Public Safety & Security career

Security Supervisor

Also called: Security Shift Supervisor · Security Site Supervisor · Security Manager · Lead Security Officer

What security supervisors do, what they earn, how long training takes and how to get started, with official BLS pay data and practical, job-level detail.

Updated By the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team
What does a security supervisor do?

First-line supervisors of security workers direct security officers, schedule shifts, enforce post orders, investigate incidents and coordinate with clients and emergency services. The median pay is $55,940 per year (BLS, May 2025), most people train for about 1–3 years of security experience, and employment is projected to grow +3.7% from 2025–35.

Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026

  • Median pay
    $55,940
    $26.90/hour · May 2025
  • Job growth
    +3.7%
    2025–35, about as fast as average
  • Openings per year
    6,800
    Average, 2025–35
  • Typical entry education
    High school diploma or equivalent
    BLS classification
  • Time to train
    1–3 years of security experience
    Typical program length
  • U.S. jobs
    82,700
    Employment, 2025

What security supervisors do

Security supervisors lead teams that protect offices, hospitals, campuses, stores and events. They schedule and train officers, inspect posts, enforce procedures, respond to incidents, review reports, work with clients and police and improve security plans. They often step in to cover posts and handle the toughest situations.

Most supervisors are promoted from security officer roles after a few years, though some come from military or law enforcement backgrounds. State guard licenses are required in many states, and professional certifications such as the ASIS PSP or CPP support advancement to security management.

Typical duties

  • Schedule and supervise security officers
  • Train officers on post orders and procedures
  • Inspect posts and patrols
  • Respond to and manage incidents
  • Review and approve incident reports
  • Coordinate with clients and emergency services
  • Recommend security improvements

Work environment and schedule

Supervisors work at client sites, patrol buildings and grounds and spend time in security offices monitoring cameras.

Schedule: Security runs 24/7, so supervisors work rotating shifts, nights, weekends and on-call.

A day in the life

  1. Brief the day shift on overnight incidents and special events.
  2. Inspect posts and check officers’ uniforms and equipment.
  3. Respond to an alarm and review camera footage.
  4. Train a new officer on access control procedures.

See a full day in the life of a security supervisor →

Security Supervisor salary

Half of security supervisors earned more than $55,940 and half earned less in May 2025. Pay ranged from about $37,300 for the lowest 10% to $92,260 for the top 10%.

Full security supervisor pay scale and hourly rates →

How to become a security supervisor

  1. Work as a security officer
  2. Get licensed and trained
  3. Take on lead duties
  4. Get promoted to supervisor
  5. Advance

A high school diploma plus security experience is typical. Many states require a security guard license. Military, law enforcement or college coursework helps.

Step-by-step guide to becoming a security supervisor →

Skills and tools

Technical skills

  • Security operations
  • Scheduling
  • Incident response
  • Report review
  • Access control systems

People skills

  • Leadership
  • Communication
  • Composure
  • Judgment

All security supervisor skills and tools →

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Leadership role without a degree
  • Steady demand
  • Variety of sites and industries
  • Path to security management

Cons

  • Shift work and call-outs
  • Covering staff shortages
  • Handling conflicts and emergencies
  • Modest pay at some employers

Certifications and licenses

  • State security guard license: Required in many states.
  • ASIS Physical Security Professional (PSP): Credential for physical security expertise.
  • ASIS Certified Protection Professional (CPP): Senior security management credential.
  • CPR/AED and first aid: Emergency response training.

Career path

  1. Security Officer: Protect posts and patrol.
  2. Lead Officer: Guide officers on shift.
  3. Security Supervisor: Lead shifts and sites.
  4. Security Manager or Director: Run security programs.

Learn the job before day one

Our Security Supervisor training (10 hours, $89.99) covers the role, 15+ key terms, step-by-step procedures such as inspect a security post and review an incident report, safety and how to land your first job.

View Security Supervisor trainingIs this career right for me?

Security Guard

Protect people and property by observing, patrolling, controlling access and reporting.

  • $38,020
  • Days to 2 weeks

Police Officer

Protect communities, respond to calls, investigate crimes and enforce the law.

  • $76,210
  • 6–12 months (academy + field training)

Private Investigator

Find facts, people and evidence for clients, lawyers and businesses.

  • $51,220
  • 1–3 years of experience

Emergency Management Director

Plan for disasters and lead communities through emergencies and recovery.

  • $93,330
  • Bachelor’s plus 5+ years of experience

Compare: Security Supervisor vs. Security Guard · Security Supervisor vs. Police Officer · Security Supervisor vs. Private Investigator · Security Supervisor vs. Emergency Manager

Security Supervisor FAQ

How do you become a security supervisor?

Usually by working as a security officer and getting promoted.

Is a license required?

Many states require a security license.

What certifications help?

ASIS PSP and CPP for advancement.

How much does a security supervisor make?

The median annual wage for security supervisors was $55,940 ($26.90 per hour) in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $37,300 and the highest 10% earned more than $92,260.

How long does it take to become a security supervisor?

Most people need about 1–3 years of security experience of training. A high school diploma plus security experience is typical. Many states require a security guard license. Military, law enforcement or college coursework helps.

Do you need a degree to be a security supervisor?

No four-year degree is typically required. BLS lists “high school diploma or equivalent” as the typical entry-level education.

More security supervisor questions →

Sources

Reviewed by the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team. Pay figures are national estimates; local pay varies. See our editorial policy.

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