Security Guard in Waukegan, IL

Here is a comprehensive career guide for Security Guards considering a move to Waukegan, IL.

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As a career analyst who has spent years tracking the job market in Lake County, I can tell you that Waukegan offers a unique blend of opportunity and challenge for security professionals. It’s not the high-octane downtown Chicago market, but its position as the county seat, its industrial backbone, and its proximity to major transit hubs create steady demand. This guide is designed to cut through the noise and give you a clear, data-driven look at what your life as a security guard would actually look like here—from your paycheck to your neighborhood commute.

The Salary Picture: Where Waukegan Stands

Let’s start with the numbers that matter most. The security field in Waukegan sits right near the national average, but the cost of living and local market dynamics create a specific financial reality.

The median salary for Security Guards in Waukegan is $36,421/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $17.51/hour. This is remarkably close to the national average of $36,140/year, meaning Waukegan’s pay isn’t lagging behind the broader market. However, with 178 jobs currently in the metro area and a 10-year job growth of just 3%, this isn’t a rapidly expanding field. It’s a stable, consistent market where experience and specialization are your primary levers for advancement.

Here’s how salary typically breaks down by experience level in this region:

Experience Level	Typical Years	Annual Salary Range	Key Factors
Entry-Level	0-2 years	$31,000 - $36,000	Basic posts (retail, static sites), no certifications
Mid-Level	2-5 years	$36,000 - $42,000	Armed certification, shift differential, some specialized posts
Senior/Lead	5-10 years	$42,000 - $50,000+	Team lead, supervisor, corporate security, healthcare settings
Expert/Specialized	10+ years	$50,000 - $65,000+	Critical infrastructure, executive protection, security management

Insider Tip: The $17.51/hour figure is your baseline. You’ll often see armed positions offering $2-$4 more per hour. Similarly, overnight and weekend shifts typically come with a differential of $1.50 to $3.00 more per hour. Don’t just look at the base rate—ask about shift pay immediately.

Comparison to Other IL Cities

Waukegan’s salary is competitive within the Chicago metro area, especially when factoring in cost of living.

City	Median Salary	Cost of Living Index (US avg=100)	Notes
Waukegan	$36,421	102.6	Balanced market, stable industrial base.
Chicago, IL	$38,250	120.2	Higher pay, but significantly higher rent and living costs.
Elgin, IL	$35,800	105.1	Similar market, slightly lower pay.
Naperville, IL	$37,500	115.8	Higher pay, but roles often require more specialized corporate experience.

Waukegan makes financial sense if you’re looking for a more affordable alternative to Chicago proper while still accessing a robust job market.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

The median salary of $36,421 translates to roughly $2,725 per month before taxes. After federal, state (IL flat tax of 4.95%), and FICA taxes, your take-home pay will be approximately $2,300 - $2,350 per month.

Now, let’s layer in housing. The average 1-bedroom rent in Waukegan is $1,231/month. This is based on the metro population of 89,097 and reflects a mix of older apartment buildings and newer developments.

Monthly Budget Breakdown (Estimated)

Category	Amount	Notes
Gross Monthly Pay	$3,035	Based on $36,421/year
Estimated Take-Home	$2,350	After taxes (IL state + federal)
Rent (1BR Average)	-$1,231
Utilities (Electric, Gas, Internet)	-$150 - $200	Winters can be costly for heating.
Groceries	-$300	For a single person.
Transportation (Gas/Insurance)	-$200	Public transit (PACE bus) is an option but limited for off-hours.
Phone/Incidentals	-$100
Remaining	~$319	This is your savings/emergency buffer.

Can they afford to buy a home? On this salary, it’s a significant challenge without a dual-income household. The median home value in Waukegan is approximately $250,000. A 20% down payment ($50,000) is out of reach for most on a single $36,421 salary. A security guard would need to be in a Senior/Expert role ($50k+) and likely have a partner contributing to the household income to comfortably pursue homeownership here.

Where the Jobs Are: Waukegan's Major Employers

Waukegan’s security jobs are distributed across several key sectors. The hiring trends show that armed, experienced guards are in highest demand, especially for industrial and healthcare sites.

1. Manufacturing & Industrial (The Core): Waukegan is home to a historic and robust industrial corridor along the lakefront and I-94. Companies like Abbott Laboratories (medical devices) and Serigraph Inc. (printing/electronics) have large facilities requiring 24/7 internal security and access control. Trend: These are stable, often long-term posts with benefits. Hiring is steady but not rapid.

2. Healthcare Security (High Demand): Northwestern Medicine Lake Forest Hospital is a major regional destination, but it’s in Lake Forest. For Waukegan proper, Vista Medical Center East is the primary hospital. Healthcare security is a growing specialty, requiring de-escalation skills and dealing with high-stress situations. Trend: High turnover creates frequent openings, but it’s a tough job that pays slightly above median (often $18-$20/hr).

3. Retail & Commercial (Gateway Shopping Center): Waukegan’s retail hubs, like the Gateway Shopping Center and stores along Belvidere Road, hire security for loss prevention. These are often entry-level roles. Trend: These positions can be inconsistent; hours may be cut during slow retail seasons.

4. Public Sector (City & County): The Lake County Government Center and Waukegan Municipal Court require security personnel. These are unionized positions with strong benefits and pensions. Trend: Highly competitive, with openings posted on the City of Waukegan website. They often require a valid IL PERC card.

5. Corporate/Third-Party Contract Firms: Companies like Allied Universal and Securitas are the largest contractors in the area. They service the above employers and offer the most diverse post assignments. Trend: The best way to get your foot in the door. They provide training and can be a stepping stone to direct-hire positions.

6. Lakefront & Marina (Seasonal): Waukegan’s harbor and lakefront events (like the Tall Ships festival) hire seasonal security. Trend: Unpredictable work, great for side income, but not a primary livelihood.

Getting Licensed in IL

Illinois has clear, regulated requirements for security guards. It’s not an unlicensed field here.

1. Basic Requirements: You must be at least 18 (21 for firearm endorsements), a U.S. citizen or legal resident, and pass a background check (no felonies, certain violent misdemeanors).
2. The Process:
   • Step 1: Complete Training. You must complete a 16-hour pre-assignment training course from an Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR)-approved school. This covers law, use of force, and emergency procedures.
   • Step 2: Apply for Your PERC Card. The Permanent Employee Registration Card (PERC) is your state license. You submit your training certificate, application, and fingerprints to the IDFPR.
   • Step 3: Firearm Endorsement (Optional but Recommended). If you want to work armed, you need an additional 8-hour firearm training course and must apply for a Firearm Control Card (FCC).
3. Timeline & Cost:
   • Timeline: From start to holding your PERC card, expect 4-6 weeks. Training takes 2 days, and processing by the IDFPR can take 2-4 weeks.
   • Cost: The 16-hour course typically costs $125 - $200. The firearm course costs $100 - $150. The PERC card application fee is $120 (as of 2023). So, to be fully licensed and armed, you’re looking at an initial investment of $350 - $500.

Insider Tip: Some employers, especially Allied Universal, will pay for your initial training if you commit to working for them for a set period. It’s a common way to avoid the upfront cost.

Best Neighborhoods for Security Guards

Where you live in Waukegan impacts your commute, rent, and lifestyle. The city is divided by I-94, with the west side being more residential and the east side more mixed with industry and lake access.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Avg. 1BR Rent	Best For
Downtown/Clason Point	Urban, walkable to lakefront and court/jobs. Can be noisy. Easy commute to most posts.	$1,150 - $1,300	Guards working downtown, court, or hospital.
Northwest (near Belvidere Rd)	Suburban feel, more parking, easy access to I-94 and retail corridors.	$1,200 - $1,350	Those working retail or commuting to industrial parks.
Southwest (near New York Ave)	More affordable, but can have higher crime rates. Very car-dependent.	$950 - $1,150	Budget-focused guards; always check specific blocks.
East of I-94 (near Marina)	Quieter, more residential, but farther from major employers.	$1,250 - $1,400	Those seeking peace and willing to drive 10-15 mins to work.

Personal Insight: For a single guard on the $36,421 median salary, the Northwest or Downtown areas offer the best balance of affordability and reasonable commute times. Avoid going too far south unless you have a reliable car, as public transit becomes less frequent.

The Long Game: Career Growth

With only 3% job growth, staying stagnant means your income will lag. Growth comes from specialization and moving out of the guard tower.

• Specialty Premiums:

  • Armed Guard: Adds $3-$5/hour immediately.
  • Healthcare Security Specialist: Requires additional de-escalation and medical response training. Can push pay to $20-$22/hour.
  • Critical Infrastructure: Sites like power substations or water treatment plants (often in nearby industrial zones) command premium pay ($22+/hour) due to higher security clearance needs.

• Advancement Paths:

  1. Field Supervisor: Manages a team of guards. Pay jumps to $45,000 - $55,000. Requires 3-5 years of experience and leadership skills.
  2. Operations Manager (Contract Firm): Oversees multiple client sites. Pay can reach $60,000+. Requires business acumen.
  3. Corporate Security Director (Direct Hire): For large employers like Abbott. This is a salaried role ($70,000+) with benefits, requiring a degree or years of proven experience.
  4. Law Enforcement Path: Many Waukegan PD officers start as security guards. The experience and PERC card are a direct stepping stone.

• 10-Year Outlook: The 3% growth is modest. Automation (cameras, access control systems) is reducing the need for static guards but increasing demand for tech-savvy guards who can monitor systems and respond to incidents. The trend is toward fewer, but better-trained and higher-paid, guards.

The Verdict: Is Waukegan Right for You?

Waukegan is a practical, no-nonsense market for security guards. It’s not glamorous, but it’s consistent.

Pros	Cons
Stable, consistent demand from industrial and healthcare bases.	Low job growth (3%) means limited advancement without specialization.
Affordable cost of living compared to Chicago and its suburbs.	Median salary ($36,421) makes homeownership difficult on a single income.
Clear path to licensing and a straightforward job market.	Harsh winters can make commute and outdoor posts challenging.
Proximity to Chicago for networking and broader job opportunities.	Public transit (PACE) is limited for off-hours/overnight shifts; a car is essential.

Final Recommendation: Waukegan is an excellent choice if you are an entry-level guard seeking a stable start or a mid-level guard specializing in armed or healthcare security. The lower cost of living allows you to build experience without being priced out. However, if your goal is rapid salary growth or you don’t want to drive, you may find better opportunities in Chicago or the western suburbs. Come here for the experience, but plan to specialize to increase your earning power.

FAQs

Q: How long does it really take to get hired after applying?
A: For contract firms like Allied, you can be placed on a post within 2-3 weeks of applying, provided you have your PERC card or are in training. Direct-hire roles with the city or hospitals can take 1-2 months due to their hiring processes.

Q: Is Waukegan safe for security guards to work in?
A: Like any city, it depends on the post. Industrial and healthcare posts are generally safe. Retail and downtown posts can involve more public interaction and occasional incidents. Always ask about the post’s incident history in an interview.

Q: Do I need my own car?
A: Yes, absolutely. While some posts are accessible by PACE bus, most industrial parks and overnight shifts have no public transit. A reliable car is a non-negotiable tool of the trade here.

Q: What’s the best way to find a job?
A: Check the City of Waukegan’s job board for public sector roles. For private sector, apply directly to Allied Universal and Securitas online—they are always hiring. Also, look on Indeed for “Security Guard Waukegan IL” and filter for armed positions if you have the endorsement.

Q: Are there union jobs?
A: Yes. Many public sector security jobs (city, county, some healthcare facilities) are unionized (SEIU Local 73 or AFSCME). These offer better benefits, pensions, and job security, but are harder to get. You often need to start on the “extra list” (on-call) to get a full-time spot.