The average salary for a Security Manager in the US is $154,620 per year.
Security Managers oversee organizational security programs, manage risk mitigation strategies, and coordinate teams responsible for protecting digital and physical assets. In the US, this role is in demand across enterprise corporations, financial institutions, healthcare systems, technology companies, and government contractors. Salaries vary based on team size, regulatory exposure, and scope of responsibility. Professionals who lead cross-functional security initiatives and manage compliance frameworks typically earn higher compensation.
Salary Statistics: Security Manager (US)
| Salary Type | Annual Pay (USD) |
|---|---|
| Average Salary | $154,620 |
| Median Salary | $148,300 |
| Lowest Salary | $105,000 |
| Highest Salary | $230,000 |
Gender Pay Analysis in Security Manager
Gender pay differences for Security Managers in the US are influenced by leadership scope, industry specialization, and enterprise-level security ownership.
| Gender | Average Annual Salary (USD) | Compared to National Avg |
|---|---|---|
| Male | $158,000 | ▲ +2% |
| Female | $150,000 | ▼ −3% |
| Non-binary / Not Disclosed | $154,000 | ▲ +0% |
Compensation gaps tend to narrow at senior leadership levels where pay is tied to risk reduction outcomes and program effectiveness.
Salary by Experience Level
Entry-Level
Entry-level Security Managers transitioning from analyst or engineering roles typically earn around $105,000 per year. These professionals begin supervising small teams, managing operational security tasks, and assisting in compliance oversight. Most have 3–5 years of prior security experience.
Mid-Level
Mid-level Security Managers usually earn between $135,000 and $175,000 per year. At this stage, professionals lead larger teams, manage incident response programs, coordinate audits, and implement enterprise security frameworks. This level commonly requires 6–10 years of experience.
Senior Level
Senior Security Managers earn $200,000 or more per year, with top roles reaching $230,000 in major US enterprises. These professionals oversee organization-wide security operations, align security strategy with business objectives, and report directly to executive leadership. Compensation reflects high accountability for risk management and compliance posture.
Certifications for Security Manager
- Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
- Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)
- Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control (CRISC)
- Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)
- Project Management Professional (PMP)
Key Skills That Impact Salary
- Security program management
- Risk assessment and mitigation
- Compliance frameworks (ISO 27001, NIST, SOC 2)
- Incident response coordination
- Team leadership and budgeting
- Security policy development
Best-paying cities for Security Manager in the US
| City | Avg Salary (USD) | Compared to National Salary ($154,620) |
|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $182,000 | ▲ +18% |
| New York, NY | $171,000 | ▲ +11% |
| Washington, DC | $167,000 | ▲ +8% |
| Seattle, WA | $163,000 | ▲ +5% |
| Boston, MA | $159,000 | ▲ +3% |
| Austin, TX | $147,000 | ▼ −5% |
| Chicago, IL | $143,000 | ▼ −7% |
| Remote (US) | $155,000 | ▲ +0% |
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Using Salary Data to Negotiate Better Offers
- Research before negotiating
Use experience-level and location-based salary data to define a realistic target range. - Show measurable impact
Demonstrate reductions in security incidents, improved compliance audit results, and successful risk mitigation strategies. - Look beyond base salary
Compensation often includes bonuses, leadership incentives, equity, and remote flexibility. - Keep multiple options open
Applying to multiple roles increases leverage during salary negotiations.
Future Outlook for Security Manager Compensation
As organizations continue prioritizing cybersecurity governance and regulatory compliance, demand for experienced Security Managers remains strong. Professionals who can align security operations with business objectives are expected to see continued salary growth in the US market.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is $154,620 a good salary for a Security Manager?
Yes, $154,620 is competitive for mid-level management roles depending on industry and scope of responsibility.
Can Security Managers earn over $200,000?
Yes, senior Security Managers in large enterprises frequently exceed $200,000 annually.
Do management certifications increase salary?
Certifications like CISSP and CISM strengthen credibility, but leadership effectiveness and risk management impact have a stronger influence on compensation.
Are remote Security Manager roles common?
Yes, many organizations offer remote or hybrid management roles.
Which industries pay Security Managers the most?
Financial services, technology, healthcare, and government contractors typically offer higher salaries.
How long does it take to become a Security Manager?
It usually requires 6–10 years of progressive security experience with leadership exposure.
Is Security Management a stable career in the US?
Yes, increasing cybersecurity risks and regulatory demands ensure strong long-term stability.
