Security Managers fall into the Enterprising Theme Code Category of The Strong Interest Inventory® Assessment. Since this Assessment was released nearly a century ago, it has been used by numerous individuals to help them find careers that leverage their personal and vocational preferences and interests. First, individuals take an extensive assessment that evaluates these interests and proclivities along many dimensions. Then, the assessment rubric recommends the top categories of careers that they will likely find fulfilling based on a similar answer pattern of those who have reported quite satisfied within their careers. The Enterprising category of careers generally suits those who have a strong personality and drive to succeed, and who thrive in challenging, fast-paced environments.

Security Managers direct security functions for many organizations, from airports and government agencies, to schools and universities, to celebrities and politicians. Keeping people and property safe and secure can be an intensive process. The first step is to identify possible threats and create and implement security standards, policies, and procedures to mitigate those possible threats. This involves a deep understanding of the physical layout of the space to be secured, including identifying ingress and egress points, the expected flow of traffic, any possible objectives or high-value targets, and any vulnerabilities or blind spots. If a breach is found, they need to take steps to investigate and respond to those breaches. For example, a Security Manager working in an airport needs to be aware of all of the places that passengers may enter or leave the airport, as well as the locations of all security checkpoints. They are also aware that a possible threat in an airport is passengers bringing aboard prohibited items. If a passenger is found with such an item, the threat can be mitigated by asking the passenger to dispose of said item. If a threat is not detected and a situation becomes an emergency, it may be necessary for Security Managers to respond quickly and appropriately. Throughout this process, Security Managers need to communicate with other personnel or the general public.

Some Security Managers have specialized responsibilities. For example, they may need to develop procedures, policies, or best practices to ensure the safety of people or property in everyday as well as emergency situations such as natural disasters or terrorist attacks. This is a multi-step process that includes proposing the policy change, piloting it in a small test environment or simulations, and gathering data to assess its effectiveness. Additional responsibilities may include training subordinates or other organization members, developing budgets, writing or reviewing documents like incident reports or tactical initiative proposals, purchasing equipment, attending seminars, and planning for special events.

Security Managers typically use surveillance systems, alarm systems, and video conferencing platforms, among other tools do their jobs. In addition to standard office software (e.g., Microsoft Office Suite), they may also use software for computer aided design, photo analysis, project management, and other database, enterprise resource planning, or inventory management software as needed.

Most Security Managers (60%) hold a Bachelor’s degree, while about 15% hold a Master’s and 15% hold an Associate’s degree. In these programs, Security Managers typically develop a deep understanding of public safety and security, as well as knowledge of historical incidents and how they could have been prevented. A foundation in customer service, administration, and training can also be helpful.

The median Security Manager Salary in the United States is $107,480 annually, and we employ over a million across the country. In California and the mid-Atlantic region, median salaries are well over $130,000, while in Indiana and West Virginia, the median is less than half that—just $61,000 annually. That said, the highest-paid Security Managers in states like California can earn well over $200,000 annually, or over $100 per hour. Employment for Security Managers is expected to rise steadily in the next decade. California alone is projected to add nearly 9,000 jobs annually for the next decade, and the state of Washington, among others, are projected to grow more than 20%. Overall, Security Managers can expect steady job prospects and salaries for the foreseeable future.

Below are some employment trends for Security Managers:

• Security Manager Salary: $51.67/hour; $107,480 annually
• Employment: 1,080,000 employees
• Projected growth (2018-2028): Average (4-6%)
• Projected job openings (2018-2028): 91,300

[Information retrieved from Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data and 2018-2028 employment projections]

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Explore our Strong Interest Inventory® Blog Pages:

• Strong Interest Inventory Realistic Theme Explained 
• Strong Interest Inventory Artistic Theme Explained
• Strong Interest Inventory Investigative Theme Explained 
• Strong Interest Inventory Social Theme Explained 
• Strong Interest Inventory Enterprising Theme Explained 
• Strong Interest Inventory Conventional Theme Explained 

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References

1. Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data and 2018-2028 employment projections Onetonline.org