Security Guard in Minneapolis, MN

As a local career analyst who’s watched Minneapolis’s security industry evolve from a quiet backroom job to a frontline role in public safety, I can tell you this isn’t a city that pays lip service to the profession. Minneapolis is a city of stark contrasts—downtown skyscrapers and residential lakes, major corporate HQs and a vibrant arts scene—all of which create a constant, diverse demand for security personnel. If you’re considering a move here, you need to understand not just the numbers, but the neighborhoods, the employers, and the unspoken rules of the job in the Twin Cities.

This guide is built on hard data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the Minnesota Department of Public Safety, and local market analysis. My goal is to give you a clear-eyed, practical look at what it means to build a career as a Security Guard in Minneapolis.

The Salary Picture: Where Minneapolis Stands

Let’s start with the numbers, because in Minneapolis, they tell a story. The median salary for a Security Guard here is $36,627/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $17.61/hour. This sits just above the national average of $36,140/year. It’s not a windfall, but it’s competitive for the Midwest and reflects the city’s slightly higher cost of living. The metro area supports about 850 security jobs, with a projected 10-year job growth of 3%. This isn’t explosive growth, but it’s stable—demand won’t disappear overnight.

To understand where you might land, consider the experience breakdown. The table below outlines typical earnings based on your background and the type of facility you’re guarding.

Experience Level	Typical Role in Minneapolis	Estimated Annual Salary	Notes
Entry-Level	Retail Loss Prevention, Corporate Front Desk, Basic Site Patrol	$32,000 - $35,000	You’re learning the ropes. Expect schedules with weekends and overnights. This is where you build your core skills.
Mid-Level	Hospital Security Officer, Bank Security, Residential Concierge	$36,627 - $42,000	You’ve got a year or two under your belt. Specialized settings (like hospitals) often pay a premium for your calm under pressure.
Senior	Shift Supervisor, Corporate Security Lead, Special Event Manager	$43,000 - $52,000	Leadership is key here. You’re managing teams, writing reports, and liaising with clients or law enforcement.
Expert	Security Manager, Director of Operations (for a firm), Government Contractor	$55,000+	This is the path out of the field. You’re overseeing multiple sites, budgets, and personnel. Often requires a degree or extensive experience.

Insider Tip: Minneapolis has a strong union presence. Jobs with Teamsters Local 120 (which covers some security roles) or those in major public institutions often have better pay, benefits, and overtime rules. Always ask about union representation during an interview.

How does this compare to other Minnesota cities? The Twin Cities metro is the highest-paying region in the state for this profession, but not by a huge margin.

City	Median Salary	Key Employer Sectors
Minneapolis	$36,627	Corporate HQs, Healthcare, Entertainment, Retail
St. Paul	$35,800	Government, Higher Ed, Major Retail
Duluth	$33,500	Port Authority, Healthcare, Tourism
Rochester (Mayo Clinic)	$37,200	Healthcare (Mayo dominates), Research
Mankato	$32,900	Manufacturing, University, Retail

Rochester is a notable exception due to the global footprint of Mayo Clinic, which often pays a premium for security staff to protect sensitive research and patient data. For the broader Minneapolis-St. Paul metro, the $36,627 figure is a reliable benchmark.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

A salary is just a number until you live on it. Minneapolis’s cost of living is about 4.5% above the national average (Index: 104.5). The biggest expense is housing. The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is $1,327/month. Let’s break down a monthly budget for a Security Guard earning the median salary.

Monthly Budget Breakdown (Based on $36,627 Annual Salary)

• Gross Monthly Pay: ~$3,052
• Estimated Taxes (Federal, State, FICA): -$650
• Net Monthly Take-Home: ~$2,402
• Rent (1BR Avg): -$1,327
• Remaining for Utilities, Food, Transport, Insurance: $1,075

Can you afford to buy a home? It’s a struggle on this salary alone. With a median home price in Minneapolis around $330,000, a standard 20% down payment is $66,000. A mortgage payment would likely exceed $1,800/month, negating the affordability of renting. This is why many long-term security professionals in Minneapolis either:

1. Live with a partner or roommate.
2. Move to the suburbs (like Brooklyn Park or Richfield) where rents are slightly lower.
3. Pursue certification and advancement to higher-paying roles.

Insider Tip: Minneapolis has a robust public transit system (Metro Transit). If you live and work along key lines (like the Blue Line or Green Line), you can save on car payments, insurance, and gas, which can free up $300-$500/month. This is a game-changer for your budget.

Where the Jobs Are: Minneapolis's Major Employers

The Minneapolis market is diverse. You’re not just looking for a “security company”; you’re looking for the end employer. Here are the key players and trends:

1. Allina Health & Fairview Health Services: Minneapolis is a medical hub. Hospitals like Abbott Northwestern, Hennepin County Medical Center, and the University of Minnesota Medical Center need 24/7 security. They handle everything from patient de-escalation to asset protection. Hiring Trend: Steady, with a focus on candidates with healthcare-specific training (like CPI Nonviolent Crisis Intervention).

2. Target Corporation (HQ): With its massive downtown campus, Target employs its own dedicated security force for its headquarters and downtown stores. These jobs are highly coveted for their pay and benefits. Hiring Trend: Selective, often requiring prior experience and a clean background check.

3. U.S. Bank (HQ): Another downtown titan, U.S. Bank’s headquarters and its branch network require a mix of corporate security and branch officers. Hiring Trend: Consistent, with opportunities for advancement into corporate security management.

4. Mall of America (Bloomington): The largest mall in the U.S. is a small city in itself. Their security team is one of the largest single employers in the region. It’s a fast-paced environment perfect for building customer service and incident response skills. Hiring Trend: High volume hiring, especially before the holiday season. Turnover can be higher, offering entry points.

5. City of Minneapolis & Hennepin County: Government jobs offer stability and strong benefits. Positions range from security at government buildings to park patrol. Hiring Trend: Competitive, with civil service exams often required. Check the official government job boards.

6. Xcel Energy & 3M (Suburbs): Major industrial and corporate campuses in the suburbs (like 3M in Maplewood) need dedicated site security. These often involve patrols, access control, and emergency response. Hiring Trend: Stable, with a focus on safety and compliance.

7. Third-Party Contract Firms: Companies like Securitas, Allied Universal, and AlliedBarton hold contracts for many of the above employers. Starting with a firm can be a foot in the door. Insider Tip: Ask which site you’d be assigned to. A corporate HQ contract is very different from a retail store contract in terms of pay, environment, and growth potential.

Getting Licensed in MN

Minnesota has clear, state-mandated requirements. The key agency is the Minnesota Department of Public Safety (DPS), Office of Justice Programs.

Requirements:

• Be at least 18 years old.
• Pass a criminal background check. Felonies and certain misdemeanors will disqualify you.
• Complete a 16-hour training course from a state-approved provider. This covers MN statutes, use of force, de-escalation, and emergency procedures.
• Obtain a “Guard Card.” The course provider often submits your paperwork to the state. The card is valid for two years.

Cost & Timeline:

• Course Cost: Typically $100 - $200. Some employers will reimburse you after a probationary period.
• Timeline: You can complete the course in a weekend (two days). After submitting your paperwork, allow 2-4 weeks for the state to process your background check and issue your card.
• Ongoing Training: Minnesota requires 8 hours of continuing education every two years to renew your license.

Key Insight: The 16-hour course is the minimum. Many employers, especially in healthcare and corporate settings, require additional training (e.g., CPR/AED, first aid, specific site policies). Factor this into your job search.

Best Neighborhoods for Security Guards

Where you live affects your commute, your lifestyle, and your budget. Here are four neighborhoods that balance affordability and access to security jobs.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Avg. 1BR Rent	Best For...
Longfellow	Quiet, residential, classic Minneapolis. Easy commute downtown via bus or bike. Good access to the Mississippi River trails.	$1,200 - $1,400	Guards working downtown or at the University. Family-friendly and peaceful after a long shift.
Northeast Minneapolis	Artsy, blue-collar, vibrant. Strong community feel. Commute to downtown is reasonable (10-15 mins by car). Home to many breweries and local shops.	$1,100 - $1,300	Guards who want a cool, non-corporate vibe. Great for those working at Target Field or nearby industrial sites.
St. Louis Park	First-ring suburb. Very accessible—right on I-394. Safer, quieter, but more car-dependent. Targets corporate parks in Golden Valley and St. Louis Park.	$1,200 - $1,500	Guards with cars who want suburban safety and a short commute to major employers like 3M or Xcel.
University Area (Near UMN)	Energetic, student-heavy. Excellent public transit (Green Line). Rents can be high, but splitting a place is common. Direct transit to downtown and the airport.	$1,300 - $1,600	Younger guards, or those working at the University, hospitals, or along the light rail corridor.

Insider Tip: Parking in Minneapolis, especially in Longfellow or Northeast, can be a nightmare in winter. If you have a car, prioritize a place with off-street parking. It’s worth the extra $50-$100/month.

The Long Game: Career Growth

The 3% job growth indicates that advancement is about specialization and promotion, not just more entry-level roles.

• Specialty Premiums: Certifications get you paid.
  • Armed Guard: Requires additional 8-hour training and a permit. Can boost pay by $3-$5/hour. High demand for armored transport, certain downtown postings, and some corporate roles. Warning: Higher risk.
  • Fire Inspector/Alarm Monitor: Some guards cross-train in fire safety, adding value to their profile.
  • CPR/First Aid Instructor: Teaching these skills can open doors to training roles.
• Advancement Paths:
  1. Field to Office: Start as an officer, move to shift supervisor, then site manager, and finally into operations or sales for a security firm.
  2. Specialize in a Sector: Become the go-to expert for healthcare security (high demand) or event security (seasonal, high-energy).
  3. Pivot to Government: With experience, you can apply for roles with the TSA (at MSP Airport), the State Capitol, or federal buildings, which often have better pay and benefits.
• 10-Year Outlook: The core need for physical security will remain. However, technology (cameras, access control systems) is changing the job. Guards who understand basic systems or can liaise with tech teams will have an edge. The 3% growth will likely be in these hybrid tech-security roles and in specialized settings like healthcare and data centers.

The Verdict: Is Minneapolis Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Stable Job Market: Diverse employers (healthcare, corporate, retail) provide resilience.	Harsh Winters: Commuting in snow and ice is a real challenge. You’ll need a reliable vehicle or a transit-friendly home.
Clear Career Path: State licensing is straightforward, and advancement opportunities exist with experience.	Cost of Living Pressure: The $1,327 average rent is a significant chunk of the median salary. Budgeting is essential.
Union Potential: Access to union jobs can mean better pay, benefits, and job security.	Competition for Top Jobs: The best positions (Target HQ, major hospitals) are competitive. Experience and a clean record are key.
Vibrant City Life: You’re not in a remote post. You’re part of a dynamic, culturally rich city.	3% Growth is Modest: Career advancement often requires proactive upskilling and moving between employers.

Final Recommendation: Minneapolis is a strong choice for a motivated Security Guard who values stability over high starting pay. It’s ideal if you’re willing to start in an entry-level role, get your feet wet, and actively pursue certifications and promotions. If you’re looking for rapid, high-earning growth or a low-cost living environment, you may find better options elsewhere. But for a balanced, professional career in a major U.S. city with a clear structure, Minneapolis delivers.

FAQs

Q: Do I need a car to work as a Security Guard in Minneapolis?
A: It’s highly recommended. While transit works for downtown, many jobs (hospital campuses, suburban corporate parks, overnight patrols) are not transit-accessible. A car also allows you to pursue a wider range of shifts and employers.

Q: What’s the biggest challenge for Security Guards in Minneapolis?
A: Two things: 1) The winter. Commuting and working outdoors for long shifts in sub-zero temperatures is physically demanding. 2) De-escalation. Minneapolis has a strong focus on community policing and non-violent resolution, so soft skills are as important as physical presence.

Q: Can I make a living on the median salary?
A: Yes, but with careful budgeting. You’ll likely need roommates, a strict budget, and to leverage public transit. It’s a starting point, not a long-term ceiling. Advancement to $40,000+ is achievable within 2-3 years with specialization.

Q: How do I find jobs?
A: Start with the big employers’ career pages (Allina, Target, UMN). For contracting firms, check LinkedIn and Indeed. Also, network with guards at sites you’re interested in—Minneapolis is a “who you know” town, and many jobs are filled through referrals.

Q: Is the 16-hour training enough to get hired?
A: It’s the legal minimum, but employers often want more. Having your CPR/AED certification (a weekend course) on your resume makes you a much stronger candidate from day one. It shows initiative and preparedness.