SalaryNode

Average Security Guards Salary in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN

Security Guards in the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN metropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $44,020. This figure notably surpasses the national average of $42,450, indicating a localized premium for this essential role. Factors such as the region's economic activity and demand for security services likely contribute to this higher compensation.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $44,020 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $59,190.
  • Outlook: With a substantial local workforce of 48,140 Security Guards and a Location Quotient of 1.34, the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin area demonstrates a significant concentration of these professionals compared to the national average. This elevated quotient suggests robust demand and a potentially dynamic job market for security personnel within this region.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$44,020

The average Security Guards in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN earns+3.7%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$21.2

Weekly

$847

Monthly

$3,668

Security Guards Salary Distribution in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN

Salary progression for Security Guards typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills or supervisory responsibilities can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings clearly signify the career advancement opportunities available within the field.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Cadet / RecruitAcademy training and probationary period.10% (Entry)$36,050$17.3
OfficerPatrol duties, handling standard calls.25% (Junior)$33,015$15.9
Senior OfficerField training officer, specialized unit.50% (Median)$38,630$18.6
Sergeant / Lt.Shift supervisor, squad leader.75% (Senior)$55,025$26.5
Captain / ChiefDepartment command and administration.90% (Expert)$59,190$28.5

Detailed Security Guards Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$44,020

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$44,020

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $44,020 in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN aligns perfectly with the national average cost of living index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a Security Guard's salary in this region is equivalent to the national average, offering a stable financial standing relative to general living expenses.

Job Market Context

48,140

Total Jobs

10.762

Per 1K Jobs

1.34

Location Quotient

Above Average

With a location quotient of 1.34, Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Security Guards roles compared to the national norm.

A Location Quotient of 1.34 signifies that Security Guards are 34% more concentrated in the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN area than the national average. This suggests a competitive yet potentially abundant job market, where demand is strong enough to support a larger-than-average pool of professionals.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Security Guards

Comparing salaries near Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN

Hiring Security Guardss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Security Guards make in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN?

The median annual salary for a Security Guards in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN is $44,020. This typically ranges from $36,050 for entry-level positions to $59,190 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN is 3.7% higher than the national median of $42,450.

Is Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN a lucrative place for Security Guards?

Yes, it offers above-average compensation.Security Guards in this area earn more than the national average, and the cost of living is on par with the national average, making it financially favorable.

Is Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN a good place to live for Security Guards?

The Cost of Living Index in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN?

Some top paying nearby cities include Michigan City-La Porte, IN ($38,490) and Kenosha, WI.

How does the number of Security Guards per 1,000 workers compare nationally?

With 10.762 jobs per 1,000 workers, the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN area has a higher density of Security Guard positions compared to the national average, indicating strong local employment opportunities.

What is the significance of the Location Quotient (LQ) for Security Guards in Chicago?

An LQ of 1.34 means that Security Guards are more prevalent in the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN area than in the U.S. overall. This suggests a higher demand or a more established industry presence for these roles locally.

Does the cost of living affect the real value of a Security Guard's salary in Chicago?

No, the cost of living index is exactly 100, matching the national average. Therefore, the nominal salary of $44,020 has the same purchasing power as the national average salary.

Are there many Security Guard jobs available in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN?

Yes, the high total local workforce of 48,140 and a Location Quotient above 1.0 indicate a substantial presence and likely consistent demand for Security Guards in the region.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 48,140 employees in the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN area with a job density of 10.762 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.