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Protective Security Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

IL · On-site

$15.25 - $18.25/hr

Unarmed Protective Force Security Officer Job Type: Full-Time Location: Argonne National Laboratory, DuPage County, Illinois The Unarmed Protective Force Security Officer will provide uniformed ...

Join our dedicated team in the Protective & Security industry as a talented Off-Duty Police Officer . This is a fantastic chance to utilize your expertise while enjoying a flexible schedule that ...

Senior Data Security Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$118K - $161K/yr

The Senior Data Protection Security Engineer will lead the evolution of enterprise data protection from a traditional tool administration model to an engineering-driven security capability. This role ...

Security Officer

Oak Brook, IL · On-site

$16.25 - $19.25/hr

American establishes security programs for their clients that are designed to protect their personnel and assets. We integrate our trained officers and technology which allows us to effectively ...

... Protection, Security Incident Event Management (SIEM), data loss prevention (DLP) • Demonstrated ability to analyze security events, perform initial triage, and determine appropriate next steps • ...

Security Officer

Batavia, IL · On-site

$16.25 - $19.25/hr

American establishes security programs for their clients that are designed to protect their personnel and assets. We integrate our trained officers and technology which allows us to effectively ...

Security Officer

Yorkville, IL · On-site

$15.75 - $18.50/hr

American establishes security programs for their clients that are designed to protect their personnel and assets. We integrate our trained officers and technology which allows us to effectively ...

Security Officer

Aurora, IL · On-site

$16 - $19/hr

American establishes security programs for their clients that are designed to protect their personnel and assets. We integrate our trained officers and technology which allows us to effectively ...

Security Officer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$16.50 - $19.50/hr

American establishes security programs for their clients that are designed to protect their personnel and assets. We integrate our trained officers and technology which allows us to effectively ...

Security Guard

Northlake, IL · On-site

$17 - $18/hr

Title: Security Officer Post Location:? Schedule: [Part Time and Full Time] Pay Rate: [$17-18 ... ensure protection of property and residents with a high degree of attentiveness to details and ...

Showing results 21-40

Protective Security information

See Illinois salary details

$10

$16

$21

How much do protective security jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for protective security in Illinois is $16.58, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.90 and $17.45 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is protective security?

Protective security jobs involve roles focused on safeguarding people, property, and information from threats such as theft, violence, terrorism, and cyber-attacks. Professionals in this field may work in areas like physical security (guards, surveillance), cybersecurity, risk assessment, and emergency response. They are employed by private companies, government agencies, and security firms to ensure safety and compliance with regulations. Duties often include monitoring security systems, enforcing access controls, responding to incidents, and conducting security audits.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in protective security roles, and how can they be managed?

Professionals in Protective Security often encounter challenges such as rapidly changing threat environments, the need for constant vigilance, and balancing strict security protocols with maintaining a welcoming environment. Managing these challenges requires ongoing training, strong situational awareness, and effective communication with both team members and clients. Collaboration with law enforcement and other emergency services is also vital to ensure coordinated responses to incidents and to keep up to date with best practices in risk assessment and mitigation.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a protective security officer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Protective Security Officer, you need a solid understanding of security protocols, risk assessment, and emergency response, usually supported by relevant certifications or security licenses. Familiarity with surveillance systems, access control technologies, and incident reporting tools is typically required. Strong observation skills, professionalism, and effective communication help in diffusing situations and maintaining safety. These abilities are crucial for preventing security breaches, protecting people and property, and responding effectively to threats.

What is the difference between Protective Security vs Security Guard?

AspectProtective SecuritySecurity Guard
CredentialsSecurity license, training in threat assessmentSecurity license, basic security training
Work EnvironmentHigh-risk areas, event security, executive protectionBuilding patrols, access control, surveillance
Employer & IndustryPrivate security firms, government agencies, corporate clientsCommercial buildings, retail stores, residential complexes

Protective Security and Security Guards both focus on safety, but Protective Security involves higher-level threat assessment and protection, often in high-risk environments. Security Guards typically perform routine patrols and access control. While both roles require licensing, Protective Security usually demands additional training and experience, making it suitable for more specialized security tasks.

What is the easiest protective security job to get?

The easiest protective security jobs to obtain are often entry-level security guard positions that require minimal experience and may only need a basic security license. These roles typically involve monitoring premises, checking IDs, and maintaining safety, and they often do not require advanced certifications or extensive training. Prior customer service or observation skills can also help in securing these positions quickly.

Which protective security job pays the most?

In protective security, executive protection or bodyguard roles tend to offer the highest salaries, especially for those with specialized skills, experience, and certifications such as close protection training. These positions often pay more due to the high level of responsibility, risk, and the need for discretion, with some top-tier professionals earning six-figure incomes. Salaries can vary based on location, employer, and the complexity of assignments.

What cities in Illinois are hiring for Protective Security jobs?

Cities in Illinois with the most Protective Security job openings:

Infographic showing various Protective Security job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $34,491 per year, or $16.6 per hour.

$35/hr

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 16 days ago


Pinkerton rating

9.1

Company rating: 9.1 out of 10

Based on 11 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

3rd of 118 rated security


Job description

Overview
170+ Years Strong. Industry Leader. Global Impact.At Pinkerton, the mission is to protect our clients. To do this, we provide enterprise risk management services and programs specifically designed for each client. Pinkerton employees are one of our most important assets and critical to the delivery of world-class solutions. Bonded together, we share a commitment to integrity, vigilance, and excellence.
Pinkerton is an inclusive employer who seeks candidates with diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives to join our team of industry subject matter experts.
The Executive Security Agent, assigned to a specific client, will be responsible for ensuring the safety and security of senior executives at the corporate headquarters. The Agent provides protection from potential threats to their safety, confidential information, and reputation. This role requires a high level of discretion, professionalism, and strategic thinking.
The part-time schedule for this position is: Monday through Friday, from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM.
Responsibilities
  • Represent Pinkerton's core values of integrity, vigilance, and excellence.
  • Provide the C-Suite with concierge-level security at the client's headquarters.
  • Manage and oversee access control for executive areas, ensuring only authorized personnel gain entry.
  • Respond swiftly to any security breaches or incidents, ensuring minimal disruption to the executives.
  • Deescalate tense situations or individuals that may arise.
  • Write detailed incident reports following any incident, occurrence, or variance that warrants documentation.
  • Secure communication channels to protect sensitive information.
  • Identify and escalate equipment deficiencies/failures.
  • All other duties, as assigned.

Qualifications
High School diploma with degree preferred and previous law enforcement, military, and/or protective security experience is required. An IL PERC, FOID, FCC, and CCW/HR218 are required. This position requires completion of Pinkerton's licensing process which may include verification of required licenses and affiliation to the appropriate Pinkerton entity.
  • Executive protection training preferred.
  • Concierge-level customer service skills.
  • Knowledge of executive access control and crisis management.
  • Sound judgement and discretion.
  • Able to operate in high-pressure environments.
  • Able to interact effectively at all levels and across diverse cultures.
  • Effective verbal and written communication skills.
  • Computer knowledge; Microsoft Office.

Working Conditions:
With or without reasonable accommodation, requires the physical and mental capacity to effectively perform all essential functions.
  • Regular computer usage.
  • Occasional reaching and lifting of small objects and operating office equipment.
  • Exposure to stressful situations, such as challenging individuals who are in or approaching an unauthorized area.
  • Rapid and effective decision-making during unusual or emergency situations.
  • Work in environments and under conditions that require carrying authorized weapons and ammunition, the use of protective gear and devices, and awareness of personal safety and the safety of others.
  • Frequent sitting, standing, and/or walking for long periods of time and may involve climbing stairs and walking up inclines and on uneven terrain.
  • Travel, as required.

Pinkerton is an equal opportunity employer to all applicants and positions without regard to race/ethnicity, color, national origin, ancestry, sex/gender, gender identity/expression, sexual orientation, marital/prenatal status, pregnancy/childbirth or related conditions, religion, creed, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any protected status by local, state, federal or country-specific law.
Benefits
Benefit options include employer-paid life and AD&D, voluntary life and AD&D, medical, (HSA) Health Savings Account, (FSA) Flexible Savings Account, dental, vision, short-term disability, long-term disability, 401(K), paid time off (vacation, personal, sick, and holidays) and several employee assistance-related programs. This information provides a brief benefit overview. Upon the acceptance of an employment offer, the new employee will receive comprehensive plan details based on specific eligibility rules.
Posted Salary Range
USD $35.00 - USD $38.00 /Hr.

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