Security Operations Manager

    Criminal Justice & Protective Services

    CIP Name: Security Operations Manager|CIP Code: 43.0112
    SOC Codes: 25-1111, 33-1091

    Plan, manage, and supervise services providing private security protection for people and property and related investigative and consulting functions.

    $65K
    Median Salary
    +2.35%
    Job Growth
    9mo-1.5yr
    Training
    4.1K
    Jobs/Year

    What Security Operations Managers Do

    Plan, manage, and supervise services providing private security protection for people and property and related investigative and consulting functions.

    Common Tasks

    Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Teachers, Postsecondary

    • 1Prepare and deliver lectures to undergraduate or graduate students on topics such as criminal law, defensive policing, and investigation techniques.
    • 2Initiate, facilitate, and moderate classroom discussions.
    • 3Evaluate and grade students' class work, assignments, and papers.
    • 4Compile, administer, and grade examinations, or assign this work to others.
    • 5Keep abreast of developments in the field by reading current literature, talking with colleagues, and participating in professional conferences.

    What You'll Learn

    security and loss prevention servicesprivate security and investigation techniquessecurity technologiespersonnel managementbusiness operationsmarketingapplicable law and regulationsclient relations

    Types of Security Operations Managers

    Adjunct InstructorAdjunct ProfessorAssistant ProfessorAssociate ProfessorCriminal Justice InstructorCriminal Justice ProfessorDigital Forensics InstructorInstructorJustice ProfessorProfessorCampus Safety ChiefPublic Safety ManagerPublic Safety SupervisorSecurity ChiefSecurity DirectorSecurity Guard SupervisorSecurity LieutenantSecurity Shift SupervisorSecurity SupervisorShift Supervisor

    Work Environment

    Locations

    • • Corporate offices and business parks
    • • Hospitals and healthcare campuses
    • • Universities and school campuses
    • • Retail stores and shopping centers
    • • Industrial facilities and warehouses

    Schedule

    Most roles follow an established schedule, but supervisors often cover evenings, nights, weekends, or rotating shifts to support 24/7 operations.

    Physical Demands

    Work is a mix of desk time (reports, monitoring, scheduling) and active time walking patrols and responding to incidents. Physical demands are generally moderate, with occasional standing, walking, and handling equipment.

    Salary & Job Outlook

    Median $65,040
    $41,717$118,531+
    Entry Level
    10th percentile
    $41,717
    Early Career
    25th percentile
    $51,086
    Median
    50th percentile
    $65,040
    Experienced
    75th percentile
    $87,211
    Top Earners
    90th percentile
    $118,531+

    National Employment: 88,100 jobs

    Top Paying States

    Why Demand May Grow

    Demand may rise as businesses, campuses, and public venues invest more in loss prevention, access control, and incident response. Growth in security technology also increases the need for supervisors who can manage people and systems together.

    Skills You'll Need

    Incident response and de-escalationReport writing and documentationKnowledge of security laws, policies, and complianceStaff supervision, coaching, and schedulingRisk assessment and loss prevention planningSecurity technology basics (CCTV, access control, alarms)Communication and customer serviceAttention to detail and sound judgment under pressure

    Pros & Cons

    Pros

    • Clear path to leadership roles
    • Work is varied and problem-solving focused
    • Skills transfer across many industries
    • Stable demand in 24/7 environments
    • Opportunity to work with modern security technology

    Cons

    • May involve nights, weekends, and on-call coverage
    • High responsibility during emergencies and conflicts
    • Paperwork and report writing can be heavy
    • Dealing with difficult people and stressful situations
    • Pay can vary widely by employer and location
    FAQ

    Common Questions About the Security Operations Manager Trade

    Not Sure This Trade is Right?

    Take our free career quiz to discover trades that match your interests and skills.

    Take the Career Quiz