How to become a first-line supervisors of security worker

Directly supervise and coordinate activities of security workers and security guards.

Steps to get there

Most employers expect usually requires a high school diploma or ged, though some occupations may not..Some occupations may need little or no previous experience; others require several months to a year of experience. For example, landscaping and groundskeeping workers might require very little training or previous experience, while agricultural equipment operators can benefit from on-the job training.

What first-line supervisors of security workers do

• Investigate disturbances on the premises, such as security alarms, altercations, and suspicious activity.
• Patrol the premises to prevent or detect intrusion, protect property, or preserve order.
• Secure entrances and exits by locking doors and gates.
• Monitor the behavior of security employees to ensure adherence to quality standards, deadlines, or procedures.
• Advise employees in handling problems or resolving complaints from customers, tenants, detainees, or other persons.
• Recruit, interview, and hire security personnel.

Skills that matter most

• Active Listening
• Reading Comprehension
• Speaking
• Critical Thinking
• Monitoring
• Writing
• Active Learning
• Learning Strategies

Is first-line supervisors of security worker a good career?

On the numbers, this job is close to the average across occupations. Median pay is 10% above the all-occupation median. Whether it fits you depends on the work itself, the schooling you are willing to do and where you want to live.

Where it pays most

• District of Columbia $83,710
• Vermont $78,110
• Alaska $73,500
• New Hampshire $66,780
• Maryland $63,690

First-Line Supervisors of Security Workers salary by state and city

Sources: O*NET® 31.0 (CC BY 4.0, USDOL/ETA) and BLS Employment Projections 2025–35. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025.