Security Managers
Security managers direct an organization's security functions, overseeing physical security and the safety of employees and facilities. They work across various industries—corporations, government agencies, healthcare, retail, and manufacturing—developing and implementing security protocols, managing security personnel, and responding to threats and incidents.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against security managers and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
Security managers review incident reports, monitor security systems, and conduct facility inspections. They meet with department heads about security needs, interview staff about potential vulnerabilities, and coordinate with law enforcement when necessary. Administrative work includes updating security procedures, analyzing access logs, budgeting for equipment upgrades, and training security personnel. They may visit multiple buildings or sites throughout the week.
Who this work suits
Holland code ECI. Enterprising work is leading, persuading and making decisions. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.
You tend to be enterprising and conventional—comfortable taking charge of operations while following established rules and procedures. You're detail-oriented, think systematically about risk, and enjoy organizing people and processes to run smoothly and safely. You likely prefer concrete, measurable outcomes over abstract work.
What it takes
Preparation: Considerable preparation (most need a bachelor’s degree and several years of experience). Most people in this occupation hold a bachelor’s degree.
Skills that matter most
Knowledge areas
Who is hiring
Openings right now
- Senior Partner Manager, Data & AI Security · Veeam Software · USA · Remote
- Transportation Security Manager · Transportation Security Administration · Tampa, Florida · $106437–$138370
- SWFPAC INFORMATION SYSTEMS SECURITY MANAGER (ISSM) · STRATEGIC SYSTEMS PROGRAMS (SSP) · Bangor, Washington · $141367–$197200
- Physical Security Specialist (Project Manager) · Pentagon Force Protection Agency · Pentagon, Arlington, Virginia · $102415–$133142
- COMMAND SECURITY MANAGER · STRATEGIC SYSTEMS PROGRAMS (SSP) · Kings Bay, Georgia · $89508–$138370
- INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY CYBERSECURITY SPECIALIST (INFORMATION SYSTEM SECURITY MANAGER) · United States Fleet Forces Command · Kittery, Maine · $120548–$156715
- Supervisory Security Specialist (Security Testing and Mitigation Manager) · Federal Aviation Administration · Washington, District of Columbia · $150392–$228000
- Senior Program Manager, Residential Security System Program #5454 · Senate · Washington, District of Columbia · $130469–$181570
Openings are read from employers’ own career pages and public job boards and change daily. Search all openings (free account) to filter by distance, pay and how well you qualify.
Pay by state
| State | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Washington | $111,550 | $139,990 | $164,560 | 2,790 |
| New York | $100,510 | $131,350 | $170,100 | 9,580 |
| Delaware | $107,620 | $129,260 | $166,000 | 240 |
| New Jersey | $98,480 | $124,110 | $158,500 | 5,690 |
| Massachusetts | $99,100 | $124,100 | $159,980 | 6,070 |
| Colorado | $98,560 | $122,510 | $151,930 | 2,150 |
| Alabama | $99,440 | $121,010 | $144,990 | 940 |
| California | $85,870 | $118,620 | $157,810 | 20,550 |
| Kansas | $94,380 | $117,270 | $141,620 | 1,080 |
| Virginia | $91,820 | $116,540 | $153,570 | 2,950 |
| District of Columbia | $86,970 | $115,770 | $144,990 | 930 |
| Georgia | $90,910 | $114,360 | $147,830 | 2,670 |
All 50 states, D.C. and Puerto Rico
Certifications people in this field hold
- Certified Community Bank Security Officer (CCBSO) — Independent Community Bankers of America
- Certified in Healthcare Privacy and Security (CHPS) — American Health Information Management Association
- Security Fundamentals Professional Certification (SFPC) — Center for Development of Security Excellence
- Security Asset Protection Professional Certification (SAPPC) — Center for Development of Security Excellence
- Physical Security Certification (PSC) — Center for Development of Security Excellence
- Industrial Security Professional Certification (ISP) — Society of Industrial Security Professionals
Training
Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.
Job titles in this occupation
Related occupations
Four short assessments and your background, scored against security managers and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 11-3013.01 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.