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Contract Security Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Security Officer

Joliet, IL ยท On-site

$18.87/hr

Security Officer Company Overview DSI Security Services is a leading provider of contract security solutions, serving clients across multiple industries nationwide. Founded on the principle of ...

Security Officer

Joliet, IL ยท On-site

$18.87/hr

Security Officer Company Overview DSI Security Services is a leading provider of contract security solutions, serving clients across multiple industries nationwide. Founded on the principle of ...

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Contract Security information

See Chicago, IL salary details

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How much do contract security jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for contract security in Chicago, IL is $19.61, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.87 and $19.33 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a contract security officer?

Contract security officers are security professionals who are employed by a private security company and assigned to work at client sites under a contractual agreement. Unlike in-house security staff, they are not direct employees of the organization they protect but are hired through a third-party service provider. Their responsibilities can include patrolling properties, monitoring surveillance equipment, controlling access points, and responding to security incidents. Clients often choose contract security for flexibility, cost-effectiveness, and access to trained personnel. These officers must meet the licensing and training requirements set by their jurisdiction.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a contract security officer?

To thrive as a Contract Security Officer, you need a solid understanding of security protocols, surveillance techniques, and often a high school diploma or security guard license. Familiarity with CCTV systems, access control software, and incident reporting tools is typically required. Strong observation skills, professionalism, and effective communication are critical soft skills for interacting with the public and responding to incidents. These abilities are essential to ensure safety, prevent security breaches, and deliver reliable service to clients and property owners.

What are some of the most common challenges faced by contract security personnel, and how can they be addressed?

Contract security personnel often face challenges such as adapting to new client sites, managing varying security protocols, and working irregular hours. Adapting quickly to different environments and understanding site-specific procedures is crucial for success. Building strong communication skills and maintaining flexibility can help overcome these challenges, as well as regularly participating in training to stay updated on security best practices. Many companies also offer mentorship or team support to help new hires acclimate.

What is the difference between Contract Security vs Security Guard?

AspectContract SecuritySecurity Guard
CredentialsSecurity license, sometimes specialized certificationsSecurity license, basic training
Work EnvironmentContract-based, varied locations, short-term assignmentsPermanent or temporary positions, fixed locations
Employer & Industry UsageSecurity firms, contracted servicesPrivate companies, retail, events
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Contract Security professionals typically work on short-term contracts for various clients, often requiring specialized certifications. Security Guards usually hold a standard license and work in fixed locations like retail stores or events. Both roles involve security duties but differ mainly in employment type and work setting.

What are the most commonly searched types of Security jobs in Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Security jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What are popular job titles related to Contract Security jobs in Chicago, IL?

For Contract Security jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Contract Security jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Contract Security jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Contract Security jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Contract Security job openings:

Infographic showing various Contract Security job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,784 per year, or $19.6 per hour.

Security Manager

Griffin Museum of Science and Industry

Chicago, IL โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Posted 3 days ago

New


Job description

About UsThe Griffin Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago is the largest and most interactive science museum in the Western Hemisphere. Chicago’s Museum of Science and Industry (MSI) expose guests of all ages to awe-inspiring exhibitions that spark curiosity and bring science to life. MSI’s mission – to inspire the inventive genius in everyone – is realized through its world-class exhibitions and engaging guest experiences. The Museum of Science and Industry provide programs and experiences that deepen the engagement of students and teachers in science and science-related disciplines, with a vision to inspire and motivate our children to achieve their full potential in the fields of science, technology, engineering and math.
We offer a creative, collaborative, and innovative environment for our employees. Our employees get great perks such as: benefits starting day one of your employment, free admission to MSI for family and friends, free admission to other museums, free parking in MSI’s garage and more! If you are equally passionate about our vision and want to be surrounded by a team of dynamic, smart and innovative people, the Museum of Science and Industry is the right place for you!
The Security Manager is responsible for overseeing the safety and security operations of the Kenneth C. Griffin Museum of Science and Industry, including the management of a contract security provider. This position ensures the protection of Museum staff, visitors, assets, and facilities while maintaining compliance with relevant regulations and standards. This role will assist in developing, implementing, and monitoring security policies, procedures, and systems to ensure a secure environment.
Responsibilities
Security Operations Management:
  • Assist to develop and implement comprehensive security plans, policies, and procedures.
  • Conduct regular risk assessments and recommend improvements to mitigate risks.
  • Monitor security systems, including surveillance cameras, access control, and alarm systems, ensuring they are operational and effective.
  • Prepare and file safety, criminal, incident, and other department reports.
  • Participate in setting and achieving short-term and long-term goals for the Security Department

Contract Security Provider Oversight:
  • Act as the primary point of contact for the contract security provider.
  • Review and approve schedules, ensuring appropriate staffing levels are maintained.
  • Monitor performance and compliance of the contract security team with organizational policies and contractual obligations.
  • Conduct regular audits and evaluations of contract security personnel.
Incident/Emergency Management:
  • Respond to and manage security incidents, including theft, vandalism, trespassing, and emergencies.
  • Conduct investigations and prepare detailed incident reports.
  • Coordinate with law enforcement and emergency services as necessary.
  • Assist in overseeing the emergency preparedness and recovery plans, operations, and operations.
  • Participate in all disaster preparedness activities, assist in coordinating emergency drills, manage, and coordinate central dispatch and communications in time of disaster and implement the emergency action plan/disaster plan.
  • Assist in periodic inspection program of facilities to assure compliance with applicable fire, safety, security codes and regulations.
  • Assist in coordinating emergency response activities, including emergencies involving medical situations, active threats, civil unrest etc.  Ensure Museum is prepared for emergency responses including maintaining current emergency action plan, emergency boxes, and first aid kits.
Training and Awareness:
  • Develop and conduct security training programs for Museum staff and contract security personnel.
  • Promote a culture of security awareness across the organization.
Compliance and Reporting:
  • Ensure compliance with applicable local, state, and federal regulations.
  • Maintain records of security activities, including incident reports, audits, and training sessions.
  • Prepare and present regular security reports to senior management.
Collaboration:
  • Work closely with other departments to ensure alignment of security measures with organizational goals.
  • Participate in cross-functional teams to address security-related challenges and projects
  • Other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
  • Bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, security management, or a related field (preferred).
  • Minimum of 3 years of experience in security management or a related role.
  • Proven experience managing contract security providers.
  • Strong knowledge of security systems, technologies, and best practices.
  • Excellent leadership, verbal, written, and electronic communication, and interpersonal skills.
  • Ability to handle stressful situations and make sound decisions under pressure.
  • Certifications such as Certified Protection Professional (CPP) or Physical Security Professional (PSP) are a plus.
  • Skill in project and time management with minimum supervision.
  • Ability to work cooperatively within a team environment and maintain effective working relationships.
  • Ability to interpret appropriate laws and regulations; administer security policies and activities; formulate procedures.
  • Knowledge of investigative techniques and principles and procedures of record keeping and report writing
  • Knowledge of procedures of psychology and crowd control and emergency evacuation, and investigative techniques and practices
  • Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise judgement and diplomacy in dealing with sensitive issues such as confidential matters that involve staff and visitors involved in incidents or activities.
  • Ability to deliver a high level of customer service for staff and visitors.
  • Skill in verbal de-escalation in crisis and conflict resolution
  • Language:
    • Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.
    • Ability to write routine reports and correspondence.
    • Ability to speak effectively before groups of employees of the organization.
  • Mathematical:
    • Ability to calculate basic figures and amounts such as percentages, area, etc.
  • Reasoning:
    • Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists.
    • Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, or schedule form.
  • Physical:
    • While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel & talk or hear, stand, sit, walk, and reach with hands & arms.
    • The employee is occasionally required to climb or balance; kneel or crouch; taste or smell.
    • The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
    • Specific vision abilities required by this job include close, distance, color & peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
  • Work Environment:
    • The employee is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions; high, precarious places; fumes or airborne particles; toxic or caustic chemicals; outside weather conditions; extreme cold; extreme heat; and vibration.
    • The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

The salary for this position is $70,000.
This position was posted on 9/4/2026
 

Our Inclusion and Belonging Statement

The Griffin Museum of Science and Industry is committed to advancing diversity, equity, accessibility and inclusion across our workforce, experiences, and day-to-day operations. As Griffin MSI employees, we are each responsible for making the Museum a welcoming place externally for guests and internally for our colleagues within the scope of our roles.

Griffin MSI is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer, which includes providing equal opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.

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