Duluth?
A: For most jobs, yes, a reliable car is essential