Explore jobs
Find specific jobs
Explore careers
Explore professions
Best companies
Explore companies
Job outlook for security program managers in the United States
Security program manager job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected security program manager job growth rate is 16% from 2018-2028.
About 82,400 new jobs for security program managers are projected over the next decade.
Security program manager salaries have increased 11% for security program managers in the last 5 years.
There are over 9,300 security program managers currently employed in the United States.
There are 153,693 active security program manager job openings in the US.
The average security program manager salary is $133,121.
Are security program manager jobs in demand?
Security program manager job and salary trends over time
Security program manager jobs over time
Security program manager job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 9,300 | 0.00% |
| 2020 | 10,884 | 0.00% |
| 2019 | 10,969 | 0.00% |
| 2018 | 9,075 | 0.00% |
| 2017 | 8,512 | 0.00% |
Average security program manager salary over time
Security program manager salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | $133,121 | $64.00 | +3.3% |
| 2025 | $128,903 | $61.97 | +2.7% |
| 2024 | $125,529 | $60.35 | +2.4% |
| 2023 | $122,614 | $58.95 | +2.5% |
| 2022 | $119,602 | $57.50 | +3.2% |
Security program manager jobs by state
Most common states for security program managers
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 676 | 97% |
| 2 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 3,598 | 49% |
| 3 | Delaware | 961,939 | 376 | 39% |
| 4 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 263 | 35% |
| 5 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 343 | 32% |
| 6 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 401 | 30% |
| 7 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 299 | 28% |
| 8 | Illinois | 12,802,023 | 3,466 | 27% |
| 9 | Connecticut | 3,588,184 | 954 | 27% |
| 10 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 1,444 | 26% |
| 11 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 1,079 | 26% |
| 12 | Arizona | 7,016,270 | 1,654 | 24% |
| 13 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 469 | 24% |
| 14 | Alaska | 739,795 | 177 | 24% |
| 15 | Georgia | 10,429,379 | 2,436 | 23% |
| 16 | Idaho | 1,716,943 | 390 | 23% |
| 17 | New Jersey | 9,005,644 | 1,956 | 22% |
| 18 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 1,874 | 22% |
| 19 | South Dakota | 869,666 | 188 | 22% |
| 20 | Vermont | 623,657 | 138 | 22% |
Most common cities for security program managers
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Annapolis | 5 | 13% | $111,961 |
| 2 | Frankfort | 3 | 11% | $121,982 |
| 3 | Juneau | 3 | 9% | $124,060 |
| 4 | Dover | 3 | 8% | $124,201 |
| 5 | Lansing | 3 | 3% | $111,331 |
| 6 | Springfield | 3 | 3% | $116,002 |
| 7 | Hartford | 3 | 2% | $135,122 |
| 8 | Little Rock | 3 | 2% | $108,811 |
| 9 | Washington | 5 | 1% | $119,026 |
| 10 | Atlanta | 4 | 1% | $124,959 |
| 11 | Baton Rouge | 3 | 1% | $118,394 |
| 12 | Des Moines | 3 | 1% | $98,733 |
| 13 | Montgomery | 3 | 1% | $104,250 |
| 14 | Sacramento | 3 | 1% | $147,353 |
| 15 | Boston | 3 | 0% | $129,663 |
| 16 | Denver | 3 | 0% | $94,033 |
| 17 | Detroit | 3 | 0% | $112,166 |
| 18 | Phoenix | 3 | 0% | $120,395 |
Security Program Manager job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of security program manager experts
University of Tennessee
Auburn University at Montgomery
The Touro College
Western Carolina University
Auburn University at Montgomery
Maryville University
Davenport University
Azusa Pacific University
Scott Gilpatric
Professor and Department HeadUniversity of Tennessee
Department of Economics, Haslam College of Business
What will help Security Program Managers increase their earning potential?
Scott Gilpatric: The easy answer is being really proficient with handling data, including being comfortable with learning to code in whatever manner might be needed. There's no question those skills are likely to open doors. But in a very different way, one thing that really matters is being able to talk comfortably about ideas and developments in economics, business, or policy areas, signaling a strong base of knowledge. Towards that end, reading deeply, not just the headlines but long-form analysis in places like The Economist and other high-quality publications can be really beneficial.
Brett Lehman Ph.D.
ProfessorAuburn University at Montgomery
Department of Sociology, Anthropology, and Social Work
What's a good job out of college for Security Program Managers?
Brett Lehman Ph.D.: There is a business side and a human side to this answer. On the business side, I hope graduates are provided benefits like health insurance, a gainful salary, and opportunities for advancement. The way to hit a home-run is to get a job where those needs are taken care of and you still get to use your skills for something you feel is important. Most sociology students get into the subject because they care about the human side, want to help people, and see opportunity for creating positive social change. You'll get motivated sociology graduates when you show them a path towards achievement on the human side; then when we there's less worry about the business side, some impressive results could follow!
What certifications/licenses/courses can have the biggest impact for Security Program Managers?
Jodi Smolen: I think this depends on the industry. Finance students give themselves an advantage by taking the Securities Industry Essential (SIE) exam during college. The exam does not require employer sponsorship and it is good for 4 years. If students want to become a securities trader, investment banker, or financial advisor, the SIE exam is a necessary step before they take the Series 6 and 7 exams after graduation. It shows a prospective employer that the student is serious about a career in the financial services industry.
In addition, finance students should hone their advanced Excel skills. Whether they do this in college, or on their own time, knowing Pivot Tables and VLOOKUP will set them apart from other candidates.
Computer science students should know that Python is in strong demand. If they know the basics of this language, they will have more job opportunities in different industries. Similarly, many data science jobs require Python, SQL or R programming languages. Candidates who pick up programming languages easily can learn on the job, but it is always more desirable to walk into the job knowing the language they want to use.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Security Program Managers?
Angela Sebby Ph.D.: While jobs may be slower to return to the capacity pre-Covid, the industry and tourism employment will rebound as people still want to travel and explore diverse foods, cultures, and experiences. However, the enduring impact will be the rapid onset of technology that allowed for limited contact with employees and others has become the new norm. Although human interaction is an important aspect of service in the tourism industry, employers have found that they can reduce the number of personal interactions but still deliver an acceptable level of quality service. What would have taken years to adopt, COVID created an amplified adoption.
What soft skills should all Security Program Managers possess?
TeWhan Hahn Ph.D.: Writing skills including email writing, being able to work in teams, and knowing the workplace etiquettes.
Meaghan Goodman Ph.D.
Program Director & Assistant ProfessorMaryville University
Speech-Language Pathology
What's a day at work look like for a Security Program Manager?
Meaghan Goodman Ph.D.: A bachelor's in communication sciences and disorders can prepare you for three different tracks. First, it can prepare you to become a licensed Speech-Language Pathology Assistant (SLPA). This is someone who works under a fully credential speech-language pathologist. Often times, they carryout intervention plans developed by a fully credentialed speech-language pathologist. If graduate school is on your horizon, a bachelor's degree in communication sciences and disorders will prepare you for acceptance into a Speech-Language Pathology program, or an Audiology program. If you are not accepted into a graduate program right away, working as a speech-language pathology assistant (SLPA) is a great way to get experience in the field!
What soft skills should all Security Program Managers possess?
Todd Terry: Graduates as they prepare to enter the workforce should pay particular attention to their ability to communicate with coworkers. This communication could happen through face-to-face interactions, remote meetings with the aid of technology for example, meeting by computer software, written communication through instant messaging, or emails. Also, part of communicating is being a good listener.
Graduates should have good critical thinking skills. They will need to be adaptive and able to analyze data to make good informed decisions.
In today's work environment, working on teams is a regular function. Therefore, employers are looking for the candidate who can professionally interact with other team members, have a positive attitude and a good work ethic.
What's a good job out of college for Security Program Managers?
Bala Musa Ph.D.: A good job out of college is one that allows you to apply creative and critical thinking skills. Future work environments will require employees to innovate and adapt. Any job that helps you cultivate, sharpen and apply those skills will serve you and your organization well. It will prepare you to adapt in the face of change and future disruptions.