Security Managers

Security managers are responsible for protecting an organization's physical assets, facilities, and personnel. On a daily basis, these professionals gather information, make critical decisions, and solve complex problems to maintain safety. They evaluate operations to ensure compliance with security standards and laws, resolve conflicts, and use computers and telecommunications systems to monitor facilities.

This role is highly enterprising, requiring strong leadership orientation, initiative, and dependability. Managers spend significant time communicating with supervisors and peers, as well as building, guiding, and coaching their own security teams. Success in this field requires deep knowledge of public safety, security protocols, law, government, administration, and personnel resources. To handle the daily pressures of the job, security managers must possess high stress tolerance, self-control, cautiousness, and excellent critical thinking skills.

Entering this career typically requires a bachelor's degree along with several years of related work experience. Students often prepare by majoring in fields such as business administration, management and operations, business/commerce, engineering-related fields, or hospitality administration and management. Other relevant majors include health and medical administrative services, historic preservation and conservation, parks, recreation, and leisure facilities management, or building/construction finishing, management, and inspection.

To advance their careers and demonstrate specialized expertise, professionals can pursue industry certifications. Available credentials include the Antiterrorism Credential, Certified Community Bank Security Officer, Certified Fraud Examiner, Certified School Safety Manager, Physical Security Certification, and Professional Certified Investigator.

The median annual pay for security managers is $106,660, though this figure represents the broader federal category of facilities managers. Earnings vary based on experience and industry, with the lowest 10% earning less than $64,480 and the highest 10% earning more than $176,120.

There are 156,180 people employed in this field. Between the years 2025 and 2035, employment is projected to grow by 4.6%, which is as fast as the average for all occupations. This growth and normal turnover are expected to result in 14,200 job openings each year.