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Verified by MN Board of Public Safety

Security Guards Licensing in Minnesota

Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for security guards in Minnesota, including See agency and board contact links.

Last verified: Feb 18, 2026

Current

Application Fee

See agency

Exam Requirement

State-approved exam

Renewal Cycle

See board renewal rules

Licensing Blueprint for Security Guards in Minnesota

Estimated timeline: Varies by board

Core Requirements

  1. 1

    License Type: Register with licensing agency.

  2. 2

    Application Requirements/Procedures.

  3. 3

    Training.

  4. 4

    COURSE APPLICATION DOCUMENTS.

  5. 5

    CEU Training Application.

  6. 6

    New Training Course Application.

  7. 7

    New Training Instructor Application??.

Continuing education and program notes

  • CEU Training Application

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    Private Detective and Protective Agent Services

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $46,020 median (20% above national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #4 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (5)

  1. 1. Meet Minnesota eligibility requirements for Security Guards licensure.
  2. 2. Complete required education or training (Training.).
  3. 3. Pass required state examinations.
  4. 4. Prepare supporting documentation (Application Requirements/Procedures.; COURSE APPLICATION DOCUMENTS.).
  5. 5. Submit the application to Private Detective and Protective Agent Services and monitor board communications.

Salary Insights in Minnesota

With a median salary of $46,020, Security Guardss in Minnesota earn 20% above the national median of $38,370. Minnesota ranks #4 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.

State Hiring Climate (QCEW)

Rising

QoQ Employment Change

+3%

Average Weekly Wage

$1,407

Median annual salary

$46,020

Hourly estimate

$22.13
20% above national median

Difference: +$7,650

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$34,720
  • P2525th percentile$37,820
  • P50Median$46,020
  • P7575th percentile$57,470
  • P9090th percentile$71,050

State vs National Median

State: $46,020
National: $38,370

Total employment: 14,030 | Annual openings: N/A

Security Guards Salary Ranking

#4 of 50 statesfor Security Guards median salary
RankStateMedian Salary
#1Alaska$48,620
#2Washington$48,010
#3Colorado$46,080
#4Minnesota$46,020
#5Massachusetts$44,950

Nearby States Comparison

Security Guards licensing across the region
StateMedian SalaryEducationExamTimeline
Minnesota$46,020Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board
Wisconsin$39,110No educational requirementsNo exam requiredVaries by board
Iowa$37,380Specific course requiredNo exam requiredVaries by board
South Dakota$37,010Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board
North Dakota$39,970Specific course requiredState exam requiredVaries by board

License by Endorsement

Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.

StateReciprocity ScoreTierNotes
Minnesota78HighBoard-specific review required.
Wisconsin54LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Iowa62MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply. Background check or criminal history review is indicated.
South Dakota78HighBoard-specific review required.
North Dakota54LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
  • License status indicator: Active.
  • Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Official Licensing Agency

Official website verified

Private Detective and Protective Agent Services

1430 Maryland Avenue East, St. Paul, MN, 55106

Phone: 6517932666

Visit Official WebsiteCall BoardOpen in Maps

Related Careers in Minnesota

ProfessionMedian SalaryEducationTimeline
Corrections Officer$64,670Varies by state boardVaries by board
Firefighter$41,990Varies by state boardVaries by board
Police Officer$83,310Varies by state boardVaries by board
Acupuncturist$124,640Varies by state boardVaries by board

FAQ

How long does it take to become a Security Guards in Minnesota?

Most applicants finish the licensing path in about Varies by board, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.

What is the typical Security Guards salary in Minnesota?

The median annual salary for Security Guardss in Minnesota is $46,020. Salaries range from $34,720 (10th percentile) to $71,050 (90th percentile).

How does the Security Guards salary in Minnesota compare to the national average?

Security Guardss in Minnesota earn 20% above the national median of $38,370, with a state median of $46,020.

How many Security Guardss work in Minnesota?

Minnesota employs approximately 14,030 Security Guardss according to BLS data.

Can I transfer my Security Guards license to Minnesota from another state?

Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Who is the licensing agency for Security Guardss in Minnesota?

The licensing agency is Private Detective and Protective Agent Services. Review agency details at https://dps.mn.gov/entity/pdb/Pages/default.aspx.

How often do you renew a Security Guards license in Minnesota?

Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.