First-Line Supervisors of Security Workers
SOC code 33-1091 · O*NET-SOC 33-1091.00 · Little to some preparation needed · Legal and protective services
First-Line Supervisors of Security Workers pay
U.S. national figures, May 2025 BLS survey · How we got this number
Median pay
$55,940
a year
Hourly
$26.90
per hour
The solid band is the middle 50% of workers; the bar spans the 10th to 90th percentile.
Average pay
$59,900
$28.80 per hour
Middle 50%
$45,030 – $71,950
25th to 75th percentile
Full spread
$37,300 – $92,260
10th to 90th percentile
People employed
81,480
nationwide
National U.S. figure, May 2025. Local pay can be higher or lower.
- 10th percentile
- $37,300
- $17.93/hr
- 25th percentile
- $45,030
- $21.65/hr
- Median percentile
- $55,940
- $26.90/hr
- 75th percentile
- $71,950
- $34.59/hr
- 90th percentile
- $92,260
- $44.35/hr
What does a first-line supervisors of security worker do?
Directly supervise and coordinate activities of security workers and security guards.
The tasks that matter most day to day
- Investigate disturbances on the premises, such as security alarms, altercations, and suspicious activity.
- Patrol the premises to prevent or detect intrusion, protect property, or preserve order.
- Monitor and authorize entry of employees, visitors, or other persons.
- Secure entrances and exits by locking doors and gates.
- Write reports documenting observations made while on patrol.
- Monitor the behavior of security employees to ensure adherence to quality standards, deadlines, or procedures.
- Advise employees in handling problems or resolving complaints from customers, tenants, detainees, or other persons.
- Recruit, interview, and hire security personnel.
How to become a first-line supervisors of security worker
Most people in this role hold associate's degree or other 2-year degree — 30% of workers surveyed reported it as their level of education.
Preparation level: zone 2 — Little to some preparation needed
- Education
- Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not.
- Experience
- Some occupations may need little or no previous experience; others require several months to a year of experience. For example, landscaping and groundskeeping workers might require very little training or previous experience, while agricultural equipment operators can benefit from on-the job training.
- Training
- Ranges from a few days to one year of on-the-job training.
Education reported by people doing this job
- Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree30%
- High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)28%
- Some College Courses26%
- Bachelor's Degree11%
Common questions
How much does a first-line supervisors of security worker earn?
The national median is $55,940 a year. The full range runs from $37,300 at the 10th percentile to $92,260 at the 90th — entry pay sits closer to the lower figure, and experience, licensing and specialisation move you up the range.
Can you become a first-line supervisors of security worker without a degree?
Yes — this occupation sits in preparation zone 2, meaning the typical entry route is usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not. A four-year degree is not the standard requirement, though licensing or certification may still apply.
Skills and knowledge you need
Core skills
- Active Listening4.0/5
- Reading Comprehension3.9/5
- Speaking3.9/5
- Critical Thinking3.9/5
- Monitoring3.8/5
- Writing3.6/5
Knowledge areas
- Public Safety and Security4.9/5
- Administration and Management4.6/5
- Customer and Personal Service4.4/5
- Personnel and Human Resources4.4/5
- Law and Government4.4/5
- English Language4.4/5
- Administrative4.1/5
- Education and Training3.9/5
Transferable strengths: Judgment and Decision Making, Management of Personnel Resources, Social Perceptiveness, Coordination.