As of May 18, 2021, the average salary for a Security Specialist in the United States is $63,062 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $30.
However, a Security Specialist's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Security Specialist's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Security Specialist's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Security Specialist | 2-4 years | $63,062 |
| Senior Security Specialist | 4-7 years | $85,597 |
| Security Supervisor | 7+ years | $68,087 |
| Security Supervisor, Senior | 7+ years | $89,618 |
| Security Manager | 7+ years | $104,929 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Security Specialists. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Customer Service | 11.09% |
| Case Management | 2.46% |
| Sales and Marketing | 1.64% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Collaboration
|
$68,738 |
9%
|
|
Analysis
|
$68,107 |
8%
|
|
Presentation
|
$68,107 |
8%
|
|
Project Management
|
$67,476 |
7%
|
|
Initiative
|
$67,476 |
7%
|
|
Time Management
|
$66,846 |
6%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Security Specialists enter the field with a Associate's Degree degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a Security Specialist with a Associate's Degree is between $64,745 and $71,842).
Security Specialist Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 25.0% |
| High School | 25.0% |
| Associates | 6.3% |
| Bachelors | 56.3% |
| Masters | 12.5% |
| Doctorate | 0.0% |
Understanding how a Security Specialist's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
Last Updated on May 18, 2021For a Security Specialist, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Senior Security Specialist role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $85,597 - a projected growth of 36% over your current level.
Salaries for a Security Specialist can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $55,120 in 2023 to around $54,768 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Security Specialist salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $55,120 |
| 2024 | $54,997 |
| 2025 | $54,768 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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A Security Specialist's earning potential can vary widely depending on several factors, including location, industry, experience, education, and the specific employer. According to the latest salary data by Salary.com, a Security Specialist earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Security Specialist is $79,540.
The highest pay for Security Specialist is $91,354.
The lowest pay for Security Specialist is $56,112.
Administers, coordinates, and evaluates security programs that support the strategy, policies, and standards established for the physical safety of all visitors, employees, or customers to the organization's facilities and the security of property and assets. Compiles data and analyzes results of audits, inspections, daily logs, and incident reports to assess security vulnerabilities, measure program effectiveness, and identify the need for additional resources. Coordinates any required security clearance processing or investigative research for employees or job candidates with applicable entities. Assists with the development of training, education programs, and communications on security policies and topics to ensure staff is prepared for potential security issues, crisis response, disaster recovery, evacuation, workplace violence, and other emergency events. Monitors communications and stays informed about local, state, provincial, or federal security-related information, directives, and events. May coordinate or assist with investigations and critical event responses in coordination with law enforcement and other officials. Understands law enforcement methods, tactics, and procedures. Typically requires a bachelor's degree or equivalent. Typically reports to a head of a unit/department. Occasionally directed in several aspects of the work. Gaining exposure to some of the complex tasks within the job function. Typically requires 2-4 years of related experience.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)
With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.
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