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Security Specialist Salary in the United States

How much does a Security Specialist make in the United States?

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Security Specialist in the United States is $63,160 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $30.

However, a Security Specialist's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $91,929
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $59,409 to $78,219
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $55,994
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Security Specialist Salaries

A Security Specialist's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Experience Level Affects Security Specialist Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Security Specialist's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:

  • Security Specialist (2-4 years): $63,160
  • Senior Security Specialist (4-7 years): $94,190
  • Security Supervisor (7+ years): $68,277
  • Security Supervisor, Senior (7+ years): $89,650
  • Security Manager (7+ years): $104,948
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Security Specialist2-4 years$63,160
Senior Security Specialist4-7 years$94,190
Security Supervisor7+ years$68,277
Security Supervisor, Senior7+ years$89,650
Security Manager7+ years$104,948
View as Graph

How Do Security Specialists Salaries Vary from State to State?

Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Security Specialists. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $69,931.
  • California: $69,665.
  • Massachusetts: $68,737.

Top Paying Cities for Security Specialist

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

  • San Jose: $79,664
  • San Francisco: $78,791
  • Oakland: $77,131

What Skills Can Increase a Security Specialist's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Customer Service (Mentioned in 11.09% Job Postings): Customer service is the provision of service to customers before, during and after a purchase. The perception of success of such interactions is dependent on employees "who can adjust themselves to the personality of the guest". Customer service concerns the priority an organization assigns to customer service relative to components such as product innovation and pricing. In this sense, an organization that values good customer service may spend more money in training employees than the average organization or may proactively interview customers for feedback. From the point of view of an overall sales process engineering effort, customer service plays an important role in an organization's ability to generate income and revenue. From that perspective, customer service should be included as part of an overall approach to systematic improvement. One good customer service experience can change the entire perception a customer holds towards the organization.
  • Case Management (Mentioned in 2.46% Job Postings): Connecting patients with suitable healthcare providers, resources, and services to ensure they receive optimal, cost-effective care.
  • Sales and Marketing (Mentioned in 1.64% Job Postings): Marketing consists of the strategies your company employs to generate interest in your business. Sales are the methods by which you convert that interest into a transaction.
Skills Demand Percentage
Customer Service 11.09%
Case Management 2.46%
Sales and Marketing 1.64%
See More Skills

What skills can make your compensation higher?

Mastering certain specialized skills can lead to a significant increase in pay. Here are examples of skills and the potential impact they can have on a Security Specialist's salary.

  • Category Management: Can increase your salary by up to 59%.
  • Customer Engagement: Can increase your salary by up to 26%.
  • Brand Awareness: Can increase your salary by up to 18%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Category Management $100,424
59%
Customer Engagement $79,582
26%
Brand Awareness $74,529
18%
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Security Specialist Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Security Specialist salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $70,584. While startup companies pay approximate $59,707.

Security Specialist Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $59,707
Growth Stage 51~500 $63,146
Established 501~5000 $68,158
Enterprise 5000+ $70,584

Security Specialist Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Security Specialist roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 90% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Software & Networking and Financial Services sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 54% above the average. In contrast, Security Specialist positions in Hospitality & Leisure or Retail & Wholesale typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Security Specialist as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Security Specialist

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Software & Networking$97,266$47.054%
Financial Services$90,950$44.044%
Pharmaceuticals$84,634$41.034%
Aerospace & Defense$78,318$38.024%
Internet$75,160$36.019%

How Education impacts an Security Specialist's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Security Specialist enter the field with a Bachelor's Degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.

According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for an Security Specialist with a Bachelor's Degree is between $65,305 and $72,486.

Security Specialist Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for Security Specialist
Degree Level % of user with this level of education
No Diploma 25.0%
High School 25.0%
Associates 6.3%
Bachelors 56.3%
Masters 12.5%
Doctorate 0.0%
View as Graph

Security Specialist Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Security Specialist's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.

Last Updated on September 01, 2026
$59,409
Average $63,160/year
$78,219
$4,951
Average $5,263/month
$6,518
$1,142
Average $1,215/week
$1,504
$29
Average $30/hour
$38
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $78,219 $6,518 $1,504 $38
Average $63,160 $5,263 $1,215 $30
25th Percentile $59,409 $4,951 $1,142 $29

Security Specialist Salary Growth & Career Path

Security Specialist

Next Role

Advancement

For a Security Specialist, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Senior Security Specialist role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $94,190 - a projected growth of 49% over your current level.

Most common benefits for Security Specialist

  • Social Security
  • 401 (k)
  • Disability
  • Healthcare
  • Pension
  • Time Off (days)

Common company salaries for Security Specialist

Here are companies hiring for Security Specialist and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about Security Specialist

1. Where can a Security Specialist earn the most?

A Security Specialist's earning potential can vary widely depending on several factors, including location, industry, experience, education, and the specific employer. According to the latest salary data by Salary.com, a Security Specialist earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Security Specialist is $79,664.

2. What is the highest pay for Security Specialist?

The highest pay for Security Specialist is $91,929.

3. What is the lowest pay for Security Specialist?

The lowest pay for Security Specialist is $55,994.

4. What are the responsibilities of Security Specialist?

Administers, coordinates, and evaluates security programs that support the strategy, policies, and standards established for the physical safety of all visitors, employees, or customers to the organization's facilities and the security of property and assets. Compiles data and analyzes results of audits, inspections, daily logs, and incident reports to assess security vulnerabilities, measure program effectiveness, and identify the need for additional resources. Coordinates any required security clearance processing or investigative research for employees or job candidates with applicable entities. Assists with the development of training, education programs, and communications on security policies and topics to ensure staff is prepared for potential security issues, crisis response, disaster recovery, evacuation, workplace violence, and other emergency events. Monitors communications and stays informed about local, state, provincial, or federal security-related information, directives, and events. May coordinate or assist with investigations and critical event responses in coordination with law enforcement and other officials. Understands law enforcement methods, tactics, and procedures. Typically requires a bachelor's degree or equivalent. Typically reports to a head of a unit/department. Occasionally directed in several aspects of the work. Gaining exposure to some of the complex tasks within the job function. Typically requires 2-4 years of related experience.

5. What industry pays the highest salary for Security Specialist?

The Software & Networking industry offers the highest average compensation for Security Specialist roles, with salaries approximately 54% above the market median.

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.

We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)

With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.

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