Security guard cost in Chicago
Security rates in Chicago follow the same national ranges XGuard shows everywhere: unarmed guards typically run $35 to $60 an hour, armed guards run $55 to $95 an hour, and executive protection specialists run $85 to $180 an hour. As a major metro with downtown commercial and large-event security demand, Chicago rates tend to sit at the upper half of each range rather than the lower end. Every rate is set by the individual licensed provider, not by XGuard, and shown in full on their profile before you book.
Hourly rates by service type in Chicago
| Service | Typical rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Unarmed security guard | $35–$60/hr | Property patrol, retail, access control |
| Armed security guard | $55–$95/hr | Licensed to carry, higher-risk assignments |
| Executive protection / bodyguard | $85–$180/hr | Close protection, often a full protective detail |
| Fire watch officer | $30–$50/hr | NFPA-241 compliance: impaired suppression systems, hot-work permits |
| Bulk event staff | Buyer-set rate + 5% platform fee | Unarmed crews of 10–500 for festivals, weddings, stadium overflow |
These are national ranges, not Chicago-specific prices. XGuard does not publish per-city median rates; each provider in Chicago sets and shows their own rate before you book.
Booking security in Chicago through XGuard
Verified providers
Every provider on XGuard passes Stripe Identity verification and license validation against the issuing authority before a profile in Chicago goes live.
Transparent rate, transparent fee
No lead-gen forms and no callback quote. You see the provider’s rate and XGuard’s flat platform fee before you confirm the booking.
Chicago security cost questions
How much does a security guard cost in Chicago?
Rates in Chicago follow the same national ranges shown on this page: unarmed guards typically run $35 to $60 an hour and armed guards run $55 to $95 an hour. As a major metro, Chicago rates tend to sit at the upper half of each range. Each provider sets their own rate, shown in full before you book.
Is there a minimum booking length in Chicago?
Most providers set a minimum booking window, commonly a few hours per shift. The exact minimum for a given professional in this market is shown on their profile before you confirm.
How is XGuard different from a security company quote in Chicago?
You see the provider's actual rate before you book, not a callback quote, and payment is held in escrow until the shift in Chicago is completed.