Security Guard in Rockford, IL

The Salary Picture: Where Rockford Stands

As a local, I can tell you the first thing anyone moving to Rockford needs to understand is the cost of living. It’s a city that’s been through a lot—manufacturing decline, a slow-but-steady resurgence—but the numbers paint a clear picture for a security guard considering a move here.

Let’s start with the hard data. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and local wage surveys, the median salary for a security guard in Rockford is $35,066 per year. On an hourly basis, that breaks down to $16.86 per hour. This is slightly below the national average of $36,140 per year, but that gap is more than offset by Rockford’s affordability.

Rockford’s Cost of Living Index is 90.1, meaning it’s about 10% cheaper than the U.S. average. With a metro population of 146,219, it’s large enough to offer diverse job opportunities but small enough to avoid the frantic pace and exorbitant costs of Chicago. The BLS reports there are approximately 292 jobs for security guards in the Rockford metro area, and the 10-year job growth is projected at 3%. This isn’t a boomtown, but it’s a stable market with steady demand, particularly in healthcare, manufacturing, and education.

To understand where you fit in, here’s a typical salary progression based on experience in this region:

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary	Estimated Hourly Rate
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$28,000 - $32,000	$13.46 - $15.38
Mid-Level (3-5 years)	$35,000 - $38,000	$16.83 - $18.27
Senior-Level (6-10 years)	$40,000 - $45,000	$19.23 - $21.63
Expert/Supervisor (10+ years)	$48,000 - $55,000+	$23.08 - $26.44+

For context, let’s compare Rockford to other Illinois cities. Chicago’s security guard median is closer to $39,000/year, but the cost of living there is 27% higher than the U.S. average. Springfield’s median is around $34,500, and Peoria’s is $33,800. Rockford sits in a sweet spot: you make more than in smaller downstate cities but enjoy a much lower cost of living than Chicago or even the Quad Cities.

Insider Tip: Specialization is key to moving past the median. Guards with an Armed Guard permit, a background in law enforcement, or specific experience in high-security facilities (like federal courthouses or data centers) can command premiums of $2-$5 per hour above the base rate. Don’t expect to hit the senior-level salaries without pursuing these additional credentials.

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The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get real about your budget. A $35,066 annual salary translates to a monthly gross pay of approximately $2,922. After federal taxes, FICA (Social Security and Medicare), and Illinois state income tax (4.95%), your take-home pay will be roughly $2,300 - $2,400 per month. This is a conservative estimate and doesn’t account for any pre-tax deductions like health insurance or a 401(k).

Rockford’s average 1-bedroom rent is $785/month. This is a critical number. Let’s build a sample monthly budget for a security guard earning the median salary:

Expense Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	% of Take-Home Pay
Rent (1BR Apt)	$785	~33%
Utilities (Elec, Gas, Water)	$150	~6%
Groceries	$250	~10%
Transportation (Gas/Insurance)	$150	~6%
Health Insurance (if employer-sponsored)	$100	~4%
Phone/Internet	$80	~3%
Personal/Misc	$200	~8%
Savings/Debt	$585	~25%
TOTAL	$2,300	~100%

This budget is tight but manageable. The key is that rent stays below 33% of your income—a healthy ratio. You’ll have roughly $585 left for savings, paying down debt, or entertainment. In Chicago, that same rent for a 1BR would be closer to $1,600, consuming over 65% of your take-home pay and making savings nearly impossible on a guard’s salary.

Can they afford to buy a home? This is the critical question. The median home price in Rockford is approximately $145,000. With a $35,066 salary, a lender will typically approve a mortgage of around $110,000 - $125,000 after factoring in debt-to-income ratios. This means a home purchase is feasible, but you will need a significant down payment. A 10% down payment ($14,500) on a $145,000 home is challenging to save on a guard’s salary without strict budgeting or a second income. Many guards in Rockford who buy homes are either dual-income households or have progressed to the senior/supervisor level (earning $45,000+).

Insider Tip: Look into programs through the Rockford Housing Authority or Illinois Housing Development Authority for first-time homebuyer assistance. These can provide down payment grants or favorable loan terms, making homeownership more accessible for essential workers like security guards.

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Where the Jobs Are: Rockford’s Major Employers

Don’t just look for “security guard” listings. Look for the major employers who have in-house security teams or contract with large security firms like Securitas, Allied Universal, or G4S. In Rockford, these are the places where the jobs are stable and the opportunities for advancement are real.

1. Mercyhealth (Javon Bea Hospital): This is the largest employer in the region. Their security department is robust, handling everything from asset protection and patient safety to emergency response. They have a dedicated team of over 40 security officers, many of whom are armed. Hiring is frequent, and they offer excellent benefits. Insider tip: They have a specialized “Code Silver” (armed intruder) response team. Getting on that team requires additional training and is a major career boost.

2. SwedishAmerican Hospital (a UW Health affiliate): Similar to Mercyhealth, this is a major healthcare employer with a large security force. Their focus is on de-escalation and hospital safety. They often hire for overnight shifts, which typically come with a small shift differential. Their security leadership is very professional and offers clear promotion tracks to supervisor and manager roles.

3. Rockford School District (RPS 205): School security is a growing field. The district employs security monitors and officers, primarily to manage access control and student safety. While often unarmed, these positions come with a school-year calendar (summers off) and a pension through the Illinois Teachers’ Retirement System (TRS) for full-time employees. It’s a great option for those with families.

4. Woodward Governor (Curtiss-Wright): This is a legacy Rockford manufacturer. Their security team is responsible for protecting intellectual property, physical assets, and personnel at a large industrial campus. This is a role that often requires a calm, professional demeanor and the ability to work in a manufacturing environment. They value reliability and experience.

5. Rockford Airport (RFD): The Chicago Rockford International Airport is a cargo hub (home to Amazon Air and others) and a passenger airport. The airport authority and its tenants (like TSA, airline ground operations, and cargo handlers) employ security personnel. These jobs require a higher level of background check and often come with federal security guidelines. Pay can be slightly above the regional median.

6. Forest Preserves of Winnebago County: This is a unique local employer. They hire seasonal and full-time security rangers to patrol the extensive park system. It’s a great fit for someone who enjoys the outdoors. The work is mostly public interaction and ensuring park rules are followed.

7. Major Retail & Corporate Centers: The Rockford area has several large shopping centers (like CherryVale Mall and Rockford Plaza) and corporate parks (like the Rockford Area Economic Development Council campus). These are typically contracted through security firms. While turnover can be higher, they’re a good entry point for new guards to gain experience.

Hiring Trends: The healthcare sector is the most stable. The manufacturing sector is cyclical but recovering. School and airport jobs are expanding. Contract security with large firms offers the most entry-level openings but often has lower pay. Insider Tip: Check the “Careers” pages directly on the Mercyhealth and SwedishAmerican websites, not just job aggregators. Hospital security jobs are often posted there first.

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Getting Licensed in IL

Illinois has clear, mandatory requirements for security guards, regulated by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR).

Step 1: Pre-Assignment Training. You must complete a 20-hour pre-assignment training course from a state-approved school. This covers Illinois law, the use of force, report writing, and emergency procedures. The course cost typically ranges from $150 to $250. You cannot be hired as a security guard (except for a 30-day provisional period) without completing this.

Step 2: Apply for Your Permanent Employee Registration Card. After finishing the course, you’ll apply for your card through the IDFPR. The application fee is $85. You must also pass a fingerprint-based background check (cost: ~$60). The entire process, once you submit your application, usually takes 4-6 weeks.

Step 3: Armed Guard Endorsement (Optional, but Recommended for Advancement). If you want to carry a firearm, you need an additional 20 hours of armed training and must pass a live-fire qualification. This course costs $300-$500. You must be at least 21 years old and have no felony convictions. The armed guard permit allows you to work in higher-risk environments (banks, armored transport) and typically commands a $3-$6 per hour premium.

Timeline to Get Started: You can be hired provisionally (in training) almost immediately. To be fully licensed, budget 2-3 months from the day you start your pre-assignment course. Plan your job search accordingly. Many employers will hire you with a provisional card and provide on-the-job training while you await your permanent card.

Insider Tip: Several local community colleges, like Rock Valley College, offer the pre-assignment training course. Completing it there adds a local institution’s name to your resume, which can be a slight advantage with local employers.

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The Verdict: Is Rockford Right for You?

Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
Very Low Cost of Living. Your $16.86/hr goes much further than in most U.S. cities.	Below-National-Average Pay. The median salary of $35,066 is a ceiling for many without specialization.
Stable Job Market in Healthcare. Mercyhealth and SwedishAmerican provide consistent, union-adjacent jobs.	Limited High-Paying Specialties. Fewer corporate HQs or high-security federal jobs compared to Chicago.
Manageable Commute Times. The city layout is simple; most commutes are under 25 minutes.	Economic Volatility. The regional economy is still tied to manufacturing, which can be cyclical.
Path to Home Ownership. It’s realistic on a guard’s salary with planning, unlike in major metros.	Limited Nightlife/Scene. For younger guards seeking a vibrant urban scene, Rockford can feel quiet.
Sense of Community. It’s a “city of neighborhoods” where you can build a reputation and network.	Winter Weather. Lake Michigan effect snow is real. You’ll need a reliable vehicle and winter gear.

Final Recommendation:

Rockford is an excellent choice for security guards who value stability, affordability, and a route to a middle-class life. It’s ideal for those who are past the “hustle” phase of their career and want to put down roots. If your goal is to earn the highest possible salary in the field, you’d be better off in Chicago or a major coastal city—but you’d spend almost all of that extra pay on rent.

For a security guard with 2-5 years of experience, especially if you’re willing to get an Armed Endorsement, Rockford offers a balanced, sustainable career. You can afford a decent apartment, save money, and realistically work towards buying a home. The job market is solid, particularly in healthcare and schools. It’s a pragmatic choice for a pragmatic profession.

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FAQs

Q: How does Rockford’s cost of living compare to Springfield or Peoria?
A: Rockford is generally more affordable than Springfield (state capital) and slightly cheaper than Peoria. Housing costs in Rockford are particularly low compared to both. The median home price in Springfield is closer to $170,000, and in Peoria, it’s around $150,000.

Q: Is the job market for security guards competitive in Rockford?
A: It’s competitive but not saturated. There are always openings, especially for reliable, professional guards with clean records. The key is to apply directly to the major employers (hospitals, schools) and be willing to work the shifts others don’t—overnights, weekends, and holidays. These often come with premiums or better advancement opportunities.

Q: Can I survive on a security guard’s salary if I have a family?
A: It’s challenging but possible with careful budgeting and a second income. The $35,066 median salary is designed for a single person or a dual-income household. If you have children, you will likely need to progress to a senior or supervisor role (earning $45,000+) or have a partner also working. Look into benefits like Medicaid for children and WIC to help offset costs.

Q: Are there union jobs for security guards in Rockford?
A: Yes. Some security positions, particularly in the public sector (schools, some hospital roles) or with larger employers, may be unionized. For example, some RPS 205 security staff are represented by a union. This can lead to better pay, benefits, and job protection. It’s always worth asking about union status during an interview.

Q: What’s the best way to find a security job in Rockford?
A: 1. Direct Applications: Go to the career pages of Mercyhealth, SwedishAmerican, and RPS 205. 2. Local Firms: Contact regional offices of Allied Universal and Securitas. 3. Networking: Join local groups on Facebook like “Rockford, IL Jobs” or “Rockford, IL Community.” 4. In-Person: Visit the Rockford Area Career Center. They often have job postings and can help with resumes. Insider Tip: A well-written resume that highlights reliability, professionalism, and any relevant certifications (CPR, first aid, armed permit) will stand out more than a generic application.