Security Guard Salary in Illinois
Based on 54K+ workers in Illinois
Median Annual Salary (IL)
$39,490
$18.99/hr
vs National Average
$39,375
+0.3% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$36K – $64K
54K employed in Illinois
The median Security Guard salary in Illinois is $39,490 per year, which translates to an hourly rate of $19. This figure is slightly above the national average, showing a 0.3% difference. With over 53,830 individuals employed in this role across the state, Illinois offers a substantial job market for security professionals.
Several factors can influence the Security Guard salary in Illinois. Experience level plays a significant role, with more seasoned professionals often commanding higher pay. Additionally, the specific location within Illinois, the size and type of employer, and any specialized security certifications or skills can all impact overall compensation. The salary range for these positions typically falls between $35,520 and $63,950 annually.
Salary Distribution — Security Guard in Illinois
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $35,520 |
| 25th percentile | $37,060 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $39,490 |
| 75th percentile | $46,360 |
| 90th percentile | $63,950 |
Top-Paying Industries for Security Guard (U.S.)
Which industries pay Security Guards the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Security Guards in Illinois tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Utilities | $66,720 | 5K |
| Finance and Insurance | $57,380 | 4K |
| Information | $47,900 | 3K |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $47,230 | 10K |
| Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $46,450 | 33K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Security Guard in Illinois vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Illinois) |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $39,490 |
| 2026 (projected) | $40,675 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Illinois Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $39,490 | $39,375 |
| 2026 (projected) | $40,675 | $40,556 |
Security Guard Salary by Experience Level in Illinois
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $37,060 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $39,490 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $46,360 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $63,950 |
Security Guard Salary in Other States
Related Security Guard Salaries in Illinois
How other high-demand occupations in Illinois compare to Security Guard ($39,490 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Security Guard | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Police Officer in IL | $100,520 | +154.5% | $48.33/hr |
| Firefighter in IL | $78,380 | +98.5% | $37.68/hr |
| Home Health and Personal Care Aide in IL | $38,060 | -3.6% | $18.30/hr |
| Stocker and Order Filler in IL | $37,680 | -4.6% | $18.12/hr |
| Restaurant Cook in IL | $37,580 | -4.8% | $18.07/hr |
| Receptionist in IL | $37,400 | -5.3% | $17.98/hr |
| Retail Salesperson in IL | $35,370 | -10.4% | $17.00/hr |
| Tutor in IL | $44,230 | +12.0% | $21.26/hr |
| Cashier in IL | $34,490 | -12.7% | $16.58/hr |
| Fast Food and Counter Worker in IL | $33,910 | -14.1% | $16.30/hr |
| Nursing Assistant (CNA) in IL | $45,960 | +16.4% | $22.10/hr |
| Medical Assistant in IL | $46,090 | +16.7% | $22.16/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average annual salary for a Security Guard in Illinois?
- The median annual salary for a Security Guard in Illinois is $39,490. This means that half of all Security Guards in the state earn more than this amount, while the other half earn less.
How does the Security Guard salary in Illinois compare to the national average?
- The Security Guard salary in Illinois is very close to the national average, standing at 0.3% higher. This indicates that pay rates in Illinois are generally in line with those found across the rest of the country.
What is the typical salary range for Security Guards in Illinois?
- The salary range for Security Guards in Illinois generally falls between $35,520 for entry-level positions and can reach up to $63,950 for those with more experience or specialized duties.
How many Security Guards are employed in Illinois?
- Illinois employs a significant number of Security Guards, with a total of 53,830 individuals working in this profession across the state. This indicates a robust demand for security services within Illinois.