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Security Operations Center Operator Jobs in Illinois

Candidates MUST be able to operate within a Global Security Operations Center (GSOC), monitoring ... As a GSOC Operator, you will serve and safeguard clients in a range of industries such as ...

Candidates MUST be able to operate within a Global Security Operations Center (GSOC), monitoring ... As a GSOC Operator, you will serve and safeguard clients in a range of industries such as ...

Showing results 21-40

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 Sep 12, 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 are popular job titles related to Security Operations Center Operator jobs in Illinois?

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

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 September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,967 per year, or $19.2 per hour.

Sr. Director, Security Operations Center

Chicago, IL • On-site

Health Care Service Corporation
Outpatient Health Care • 10K+ employees

$161K - $299K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 24 days ago


Job description

At HCSC, our employees are the cornerstone of our business and the foundation to our success. We empower employees with curated development plans that foster growth and promote rewarding, fulfilling careers.

Join HCSC and be part of a purpose-driven company that will invest in your professional development.

Job SummaryThis Position Is Responsible for directing and managing the activities of the HCSC's Cyber Fusion Center (CFC aka. SOC) to ensure the consistent and SLA driven delivery of all aspects of the enterprise cyber threat detection and escalation processes within the broader Cyber Defense & Investigation ecosystem. As the Director of CFC, the person in this role is responsible for ensuring the operational delivery of all detection controls to ensure that all threat alerts are appropriately handled per SLA requirements. This role will also work in cooperation with the other Cyber Defense leadership and staff to defend HCSC against cyber threats and constantly improve the organization's Cyber Security Posture, ensuring the CFC is operating effectively within the overall governance and leadership expectations and standards.

* Bachelors Degree and 12 years experience in Information Technology/Information Security OR 16 years experience in Information Technology/Information Security
* 5 years in Management and/or Leadership.
* Leadership -Effectively leads teams & people
* Teamwork and collaboration
* Understanding of the unique sensitivities and dependencies involved in protective intelligence investigations and analysis
* Ethical standards and an ability to make critical decisions in a high stress, time sensitive environment, with ambiguous or incomplete information
* Willingness to work non-standard hours, if necessary, and to travel frequently in support of investigations, crisis management or other critical company programs
* Oral & written communication skills
* Experience using technology and analytical tools to assess risk, identify vulnerabilities, and drive investigative and risk management decisions
* Experience developing effective awareness campaigns, training, and executive-level briefings
* Knowledge of hacker methodologies and tactics, system vulnerabilities and key indicators of attacks and exploits
* Experience managing SOC Teams, including vulnerability management, incident handling and forensics
* Problem solving and analytical skills to define risk, identify potential threats, and develop action/mitigation plans. Knowledge of emerging technologies
* System and technology integration
* IT standards, procedures, policies (e.g., HIPAA)
* Experience with cyber defense and investigation related technologies
* Experience with ticket tracking, Forensics & Investigation, and Network Scanning

*Overseeing the annual budget and allocating resources for various projects and operational needs.

*Translating needs and initiatives into compelling business cases.

*Conducting cost-benefit analyses to justify investments and ensure ROI.


Preferred Job Qualifications:
* Bachelors Degree in Computer Science, MIS or related field.

* CISSP

Are you being referred to one of our roles? If so, ask your connection at HCSC about our Employee Referral process!

Pay Transparency Statement:

At Health Care Service Corporation, you will be part of an organization committed to offering meaningful benefits to our employees to support their life outside of work. From health and wellness benefits, 401(k) savings plan, pension plan, paid time off, paid parental leave, disability insurance, supplemental life insurance, employee assistance program, paid holidays, tuition reimbursement, plus other incentives, we offer a robust total rewards package for employees. Learn more about our benefit offerings by visiting https://careers.hcsc.com/totalrewards.

The compensation offered will vary depending on your job-related skills, education, knowledge, and experience. This role aligns with an annual incentive bonus plansubject to the terms and the conditions of the plan.

HCSC Employment Statement:

We are an Equal Opportunity Employment employer dedicated to providing a welcoming environment where the unique differences of our employees are respected and valued. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristics.

Base Pay Range$161,500.00 - $299,700.00

Exact compensation may vary based on skills, experience, and location.