Hospital Security Officer Jobs Chicago IL

Overview

Hospital Security Officer Jobs in Chicago: Steady Healthcare Demand

Chicago's large health systems hire security heavily, both in-house and through contractors, and healthcare runs 24/7, making it one of the steadiest corners of the market. Northwestern Memorial in Streeterville staffs its downtown campus through Allied Universal, while Rush University Medical Center on the Near West Side and UChicago Medicine on the South Side, including Comer Children's, run large in-house public-safety departments. Lurie Children's, Cook County Health's Stroger Hospital, UI Health, Advocate, and Loyola all carry steady security headcount, so both the contract and in-house paths are open.

The work rewards calm, strong de-escalation, and comfort in a clinical setting. Emergency department and behavioral health posts can be demanding, and they often pay at the higher end of the range to match.

Role Overview

What Hospital Security Officers Do in Chicago

Hospital officers cover emergency departments, run patient watches, control access to restricted units, and de-escalate tense situations with patients and visitors. They respond to security and medical codes and escort staff and valuables.

De-escalation and crisis-intervention training is highly valued here, and many systems provide it. The role suits officers who stay steady under pressure and communicate well.

Duties

Common Duties & Responsibilities

Emergency department and patient-watch coverage
Access control at entrances and restricted units
De-escalation with distressed patients and visitors
Responding to security and medical codes
Escorting staff, patients, and valuables
Detailed incident documentation

Compensation

What This Role Pays in Chicago

Chicago hospital security typically pays $19 to $23 an hour. Northwestern Memorial starts officers around $19.80 with about $2 more for overnights, and Rush's unarmed roles run roughly $18.50 to $23.25. Emergency department and behavioral health posts pay at the higher end, and in-house health-system roles usually add hospital benefits.

Entry Level

$19-20/hr

~$40k-42k/yr

Experienced

$21-23/hr

~$44k-48k/yr

Lead / Supervisor

$24-28/hr

~$50k-58k/yr

Requirements

What You Need

Valid Illinois PERC card plus 20-hour training
Strong de-escalation skills; crisis-intervention training a plus
Minimum age 18; high school diploma or GED
Comfort working in a clinical, high-stress environment
Clean background check
Reliable attendance for 24/7 coverage

Getting Started

How To Get Started

Apply to health systems and healthcare security contractors across the metro
Highlight any de-escalation or crisis-intervention training
Emergency department and behavioral health posts pay more
In-house health-system roles often add benefits
Expect day, evening, and overnight shift options

FAQ

Security Job FAQs

Common questions from security officer job seekers in Chicago.

What does a hospital security officer do?

▼

Hospital officers cover emergency departments, run patient watches, control access to restricted units, de-escalate tense situations, and respond to security and medical codes. Calm communication is central to the role.

How much do hospital security officers make in Chicago?

▼

Typically 19 to 23 dollars an hour. Emergency department and behavioral health posts pay at the higher end, and in-house health-system roles often include benefits.

Which Chicago health systems hire security?

▼

Rush, Advocate, Northwestern Medicine, and University of Chicago Medicine are among the largest, hiring both in-house and through contractors across the metro.

Do I need a PERC card for hospital security?

▼

Yes. Hospital security roles in Illinois require a PERC card and the 20-hour training. De-escalation or crisis-intervention training is a strong plus.

Is hospital security demanding?

▼

It can be, especially in the emergency department and behavioral health units. The work rewards officers who stay calm under pressure, which is also why those posts tend to pay more.

Don't See The Right Job? We'll Find It.

New security openings posted regularly across Chicago. Be first.

📍

📱

✉️

See More Jobs →

No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.

By submitting I agree to receive SMS and email updates from BlackBarJobs. Msg & data rates may apply. Reply STOP to unsubscribe.

Find the Latest Hospital Security Officer Jobs in Chicago