Security Guard in Cicero, IL

The Salary Picture: Where Cicero Stands

If you’re looking at security work in Cicero, the numbers tell a clear story. This isn’t a place where you’ll hit six figures, but it offers a stable, middle-of-the-road wage for the field. Let’s break it down.

The median annual salary for a Security Guard in Cicero is $36,421, which translates to an hourly rate of $17.51. This is slightly above the national average of $36,140, a small but meaningful advantage. The Cicero job market is modest, with about 162 security guard positions in the broader metro area. Over the last decade, the field has seen a 3% growth, a slow but steady increase, primarily driven by the need for security in commercial, educational, and healthcare settings.

Here’s how the pay breaks down by experience level. These are estimates based on the local median and typical industry progression:

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary	Notes
Entry-Level	$32,000 - $35,000	Typically roles in retail or basic patrol. Often starts near the lower end of the wage scale.
Mid-Career (2-5 yrs)	$36,421 - $40,000	This is the median zone. You'll have the experience for more stable gigs at hospitals or schools.
Senior (5-10 yrs)	$42,000 - $48,000	Moves into shift lead, armed guard, or campus security supervisor roles.
Expert/Manager	$50,000+	Site supervisor, account manager for a security firm, or in-house security director for a large facility.

Compared to other Illinois cities, Cicero sits in a reasonable spot. It’s more affordable than Chicago’s core, where you might find slightly higher wages but a much higher cost of living. It pays better than smaller downstate towns but less than major hubs like Naperville or Aurora, where corporate security jobs can push wages higher. For the local cost of living, $17.51/hour is a livable wage for a single person, especially if you’re proactive about your budget.

Insider Tip: Don’t just look at the median. The top earners in Cicero are almost always those who get an Armed Guard certification or a specialized role (like at a hospital). An armed guard can add $3-$5 per hour to your base rate. It’s an upfront investment in licensing, but it pays off quickly.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get brutally practical. Earning the median $36,421 per year, your monthly take-home pay after taxes (estimated at roughly 22-25% for this bracket) will be around $2,400. Cicero’s average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is $1,231/month. Let’s see how the math works.

Monthly Budget Breakdown (Security Guard at Median Salary)

Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Gross Monthly Income	$3,035	Based on $36,421 annual salary.
Estimated Taxes (22%)	$668	Federal & State (varies by withholding).
Net Take-Home Pay	$2,367	Your actual paycheck.
Rent (1BR Avg in Cicero)	$1,231	The biggest expense.
Utilities (Gas, Electric, Internet)	$150 - $200	Varies by season and building.
Transportation (Car)	$250 - $350	Insurance, gas, maintenance. (Cicero is car-dependent).
Groceries & Essentials	$300 - $400	Living alone.
Savings/Debt/Discretionary	~$186 - $236	This is tight. Not much room for error.

Can they afford to buy a home?
At $36,421, buying a home in Cicero is a significant challenge. The median home value in Cicero is around $280,000. A 20% down payment is $56,000, which is steep. A monthly mortgage payment (including taxes and insurance) would likely exceed $1,800, which is 76% of your take-home pay—well above the recommended 30-35%. For a security guard at this wage, buying is not a short-term goal. Renting is the more feasible path unless you have a partner with a second income or are willing to live very frugally to save aggressively.

Insider Tip: Look for apartments in buildings with utilities included. In older buildings in Cicero, this can sometimes be negotiated, especially in the winter. It gives you more predictable monthly costs, which is crucial on a fixed income.

Where the Jobs Are: Cicero's Major Employers

Cicero’s economy is a mix of retail, healthcare, education, and light industry. Security jobs follow the money. Here are the key local employers you should target:

1. St. Anthony Hospital: A major employer in neighboring Chicago, but it draws heavily from Cicero. They need in-house security for 24/7 operations. It’s a professional environment with good benefits. Hiring is steady; look for “Hospital Security Officer” postings.
2. Cicero Public Schools (District 99 & 201): Schools need security for monitoring entrances, events, and hallways. These are often daytime, school-year jobs. The pace is different from a patrol job—more about presence and de-escalation. Check the Cicero School District websites directly.
3. Macy’s at Town Square Cicero: A major retail anchor. They hire for loss prevention (LP) officers. This role blends security with customer service. It’s a common entry point, but pay may start at the lower end of the scale.
4. Ariens Company (Brillion, WI but a regional employer): While not in Cicero, many residents commute here for industrial security roles. These are often 12-hour shifts in a plant setting. It’s a different pace but offers stable, full-time hours.
5. Transdev (Cicero Bus Depot): The CTA and Pace bus maintenance facility in Cicero requires security for vehicle and property protection. These are often shift-based roles with a focus on access control.
6. Local Security Firms (e.g., Securitas, G4S): Large national firms service contracts in Cicero, including at data centers, warehouses, and commercial buildings. They are often the best place to find armed and specialized guard positions. Applying directly to their local office is key.
7. Mariano’s & Jewel-Osco (Local Grocers): Both have a strong presence in Cicero. They hire for security/loss prevention. The hours can be flexible, which is good for part-time or students.

Hiring Trend: The biggest trend is the shift from “warm body” security to “observation and reporting.” Employers want guards who can write a clear incident report and use basic tech (like body cams or access control systems). Getting trained on these tools gives you a leg up.

Getting Licensed in IL

Illinois has clear, regulated requirements for security guards. You cannot legally work without a Permanent Employee Registration Card (PERC) from the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR).

Step-by-Step Process & Costs:

1. Basic Training: You must complete a 16-hour Illinois Security Guard Training Course. This is non-negotiable. It covers legal authority, use of force, emergency procedures, and report writing. Courses are offered in Chicago and nearby suburbs. Cost: $125 - $225.
2. Application & Fee: After training, you submit an application to the IDFPR with your certificate of completion. The application fee is $75.
3. Background Check: You’ll be fingerprinted at a designated vendor (e.g., IdentoGO). The fee is around $65.
4. Timeline: From start to finish, it typically takes 4 to 6 weeks to receive your PERC card. You cannot work as a security guard until you have it in hand.
5. Armed Guard Add-On: If you want to work armed, you need an additional 60 hours of training at an approved facility (cost: $400 - $600). You must also have a Firearm Owner’s Identification (FOID) card from the Illinois State Police.

Insider Tip: Many security companies will hire you contingent on you getting your PERC. They may even reimburse your training costs if you sign a 1-year contract. Always ask about this during the interview. It saves you the upfront cash.

Best Neighborhoods for Security Guards

Where you live affects your commute, budget, and lifestyle. Cicero is a dense, urban suburb right next to Chicago. Here are the best areas to consider, focusing on rent and commute to major employers.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Avg. 1BR Rent Estimate	Best For
Cicero Central	The heart of the town. Walkable to some shops, more apartments. Commute to anywhere in Cicero is short.	$1,100 - $1,300	Someone who wants to be in the action and minimize car costs.
South Cicero / 47th Ave Corridor	More residential, quieter. Closer to the I-55/I-90 expressway for commuting to Chicago or other suburbs.	$1,000 - $1,200	Those who need a highway commute and prefer a quieter home base.
Archer Heights (Chicago)	Technically Chicago, but borders Cicero. Similar pricing, diverse, great food. Easy access to Cicero and the city.	$1,200 - $1,400	A guard who wants city amenities without the downtown price tag.
Berwyn (Adjacent)	Just south of Cicero. Slightly more "suburban" feel, but very similar job market. Access to the BNSF Metra line.	$1,250 - $1,450	Someone who values a bit more green space and a quick train commute.

Insider Tip: Look for rentals on the north side of Cicero (near the Harlem Ave and Cermak Rd intersection). You’re closer to the expressways and the town square, which means shorter, more predictable commutes to most major employers, especially if you work a late shift.

The Long Game: Career Growth

A security guard role in Cicero can be a career or a stepping stone. Here’s how to grow your income and responsibility.

• Specialty Premiums: The biggest pay jumps come from specialization. Armed Guard certification is the most direct path. Executive Protection (bodyguard work) is another high-earning niche, though it often requires moving to downtown Chicago or O’Hare area clients. Fire & Safety certification (for fire watch or safety officer roles) adds value.
• Advancement Paths:
  1. From Guard to Lead: After 1-2 years, you can aim for Shift Supervisor, overseeing a small team. (+$2-$4/hr).
  2. From Guard to In-House: Leave a security firm to work directly for a hospital, school, or corporate campus. Often comes with better benefits and a clearer career ladder.
  3. From Guard to Manager: With 5+ years and good reports, you can become an Account Manager for a security firm, managing client sites and guard schedules. (+$10,000-$20,000 salary jump).
• 10-Year Outlook: The 3% national growth will hold in Cicero. The demand will be for guards who are tech-savvy and can handle complex environments (like healthcare or logistics). The biggest opportunity is the ongoing need for security in the Chicago metro’s commercial sector. Cicero is a prime location for this, as it’s a central hub. The key is to layer skills: first get your PERC, then armed, then a specialty like healthcare or education security.

The Verdict: Is Cicero Right for You?

Cicero is a practical choice for a security guard, but it’s not a glamorous one. It’s a place for someone who values stability, a reasonable cost of living, and proximity to a massive job market.

Pros	Cons
Above-National-Average Pay: $17.51/hr is a solid base for the field.	Tight Budget: After rent, you have little room for savings or discretionary spending.
Strong Local Employer Base: Hospitals, schools, and retail provide steady jobs.	Car-Dependent: A car is almost a necessity, adding to monthly expenses.
Proximity to Chicago: Easy access to a huge job market for advancement and higher pay.	High Competition: Being near Chicago means you’re competing with a large pool of applicants.
Relatively Affordable Rent: $1,231 for a 1BR is lower than many Chicago neighborhoods.	Limited Growth in Cicero Itself: To move up significantly, you may need to look outward.

Final Recommendation:
Cicero is a good fit for an entry-to-mid-level security guard who wants a stable job and a manageable commute without the extreme costs of Chicago. It’s ideal if you’re willing to get licensed and specialize (armed, healthcare) to move into the higher brackets. It’s a less ideal fit if you’re looking to buy a home solo on a single security guard’s salary or if you want a career with rapid, dramatic advancement without leaving the immediate area.

FAQs

1. Do I need a car to work security in Cicero?
Yes, almost definitely. While some jobs are near public transit, many security posts (industrial parks, warehouses, late-night patrols) are not accessible by train or bus. A car gives you the flexibility to apply for and commute to the best jobs.

2. How long does it take to get hired after getting my PERC?
It can be fast. If you apply to a large security firm with an opening, you could be hired within a week of receiving your card. The key is to have your PERC in hand before you start your job search, or at least be in the final stages of getting it.

3. Is armed security worth the extra cost in Cicero?
Absolutely. The pay jump is significant, and the demand for armed guards is steady, especially at banks, certain retail locations, and event security. The $400-$600 training cost is recouped within a few months of the higher wage. It’s the single best investment in your earning potential.

4. What’s the biggest mistake new guards make in this area?
Not networking. Cicero and Chicago are tight-knit industries. Attend local security association meetings (like ASIS Chicago Chapter) if possible. Talk to guards you meet. Many jobs are filled through word-of-mouth before they’re ever posted online. A recommendation from a fellow guard can be your ticket in.

5. Are there jobs for non-English speakers?
Yes, in specific sectors. Cicero has a large Spanish-speaking population. Security roles in retail or property management, especially those serving the local community, often value bilingual ability. However, for many corporate or healthcare roles, English fluency is essential for report writing and communication with supervisors. Be clear about your language skills during the interview.