First-Line Supervisors of Security Workers: Salary, Job Outlook & How to Become One (2026 Parent Guide)

First-Line Supervisors of Security Workers fall under the Protective Service category in the U.S. occupational classification. First-Line Supervisors of Security Workers earn a median salary of $58,610 per year, ranking in the top 51% of all U.S. occupations. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects +2.7% job growth through 2034, projected to grow slower than the US average. Entry into this field typically requires a high school diploma plus on-the-job training, certifications, or postsecondary credentials, with specific licensing or certification depending on the state and employer. For parents whose teenager is exploring this path, the most actionable step is mapping the education requirements to specific colleges and majors before junior year — not waiting until application season.

What do first-line supervisors of security workers earn?

The median annual wage for first-line supervisors of security workers is $58,610. That puts first-line supervisors of security workers at #410 on the BLS ranked list of all U.S. occupations by median pay. This salary is around or below the U.S. median for individual workers, so career growth often depends on advancement into supervisory roles, specialization, or additional credentials. Actual pay varies meaningfully by state, employer type, and years of experience — entry-level salaries are typically 30–40% below the median, while top-decile earners often exceed it by 50% or more.

Is first-line supervisors of security workers a growing career?

The 10-year outlook for first-line supervisors of security workers is +2.7%, projected to grow slower than the US average. Employment is projected to move from approximately 71K positions in 2024 to 73K in 2034, a net change of 2K. Flat growth typically reflects a mature, stable field. Most openings will come from retirements rather than new positions, which can favor candidates with strong networks and willingness to relocate.

What do first-line supervisors of security workers do every day?

According to O*NET task surveys of working first-line supervisors of security workers, these are the core responsibilities most professionals perform. This is what your teen would actually be doing in this role.

1. 1.Call police or fire departments in cases of emergency, such as fire, bomb threats, and presence of unauthorized persons.
2. 2.Monitor closed-circuit television cameras.
3. 3.Log items distributed to persons, such as keys and key cards.
4. 4.Secure entrances and exits by locking doors and gates.
5. 5.Write reports documenting observations made while on patrol.
6. 6.Patrol the premises to prevent or detect intrusion, protect property, or preserve order.
7. 7.Assign security personnel to posts or patrols.
8. 8.Screen individuals and belongings to prevent passage of prohibited materials using walkthrough detectors, wands, or bag searches.

Top skills for first-line supervisors of security workers

O*NET ranks these as the most important skills for this occupation, on a 1–5 importance scale derived from worker surveys.

What education does my child need to become first-line supervisors of security worker?

Many first-line supervisors of security workers enter the field with a high school diploma plus on-the-job training, though employers increasingly favor candidates with certifications or some postsecondary coursework. For parents helping a teen prepare, the highest-leverage step before junior year is identifying colleges and programs that feed reliably into this occupation — Solyo's college search lets parents filter by major and admissions data side by side.

Related careers your child might also consider

• First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives
  $105,980 median
• Detectives and Criminal Investigators
  $93,580 median
• First-Line Supervisors of Firefighting and Prevention Workers
  $92,430 median
• Transit and Railroad Police
  $82,320 median
• Fire Inspectors and Investigators
  $78,060 median
• First-Line Supervisors of Correctional Officers
  $76,310 median

Common questions parents ask about first-line supervisors of security workers