Protective Service
First-Line Supervisors of Security Workers
Also called: Campus Safety Chief, Public Safety Manager, Public Safety Supervisor, Security Chief
US median pay
$55,940
per year, 2025
Job growth 2025–35
+3.7%
about average or slower
Openings a year (US)
6,800
82,700 employed
Typical entry education
High school diploma or equivalent
Preparation 2/5 · Some preparation
What this job is
Directly supervise and coordinate activities of security workers and security guards.
What they do day to day
- Investigate disturbances on the premises, such as security alarms, altercations, and suspicious activity.
- Patrol the premises to prevent or detect intrusion, protect property, or preserve order.
- Monitor and authorize entry of employees, visitors, or other persons.
- Secure entrances and exits by locking doors and gates.
- Write reports documenting observations made while on patrol.
- Monitor the behavior of security employees to ensure adherence to quality standards, deadlines, or procedures.
- Advise employees in handling problems or resolving complaints from customers, tenants, detainees, or other persons.
- Recruit, interview, and hire security personnel.
- Assign security personnel to posts or patrols.
- Call police or fire departments in cases of emergency, such as fire, bomb threats, and presence of unauthorized persons.
Skills and knowledge that matter most
Skills
- Judgment and Decision Making3.9/5
- Management of Personnel Resources3.8/5
- Time Management3.6/5
- Social Perceptiveness3.6/5
- Coordination3.6/5
- Complex Problem Solving3.6/5
- Persuasion3.2/5
- Instructing3.2/5
Knowledge
- Public Safety and Security4.9/5
- Administration and Management4.6/5
- Customer and Personal Service4.4/5
- Personnel and Human Resources4.4/5
- Law and Government4.4/5
- English Language4.4/5
Importance rated by people working in the job (1 = not important, 5 = extremely important).
Education and preparation
Preparation level 2 of 5 — Some preparation. Usually a high school diploma; some previous work experience or training helps.
Typical entry education (BLS): High school diploma or equivalent, plus less than 5 years of related work experience.
Highest education of people in this job:
- Associate's degree30%
- High school diploma28%
- Some college26%
Who this job suits
Mostly Enterprising
Leading, persuading and starting things
Conventional
Organising data, details and procedures
Realistic
Hands-on work with tools, machines, plants or animals
Based on the Holland (RIASEC) interest profile for this occupation.