Security Professionals' Salaries Up 2 Percent in 2012

  • Aug 09, 2012

The median compensation for security professionals in the United States increased 2 percent from 2011 to $102,000, while the average annual compensation increased 14 percent to $121,000, according to the 2012 ASIS International U.S. Security Salary Survey. In addition, respondents who had a Certified Protection Professional (CPP) certification, administered by ASIS, for example, report a median compensation of $111,000, and an average of $130,000, 8 percent higher than the average for the survey population at large. Now in its 9th year, the survey reflects the responses of 1,438 U.S. members of ASIS International, the leading organization for security
professionals worldwide.

Other findings from the 2012 Salary Survey Results include:

* Compensation levels varied by region. Security professionals in the South Atlantic region reported the highest media compensation of $115,000 and New England posted the highest average salary of $242,000. The West North Central reported the lowest compensation with a median of $88,000 and an average of $96,000.

* Individual qualifications most closely correlated with higher compensation include (1) years in security management (44% of respondents reported more than 20 years' experience and earned a median compensation of $113,000 and an average of $134,000); (2) advanced degree (32 percent of respondent's held a master's and earned a median compensation of $116,000 and average of $138,000); and (3) certifications (57 percent of respondents held a CPP designation and
earn a median compensation of $111,000 and average of $130,000; 11 percent of respondents held a PSP and reported a median compensation of $98,000 and average of $108,000, and 5 percent hold a PCI and earned a median of $102,000 and average compensation of $117,000.

* The top three sectors in regard to average compensation are: national resources and mining at $181,000; information at $153,000; and manufacturing at $142,000. Just 10 percent of respondents work in these sectors.

* Security professionals employed by publicly traded firms reported a seven percent rise in median compensation ($117,000) over 2011 numbers, while those employed by privately held companies saw median compensation rates of $100,000. Just 15 percent of respondents worked in the public sector. Of those, the state and local levels reported the lowest median compensations-$85,000 and $88,000 respectfully, with average compensation of $88,000 and $91,000. In
contrast, those in the federal government earned a higher compensation than those in any other type of organization.

* The survey results offer salaries at the 10th percentile, median, average, and 90th percentile for each factor. All ASIS members employed in the United States were eligible to participate. The results are based on 1,438 participants who completed the survey. The survey collected data from the current and preceding years and reports out responses in
eleven industries and nine geographic regions.

* The U.S. Security Salary Survey will be available in September at the ASIS International Annual Seminar and Exhibits in Philadelphia and online at www.asisonline.org for $135 to ASIS members and $195 for nonmembers. ASIS members will have the opportunity to download a copy of the full survey at no cost in the November Digital Security Management.

Featured

  • From Surveillance to Intelligence

    Years ago, it would have been significantly more expensive to run an analytic like that — requiring a custom-built solution with burdensome infrastructure demands — but modern edge devices have made it accessible to everyone. It also saves time, which is a critical factor if a missing child is involved. Video compression technology has played a critical role as well. Over the years, significant advancements have been made in video coding standards — including H.263, MPEG formats, and H.264—alongside compression optimization technologies developed by IP video manufacturers to improve efficiency without sacrificing quality. The open-source AV1 codec developed by the Alliance for Open Media—a consortium including Google, Netflix, Microsoft, Amazon and others — is already the preferred decoder for cloud-based applications, and is quickly becoming the standard for video compression of all types. Read Now

  • Cost: Reactive vs. Proactive Security

    Security breaches often happen despite the availability of tools to prevent them. To combat this problem, the industry is shifting from reactive correction to proactive protection. This article will examine why so many security leaders have realized they must “lead before the breach” – not after. Read Now

  • Achieving Clear Audio

    In today’s ever-changing world of security and risk management, effective communication via an intercom and door entry communication system is a critical communication tool to keep a facility’s staff, visitors and vendors safe. Read Now

  • Beyond Apps: Access Control for Today’s Residents

    The modern resident lives in an app-saturated world. From banking to grocery delivery, fitness tracking to ridesharing, nearly every service demands another download. But when it comes to accessing the place you live, most people do not want to clutter their phone with yet another app, especially if its only purpose is to open a door. Read Now

  • Survey: 48 Percent of Worshippers Feel Less Safe Attending In-Person Services

    Almost half (48%) of those who attend religious services say they feel less safe attending in-person due to rising acts of violence at places of worship. In fact, 39% report these safety concerns have led them to change how often they attend in-person services, according to new research from Verkada conducted online by The Harris Poll among 1,123 U.S. adults who attend a religious service or event at least once a month. Read Now

Most   Popular

New Products

  • Compact IP Video Intercom

    Viking’s X-205 Series of intercoms provide HD IP video and two-way voice communication - all wrapped up in an attractive compact chassis.

  • PE80 Series

    PE80 Series by SARGENT / ED4000/PED5000 Series by Corbin Russwin

    ASSA ABLOY, a global leader in access solutions, has announced the launch of two next generation exit devices from long-standing leaders in the premium exit device market: the PE80 Series by SARGENT and the PED4000/PED5000 Series by Corbin Russwin. These new exit devices boast industry-first features that are specifically designed to provide enhanced safety, security and convenience, setting new standards for exit solutions. The SARGENT PE80 and Corbin Russwin PED4000/PED5000 Series exit devices are engineered to meet the ever-evolving needs of modern buildings. Featuring the high strength, security and durability that ASSA ABLOY is known for, the new exit devices deliver several innovative, industry-first features in addition to elegant design finishes for every opening.

  • ResponderLink

    ResponderLink

    Shooter Detection Systems (SDS), an Alarm.com company and a global leader in gunshot detection solutions, has introduced ResponderLink, a groundbreaking new 911 notification service for gunshot events. ResponderLink completes the circle from detection to 911 notification to first responder awareness, giving law enforcement enhanced situational intelligence they urgently need to save lives. Integrating SDS’s proven gunshot detection system with Noonlight’s SendPolice platform, ResponderLink is the first solution to automatically deliver real-time gunshot detection data to 911 call centers and first responders. When shots are detected, the 911 dispatching center, also known as the Public Safety Answering Point or PSAP, is contacted based on the gunfire location, enabling faster initiation of life-saving emergency protocols.