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Security Operations Center Operator Jobs in Illinois

Security Operations Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$90 - $100/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Our patients and the care teams who serve them sit at the center of everything we do at Hopscotch ... Excel at operating independently and taking ownership of your work. * Comfortable with ambiguity ...

New

Officers perform duties in three main categories, including patrolling the S&C Ridge Boulevard Industrial Campus facility, working in the Global Security Operations Center (GSOC), and operating the ...

New

Armed Security Officer- 1st Shift

Chicago, IL · On-site

$49K - $61K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Officers perform duties in three main categories, including patrolling the S&C Ridge Boulevard Industrial Campus facility, working in the Global Security Operations Center (GSOC), and operating the ...

Officers perform duties in three main categories, including patrolling the S&C Ridge Boulevard Industrial Campus facility, working in the Global Security Operations Center (GSOC), and operating the ...

New

Showing results 41-60

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 20, 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 Coordinator 3

Northrop Grumman Corporation

Rolling Meadows, IL • On-site

$49K - $81K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Posted 16 days ago


Northrop Grumman rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 364 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

89th of 542 rated manufacturers


Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: No relocation assistance available
CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: Yes
CLEARANCE TYPE: Secret
TRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the TimeDescription
At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.
This position will work in the Rolling Meadows Security Operations Center as a Console Operator. The duties assigned to this position are (but not limited to): monitoring CCTVs, monitoring alarms, dispatching security personnel to any number of locations throughout the facility, updating badging records, managing the site's lost and found, and supporting first responders in the event of an emergency.
Produces employee and guest badges, identification cards, and security reader cards. Processes security information and data for employment records, security clearances, and property control. Maintains lock and key records. Processes visit authorizations for employees and guests to gain access to restricted areas. Verifies accuracy of information prior to issuing clearances. Maintains controlled security documents and information. Specifically, this role is for the Security Operations Center as a Console Operator where you will monitor all CCTV footage be at the forefront of emergency management operations when the need arises, and other security duties as required.
Basic Qualifications:
Current active Secret clearance.
US Citizenship required.
4 years CCTV security experience and HS degree or equivalent and 4 years additional education and/or related security experience.
Ability to Rotating shifts.
Must be proficient in MS Office suite (Word, SharePoint, PowerPoint, Excel, Outlook, TEAMs).
Preferred Qualifications:
Knowledge of SIMS. and Lenel
Primary Level Salary Range: $49,100.00 - $81,800.00
The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Northrop Grumman considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education, skills and current market conditions.
Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Annual bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results. Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives. In addition, Northrop Grumman provides a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business.
The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.
Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. For our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.

What Northrop Grumman employees say

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About Northrop Grumman

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible.

Industry

Space research administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Falls Church, VA, US

Year founded

1939