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Security Operations Center Operator Jobs in Illinois

At Rivian, we are building the future of mobility, and our Security Operations Center is the nerve center protecting that mission. As a Specialist in our 24/7 global SOC, you won't just be watching ...

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Security Operations Center Operator information

See Illinois salary details

$7

$19

$27

How much do security operations center operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for security operations center operator in Illinois is $19.21, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.78 and $20.72 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a Security Operations Center Operator do?

As a security operations center operator, or SOC operator, you monitor a variety of technologies including access control, video surveillance, and alarm systems to provide security service and threat elimination for industrial, business, or residential customers. You respond to medical crises, safety incidents, natural disasters and other emergencies, and dispatch security officers, police, fire, EMS personnel, and other services as required. Your duties and responsibilities also include investigating incidents, escalating situations to appropriate parties in the SOC, and filing incident reports. In some roles, you are responsible for monitoring social media and other news and information channels to support threat identification.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Security Operations Center Operator?

To thrive as a Security Operations Center (SOC) Operator, you need a solid understanding of cybersecurity principles, incident response, and network monitoring, often supported by a relevant degree or certifications like CompTIA Security+ or CEH. Familiarity with security information and event management (SIEM) tools, intrusion detection systems, and ticketing platforms is typically required. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for identifying threats and collaborating with teams. These skills are essential to quickly detect, assess, and respond to security incidents, ensuring the organization's information assets remain protected.

What are some common challenges faced by Security Operations Center Operators, and how can they be managed?

SOC Operators often encounter challenges such as managing high volumes of alerts, distinguishing false positives from genuine threats, and maintaining situational awareness during fast-paced incidents. Effective time management, continuous training on new threat vectors, and leveraging automation tools can help address these challenges. Collaborating closely with incident response teams and participating in regular drills also ensures readiness and improves overall team effectiveness.

What is the difference between Security Operations Center Operator vs Security Analyst?

AspectSecurity Operations Center OperatorSecurity Analyst
CertificationsCompTIA Security+, CEH, CISSP (preferred)CompTIA Security+, CISSP, GIAC certifications
Work EnvironmentMonitoring security systems in a SOC, responding to alertsAnalyzing security data, investigating incidents, reporting
Employer & Industry UsageCommon in cybersecurity firms, large enterprises, government agenciesUsed across industries for threat detection and risk assessment

Security Operations Center (SOC) Operators focus on real-time monitoring and initial response to security alerts, while Security Analysts perform in-depth analysis, investigation, and reporting. Both roles require similar certifications and often work within the same environment, but their responsibilities differ in scope and depth of analysis.

What job categories do people searching Security Operations Center Operator jobs in Illinois look for?

The top searched job categories for Security Operations Center Operator jobs in Illinois are:

What are popular job titles related to Security Operations Center Operator jobs in IL?

For Security Operations Center Operator jobs in IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Security Operations Center Operator job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $39,967 per year, or $19.2 per hour.

Security Operations Center Operator

Titan Security Group

Chicago, IL • On-site

$21 - $23/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Retirement, PTO

Posted 26 days ago


Titan Security Group rating

5.5

Company rating: 5.5 out of 10

Based on 34 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

81st of 116 rated security


Job description

The SOC Operator is responsible for monitoring security systems, coordinating emergencies, compiling daily reports, replying to email and phone inquiries and general workplace duties, as needed. The candidate needs to be comfortable in a fast-paced, growing environment. Superior communication and multi-tasking skills are strongly desired. A professional yet approachable personality, who can make sound decisions through training with limited supervision, will excel in our environment.   

Responsibilities:

  • Push/Report all appropriate operational matters in real-time directly to the SOC Manager, Director of Operations and members of senior management.
  • Provide excellent Customer Service to all parties encountered while on duty.
  • Acts on all customer service related calls and either resolves them personally or refers issues to the appropriate individuals. Manage communications for emergency and non-emergency calls-for-service, to include; phone and email workstations. Monitor email inboxes, work order service requests and all communications devices; prioritize and process incoming information according to procedure.
  • Responsible for establishing, maintaining and reviewing schedules.
  • Assist in the supervision and management of team of security officers, payroll, training, coaching, development and support.
  • Handle all escalated security issues or emergency situations appropriately. Coordinate emergency incidents with Security Team. Notify, assist, and direct external emergency personnel and internal Emergency Response Team as necessary.
  • Acknowledge alarms and dispatch personnel as needed
  • Participate in regular training and scenario based security drills
  • Understand and execute emergency SOC protocols, Understand and execute general service SOC protocols.
  • Perform SOC related projects and tasks as requested by the SOC Manager or Director of Operations
  • Compile daily SOC activities into daily shift reports. Accurately ensure detailed shift pass-downs are issued and followed. Compile monthly, quarterly and annual SOC statistical data. Author incident reports as described in SOC protocols
  • Perform other tasks and duties of a similar nature and scope as assigned

Due to the nature of this assignment, special attention is paid to those candidates that are able to successfully demonstrate: A work history illustrating a progressively increasing security/customer service related skill sets and responsibilities with an emphasis in a supervisory capacity work, communication center protocol, knowledge of security operations, in addition to an advanced level computer proficiency/technological skills, specifically as it relates to established physical security needs.

Having any, or a combination of the above listed attributes may increase your chances of selection 

Qualifications & Benefits:

Education and/or Experience: High School diploma or general education degree (GED) and 2 years prior satisfactory employment as a security officer or in a customer service position. Experience in a heavy volume call center and dispatch preferred. Must be at least 20 years of age.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations: Ability to acquire and maintain a valid PERC Card, including state accredited training requirements.

Language Skills:  Must have the ability to read, write, speak, and understand English.

Computer Skills: Proficiency with Microsoft Office software (Word, Access, Excel, PowerPoint).

Other Qualifications:  Ability to pass pre-employment drug screen and criminal background check.  Must maintain a working telephone number though which we can contact you. 

Physical Demands:  The physical demands are based on the contract and must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. 

Salary & Benefits: Compensation is between $21.00 - $23.00 / hour based on experience, plus paid time off, medical insurance, dental insurance, paid holidays, and pension/retirement benefits. Skills-enhancing training and opportunities for career growth and promotion.

EOE/M/F/D/V

#HP


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