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What is a security project manager and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
4 min read
Quoted expert
Meaghan Goodman Ph.D.

Security project managers direct security projects based on a company's specific goals and needs. They develop and implement security protocols, procedures, and policies. They also improve the efficiency and maturity of the overall security program while delivering assigned projects following established requirements and deadlines. Security project managers earn an average salary of $93,700 annually or $45 per hour.

Security project managers are professionals who organize and oversee the security operations of their company. They are in charge of controlling budgets for security operations and monitoring expenses. Part of their duties include creating reports for management on security status and coordinating staff when responding to emergencies and alarms.

Security project managers typically hold a high school diploma or its equivalent, although having a higher degree such as a bachelor's degree in business, criminal justice, or a related field may be beneficial. Some employers prefer candidates with professional certification and proven experience as a security manager.

What's a day at work look like for a security project manager?

Meaghan Goodman Ph.D.Meaghan Goodman Ph.D. LinkedIn profile

Program Director & Assistant Professor, Maryville University

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!
ScoreSecurity Project ManagerUS Average
Salary
7.5

Avg. Salary $97,285

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level
8.6

Growth rate 16%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity
3.4
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.66%

Asian 9.00%

Black or African American 7.64%

Hispanic or Latino 12.81%

Unknown 4.70%

White 65.19%

Gender

female 19.74%

male 80.26%

Age - 47
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 47
Stress level
8.6

Stress level is very high

7.1 - high

Complexity level
8.7

Complexity level is advanced

7 - challenging

Work life balance
6.1

Work life balance is fair

6.4 - fair

Security project manager career paths

Key steps to become a security project manager

  1. Explore security project manager education requirements

    Most common security project manager degrees

    Bachelor's

    59.7 %

    Master's

    17.6 %

    Associate

    13.6 %
  2. Start to develop specific security project manager skills

    SkillsPercentages
    Project Management16.92%
    Infrastructure6.75%
    Risk Management4.84%
    Security Projects4.00%
    Cloud3.98%
  3. Research security project manager duties and responsibilities

    • Manage different AML projects including making necessary compliance changes in the already existing projects.
    • Manage high-visibility and mission-critical infrastructure security upgrade projects.
    • Monitor multiple CCTV cameras, confidential information to keep track of all company inventories.
    • Project include implementing GuardianEdge hard disk and removable storage encryption on desktops, laptops and tablets.
  4. Prepare your security project manager resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your security project 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 project 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 project manager resume templates

    Build a professional security project 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 project manager resume.
    Security Project Manager Resume
    Security Project Manager Resume
    Security Project Manager Resume
    Security Project Manager Resume
    Security Project Manager Resume
    Security Project Manager Resume
    Security Project Manager Resume
    Security Project Manager Resume
    Security Project Manager Resume
  5. Apply for security project manager jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a security project manager job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How did you land your first security project manager job

Zippi

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Average security project manager salary

The average security project manager salary in the United States is $97,285 per year or $47 per hour. Security project manager salaries range between $63,000 and $148,000 per year.

Average security project manager salary
$97,285 Yearly
$46.77 hourly

What am I worth?

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How do security project managers rate their job?

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Security project manager reviews

profile
A zippia user wrote a review on Jun 2020
Pros

I enjoy problem-solving and identifying a path to completing a complex project. I like to ensure that moving parts come together smoothly and communicating successes and celebrating with the team.


profile
A zippia user wrote a review on May 2020
Pros

I like working with Clients and challenges.

Cons

I would rather work remote with little travel.


profile
A zippia user wrote a review on Mar 2020
Pros

Project concept, execution - meeting business and Customer expectations.


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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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