Security Guard in Lakeville, MN

Here is a comprehensive career guide for Security Guards considering a move to Lakeville, MN.

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The Salary Picture: Where Lakeville Stands

Lakeville is a solid, practical market for security work. It’s not a high-cost urban core like Minneapolis, but it’s also not a cheap rural outpost. The security role here is foundational—protecting the sprawling residential developments, retail centers, and industrial parks that define the city.

The median salary for a Security Guard in Lakeville is $36,627/year, which translates to an hourly rate of $17.61/hour. It’s important to contextualize this: it sits just slightly above the national average of $36,140/year. This tells us Lakeville’s market pays a fair, market-rate wage for the role, but it’s not a premium location that significantly outpaces the national trend. The metro area (which includes Lakeville and surrounding suburbs) shows a healthy demand with 152 available jobs, but the 10-year job growth is a modest 3%. This indicates a stable, but not rapidly expanding, field.

To understand where you stand, here’s a realistic breakdown of what you can expect to earn based on your experience level in the Lakeville area:

Experience Level	Typical Annual Salary Range (Lakeville, MN)	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level	$32,000 - $35,000	Static post guarding, basic patrols, access control, report writing.
Mid-Career	$36,000 - $40,000	Armed guard, lead officer on shift, more complex site management, training new hires.
Senior	$41,000 - $45,000+	Site supervisor, shift manager, client liaison, scheduling, incident response lead.
Expert/Manager	$48,000 - $60,000+	Regional manager, security director for a large facility, contract manager for a firm.

When you compare Lakeville to other Minnesota cities, its position becomes clearer. It’s more affordable than Minneapolis or St. Paul, where salaries might be similar but living costs are significantly higher. It pays slightly more than other southern suburbs like Burnsville or Eagan, which is a direct reflection of Lakeville’s growing, affluent residential base and its specific employers. It’s a goldilocks market for someone who wants a decent wage without the brutal commute or expense of the city center.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get brutally honest about the numbers. A median salary of $36,627/year is a starting point, but your real take-home is what matters. We’ll base this on a single person with no dependents, using standard federal and state tax estimates (Minnesota has a progressive income tax).

Monthly Budget Breakdown for a Security Guard Earning $36,627/Year:

Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Gross Monthly Income	$3,052	(36,627 / 12)
Taxes (Est. 22-25%)	~$670 - $760	Federal, FICA (7.65%), and MN state tax.
Net Monthly Income	~$2,290 - $2,370	Your take-home pay.
Average 1BR Rent	$1,201	This is the city-wide average.
Utilities, Internet	$150 - $200	Varies by season (winter heating costs are real).
Car Payment, Insurance, Gas	$400 - $600	A used car is almost mandatory in Lakeville.
Groceries & Essentials	$300 - $400
Remaining (Savings/Discretionary)	~$200 - $300	This is a tight budget.

Can they afford to buy a home? On a single income of $36,627/year, buying a home in Lakeville is a significant challenge. The median home price in Lakeville is well over $400,000. A standard mortgage payment would easily consume 50-60% of your gross monthly income, which is far beyond the recommended 30% guideline. Homeownership on this salary would likely require a dual-income household, a substantial down payment, or targeting a much smaller/older property. Renting is the more realistic and financially sustainable option for a single security guard in Lakeville.

Insider Tip: The $1,201/month rent is an average. You can find 1BR apartments in older complexes or slightly farther from the main retail corridors for $1,000-$1,100, but you’ll trade on square footage or modern amenities. Newer luxury apartments can push $1,400+.

Where the Jobs Are: Lakeville's Major Employers

Lakeville’s security jobs are tied to its economic pillars: healthcare, logistics/retail, and education. Here are the key local employers you should target:

1. Lakeville Public Schools (ISD 194): A major employer of security personnel. They use both district-hired security (often for events and high school campuses) and third-party contracted guards. Hiring is cyclical, with peaks before the school year starts in August-September.
2. Fairview Ridges Hospital: Located on the north end of town, this is a 24/7 operation requiring constant security coverage. Positions here are for in-house staff or through a contract with a major healthcare security firm like Securitas or G4S. Expect a focus on de-escalation and patient safety.
3. Target Distribution Center & Retail Corridors: Lakeville is a logistics hub. The massive Target distribution center on the north side, along with the retail clusters near 185th Street and Interstate 35 (including Costco, Home Depot, and major shopping centers), require security for surveillance, loss prevention, and access control. These are often contracted positions.
4. Lakeville North High School & Prior Lake-Savage Area Schools: While part of ISD 194, the high schools, especially for events (sports, concerts), often hire supplemental security. It’s a good foot-in-the-door for those with a clean background and good public interaction skills.
5. Industrial Parks (170th St W & 185th St): The western and southern parts of Lakeville are filled with light industrial and manufacturing facilities (e.g., Cargill, various food processing plants). These sites need overnight and weekend security, often offering shift differentials.
6. Apartment Complexes & HOAs: Large residential developments like Sun Grove, Heart of the City, and others contract with security firms for overnight patrols. These are often lower-intensity but consistent jobs.
7. City of Lakeville: The city itself hires security for municipal buildings, parks after hours, and special events. Check the city’s employment page directly for these postings.

Hiring Trend: The demand is steady. The constant churn in retail and the 24/7 nature of healthcare create consistent openings. The key is to look for postings in the summer, before the school year and the busy fall retail season begins.

Getting Licensed in MN

Minnesota has clear, state-mandated requirements to become a security guard. The process is straightforward and relatively inexpensive.

State-Specific Requirements & Costs:

• License Type: You will need either an Unarmed Security Guard License or an Armed Security Guard License from the Minnesota Board of Private Protective Services (BPPS).
• Training: All applicants must complete a Basic Security Training course from a state-approved school. This is typically 16-24 hours of classroom training covering laws, report writing, use of force, and ethics. Cost: $150 - $300.
• Background Check: A fingerprint-based criminal history check is mandatory. Cost: ~$50.
• Application Fee: State license fee is $100 for an unarmed license ($150 for armed).
• Armed License Additional Steps: To carry a firearm, you need 8 more hours of firearms training and qualification, plus a separate firearms permit from the local sheriff. Total cost for armed: $500 - $800+ (including course and fees).

Timeline to Get Started:

1. 1-2 Weeks: Enroll and complete your Basic Security Training course.
2. 1 Week: Submit your application and fingerprints to the state board.
3. 2-4 Weeks: The BPPS processes your application and conducts the background check.
4. Total: 4-8 weeks from start to holding your license. You can often start working under the supervision of a licensed guard while your application is pending.

Insider Tip: Many large security companies (Securitas, G4S, etc.) will reimburse the cost of your training and license fees after you complete a set period of employment (e.g., 6-12 months). It’s worth asking about this during interviews.

Best Neighborhoods for Security Guards

Living in Lakeville as a security guard means balancing commute, cost, and lifestyle. You don’t need to live in the most expensive part of town; you need strategic access.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Estimated 1BR Rent	Best For...
East Lakeville	Quiet, established residential. Close to I-35 for an easy commute to the hospital or retail corridors.	$1,100 - $1,250	Someone who values a quieter home life and a predictable commute.
North Lakeville/Heart of the City	Modern apartments, walkable to shops and restaurants. High traffic due to retail.	$1,300 - $1,500	Someone who wants to minimize driving after a long shift and enjoys a busier atmosphere.
South Lakeville (near 185th St)	Growing, more affordable newer apartments. Close to industrial parks and the Target distribution center.	$1,050 - $1,200	The budget-conscious guard who works in the western industrial area.
Near I-35 & 185th St	Commercial/residential mix. Easy on/off the freeway. Can be noisier.	$1,000 - $1,150	The guard with a non-standard schedule who needs rapid access to the whole metro.

Insider Tip: Avoid living directly in the "Heart of the City" if you value quiet. The commercial activity is great, but noise from restaurants and traffic can be constant. Just a few blocks south or east offers a significant drop in noise for a similar price.

The Long Game: Career Growth

A security guard role in Lakeville can be a career, not just a job, if you play the long game.

Specialty Premiums:

• Armed Guard: Carrying a firearm can add $2.00 - $4.00/hour ($4,000 - $8,000/year) to your base pay. It’s a liability and responsibility, but it’s the most direct path to higher earnings.
• K-9 Handler: If employed by a firm with a K-9 unit, handlers often see a significant premium, though these roles are scarce.
• Corporate/Executive Protection: Shifts to protecting high-value assets or executives, often based in the corporate offices that dot the southern metro.

Advancement Paths:

1. Guard to Lead/Supervisor: Move from a post to managing other guards. This requires strong communication and organizational skills. Pay jump to the mid-40s.
2. Supervisor to Site Manager: Oversee all security operations for a single large client (e.g., a hospital or school district). Pay jumps to the late 40s/low 50s.
3. Contract to In-House: Transition from a third-party security firm to a direct-hire position for a hospital, school, or large corporation. In-house roles often come with better benefits, union protections (in some cases), and clearer career ladders.
4. Management within a Firm: Move into operations, scheduling, or client management for a major security contractor.

10-Year Outlook: The 3% job growth is a key data point. It means the field is steady but not booming. Automation (cameras, access control systems) will change the job, but it won’t eliminate the need for a human presence. The guards who thrive will be those who embrace technology (writing detailed digital reports, using communication systems) and develop strong soft skills for de-escalation and customer service. Specialization (armed, healthcare, education) will be crucial for salary growth.

The Verdict: Is Lakeville Right for You?

Lakeville offers a secure, stable market for security guards with a cost of living that, while above the national average, is manageable on a $17.61/hour wage. It’s a community that values safety and has a constant demand for it.

Pros	Cons
Stable Job Market with multiple major employers.	Modest Salary Growth (3% 10-year outlook).
Manageable Cost of Living compared to Minneapolis core.	Homeownership is a Stretch on a single income.
Diverse Work Environments (schools, hospitals, retail, corporate).	Car-Dependent City – public transit is limited.
Safe, Family-Oriented Community to live in.	Competitive Market for the best shifts and employer benefits.
Clear, Achievable Licensing Process.	Winters are Long and Cold – your commute and outdoor patrols will be challenging.

Final Recommendation: Lakeville is an excellent choice for security guards who prioritize stability and a good quality of life over rapid salary growth. It’s ideal for someone who is methodical, reliable, and wants to build a long-term career in security without the high-pressure, high-cost environment of a major city. If you are willing to specialize (get armed, target healthcare or schools) and live strategically to manage costs, Lakeville can be a very sustainable place to build your life and career.

FAQs

Q: Is Lakeville a good place for an unarmed security guard to start?
A: Yes, absolutely. The stable employers like schools and retail centers are perfect for starting your career. The pay is fair for an entry-level role, and the experience you gain here is transferable anywhere in the state.

Q: How competitive is the job market in Lakeville for security?
A: With 152 jobs in the metro, there is steady opportunity. The market is competitive for the best-paying positions at major hospitals or with the school district, but there is always turnover in retail and contract work. Having your license and a clean background will put you ahead.

Q: Can I make a career as a Security Guard in Lakeville?
A: Yes, but it requires a long-term plan. The base pay won’t support a family on its own, but with advancement to supervisor or specialist roles, and by potentially working multiple jobs or overtime, a career is very possible. Many local guards build 20+ year careers with the same employer.

Q: What’s the biggest challenge of working security in Lakeville?
A: The winter. Being outside on patrol in a Minnesota January, when temperatures can drop below zero, is physically demanding. The biggest challenge for many is not the job itself, but the commute in bad weather and the mental fortitude to stay alert in extreme cold.

Q: Do I need my own car to work security in Lakeville?
A: Yes, 100%. Lakeville is a sprawling suburb. While some jobs might be accessible via bus, most security sites (hospitals, industrial parks, retail corridors) are not. A reliable vehicle is a non-negotiable tool of the trade for getting to work and for any job that requires mobile patrols.