Chicago Private Security Jobs Overview
Thwarting crime, cheaters, and vandalism, private security jobs are for those valiant souls with watchful eyes and protective spirits. Not only are there stable positions for security officers within retail operations, corporate buildings, private residences, event venues, and the bodyguard field, but additional opportunities are projected to open in casinos too (as more states legalize gambling). According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment for gambling surveillance officers and investigators should see a solid increase of over 6% over the next decade.
Private security guards don’t have the same purview and authority as sworn police officers who work for city or state, but this career will still have you monitoring grounds and cameras to ensure the safety of whomever or whatever you’re protecting. Daily duties may include:
- Patrolling property vigilantly.
- Providing or denying entry to authorized or unauthorized people.
- Accompanying your employer to various destinations.
- Making rounds to determine potential threats and check access points.
- Detaining people who enter without authorization until the police arrive.
You can expand your search for protective services jobs by checking out these similar positions:
About Working in Chicago, Illinois
If you're going to Chicago to experience "da Bears," deep-dish pizza, and windy streets, native Chicagoans say "fogetta 'bout it!" While these have made Chicago famous, you'll find many locals eating thin-crust, tavern-style pie. Plus, the city isn't on any list of the windiest cities in the U.S.—a local newspaper named it "The Windy City" after the Chicago elite's propensity toward boastfulness and self-promotion. And while the Chicago jobs list (hit jobs, that is) includes notorious mobsters from Chicago like Al Capone, John Dillinger, and Baby Face Nelson, linguists are noticing that the "Chicago accent" is disappearing.
However, there's a reason Condé Nast Traveler has named Chicago the "best big city in the U.S." Chicago is home to top universities, including Northwestern University, Wheaton College, and Valparaiso. And if you're looking for Chicago jobs, you can relocate to any one of the city's unique neighborhoods, such as North Center with its cozy Irish pubs and breweries or Uptown, the lively entertainment district. For those who want to live further out from the city, you can also find jobs in popular suburbs including Cicero, Oak Park, and Evanston.
Update Your Chicago Private Security Resume
Before you start searching for private security jobs, you’ll need to fortify a resume that plays up your strengths in security and surveillance—and that reinforces what sets you apart from other candidates. Toughen it up by emphasizing relevant elements, such as a military or law enforcement background, along with any experience with patrolling methods, surveillance technology (such as CCTV systems), and threat assessments. Extras like criminal justice knowledge can only boost your attractiveness to recruiters.
For more suggestions, review Monster’s security guard resume sample, our pointers on how to write an effective objective, and this cover-letter example for security officers.
How Much Do Private Security Jobs Pay in Chicago, Illinois?
Got money on your mind? You should! Make sure you’re getting paid what you’re worth. Our Salary Tools can help you understand what you can expect to make in private security jobs in Chicago, Illinois, as well as the skills that can boost your value and what the next steps in your career might be. Right now, the median security officer pay in Chicago is $14.02 per hour, which is 2% higher than the national average.
Find Your Next Chicago Private Security Job. Monster Can Help Get You Started
Are you prepared for a career in private security? If so, set up your profile on Monster for free and begin clicking on those private security jobs. When you sign up with us, you’ll receive custom job alerts and expert advice on how to negotiate your salary in Chicago, how to nail your job interview, and more.