Business & Finance
Security Management Specialists
Also called: Physical Security Engineer, Physical Security Specialist, Security Advisor, Security Analyst
US median pay
$83,050
per year, 2025
Job growth 2025–35
+3.9%
about average or slower
Openings a year (US)
98,700
1,157,600 employed
Typical entry education
Bachelor's degree
Preparation 4/5 · Considerable preparation
What this job is
Conduct security assessments for organizations, and design security systems and processes. May specialize in areas such as physical security or the safety of employees and facilities.
What they do day to day
- Assess the nature and level of physical security threats so that the scope of the problem can be determined.
- Respond to emergency situations on an on-call basis.
- Recommend improvements in security systems or procedures.
- Perform risk analyses so that appropriate countermeasures can be developed.
- Inspect physical security design features, installations, or programs to ensure compliance with applicable standards or regulations.
- Conduct security audits to identify potential vulnerabilities related to physical security or staff safety.
- Design security policies, programs, or practices to ensure adequate security relating to alarm response, access card use, and other security needs.
- Test security measures for final acceptance and implement or provide procedures for ongoing monitoring and evaluation of the measures.
- Design, implement, or establish requirements for security systems, video surveillance, motion detection, or closed-circuit television systems to ensure proper installation and operation.
- Prepare, maintain, or update security procedures, security system drawings, or related documentation.
Skills and knowledge that matter most
Skills
- Judgment and Decision Making3.9/5
- Coordination3.8/5
- Complex Problem Solving3.8/5
- Systems Evaluation3.6/5
- Systems Analysis3.6/5
- Social Perceptiveness3.5/5
- Time Management3.4/5
- Service Orientation3.4/5
Knowledge
- Public Safety and Security4.7/5
- English Language4.2/5
- Customer and Personal Service4.0/5
- Computers and Electronics3.9/5
- Administration and Management3.9/5
- Law and Government3.8/5
Importance rated by people working in the job (1 = not important, 5 = extremely important).
Education and preparation
Preparation level 4 of 5 — Considerable preparation. Usually a bachelor's degree and several years of related experience.
Typical entry education (BLS): Bachelor's degree.
Highest education of people in this job:
- Bachelor's degree65%
- Master's degree10%
- Some college10%
Who this job suits
Mostly Conventional
Organising data, details and procedures
Investigative
Ideas, research and solving problems
Realistic
Hands-on work with tools, machines, plants or animals
Based on the Holland (RIASEC) interest profile for this occupation.