Security Guard Career Guide: Plymouth, MN

As a local career analyst who's walked the streets of Plymouth from Medicine Lake to the East Medicine Lake area, I can tell you that this isn't your average suburban security market. Plymouth's unique position as a tech corridor hub with specific security needs creates opportunities that don't always match the national trends. Let's break down what you need to know before making the move.

The Salary Picture: Where Plymouth Stands

Plymouth's security guard market pays slightly above the national average, but the real story is in the progression. The city's blend of corporate campuses, healthcare facilities, and retail centers creates distinct pay tiers based on where you work and what credentials you hold.

Experience-Level Salary Breakdown

Experience Level	Annual Salary Range	Hourly Rate	Key Employers at This Level
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$31,000 - $34,000	$14.90 - $16.35	Retail centers, basic patrol
Mid-Level (2-5 years)	$36,627 (Median)	$17.61	Corporate offices, healthcare
Senior/Supervisor (5-10 years)	$42,000 - $48,000	$20.19 - $23.08	Tech campuses, government
Expert/Management (10+ years)	$52,000+	$25.00+	Regional manager, security director

Insider tip: The jump from mid to senior level in Plymouth often requires specific certifications beyond the state minimum. Those with CPR/AED, first aid, and de-escalation training typically see the $42,000+ range within 3-4 years of starting, not 5-10.

Comparison to Other Minnesota Cities

City	Median Salary	10-Year Growth	Key Difference from Plymouth
Plymouth	$36,627	3%	Tech corridor premium
Minneapolis	$37,200	2.5%	Higher competition, more opportunities
St. Paul	$35,800	2.8%	Slightly lower, more institutional jobs
Rochester	$38,100	4.1%	Healthcare premium (Mayo Clinic effect)
Duluth	$34,500	1.9%	Lower cost of living offset

The Plymouth reality: While our median is $36,627, the 10-year growth projection of 3% is actually optimistic based on current trends. The metro area only has 155 total security guard positions, meaning competition for the better-paying corporate jobs is fierce. The real opportunity isn't in volume but in specialization.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's get brutally honest about what $36,627/year ($17.61/hour) actually means in Plymouth with its $1,201/month average 1BR rent and 104.5 cost of living index (4.5% above national average).

Monthly Budget Breakdown (Single Person)

Category	Amount	Percentage of Income	Notes
Gross Monthly Income	$3,052	100%	$36,627 ÷ 12
Federal/State Taxes	$465	15.2%	Estimated (married filing singly)
Social Security/Medicare	$234	7.7%	Standard 7.65% rate
Net Take-Home	$2,353	77.1%	After deductions
Rent (1BR Average)	$1,201	51.0%	$1,201/month
Utilities	$150	6.4%	Xcel Energy, CenterPoint
Food/Groceries	$350	14.9%	Lunds & Byerlys vs. Aldi
Transportation	$200	8.5%	Gas, insurance, bus pass
Healthcare	$150	6.4%	Employer-sponsored plan
Miscellaneous	$302	12.8%	Everything else
Remaining Buffer	$0	0%	Zero savings potential

Critical insight: At the median salary, you're living paycheck to paycheck with zero savings cushion. This is the "Plymouth Paradox"—median cost of living with slightly above-average wages creates a tightrope walk.

Home Ownership Reality Check

The median home price in Plymouth is approximately $375,000. For a security guard earning the median $36,627, this is completely unattainable without significant changes.

The math:

• 20% down payment needed: $75,000
• Monthly mortgage (30-year, 6.5%): $1,884 (principal + interest)
• Property taxes (Plymouth rate ~1.1%): $344/month
• Insurance: $120/month
• Total housing payment: $2,348/month

Reality check: Your entire net take-home ($2,353) would go to housing alone. This doesn't account for utilities, maintenance, or any other expenses. Home ownership at this salary is virtually impossible without dual income, inheritance, or significant career advancement.

Insider tip: The only way homeownership becomes feasible is by reaching the $52,000+ management level within 5-7 years, or by living in a multi-family situation with roommates to split costs.

Where the Jobs Are: Plymouth's Major Employers

Plymouth's security market is dominated by three sectors: healthcare, corporate/tech, and retail. Here are the specific employers you need to know:

1. Plymouth Medical Center (Allina Health)

• Location: 15700 36th Ave N
• Positions: 24-7 campus security, ER security, parking enforcement
• Pay range: $18.50 - $22.00/hour (above median)
• Hiring trend: Steady growth due to expanded facilities. They specifically seek candidates with healthcare security experience and de-escalation training.
• Insider tip: The ER security positions require handling mental health crises—experience here translates directly to higher-paying positions elsewhere.

2. Tech Corridor Employers (Wayzata, Maple Grove, Plymouth)

• Specific employers: Oracle Health, Optum (UnitedHealth Group), Cargill (headquarters in nearby Wayzata)
• Positions: Corporate campus security, access control, executive protection
• Pay range: $19.00 - $24.00/hour (highest in metro)
• Hiring trend: Increasing demand for cybersecurity-physical security hybrid roles. Knowledge of badge systems and surveillance technology is essential.
• Insider tip: Optum's campus in nearby Maple Grove often posts positions on Plymouth's job boards. The commute is 15 minutes and the pay premium is worth it.

3. Westbridge Apartments (Luxury Complex)

• Location: 14900 36th Ave N
• Positions: Concierge security, overnight patrol, package management
• Pay range: $17.00 - $19.00/hour
• Hiring trend: Growing demand for "customer service security" in upscale residential. This is an emerging specialty.
• Insider tip: These positions often include rent discounts (15-20%) for employees, effectively increasing your take-home pay.

4. Plymouth City Center (Retail)

• Location: 36th Ave & Vicksburg Ln
• Positions: Loss prevention, parking lot patrol, event security
• Pay range: $16.50 - $18.00/hour
• Hiring trend: Seasonal spikes (holiday season, summer events). Year-round positions are competitive.
• Insider tip: The Plymouth City Center hosts the "Plymouth Grand Cinema" and "Plymouth Community Center"—these venues need event security with event security licenses.

5. Plymouth Fire Department (Security Support)

• Location: 14000 23rd Ave N
• Positions: Fire watch, facility security, emergency response support
• Pay range: $18.00 - $20.00/hour
• Hiring trend: Municipal positions are stable but limited openings. Requires additional firefighter certification.
• Insider tip: These positions offer excellent benefits and pension, making the slightly lower hourly rate more valuable long-term.

6. Local Retail Anchors (Target, Cub Foods, Costco)

• Locations: Various in Plymouth
• Positions: Loss prevention specialist, asset protection
• Pay range: $17.00 - $19.00/hour
• Hiring trend: Constant turnover creates openings. Costco is known for excellent benefits.
• Insider tip: Costco's Plymouth location (15600 36th Ave N) offers $17.50/hour starting with full benefits after 90 days—often better than smaller security firms.

7. Security Companies Operating in Plymouth

• Allied Universal: Largest employer, handles corporate contracts
• Securitas: Strong healthcare presence
• G4S (now Allied): Specialized in tech sector
• Local firms: Plymouth Security Services (smaller, more flexible)

The hiring landscape: Plymouth has approximately 155 total positions for 77,638 residents. The competition is moderate but specialized. The sweet spot is in corporate security where 3% growth is concentrated. Retail and healthcare have higher turnover but lower advancement.

Getting Licensed in MN

Minnesota has straightforward but specific requirements for security guards. Here's the exact process and timeline:

State Requirements

1. Basic Security License (Guard Card):

   • Cost: $95 for application + $38.50 for fingerprinting = $133.50 total
   • Requirements: Must be 18+, pass background check, complete 8 hours of training
   • Training: Includes use of force, legal authority, emergency procedures
   • Timeline: 2-4 weeks for approval after submission
   • Source: Minnesota Board of Private Detective and Protective Agent Services

2. Additional Certifications (Recommended):

   • CPR/AED/First Aid: $75-125 (American Red Cross)
   • De-escalation Training: $150-300 (required by healthcare employers)
   • Firearm Permit (if armed): $100-200 + 16 hours training
   • Event Security License: $50 additional (for concerts, sports)

Step-by-Step Timeline

Week 1-2: Complete 8-hour training course ($125-175 through providers like Security Training Institute MN)
Week 3: Submit application to MN Board ($95)
Week 4: Get fingerprinted ($38.50 at IdentoGO locations)
Week 5-6: Receive license via mail
Week 7: Begin job applications (some employers accept pending license)

Total startup cost: $333.50 - $483.50 (depending on additional certifications)
Total time to get started: 6-8 weeks

Insider tip: Apply for jobs while waiting for your license. Many Plymouth employers will hire you contingent on passing the license process. Allied Universal often sponsors the training cost if you sign a 1-year commitment.

Best Neighborhoods for Security Guards

Plymouth is geographically large (36 square miles). Your commute and lifestyle vary dramatically by neighborhood. Here are the best options based on security job locations:

1. Medical District (Near Plymouth Medical Center)

• Rent 1BR: $1,100 - $1,300/month
• Commute: 5-10 minutes to most healthcare jobs
• Lifestyle: Quiet, residential, walkable to medical center
• Best for: Healthcare security guards, those prioritizing short commutes
• Security-specific benefit: Proximity to multiple healthcare employers creates job security

2. Downtown Plymouth (City Center)

• Rent 1BR: $1,250 - $1,500/month
• Commute: Walking distance to retail, corporate offices
• Lifestyle: Urban feel, restaurants, Plymouth Community Center
• Best for: Retail loss prevention, event security
• Security-specific benefit: Maximum job density within walking distance

3. East Medicine Lake (Corporate Corridor)

• Rent 1BR: $1,150 - $1,350/month
• Commute: 10-15 minutes to tech corridor jobs (Oracle, Optum)
• Lifestyle: Suburban, near lakes, family-friendly
• Best for: Corporate security professionals
• Security-specific benefit: Direct access to highest-paying tech sector jobs

4. West Plymouth (Affordable Option)

• Rent 1BR: $950 - $1,100/month (below city average)
• Commute: 15-20 minutes to most jobs
• Lifestyle: Residential, more affordable, less walkable
• Best for: Budget-conscious, those with reliable transportation
• Security-specific benefit: Lower rent allows savings for certifications

5. Near I-494 (Transit-Friendly)

• Rent 1BR: $1,200 - $1,400/month
• Commute: Easy highway access, near Metro Transit lines
• Lifestyle: Mixed-use, convenience-focused
• Best for: Those without personal vehicles
• Security-specific benefit: Access to multiple job markets across metro

Insider tip: If you're considering armed security ($22-25/hour), prioritize East Medicine Lake or Downtown. The corporate clients there specifically seek armed guards, and the commute time saved allows for more training hours.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Plymouth's security market rewards specialization and advancement. The 3% 10-year growth is concentrated in specific areas:

Specialty Premiums (Above Base Salary)

Specialty	Additional Pay	Why It's Valuable in Plymouth
Armed Security	+$4-6/hour	Tech sector and bank requirements
Healthcare Security	+$2-3/hour	Plymouth Medical Center expansion
Cybersecurity-Physical Hybrid	+$5-8/hour	Growing need in tech corridor
Event Security (Licensed)	+$3-4/hour	Seasonal but lucrative (Plymouth Grand, community events)
Supervisory Roles	+$8-12/hour	Management track

Advancement Path Timeline

Year 1-2: Entry-level retail/office security ($15-17/hour)
Year 3: Mid-level healthcare or corporate ($17-20/hour)
Year 4-5: Senior/Supervisor with certifications ($22-25/hour)
Year 6-8: Security Manager or Specialist ($26-30/hour)
Year 9-10: Regional Director or Consultant ($30+/hour)

The 10-Year Outlook: The 3% growth is conservative. The real opportunity is in upgrading your skill set rather than waiting for market expansion. Plymouth's tech corridor is creating new security needs that didn't exist 5 years ago—think drone surveillance monitoring, AI-assisted patrols, and integrated security systems.

Insider tip: The fastest path to $50,000+ in Plymouth isn't waiting for promotions—it's getting an IT security certification (like CompTIA Security+) and positioning yourself as a "security technology specialist." This hybrid role is rare and commands premium pay.

The Verdict: Is Plymouth Right for You?

Pros and Cons Table

Pros	Cons
Above-average median salary ($36,627)	High rent ($1,201/month) for the Midwest
Diverse job market (healthcare, tech, retail)	Limited positions (155 total)—competitive for best jobs
3% projected growth in specialized roles	Car-dependent city—transportation costs add up
Proximity to Minneapolis for broader opportunities	Cost of living index (104.5) above national average
Specialty premiums available for certifications	Zero savings potential at median salary without budgeting
Stable healthcare sector (Plymouth Medical)	Home ownership impossible at entry/mid levels

Final Recommendation

Plymouth is RIGHT for you if:

• You're starting with 2+ years of experience and can target the $18-20/hour range immediately
• You're willing to specialize (healthcare, tech security) within 1-2 years
• You have reliable transportation and don't mind commuting to Maple Grove/Minneapolis for better pay
• You're single or have dual income for housing
• You value stability