The average salary for a Security Operations Manager in the US is $149,000 per year.
Security Operations Managers oversee security monitoring, incident response teams, and threat detection programs within organizations. In the US, companies across finance, healthcare, technology, and government rely on Security Operations Managers to reduce cyber risk and ensure rapid response to security incidents. Salaries vary based on team size, industry regulations, and the complexity of the organization’s security infrastructure. Managers who can prevent breaches and improve response efficiency typically earn higher compensation.
Salary Statistics: Security Operations Manager (US)
| Salary Type | Annual Pay (USD) |
|---|---|
| Average Salary | $149,000 |
| Median Salary | $143,000 |
| Lowest Salary | $105,000 |
| Highest Salary | $215,000 |
Gender Pay Analysis in Security Operations Manager
| Gender | Average Annual Salary (USD) | Compared to National Avg |
|---|---|---|
| Male | $153,000 | ▲ +3% |
| Female | $146,000 | ▼ −2% |
| Non-binary / Not Disclosed | $149,000 | ▲ +0% |
Compensation differences are generally influenced by leadership scope and years of experience managing security operations teams.
Salary by Experience Level
Entry-Level
Entry-level Security Operations Managers typically earn around $105,000 per year. These professionals supervise security analysts, monitor threat alerts, and coordinate response procedures. Most have 0–2 years of leadership experience after working in analyst or security engineering roles.
Mid-Level
Mid-level Security Operations Managers earn between $130,000 and $175,000 per year. At this stage, professionals lead incident response programs, improve security monitoring systems, and manage compliance reporting. This level commonly requires 3–6 years of security operations leadership experience.
Senior Level
Senior Security Operations Managers earn $195,000 or more per year, with top roles reaching $215,000 in large enterprises. These professionals define security strategy, oversee large teams, and collaborate with executive leadership on risk management initiatives.
Certifications for Security Operations Manager
- Certified Information Systems Security Professional
- Certified Information Security Manager
- Certified Ethical Hacker
- Certified Information Systems Auditor
- Security Operations Center Manager Certification
Key Skills That Impact Salary
- Incident response leadership
- Threat intelligence analysis
- Security monitoring platforms
- Risk management strategy
- Team leadership and training
- Compliance and regulatory alignment
Best-paying cities for Security Operations Manager in the US
| City | Avg Salary (USD) | Compared to National Salary ($149,000) |
|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $176,000 | ▲ +18% |
| New York, NY | $164,000 | ▲ +10% |
| Seattle, WA | $159,000 | ▲ +7% |
| Boston, MA | $153,000 | ▲ +3% |
| Austin, TX | $143,000 | ▼ −4% |
| Atlanta, GA | $136,000 | ▼ −9% |
| Dallas, TX | $134,000 | ▼ −10% |
| Remote (US) | $150,000 | ▲ +1% |
| Chicago, IL | $139,000 | ▼ −7% |
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Using Salary Data to Negotiate Better Offers
- Research location-based salary benchmarks
- Demonstrate measurable improvements in threat response and risk reduction
- Consider bonuses, stock options, and remote flexibility
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Future Outlook for Security Operations Manager Compensation
As cybersecurity threats grow more sophisticated, organizations continue investing in security operations leadership. Demand for experienced Security Operations Managers is expected to remain strong, supporting long-term salary growth in the US market.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is $149,000 a good salary for a Security Operations Manager?
Yes, $149,000 is competitive for mid-level Security Operations Manager roles in most US markets.
Can Security Operations Managers earn over $200,000?
Yes, senior roles in large enterprises can exceed $200,000 annually.
Do certifications increase Security Operations Manager salary?
Yes, advanced security certifications can significantly improve earning potential.
Are remote Security Operations Manager roles common?
Yes, many organizations offer hybrid or remote options for security leadership roles.
Which industries pay Security Operations Managers the most?
Finance, healthcare, government, and enterprise technology companies typically offer higher compensation.
Is Security Operations Management a stable career path?
Yes, as cyber threats increase, organizations continue prioritizing security leadership positions.
