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What is a security operations manager and how to become one
A security operations manager is a senior-level management role. They are responsible for overseeing an organization's operations, with particular regard to IT, data security, and business continuity. The role requires strategic oversight in covering all elements of IT security in a company.
In addition to watching over the day-to-day operations, security operations managers may also be responsible for strategic vision, scoping requirements, system design, applications development, production implementation, incident response, and budgetary control. All while adhering to any necessary protocols, regulations, or legal requirements. They monitor the design, testing, and implementation of all IT security solutions within an organization.
Many employers desire a bachelor's degree in a field related to computer science, information technology, or cyber-security for this role. Since it's a senior-level position, a master's degree is also helpful for landing a job as a security operations manager. The average salary for this position is $23.20 an hour, which amounts to over $48,000 annually. The career is also projected to grow in the near future.
What general advice would you give to a security operations manager?
Nina Woodard
Senior Career Development Specialist, Belmont University
Avg. Salary $59,395
Avg. Salary $59,228
Growth rate 6%
Growth rate 0.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native 0.47%
Asian 6.39%
Black or African American 6.21%
Hispanic or Latino 15.28%
Unknown 4.34%
White 67.31%
Genderfemale 14.01%
male 85.99%
Age - 44American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%
Asian 7.00%
Black or African American 14.00%
Hispanic or Latino 19.00%
White 57.00%
Genderfemale 47.00%
male 53.00%
Age - 44Stress level is very high
7.1 - high
Complexity level is advanced
7 - challenging
Work life balance is poor
6.4 - fair
Security operations manager career paths
Key steps to become a security operations manager
Explore security operations manager education requirements
Start to develop specific security operations manager skills
Skills Percentages Security Operations 12.39% Incident Response 9.82% Customer Service 8.20% SOC 4.19% Security Systems 4.02% Complete relevant security operations manager training and internships
Accountants spend an average of 6-12 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New security operations managers learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a security operations manager based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real security operations manager resumes.Gain additional security operations manager certifications
More About CertificationsSecurity operations manager certifications can show employers you have a baseline of knowledge expected for the position. Certifications can also make you a more competitive candidate. Even if employers don't require a specific security operations manager certification, having one may help you stand out relative to other applicants.
The most common certifications for security operations managers include Security 5 Certification and Certified Protection Professional (CPP).
Research security operations manager duties and responsibilities
- Manage multiple teams of security officers and supervisors to coordinate scheduling, payroll, training, coaching, development and support.
- Manage high-visibility and mission-critical infrastructure security upgrade projects.
- Write incident reports and document patrol officer activities.
- Work with physical security design team to implement design changes and revise infrastructure models with sustainable worldwide applications.
Prepare your security operations manager resume
When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your security operations manager resume.
You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a security operations manager resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.
Choose from 10+ customizable security operations manager resume templates
Build a professional security operations manager resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your security operations manager resume.
Apply for security operations manager jobs
Now it's time to start searching for a security operations manager job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:
- Browse job boards for relevant postings
- Consult your professional network
- Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
- Watch out for job scams
How did you land your first security operations manager job
Are you a security operations manager?
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Average security operations manager salary
The average security operations manager salary in the United States is $59,395 per year or $29 per hour. Security operations manager salaries range between $32,000 and $107,000 per year.
What am I worth?
How do security operations managers rate their job?
Security operations manager reviews
Disciplining my team for mistakes they can prevent, such as attendance.
Dealing with Security personnel that do not take pride in their duties. I don't care if you're sweeping floors, best the best at it.
Performing my duties as a respected leader. In life, what you put in is what you'll get out. Negative effort equals negative results.
I like to tell tell people that a be manager a room to maltreat people under you. Also like been humble even though I am heading people because they can contribute ideas that makes you Excel in your position
Updated January 8, 2025
