Public Service Chicago, IL Pop. 2,693,976

Security Guard Salary in Chicago, Illinois

The median security guard salary in Chicago, IL is $37,183 per year, which is 7.0% above the national median and 12.6% above the Illinois state average.

City Median
$37,183
vs State Avg
+$4,170
vs National
+$2,433
Cost of Living
107%

Security Guard Pay in Chicago: What to Expect (2026)

Chicago offers a median security guard salary of $37,183, which is $4,170 above the Illinois state average of $33,013. Compared to the national median of $34,750, Chicago pays above average for this role.

Chicago's cost of living is 107% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for security guards in Chicago spans from $26,750 at the 10th percentile to $55,640 at the 90th percentile — a $28,890 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $27,820, while senior security guards with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $53,500. As a major metro area with a population of 2,693,976, Chicago typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Security Guard Salary in Chicago by Experience

In Chicago, an entry-level security guard earns around $27,820, while experienced professionals earn up to $53,500 per year. The local cost of living index is 107% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$27,820
+$1,820 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$38,520
+$2,520 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$53,500
+$3,500 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Chicago, IL

Percentile Chicago
10th Percentile $26,750
25th Percentile $31,030
Median (50th) $37,183
75th Percentile $44,940
90th Percentile $55,640

Security Guard Salary in Other Illinois Cities

Naperville, IL
$37,530
Pop. 149,540
Aurora, IL
$33,013
Pop. 197,757
Springfield, IL
$29,538
Pop. 114,394
Rockford, IL
$28,495
Pop. 148,655

How to Become a Security Guard in Chicago

Education

Most security guard positions require a high school diploma. Chicago and the surrounding Illinois area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

SurveillanceAccess ControlReport WritingCommunicationObservationCPR/First Aid

Job Outlook

Nationally, security guard employment is projected to grow 3% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Chicago may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Security Guard Jobs in Chicago

Browse open security guard positions in Chicago, IL:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Security Guard Salary in Chicago

How much does a Security Guard make in Chicago, IL? ▼
The median security guard salary in Chicago, Illinois is $37,183 per year, which is 7.0% above the national median of $34,750. Salaries range from $26,750 (10th percentile) to $55,640 (90th percentile).
How much does a Security Guard make per hour in Chicago? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $37,183, a security guard in Chicago earns approximately $18 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Chicago compare to the Illinois state average for security guard pay? ▼
Chicago's median security guard salary of $37,183 is 12.6% above the Illinois state average of $33,013. The local cost of living index is 107% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Chicago, IL? ▼
Chicago has a cost of living index of 107% compared to the national average. This means a security guard salary of $37,183 in Chicago has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a security guard in Chicago? ▼
Most security guard positions in Chicago require a high school diploma. Key skills include Surveillance, Access Control, Report Writing, Communication. The job market is projected to grow 3% nationally over the next decade.