Public Service Rockford, IL Pop. 148,655

Security Guard Salary in Rockford, Illinois

The median security guard salary in Rockford, IL is $28,495 per year, which is 18% below the national median and 13.7% below the Illinois state average.

City Median
$28,495
vs State Avg
$-4,518
vs National
$-6,255
Cost of Living
82%

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

Rockford offers a median security guard salary of $28,495, which is $4,518 below the Illinois state average of $33,013. Compared to the national median of $34,750, Rockford pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Rockford's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 82% of the national average. This means the $28,495 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $34,750 in an average-cost city. This makes Rockford an attractive option for security guards seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for security guards in Rockford spans from $20,500 at the 10th percentile to $42,640 at the 90th percentile — a $22,140 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $21,320, while senior security guards with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $41,000. With a population of 148,655, Rockford is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Security Guard Salary in Rockford by Experience

In Rockford, an entry-level security guard earns around $21,320, while experienced professionals earn up to $41,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 82% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$21,320
$-4,680 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$29,520
$-6,480 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$41,000
$-9,000 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Rockford, IL

Percentile Rockford
10th Percentile $20,500
25th Percentile $23,780
Median (50th) $28,495
75th Percentile $34,440
90th Percentile $42,640

Security Guard Salary in Other Illinois Cities

Naperville, IL
$37,530
Pop. 149,540
Chicago, IL
$37,183
Pop. 2,693,976
Aurora, IL
$33,013
Pop. 197,757
Springfield, IL
$29,538
Pop. 114,394

How to Become a Security Guard in Rockford

Education

Most security guard positions require a high school diploma. Rockford 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 Rockford may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Security Guard Jobs in Rockford

Browse open security guard positions in Rockford, IL:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Security Guard Salary in Rockford

How much does a Security Guard make in Rockford, IL? ▼
The median security guard salary in Rockford, Illinois is $28,495 per year, which is 18% below the national median of $34,750. Salaries range from $20,500 (10th percentile) to $42,640 (90th percentile).
How much does a Security Guard make per hour in Rockford? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $28,495, a security guard in Rockford earns approximately $14 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Rockford compare to the Illinois state average for security guard pay? ▼
Rockford's median security guard salary of $28,495 is 13.7% below the Illinois state average of $33,013. The local cost of living index is 82% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Rockford, IL? ▼
Rockford has a cost of living index of 82% compared to the national average. This means a security guard salary of $28,495 in Rockford has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a security guard in Rockford? ▼
Most security guard positions in Rockford 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.