Security Supervisor

    Criminal Justice & Protective Services

    CIP Name: Security Management|CIP Code: 43.0401
    SOC Codes: 25-1111, 33-1012, 33-1091

    A program of study that focuses on the general application of science and technology to security.

    $71K
    Median Salary
    +2.7%
    Job Growth
    1.5 years
    Training
    7.0K
    Jobs/Year

    What Security Supervisors Do

    A program of study that focuses on the general application of science and technology to security.

    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.

    Types of Security Supervisors

    Adjunct InstructorAdjunct ProfessorAssistant ProfessorAssociate ProfessorCriminal Justice InstructorCriminal Justice ProfessorDigital Forensics InstructorInstructorJustice ProfessorProfessorCaptainDeputy SheriffDetective SergeantLieutenantPatrol SergeantPolice CaptainPolice ChiefPolice LieutenantPolice SergeantShift SupervisorCampus Safety ChiefPublic Safety ManagerPublic Safety SupervisorSecurity ChiefSecurity DirectorSecurity Guard SupervisorSecurity LieutenantSecurity Shift SupervisorSecurity Supervisor

    Work Environment

    Locations

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

    Schedule

    Many roles follow a set schedule, but supervisors often cover evenings, nights, weekends, and on-call needs depending on site operations.

    Physical Demands

    Work is a mix of desk duties (reports, scheduling, monitoring) and time on your feet while patrolling or responding to incidents. Moderate walking, standing, and occasional physical intervention or evidence handling may be required.

    Salary & Job Outlook

    Median $71,470
    $45,640$143,130+
    Entry Level
    10th percentile
    $45,640
    Early Career
    25th percentile
    $56,100
    Median
    50th percentile
    $71,470
    Experienced
    75th percentile
    $99,730
    Top Earners
    90th percentile
    $143,130+

    National Employment: 248,900 jobs

    Top Paying States

    Why Demand May Grow

    Organizations continue to invest in security staffing and supervision to reduce theft, manage access control, and respond to incidents. Growth in large facilities, campuses, and events can increase the need for experienced supervisors and managers.

    Skills You'll Need

    Incident response and de-escalationReport writing and documentationTeam leadership and coachingRisk assessment and situational awarenessCommunication and customer serviceScheduling and basic operations managementKnowledge of security systems (CCTV, alarms, access control)Attention to detail and sound judgment

    Pros & Cons

    Pros

    • Clear path to leadership roles in security
    • Work is varied and problem-solving focused
    • Skills transfer across many industries
    • Opportunity to improve safety for people and property
    • Often includes stable, routine scheduling

    Cons

    • Moderate time pressure during incidents and emergencies
    • May require nights, weekends, and holiday coverage
    • Dealing with conflict, rule violations, and stressful situations
    • High responsibility for staff performance and site safety
    • Paperwork and report writing can be heavy
    FAQ

    Common Questions About the Security Supervisor Trade

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