If you feel your vocational calling is to protect property against theft, vandalism, and other illegal activity, Security Guards is the occupation for you. While responsibilities may vary by employer, Security Guards typically patrol property, enforce rules and regulations, monitor alarms and video-surveillance systems, respond to emergencies, control any building or property access by employees and visitors, conduct security checks, and report on any activity during their shifts. This work happens across nearly every industry sector, as security is needed for everything from retail stores and warehouses to schools and hospitals to art venues, sporting events, banks and more.

There are over 10,500 employed Security Guards in the State of Minnesota. About four-in-five Security Guards in the state are employed in the Seven-County Metro Area, but all other regions do employ hundreds of such workers. And the demand for such workers across the state is high. According to DEED’s Job Vacancy Survey, there has consistently been above 500 job openings for security guards in Minnesota since 2016. As of the most recent survey, from the fourth quarter of 2020, there were approximately 580 job openings for Security Guards in the state. Of these openings, just over half (55%) were for full-time work, and about one-seventh (14%) were temporary or seasonal positions.

Of Minnesota’s Security Guard job openings, the most (95%) did not require post-secondary education, although 70% did require a certificate or license. Obtaining a license typically requires passing a background check, being at least 18 years of age, and completing training. For guards who carry firearms, further licensing will be needed that typically comes with a more stringent background check. Additionally, a driver’s license may be required for many Security Guard positions. Overall, most Security Guard positions will require a high school diploma or equivalent. Along with any formal education and licensing, employers will also be looking for excellent communication and interpersonal skills, observation skills, and problem-solving skills.

Looking forward DEED projects total employment for Security Guards to increase by 4.1%, which is equivalent to about 460 jobs. Meanwhile, there is projected to be a need for nearly 5,900 more Security Guards to fill jobs left vacant due to labor market exits.

According to DEED’s Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) data, the median hourly wage for Security Guards in Minnesota is $18.20, with half of all such workers earning hourly wages between $15.28 and $21.51.

If you are interested in more information about opportunities as a Security Guard, check out our Security Guard occupation page here on the CareerForceMN.com website for wage ranges, educational and training requirements, current open positions in Minnesota and more.  

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