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Job outlook for security system engineers in the United States
Security system engineer job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected security system engineer job growth rate is 32% from 2018-2028.
About 35,500 new jobs for security system engineers are projected over the next decade.
Security system engineer salaries have increased 12% for security system engineers in the last 5 years.
There are over 12,070 security system engineers currently employed in the United States.
There are 97,083 active security system engineer job openings in the US.
The average security system engineer salary is $103,018.
Are security system engineer jobs in demand?
Security system engineer job and salary trends over time
Security system engineer jobs over time
Security system engineer job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 12,070 | 0.00% |
| 2020 | 11,376 | 0.00% |
| 2019 | 10,796 | 0.00% |
| 2018 | 14,325 | 0.00% |
| 2017 | 13,981 | 0.00% |
Average security system engineer salary over time
Security system engineer salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $103,018 | $49.53 | +3.4% |
| 2024 | $99,624 | $47.90 | +2.3% |
| 2023 | $97,368 | $46.81 | +3.0% |
| 2022 | $94,557 | $45.46 | +3.1% |
| 2021 | $91,676 | $44.07 | +2.8% |
Security system engineer jobs by state
Most common states for security system engineers
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 739 | 106% |
| 2 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 3,207 | 38% |
| 3 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 2,005 | 33% |
| 4 | Delaware | 961,939 | 273 | 28% |
| 5 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 1,360 | 24% |
| 6 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 1,352 | 24% |
| 7 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 320 | 24% |
| 8 | Alaska | 739,795 | 179 | 24% |
| 9 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 1,703 | 23% |
| 10 | Alabama | 4,874,747 | 1,008 | 21% |
| 11 | Vermont | 623,657 | 134 | 21% |
| 12 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 1,386 | 20% |
| 13 | Illinois | 12,802,023 | 2,373 | 19% |
| 14 | North Carolina | 10,273,419 | 1,940 | 19% |
| 15 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 767 | 19% |
| 16 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 362 | 19% |
| 17 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 202 | 19% |
| 18 | New Jersey | 9,005,644 | 1,585 | 18% |
| 19 | Arizona | 7,016,270 | 1,278 | 18% |
| 20 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 131 | 17% |
Most common cities for security system engineers
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Laurel | 3 | 12% | $97,257 |
| 2 | Marlborough | 4 | 10% | $102,179 |
| 3 | Tewksbury | 3 | 10% | $101,742 |
| 4 | Annapolis | 3 | 8% | $97,373 |
| 5 | Woburn | 3 | 8% | $101,919 |
| 6 | Columbia | 6 | 6% | $97,318 |
| 7 | Severn | 2 | 5% | $97,369 |
| 8 | Redmond | 2 | 3% | $95,070 |
| 9 | Redondo Beach | 2 | 3% | $116,631 |
| 10 | Melbourne | 2 | 2% | $83,351 |
| 11 | Washington | 5 | 1% | $88,274 |
| 12 | Colorado Springs | 3 | 1% | $89,265 |
| 13 | Tucson | 3 | 1% | $92,615 |
| 14 | Denver | 3 | 0% | $89,162 |
| 15 | San Diego | 3 | 0% | $113,114 |
| 16 | San Francisco | 3 | 0% | $133,942 |
| 17 | Seattle | 3 | 0% | $95,143 |
| 18 | Los Angeles | 2 | 0% | $117,263 |
Security System Engineer job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of security system engineer experts
Rider University
West Virginia State University
Worcester Polytechnic Institute
Northwood University
The University of Tampa
Xavier University
Albertus Magnus College
Medaille College
East Tennessee State University
Texas A&M University San Antonio
Bakersfield College
Portland State University
University of Colorado at Colorado Springs
University of New Hampshire
Indiana University Bloomington
Kennesaw State University
University of Nebraska–Lincoln
Liberty University
Pennsylvania State University - Great Valley
Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology
What Security System Engineer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Zhengping Luo Ph.D.: Cybersecurity is a rapidly evolving field deeply rooted in Computer Science. To excel as a cybersecurity expert, you must understand the underlying technology of information systems. Therefore, continuous learning and staying updated with the latest technologies are essential. Currently, generative models like large language models are on the rise. It won't be long before cybersecurity concerns expand to include artificial intelligence technologies. Thus, the ability to keep pace with technological advancements, such as AI, is crucial for cybersecurity professionals. Cybersecurity is still evolving, and programming/debugging skills remain crucial. In addition, strong communication and teamwork skills are increasingly essential for cybersecurity experts.
Dr. Ali Al-Sinayyid PhD
Assistant ProfessorWest Virginia State University
Computer Science
What general advice would you give to a Security System Engineer?
Dr. Ali Al-Sinayyid PhD: Cloud Security: With the increasing adoption of cloud computing, expertise in securing cloud environments will be crucial. Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AI/ML): Leveraging AI and ML for threat detection, anomaly detection, and predictive analytics will be essential in staying ahead of sophisticated cyber threats. Privacy and Data Protection: With the rise of data privacy regulations like the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), as amended by the California Privacy Rights Act (CPRA), skills in privacy engineering, data protection, and compliance will be in high demand. IoT Security: As the Internet of Things (IoT) continues to expand, securing connected devices and IoT ecosystems will become increasingly important. Threat Intelligence and Cyber Threat Hunting: Proactive threat intelligence gathering and cyber threat hunting skills will be essential for identifying and mitigating advanced cyber threats before they cause significant damage.
What Security System Engineer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Ali Al-Sinayyid PhD: Maximizing salary potential when starting your career in cybersecurity requires strategic planning and ongoing skill development. Here are some steps to consider: Certifications: Obtaining industry-recognized certifications such as CompTIA Security+, CISSP, CISM, CEH, or CCSP can enhance your marketability and salary potential. Practical Experience: Highlight hands-on experience through internships, co-op programs, research projects, or freelance work to showcase your skills and capabilities to potential employers. Negotiate Salary: Research industry salary benchmarks and be prepared to negotiate your salary based on your qualifications, experience, and the value you bring to the organization. Stay Updated on Industry Trends: Stay abreast of emerging trends, technologies, and market demand in cybersecurity to position yourself for lucrative opportunities and career advancement. Network and Build Relationships: Cultivate relationships with professionals in the field, participate in industry events, and leverage networking opportunities to uncover hidden job opportunities.
What will help Security System Engineers increase their earning potential?
Dr. Ali Al-Sinayyid PhD: I advise any graduate of computer science entering the cybersecurity field, to focus on continuous learning and practical experience. Stay updated on emerging technologies, threats, and best practices through professional development courses, certifications, and participation in industry conferences and events. Also, you need to seek opportunities for hands-on experience through internships, research projects, or collaboration with industry partners. Finally, consider specializing in a niche area of cybersecurity to differentiate yourself and enhance your expertise.
What general advice would you give to a Security System Engineer?
Don Gelosh Ph.D.: Systems Engineering is a contact sport. As a systems engineer you are expected to be a leader.
Successful systems engineers are those who get out of their office and engage with other
engineers and technicians who work on complex systems. On any given day, systems engineers
could be working on a team, possibly leading that team, in one of the several phases of the
design and development effort. They may be working with stakeholders to determine their
requirements for the complex system or they may be working with validation test engineers to
determine if the complex system will satisfy the stakeholders needs.
While it would be expected that you are very knowledgeable in a few discipline areas, such as
electrical, mechanical or chemical engineering, you are not expected to be an expert in all
areas. However, you would be expected to know the experts in those fields and others and
how they should be involved in the overall development process. You would be expected to
understand the many processes of systems engineering and how each process contributes to
the success of the complex system.
You would also be expected to thoroughly understand any other systems and the operational
environment that will interface and interact with your system. As a systems engineer, you
would be expected to understand the big picture of the complex system.
Professor David Sanford
Associate Professor an Department Chair (MIS, CS, CYB MGT, IS CYB)Northwood University
Computer And Information Sciences
What general advice would you give to a Security System Engineer?
Professor David Sanford: Workers like that they are challenged to solve problems and lead technological innovations.
They appreciate the diversity of projects
They enjoy the need for continuous improvement and education
Many see the global impact of their work.
They also desire and appreciate the need for versatile skills
A competitive salary is also an item that employees like
Workers dislike that the work can be stressful
Dealing with tight deadlines and/ or cybersecurity concerns.
This is a positive and a negative: The need to constantly stay up to date with technology can be a bit overwhelming for some.
There may be times of isolation, and
The unexpected system failures can be frustrating as they often require extra hours or the need to be on-call.
The multiple responsibilities and managing repetitive tasks are also issues workers point out in this field.
In short, the workplace offers exciting opportunities but comes with its fair share of pressures and challenges. Different people have different experiences based on their roles and personal preferences.
What Security System Engineer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Professor David Sanford: Here's some of what they may do on a typical day: Develop and install computer systems and programs to ensure they meet company needs. They all ensure that computers can talk to each other and the internet without interference. Some may set up Virtual walls and put locks in place to keep the bad guys out and ensure the company's information is secure. From a technical aspect, if something goes wrong, they jump in and fix it ASAP to get everything running smoothly. They are the go-to people when others in the company have computer problems. They are supported and taught how to use new technology. From a data perspective. some handle important information and make sure it is organized and accessible when needed. Many manage large tech projects and ensure efficiency within an organization through the integration or creation of new technology. Some perform managerial duties such as developing and maintaining guidelines and manuals so that everyone can learn how to use the system(s). In this field, employees are constantly learning about new tech and products to stay on top of their game. They analyze this new technology to determine if it could be used within their organization to increase efficiency or improve a business process. In all. for someone just starting out in this field, they can spend their days teaching, running small projects and helping the team. As they gain more experience, they will face bigger challenges and learn new things.
What will help Security System Engineers increase their earning potential?
Professor David Sanford: Going into information systems engineering is a smart choice for many reasons. The profession is in high demand worldwide, offering job security and competitive wages. Professionals in this field have versatile skills, allowing them to work with sophisticated technology and adapt to changing business needs. Continued technological advancement creates opportunities for innovation and problem-solving. Career paths cater to individual interests, including knowledge in areas such as cybersecurity and data analytics. In addition, the possibility of working remotely enhances the flexibility of work, making it attractive to those seeking a dynamic and stimulating career
Louis Bobelis
Part-Time FacultyThe University of Tampa
Information and Technology Management Department
What soft skills should all Security System Engineers possess?
Louis Bobelis: I feel the most important soft skill is character. Being outspoken and able to explain technical cyber incidents decisively and clearly for non-IT-oriented people in your organization is especially important when you are in more senior-level positions.
Dr. Heidrun Schmitzer
Professor and ChairXavier University
Department Of Physics
What skills stand out on Security System Engineer resumes?
Dr. Heidrun Schmitzer: Programming languages, numerical design and simulation tools, knowledge of various measurement equipment.
What soft skills should all Security System Engineers possess?
Dr. Heidrun Schmitzer: Communication, teamwork.
What skills will help Security System Engineers earn the most?
Dr. Heidrun Schmitzer: Problem-solving, troubleshooting, independent learner.
David Garaventa
Director, Computer Information Systems and Cybersecurity Programs, Assistant Professor, CISAlbertus Magnus College
Business Administration and Management Department
What skills stand out on Security System Engineer resumes?
David Garaventa: The skills/attributes required across a variety of jobs in the IT fields.
What soft skills should all Security System Engineers possess?
David Garaventa: Communication and collaboration skills are critical. Particularly now that many employees are working remotely, it has become more difficult - yet more important than ever - to have IT teams that work effectively together, even when they are not in the same room together. But this is not unique to the IT realm. Whether via remote meetings or through effective written communications, it is no longer enough to simply have "technical skills." Technical skills can be taught to employees more easily than developing employee's soft skills, so when an employee approaches their job with a strong set of communication skills and strong analytic reading and writing abilities, they can often make themselves stand out to employers. The employers will recognize that they have the attributes to be an asset to the team and can then invest in helping them develop any technical areas where they may be lacking.
This is not to say that technical skills don't matter, because they do, especially in the IT field. But suppose an employee brings a strong set of soft skills to an IT team (e.g., collaboration, communication, critical thinking, etc.). In that case, they probably also can learn more technical skills as part of their job function. I once had a colleague say to me that when she is hiring, she has found that technical skill is all over the place...but it's the soft skills that are harder to find. Lastly, having the ability - and a desire - to be continually learning is essential. Technology is not static, and businesses are not static, so thinking critically in different settings across various technology platforms is very important. The tools your department uses today may not be the tools they are using tomorrow, so being fluid, adaptable, and constantly learning is the name of the game.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Security System Engineers?
David Garaventa: The technical skills that are required are broad and tend to be business and/or industry-specific. If you are working in healthcare IT, the patient management platforms you use could be different from the client database used by a bank's IT team, for example. So, on the one hand, the recommendation would be to determine what platforms are most commonly used in your industry area and spend time mastering those platforms. On the other hand, most industries tend to have specific tools that are most commonly used, and spending time mastering those is important.
Going deeper into the subject, technical skills around project management, cloud infrastructure, security, and end-user support bridge across all industries. Having knowledge and skills in these areas will serve IT professionals well, no matter what field or industry they end up in. Again, it is challenging to recommend specific technical skills because the field of IT is so broad.
What skills will help Security System Engineers earn the most?
David Garaventa: Here is where I can be a little more specific, but mostly in terms of certifications. Certifications and micro-credentials indicate two things to an employer: First, you must have an established, verified set of knowledge and skills that you bring to the table. If it is an industry-respected certification, it brings a lot of credibility regarding your knowledge and skills around a specific platform or application. The second thing that certifications and micro-credentials demonstrate to an employer is that you are willing to continue to grow and develop your skills in your field. Technology is progressing so rapidly that the things you knew last year may no longer be relevant today. And as a result, having the ability and desire to continue learning, adapting, and attaining certifications is a great way to show your ongoing commitment to your profession.
Dr. Steven MacMartin
Director, Associate ProfessorMedaille College
Homeland Security Program
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Security System Engineer job market given the pandemic?
Dr. Steven MacMartin: Overall, in general? Health care, elementary school teachers, daycare, researchers at the PhD level and also low level, entry/service jobs - fast food, restaurant, bar, etc. Homeland Security specifically - really none. Jobs in the Homeland Security field have remained largely unaffected by the pandemic, and the pandemic isn't really directly related to specific Homeland Security jobs. (Maybe in the research and technology fields.). A side effect of the pandemic has been to focus a little on cyber security issues and those jobs could expand in law enforcement and Homeland Security areas.
What soft skills should all Security System Engineers possess?
Dr. Steven MacMartin: Absolutely - writing and oral presentation. A secondary skill that is helpful is academic research skills. But definitely writing skills.
How have salaries changed over time for Security System Engineers?
Dr. Steven MacMartin: Salaries have steadily risen over time. A person at my level in government is currently making $20,000/year more than I was making when I retired 10 years ago. The same can be said for many areas of law enforcement, but not all.
Jared Wilson
Assistant Professor and Faculty CoordinatorEast Tennessee State University
Surveying and Mapping
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Security System Engineers to find work opportunities?
Jared Wilson: Within the field of land surveying and related employment opportunities, work is available. However, in my experience, work may not be in the exact location a person wishes to live. So, a move may be necessary, or potentially traveling to where the work is located. Should a graduate, or person for that matter, want to work, work is available.
How do you envision technology impacting Security System Engineers in the next 5 years?
Jared Wilson: Technology is rapidly changing many professional fields, and land surveying is not immune from the change; however, it is not technology that makes the professional decisions necessary for the field; it is the individual. Technology is a tool, and as such, the correct tool needs to be selected for the task at hand. My opinion is that technology will drive the speed of data collection and analysis, but it has been and will be the professional who ultimately makes the final decisions.
What general advice would you give to a Security System Engineer?
Maryam Farahani: Thinking about the fields they want to experience or try. And to be intentional about their job search. The best advice is learning as much as they can about what company offers. Visualizing themselves in the next 5 years as a starting point. Do they want to travel a lot, or be in management positions? Do they want to be subject matter expert, or a hands-on engineer or technologist? Their goal may change as they progress in their career but having one makes a big difference in their career choices and keeping them on track.
Dr. Wayne Wakeland Ph.D.
Professor and Systems Science Program ChairPortland State University
Systems science program
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Security System Engineer job market given the pandemic?
Dr. Wayne Wakeland Ph.D.: Obviously, there is and will continue to be increased receptivity to (and necessity of) working remotely. This is likely to benefit some job seekers. On the other hand, the weakened economy, which may take years to recover, means that less jobs are/will be available, and, therefore, the competition for attractive jobs will be intense.
Dr. T.S. Kalkur
Department ChairUniversity of Colorado at Colorado Springs
Electrical and Computer Engineering Department
What experience really stands out on Security System Engineer resumes?
Dr. T.S. Kalkur: Internship experience and tools used in design.
Marc Lessard
ProfessorUniversity of New Hampshire
Physics and Astronomy Department and Space Science Center
What experience really stands out on Security System Engineer resumes?
Marc Lessard: Students who have been significantly involved in research projects have a distinct advantage over those who haven't. Those who began such work (which is typically paid) as sophomores or juniors often will have played a significant role in these real-world research efforts, which can be very different than what might be tackled as part of a capstone project.
Written and oral presentation skills are also essential!
Dr. Ariful Azad Ph.D.
Director of Graduate Studies for the Dept. of Intelligent Systems Engineering, Assistant Professor of Intelligent Systems EngineeringIndiana University Bloomington
Department of Intelligent Systems Engineering
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Security System Engineer job market given the pandemic?
Dr. Ariful Azad Ph.D.: The pandemic taught us that many jobs do not require physical office spaces. Hence, we may see more jobs permanently relying on virtual communications. We have already seen this trend in the retail industry, where Amazon forced many retail stores to shut down. This trend is expected to be accelerated in the aftermath of the pandemic.
What experience really stands out on Security System Engineer resumes?
Adeel Khalid Ph.D.: It is the age of diversity. A graduate can stand out when their resume shows a broad portfolio of experiences. In addition to a solid academic record, students who demonstrate that they can take on challenging tasks and work beyond a degree's basic requirements are more likely to be successful. I advise students to get involved in various activities, including undergraduate research projects, student design competitions, student organizations, internships, co-ops, etc. All of these should be highlighted on the resume. When a recruiter sees an overview of a student that shows relevant work experience in the form of work-study, internships, or co-op or research, their resume automatically comes to the top of the pile.
Dr. Sohrab Asgarpoor
Associate Dean for Undergraduate Programs, Professor of Electrical and Computer EngineeringUniversity of Nebraska–Lincoln
College of Engineering
How do you envision technology impacting Security System Engineers in the next 5 years?
Dr. Sohrab Asgarpoor: Adopting new technology should be an exciting (and expected) reality for those with an engineering degree. The virtual space will continue to grow as folks seek jobs and work online more. But what holds paramount, no matter what particular technological changes arise, is the ability to adapt-and to demonstrate that critical aptitude in their application documents and through their interviews, always highlighting those moments they've done so and articulating their propensity for learning.
What experience really stands out on Security System Engineer resumes?
Robert Rich: -Certification such as green belt, black-belt, machine learning, Lean Manufacturing, and APICS supply chain/inventory
-Specialized undergraduate research projects that go deep into various leading-edge topics like integrating AI with manufacturing and logistics
-Consulting experience/real projects within areas of undergraduate research
How do you envision technology impacting Security System Engineers in the next 5 years?
Nil Ergin Ph.D.: Advances in sensors, networking, communication, and computing are shaping the systems and services that are designed and deployed. Systems are becoming increasingly complex and interconnected; thus, more challenging to manage. Systems engineering discipline is becoming an essential element of managing and designing these systems. The field is evolving to address the challenges emerging from these advances in technology, including but not limited to, methods and tools to improve system resiliency, flexibility, agility, security, privacy, along with new ways to manage, design, and evaluate complexity.
Dr. Galen Duree
Head of the Department of Physics and Optical Engineering and ProfessorRose-Hulman Institute of Technology
Department of Physics and Optical Engineering
What experience really stands out on Security System Engineer resumes?
Dr. Galen Duree: It depends on what you are applying for. If you are working on product development, then internships or co-ops provide a definite advantage. If you are working on developing new ways of doing things, research experiences in academia or companies are advantageous. Either case, this shows a certain maturity in your career path - you have participated in an activity related to the career you are currently pursuing.
What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for Security System Engineers in the next 3-5 years?
Dr. Galen Duree: People with knowledge, even introductory experience, in quantum effects, quantum computing, optics in general (communication, measurements, imaging, illumination, detection), material science and engineering, biotechnology, and nanotechnology, will be in high demand.