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Average Security Guards Salary in Illinois

Security Guards in Illinois earn an average annual salary of $43,850, slightly surpassing the national average of $42,450. This modest premium is influenced by a combination of factors specific to the state's economic landscape and demand for security services. The concentration of businesses and population centers within Illinois likely contributes to a sustained need for vigilant security professionals.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $43,850 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 25.6% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $59,190.
  • Outlook: With a substantial local workforce of 53,560 Security Guards and a Location Quotient of 1.1, Illinois demonstrates a robust job market for this profession. A Location Quotient above 1.0 indicates a higher concentration of these jobs in Illinois compared to the national average, suggesting strong and potentially growing demand for security personnel within the state.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$43,850

The average Security Guards in Illinois earns+3.3%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$21.1

Weekly

$843

Monthly

$3,654

Security Guards Salary Distribution in Illinois

Career progression for Security Guards in Illinois typically involves a salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while senior guards with specialized skills or supervisory responsibilities can command significantly higher salaries. The gap between entry-level and senior-level earnings often reflects the acquisition of critical skills, leadership capabilities, and a proven track record in the field.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Cadet / RecruitAcademy training and probationary period.10% (Entry)$35,580$17.1
OfficerPatrol duties, handling standard calls.25% (Junior)$32,888$15.8
Senior OfficerField training officer, specialized unit.50% (Median)$38,630$18.6
Sergeant / Lt.Shift supervisor, squad leader.75% (Senior)$54,813$26.4
Captain / ChiefDepartment command and administration.90% (Expert)$59,190$28.5

Detailed Security Guards Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$43,850

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$47,767

Adjusted for COL (91.8)

The average annual salary of $43,850 in Illinois presents a favorable financial standing when considering the state's Cost of Living Index of 91.8. This index is below the national average of 100, meaning that everyday expenses such as housing, utilities, and transportation are generally more affordable in Illinois than in the country as a whole. Consequently, the nominal salary offers a good purchasing power for residents.

Job Market Context

53,560

Total Jobs

8.83

Per 1K Jobs

1.1

Location Quotient

Above Average

With a location quotient of 1.10, Illinois has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Security Guards roles compared to the national norm.

The Location Quotient of 1.1 for Security Guards in Illinois signifies a market where this profession is slightly more concentrated than the national average. This suggests a competitive yet stable job market, indicating that while there are ample opportunities, the demand is consistent with the supply of professionals. Employers may find a good pool of candidates, and job seekers can expect a reasonable number of available positions.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Security Guards

CitySalaryDist.
Bloomington, IL Security Guards Salary$39,590↓ 10%9 mi
Decatur, IL Security Guards Salary$46,250↑ 5%34 mi
Champaign-Urbana, IL Security Guards Salary$40,140↓ 8%41 mi
Peoria, IL Security Guards Salary$41,790↓ 5%43 mi
Springfield, IL Security Guards Salary$43,100↓ 2%53 mi

Comparing salaries near Illinois

Hiring Security Guardss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Security Guards make in Illinois?

The median annual salary for a Security Guards in Illinois is $43,850. This typically ranges from $35,580 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 Illinois is 3.3% higher than the national median of $42,450.

Is Illinois a lucrative place for Security Guards?

Yes, Illinois offers a slightly above-average earning potential for Security Guards.The average salary of $43,850 in Illinois is higher than the national average, and the cost of living is below the national average, enhancing purchasing power.

Is Illinois a good place to live for Security Guards?

With a Cost of Living Index of 91.8 (lower than the national average of 100), your salary goes further here.

Where are the highest paying cities near Illinois?

Some top paying nearby cities include Bloomington, IL ($39,590) and Decatur, IL.

How does the Illinois Security Guard salary compare to the national average?

Security Guards in Illinois earn an average of $43,850 annually, which is approximately $1,400 more than the national average of $42,450.

What is the Cost of Living in Illinois compared to the national average?

Illinois has a Cost of Living Index of 91.8, which is lower than the national average of 100, indicating that goods and services are generally more affordable in the state.

Is the job market for Security Guards strong in Illinois?

Yes, with a Location Quotient of 1.1 and a large workforce, the job market for Security Guards in Illinois is slightly more concentrated and robust than the national average.

How many Security Guards are there in Illinois?

Illinois employs a significant workforce of 53,560 Security Guards, contributing to the state's higher concentration of these roles.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 53,560 employees in the Illinois area with a job density of 8.83 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.

Semantic Salary Analysis for Security Guards • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Illinois