What You Need to Know About Security Manager
Job Description: Direct an organization’s security functions, including physical security and safety of employees, facilities, and assets.
Life As a Security Manager
- Prepare reports or make presentations on internal investigations, losses, or violations of regulations, policies and procedures.
- Identify, investigate, or resolve security breaches.
- Develop, arrange for, perform, or assess executive protection activities to reduce security risks.
- Purchase security-related supplies, equipment, or technology.
- Respond to medical emergencies, bomb threats, fire alarms, or intrusion alarms, following emergency response procedures.
- Develop or manage investigation programs, including collection and preservation of video and notes of surveillance processes or investigative interviews.
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Qualities of a Security Manager
Below is a list of the skills most Security Managers say are important on the job.
Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Writing: Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Judgment and Decision Making: Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Types of Security Manager
- Security Specialist
- Chief Security Officer (CSO)
- Internal Security Manager
- Corporate Security Manager
- Director Security Management
Is There Job Demand for Security Managers?
In 2016, there was an estimated number of 992,100 jobs in the United States for Security Manager. New jobs are being produced at a rate of 8% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 79,600 new jobs for Security Manager by 2026. Due to new job openings and attrition, there will be an average of 79,200 job openings in this field each year.

The states with the most job growth for Security Manager are Utah, Washington, and Nevada. Watch out if you plan on working in Vermont, Maine, or Maryland. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
Security Manager Average Salary
The typical yearly salary for Security Managers is somewhere between $52,550 and $183,430.

Security Managers who work in District of Columbia, Virginia, or California, make the highest salaries.
How much do Security Managers make in each U.S. state?
State | Annual Mean Salary |
---|---|
Alabama | $106,680 |
Alaska | $118,650 |
Arizona | $101,630 |
Arkansas | $86,410 |
California | $143,350 |
Colorado | $138,490 |
Connecticut | $129,730 |
Delaware | $134,410 |
District of Columbia | $147,460 |
Florida | $99,240 |
Georgia | $118,060 |
Hawaii | $93,760 |
Idaho | $85,070 |
Illinois | $90,080 |
Indiana | $71,560 |
Iowa | $101,360 |
Kansas | $102,560 |
Kentucky | $92,630 |
Louisiana | $87,080 |
Maine | $96,570 |
Maryland | $122,050 |
Massachusetts | $131,450 |
Michigan | $98,780 |
Minnesota | $128,590 |
Mississippi | $82,230 |
Missouri | $97,820 |
Montana | $76,990 |
Nebraska | $101,380 |
Nevada | $102,060 |
New Hampshire | $123,580 |
New Jersey | $138,820 |
New Mexico | $96,490 |
New York | $124,160 |
North Carolina | $121,500 |
North Dakota | $109,820 |
Ohio | $107,320 |
Oklahoma | $102,710 |
Oregon | $94,400 |
Pennsylvania | $126,290 |
Rhode Island | $114,660 |
South Carolina | $100,890 |
South Dakota | $99,030 |
Tennessee | $83,010 |
Texas | $122,130 |
Utah | $102,290 |
Vermont | $105,950 |
Virginia | $134,500 |
Washington | $125,490 |
West Virginia | $77,290 |
Wisconsin | $85,050 |
Wyoming | $100,310 |
Tools & Technologies Used by Security Managers
Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Security Managers may use on a daily basis:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Office
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Outlook
- Web browser software
- Microsoft Access
- Data entry software
- Microsoft Visio
- Oracle PeopleSoft
- Computer aided design CAD software
- Graphics software
- Inventory tracking software
- Symantec
- McAfee
- Corel WordPerfect Office Suite
- Work scheduling software
- Mapping software
How do I Become a Security Manager?
Learn what Security Manager education requirements there are.

How Long Does it Take to Become a Security Manager?

Security Managers Sector

Security Managers work in the following industries:

References:
Image Credit: Mike Moore via public domain
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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