Security Guard Salary in Minneapolis, MN: $37,954 (2024)
Official 2024 BLS Data | $18.25/hour | $23,769 - $52,932 range
Median Annual Salary
$37,954
Hourly Rate
$18.25
/hour
Jobs in Area
1,236
employed
Compare to Other Cities
See All →Minneapolis, MN
$37,954
San Jose, CA
$52,005
in San Jose, CA
Security Guard Salary Range in Minneapolis, MN
Annual Salary Range
$24k
10th percentile
$31k
25th
$46k
75th
$53k
90th percentile
Salary Breakdown by Percentile
| Percentile | Annual Salary | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile (Entry Level) | $23,769 | $11.43 |
| 25th Percentile | $30,640 | $14.73 |
| Median (50th Percentile) | $37,954 | $18.25 |
| 75th Percentile | $45,746 | $21.99 |
| 90th Percentile (Top Earners) | $52,932 | $25.45 |
| Average (Mean) | $41,228 | $19.82 |
Security Guard Market Insights for Minneapolis, MN
Compensation Overview
Security Guard compensation in Minneapolis, MN aligns with regional expectations. The salary range from $23,769 to $52,932 provides a clear picture of earning potential at different career stages.
Local Market Context
Minneapolis, MN offers competitive compensation that aligns closely with national benchmarks. The Minnesota economy supports a diverse range of industries, providing stable employment opportunities across multiple sectors.
Career Outlook
The Security Guard profession offers diverse career opportunities across industries. Professional development and continuous learning are key factors in advancing within this field. With a 123% salary range from entry-level to top earners, there is substantial room for financial growth as you advance in your career.
Tips for Increasing Your Salary
- •Develop specialized expertise to command higher compensation—top earners make 39% more than median salaries
- •Build a professional network through industry associations and local business groups
- •Pursue relevant certifications or advanced education to demonstrate expertise
+2%
vs National Avg
+2%
vs State Avg
123%
Salary Range
1,236
Jobs in Area
Career Path & Salary Progression
Typical Security Guard salary growth in Minneapolis, MN based on experience level.
Entry Level
0-2 years10th percentile
$23,769
/year
Early Career
2-5 years25th percentile
$30,640
/year
Mid Career
5-10 years50th percentile
$37,954
/year
Senior
10-15 years75th percentile
$45,746
/year
Expert
15+ years90th percentile
$52,932
/year
Note: Career progression and salary growth vary based on company size, industry, skills, and performance. These estimates use percentile data from the BLS as a general guide for typical career paths.
Security Guard Job Market in Minneapolis, MN
Where Security Guards Work
Security Guards work across multiple industries including corporations, government agencies, healthcare organizations, and consulting firms. Each sector offers different compensation structures and career trajectories.
Local Employment Landscape
The Minneapolis, MN area maintains a healthy employment base for this occupation, with opportunities distributed across multiple employers. This provides job stability and career mobility without the intense competition found in major metros.
Types of Employers Hiring
Large Corporations
Typically offer comprehensive benefits, structured advancement, and competitive base salaries with bonus potential
Small to Medium Businesses
May provide more responsibility earlier in your career, flexible work arrangements, and equity opportunities
Government Agencies
Known for job security, excellent benefits packages, pension plans, and work-life balance
Professional Services Firms
Provide client exposure, rapid skill development, and often above-market compensation for top performers
Skills That Increase Earning Potential
Job Search Strategy for Minneapolis, MN
- •Research major employers in the Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington area and follow them on LinkedIn for job alerts
- •Join local professional associations for networking and job leads specific to Minnesota
- •Tailor your salary expectations based on the Minneapolis, MN market rate of $37,954
- •Consider roles at varying experience levels—entry positions start at $23,769 in this market
Frequently Asked Questions
The median security guard salary in Minneapolis, MN is $37,954 per year ($18.25/hour) as of 2026. This is based on official U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data. Salaries range from $23,769 for entry-level positions to $52,932 for experienced professionals in the top 10%.
Entry-level security guards in Minneapolis, MN typically start at around $23,769 per year ($11.43/hour), representing the 10th percentile. New graduates and those with less than 2 years of experience fall into this range. With experience and skill development, salaries can progress to the median of $37,954 within 3-5 years.
Security Guards in Minneapolis, MN earn a median hourly wage of $18.25 per hour. Hourly rates range from $11.43/hour at entry-level (10th percentile) to $25.45/hour for top earners (90th percentile). Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, this translates to annual salaries between $23,769 and $52,932.
The median security guard salary of $37,954 in Minneapolis, MN is above the national median of $37,110 (2.3% higher). This salary places you at the 50th percentile, meaning half of security guards in the area earn more and half earn less.
Security Guards in Minneapolis, MN earn above the national average. The local median salary of $37,954 is 2.3% higher than the national median of $37,110. When adjusted for cost of living, the effective salary is approximately $36,777.
The top 10% of security guards in Minneapolis, MN earn $52,932 or more per year ($25.45/hour). These top earners typically have 10+ years of experience, advanced certifications, specialized expertise, or hold senior/management positions. The 75th percentile earns $45,746, which is a realistic goal for mid-career professionals.
Key skills that can boost security guard salary in Minneapolis, MN include: Strong communication and interpersonal abilities, Problem-solving and critical thinking, Technical proficiency relevant to the field, Attention to detail and organizational skills. Professionals with these skills often earn above the median of $37,954, potentially reaching the 75th percentile ($45,746) or higher. Years of relevant experience
Minneapolis, MN has a moderate job market for security guards, with approximately 1,236 professionals employed in the area. The median salary of $37,954 is above the national average. Job seekers should consider both salary and local industry demand when evaluating opportunities.
Compare your security guard salary to these Minneapolis, MN benchmarks: 10th percentile (entry-level): $23,769, 25th percentile: $30,640, 50th percentile (median): $37,954, 75th percentile: $45,746, 90th percentile (top earners): $52,932. If you earn more than $37,954, you're above average for the area.
Beyond the $37,954 median base salary, security guards in Minneapolis, MN typically receive comprehensive benefits including health insurance (medical, dental, vision), retirement plans (401k with employer matching), paid time off (15-25 days), and potentially bonuses or profit-sharing. Total compensation including benefits typically adds 25-40% to base salary value.
Experienced security guards with 5-10 years in Minneapolis, MN typically earn $45,746 (75th percentile) to $52,932 (90th percentile) per year. Senior professionals with 10+ years, certifications, or management roles can reach the top 10% at $52,932. Mid-career professionals (3-5 years) usually earn around the median of $37,954.
Security Guards in Minneapolis, MN can see significant salary growth over their careers. Entry-level ($23,769) to median ($37,954) typically takes 3-5 years. Reaching the 90th percentile ($52,932) may take 10+ years and often requires specialized skills, certifications, or leadership experience. That's a potential growth of $29,163 over a career.
Data Source & Methodology
Official government statistics you can trust
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) Program
Visit Official BLS WebsiteData Year
2024
2 Years Old
Geographic Area
Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington
Metropolitan Statistical Area
Occupation Code
33-9032
SOC Classification
Sample Size
1,236
Employees Surveyed
How This Data Is Collected
The OEWS program produces employment and wage estimates annually for over 800 occupations across all metropolitan and nonmetropolitan areas. Approximately 1.1 million establishments are surveyed over a three-year period, representing the most comprehensive wage data available for the U.S. labor market.
Note: Percentile wages represent actual reported wages and may differ from individual compensation packages that include benefits, bonuses, and equity.
Last updated: January 23, 2026
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Security Guard in Minneapolis, MN
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Median: $37,954/yr
How Minneapolis, MN Compares
vs National Average
$37,110
vs Minnesota Average
$37,148
Cost-of-Living Adjusted
$36,777
Cost of living in Minneapolis, MN is 3.2% above the national average.
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