As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for a VP of Security in the United States is $218,455 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $105.
However, a VP of Security's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A VP of Security'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.
Experience is a primary driver of a VP of Security'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:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Security Supervisor, Senior | 3-5 years | $89,643 |
| Security Manager | 5+ years | $104,944 |
| Security Senior Manager | 5+ years | $150,574 |
| Security Director | 5+ years | $168,289 |
| VP of Security | 5+ years | $218,455 |
What Am I Worth?
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 VP of Securities. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Leadership | 8.8% |
| EHS | 3.47% |
| Business Administration | 1.6% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Flexibility
|
$255,592 |
17%
|
|
Incident Response
|
$253,408 |
16%
|
|
Team Management
|
$253,408 |
16%
|
|
Integrity
|
$251,223 |
15%
|
|
Risk Management
|
$249,039 |
14%
|
|
Physical Security
|
$246,854 |
13%
|
VP of Security salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $244,340. While startup companies pay approximate $206,639.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $206,639 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $218,553 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $235,957 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $244,340 |
For VP of Security roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 45% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Energy & Utilities and Aerospace & Defense sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 25% above the average. In contrast, VP of Security positions in Hospitality & Leisure or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view VP of Security as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Energy & Utilities | $273,069 | $131.0 | 25% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $262,146 | $126.0 | 20% |
| Business Services | $251,223 | $121.0 | 15% |
| Construction | $240,301 | $116.0 | 10% |
| Insurance | $240,301 | $116.0 | 10% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many VP of Securities enter the field with a Bachelor's Degree degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a VP of Security with a Bachelor's Degree is between $217,808 and $237,251).
VP of Security Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 3.6% |
| High School | 10.7% |
| Associates | 3.6% |
| Bachelors | 35.7% |
| Masters | 42.9% |
| Doctorate | 3.6% |
Understanding how a VP of Security'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 July 01, 2026Salaries for a VP of Security can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $196,406 in 2023 to around $194,063 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of VP of Security salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $196,406 |
| 2024 | $197,803 |
| 2025 | $194,063 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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A VP of Security'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 VP of Security earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a VP of Security is $275,537.
The highest pay for VP of Security is $254,305.
The lowest pay for VP of Security is $181,169.
Develops the overall security strategy, policies, and standards to ensure the physical safety of all visitors, employees, or customers to the organization's facilities and the security of property and assets. Establishes auditing and inspection protocols to assess, identify, and mitigate any security vulnerabilities or gaps. Plans and prepares for crisis response, disaster recovery, evacuation, workplace violence, and other emergency events. Assesses systems, alarms, and other physical security measures for effectiveness. Designs and delivers company education programs on security policies and topics to ensure staff is adequately informed and equipped to manage potential security issues. Participates in local, state, provincial, or federal working or advisory groups to keep abreast of all security-related information, directives, and events. Leads and directs major investigations and critical event responses in coordination with law enforcement and other officials or agencies. Possess broad and deep knowledge of law enforcement methods, tactics, and procedures. Requires a bachelor's degree in law enforcement, criminal justice, security. Typically reports to top management. Manages a departmental function within a broader corporate function. Develops major goals to support broad functional objectives. Approves policies developed within various sub-functions and departments. Typically requires 8+ years of managerial experience. Comprehensive knowledge of the overall departmental function.
The Energy & Utilities industry offers the highest average compensation for VP of Security roles, with salaries approximately 25% above the market median.
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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