As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Security Forces Specialist in the United States is $98,257 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $47.
However, a Security Forces Specialist's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Security Forces 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.
Experience is a primary driver of a Security Forces 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:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Expeditor... Level Security Forces Specialist | $76,686 |
| Purchasin... Level Security Forces Specialist | $88,232 |
| Security ... Level Security Forces Specialist | $100,885 |
| Purchasin... Level Security Forces Specialist | $127,236 |
| Purchasin... Level Security Forces Specialist | $176,670 |
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 Security Forces Specialists. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Planning | 2.33% |
| ERP | 1.5% |
| Purchase Requisitions | 0.96% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Project Management
|
$104,152 |
6%
|
|
Continuous Improvement
|
$104,152 |
6%
|
|
Presentation
|
$103,169 |
5%
|
|
Leadership
|
$102,187 |
4%
|
|
Decision Making
|
$102,187 |
4%
|
|
Initiative
|
$102,187 |
4%
|
For Security Forces Specialist roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 70% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Pharmaceuticals and Financial Services sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 40% above the average. In contrast, Security Forces Specialist positions in Retail & Wholesale or Hospitality & Leisure typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Security Forces Specialist as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pharmaceuticals | $137,559 | $66.0 | 40% |
| Financial Services | $122,821 | $59.0 | 25% |
| Internet | $122,821 | $59.0 | 25% |
| Energy & Utilities | $117,908 | $57.0 | 20% |
| Biotechnology | $112,995 | $54.0 | 15% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Security Forces Specialists enter the field with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate 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 Security Forces Specialist with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate is between $98,140 and $104,640).
Security Forces Specialist Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 2.0% |
| High School | 22.4% |
| Associates | 10.2% |
| Bachelors | 49.0% |
| Masters | 14.3% |
| Doctorate | 2.0% |
Understanding how a Security Forces 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 August 01, 2026Salaries for a Security Forces Specialist can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $92,467 in 2023 to around $91,692 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Security Forces Specialist salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $92,467 |
| 2024 | $92,791 |
| 2025 | $91,692 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The Pharmaceuticals industry offers the highest average compensation for Security Forces Specialist roles, with salaries approximately 40% above the market median.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
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