All About Security Managers
Occupation Description Direct an organization’s security functions, including physical security and safety of employees, facilities, and assets.
List of Security Manager Job Duties
- Respond to medical emergencies, bomb threats, fire alarms, or intrusion alarms, following emergency response procedures.
- Develop, conduct, support, or assist in governmental reviews, internal corporate evaluations, or assessments of the overall effectiveness of facility and personnel security processes.
- Direct or participate in emergency management and contingency planning.
- Develop budgets for security operations.
- Communicate security status, updates, and actual or potential problems, using established protocols.
- Purchase security-related supplies, equipment, or technology.
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Qualities of a Security Manager
Security Managers state the following job skills are important in their day-to-day work.
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.
Related Job Titles for this Occupation:
- Internal Security Manager
- Security Director
- Security Supervisor
- Security Operations Manager
- Security Manager
Is There Going to be Demand for Security Managers?
In the United States, there were 992,100 jobs for Security Manager in 2016. 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. There will be an estimated 79,200 positions for Security Manager per 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.
Salary for a Security Manager
The average yearly salary of a Security Manager ranges 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 |
What Tools & Technology do Security Managers Use?
Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Security Managers:
- 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 to Become a Security Manager
What kind of Security Manager requirements are there?

What work experience do I need to become a Security Manager?

Where Security Managers Work

The table below shows some of the most common industries where those employed in this career field work.

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