Unarmed Security Officer Jobs in Chicago

Find the Latest Unarmed Security Officer Jobs in Chicago

Browse unarmed security officer openings across the Chicago metro, from downtown lobbies to hospitals and campuses. Updated continuously. Built for Chicago officers.

$18-20Typical Hourly Pay
PERCCard Required
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Overview

Unarmed Security Officer Jobs in Chicago: The Largest Category

Unarmed officers make up the biggest share of security work in Chicago. You will find posts in downtown high-rise lobbies, hospitals, corporate campuses, retail centers, universities, and residential buildings across the metro. Most roles ask for a valid PERC card and completion of the 20-hour training course, which keeps the barrier to entry low and openings steady.

Pay for unarmed work in Chicago generally runs from about 18 to 20 dollars an hour, with lead and specialized posts reaching higher. Because turnover across the industry is constant, new openings appear year-round, and candidates who apply within the first day or two have the best shot at a callback.

Overview & Duties
Role Overview

What Unarmed Security Officers Do in Chicago

Unarmed officers control access, staff front desks and lobbies, run patrol rounds, monitor camera systems, and write incident reports. The focus is presence, observation, and de-escalation rather than force. Downtown Class A buildings, hospitals, and corporate sites are the most common employers.

Many officers start unarmed and move into armed, overnight, or specialized roles once they have logged hours and built a clean record. Customer service, retail, military, and hospitality backgrounds all transfer well into this work.

Duties

Common Duties & Responsibilities

  • Access control and visitor screening at building entrances and lobbies
  • Foot patrol of floors, garages, grounds, and stairwells
  • Monitoring CCTV and alarm systems from a security desk
  • Writing daily activity logs and incident reports
  • Responding to disturbances, medical calls, and alarms, and escalating as needed
  • Enforcing site rules and escorting staff or visitors when requested
Compensation

What This Role Pays in Chicago

Chicago unarmed security officers typically earn 18 to 20 dollars an hour. Entry-level lobby and retail posts start lower; experienced officers and leads at Class A downtown sites earn more. Overnight and weekend shifts often add a differential.

Entry Level
$17-18/hr
~$35k-37k/yr
Experienced
$19-21/hr
~$40k-44k/yr
Lead / Senior
$22-24/hr
~$46k-50k/yr
Requirements & Getting Started
Requirements

What You Need

  • Valid Illinois PERC card (Permanent Employee Registration Card)
  • Completion of the 20-hour IDFPR-approved training course
  • Minimum age 18; high school diploma or GED
  • Clean background check and fingerprinting
  • Reliable transportation and dependable attendance
  • Strong communication and de-escalation skills
Getting Started

How To Get Started

  • Apply through BlackBarJobs alerts or directly to firms like Allied Universal, Securitas, Titan, and GardaWorld
  • Start your PERC application through the IDFPR CORE online system
  • Complete the 20-hour approved training course if you have not already
  • Most sites offer full-time, part-time, and weekend schedules
  • Downtown and hospital posts run day, evening, and overnight shifts
Related Roles

More Security Jobs in Chicago

FAQ

Security Job FAQs

Common questions from security officer job seekers in Chicago.

Do I need a PERC card for unarmed security jobs in Chicago?
Yes. Illinois requires a PERC card and completion of the 20-hour approved training to work as an unarmed security officer. Some employers hire candidates who are still in the process and allow a short window to finish.
How much do unarmed security officers make in Chicago?
Most unarmed roles pay about 18 to 20 dollars an hour. Entry-level lobby and retail posts start a bit lower, while leads and Class A downtown sites pay more. Overnight and weekend shifts often add a differential.
Can I get an unarmed security job with no experience?
Yes. Many unarmed roles are entry-level. A PERC card, a clean background check, and reliable transportation are usually the core requirements. Customer service, retail, military, and hospitality backgrounds all count.
What kinds of sites hire unarmed officers in Chicago?
Downtown high-rise lobbies, hospitals, corporate campuses, universities, retail centers, and residential buildings are the most common. These make up the bulk of security work in the metro.
How fast can I start working?
Once your PERC and 20-hour training are done, hiring can move quickly. Applying within the first day or two of a posting gives you the best shot, since roles fill fast.

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