Career Overview
Conduct security assessments for organizations, and design security systems and processes. May specialize in areas such as physical security or the safety of employees and facilities.
Also Known As
- Security Advisor
- Security Analyst
- Security Consultant
- Security Specialist
Alternate Job Titles
- Cloud Security Consultant
- Cyber Risk Consultant
- Cybersecurity Analyst
- Cybersecurity Associate
- Cybersecurity Consultant
- Cybersecurity Risk Analyst
- Cybersecurity Specialist
- Governance, Risk, and Compliance Consultant (GRC Consultant)
- IAM Consultant (Identity and Access Management Consultant)
- IAM Developer (Identity and Access Management Developer)
- Industrial Control Systems Cybersecurity Consultant
- Industrial Security Specialist
- Information Security Consultant
- IT Security Specialist (Information Technology Security Specialist)
- Offensive Security Engineer
What You'll Do
In this role, your typical responsibilities include:
- Assess the nature and level of physical security threats so that the scope of the problem can be determined.
- Respond to emergency situations on an on-call basis.
- Recommend improvements in security systems or procedures.
- Perform risk analyses so that appropriate countermeasures can be developed.
- Inspect physical security design features, installations, or programs to ensure compliance with applicable standards or regulations.
- Conduct security audits to identify potential vulnerabilities related to physical security or staff safety.
- Design security policies, programs, or practices to ensure adequate security relating to alarm response, access card use, and other security needs.
Emerging Responsibilities
As this field evolves, you may also:
- Prepare written reports or presentations on findings and recommendations.
- Train personnel and vendors in security procedures or use of security equipment.
Knowledge You'll Use
You'll need solid knowledge in these areas:
- Public Safety and Security
- English Language
- Customer and Personal Service
- Computers and Electronics
- Administration and Management
- Law and Government
Essential Skills
Success in this career requires strong skills in:
- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Critical Thinking
- Reading Comprehension
- Judgment and Decision Making
- Coordination
- Complex Problem Solving
- Writing
- Monitoring
- Systems Analysis
Key Abilities
This career requires key abilities in:
- Oral Expression
- Problem Sensitivity
- Oral Comprehension
- Deductive Reasoning
- Written Expression
- Written Comprehension
- Inductive Reasoning
- Near Vision
- Information Ordering
- Flexibility of Closure
Work Style
People who excel in this career typically demonstrate:
- Cautiousness
- Integrity
- Dependability
- Attention to Detail
- Stress Tolerance
Education & Preparation
Typical Education: Bachelor's Degree
Related Work Experience Needed: Over 4 years, up to and including 6 years
On-the-Job Training: Anything beyond short demonstration, up to and including 1 month
Education Details: Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
Experience Required: A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.
Technology You'll Use
Popular Technologies & Software
- Adobe Acrobat
- Amazon Web Services AWS software
- JavaScript
- Linux
- Microsoft Access
- Microsoft Active Directory
- Microsoft Azure software
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft Outlook
Tools & Equipment
- Approach detection systems
- Audioconferencing equipment
- Card readers
- Closed circuit television CCTV monitoring systems
- Computer network routers
- Computer server equipment
- Desktop computers
- Digital video recorders
- Electronic access control systems
- Intrusion detection systems
- Magnetometers
- Mechanical access control systems
- Network video recorders
- Personal computers
- Tablet computers
Work Environment
- Telephone Conversations
- Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
- Freedom to Make Decisions
- Contact With Others
Salary & Job Market
Wages reported for the broader Business Operations Specialists, All Other occupational group (BLS 2024), which includes Security Management Specialists.
| Salary Percentile | Annual Wage |
|---|---|
| Entry-Level (10th percentile) | $46,230 |
| Median | $81,270 |
| Top Earners (90th percentile) | $147,830 |
Workers Employed Nationally: 1,128,200
Related Careers
If you're interested in this career, you might also consider:
Security Managers
Education: Bachelor's Degree
Median Salary: $104,690
Digital Forensics Analysts
Education: Not specified
Median Salary: $108,970
Compliance Managers
Education: Bachelor's Degree
Median Salary: $136,550
Management Analysts
Education: Bachelor's Degree
Median Salary: $101,190
Retail Loss Prevention Specialists
Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
Median Salary: $41,600
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Occupational data sourced from the O*NET OnLine database, developed by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration. Wage data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), 2024.