How much does a security supervisor make?
Answer: A typical security supervisor in the United States makes $55,940 a year (median, May 2025, US Bureau of Labor Statistics).
Line up 100 people; this is the one in the middle (median). about 81,000 people work in this job. About the same as the US-wide typical pay ($50,980).
If 100 people had this job
Lowest at bottom-left, highest at top-rightHover over a person to see their yearly pay
Security supervisor pay in the United States (May 2025, median and spread)
| Lower earner (10th from bottom) | Typical person (median) | Higher earner (10th from top) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|---|
| $37,300 | $55,940 | $92,260 | about 81,000 |
| State | Typical person (median) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|
| District of Columbia | $83,710 | about 710 |
| Maryland | $63,690 | about 2,000 |
| Washington | $62,510 | about 2,000 |
| New Mexico | $62,330 | about 580 |
| New Jersey | $61,590 | about 2,000 |
Why does pay differ?
In the United States, pay can differ with experience, state-required training or licenses, and the employer, such as a hospital, store, or security company. Location, job responsibility, and any overtime or night-shift premiums can matter too.
What if you lived in a different state?
Pay varies a lot by state in the USTop 5 and bottom 3 states, typical (median) yearly pay.
What does a security supervisor do?
Directly supervise and coordinate activities of security workers and security guards.
What's a typical day like?
At the start of a shift, they place guards at posts, check cameras and alarms, and patrol the site. If something goes wrong, they respond or call police or firefighters, then train staff and write reports.
How to get this job
A common path is to finish high school or earn a GED, start in a security job, and gain related experience before moving into supervision. Check state rules: Oregon requires a supervisory-manager license, a course and exam, and applicants must be at least 18.
High school plus some training (preparation level 2 of 5)
Good for people who like leading and selling and keeping things organized.
Did you know?
Some security supervisors plan practice drills for threats such as fires or bombs, and may call police or firefighters in a real emergency.
Similar jobs
Jobs using similar skills (O*NET)Earn more in the same field
Protective Service jobs that pay a bit moreSources and data
Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025 (bls.gov); descriptions and related jobs from O*NET 31.0. Figures as of May 2025, full-time yearly pay (hourly × 2,080 hours). bls.gov/oes · O*NET OnLine
Pages used for the text
- www.onetonline.org/link/summary/33-1091.00
- www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes331091.htm
- www.bls.gov/careeroutlook/2015/article/wage-differences.htm
- www.bls.gov/ooh/about/data-for-occupations-not-covered-in-detail.htm
- www.oregon.gov/dpsst/PS/Pages/Manager.aspx
- www.law.cornell.edu/regulations/oregon/Or-Admin-Code-SS-259-060-0020
Data: US BLS OEWS, May 2025 · 1 USD = 150 JPY